Country relatively stable, despite lingering border tensions with Liberia around Dawa, where LURD rebels remain; and rising disagreement over Guinean presence in town of Yenga. UNHCR repatriation program saw last of 178,000 refugees returned to Sierra Leone 22 July.

UN-backed war crimes tribunal under way 3 June with trial of Sam Hinga Norman, former head of pro- government Civil Defence Forces (CDF) and 2 members of Kamajor militia. Norman, first of 13 indicted to appear after 1991-2001 civil war, refusing to recognise jurisdiction of mixed international and Sierra Leonean court. Rebel RUF suspects face trial July.

Sierra Leone voted in local elections for first time in 32 years 24 May, but turnout did not top 40%. Both sides suggested voter intimidation and malpractice, prompting 68 separate appeals. Former Liberian President Charles Taylor lost legal attempt 31 May to avoid UN- backed war-crimes trial.

2 electoral officials charged with embezzlement of public funds in lead-up to local government elections on 22 May.

Opening ceremony for Special Court for Sierra Leone courthouse held 10 March. Appeals chamber rejected application by lawyers for defendant that president of court, Geoffrey Robertson, stand down from all hearings because of possible bias, but ruled he should not hear cases involving former RUF rebels. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan asked General Assembly for $40 million 15 March to cover shortfall in court funds. UN voted to extend mandate of peacekeeping force by 6 months to 30 June 2005.

UN warned too rapid withdrawal of peacekeepers from Sierra Leone – due to leave by end of 2004 – could contribute to regional instability. Five year disarmament and reintegration program completed 3 February, having disarmed over 71,000 fighters.

New UN Special Representative, Ambassador Daudi Ngelautwa Mwakawago of Tanzania, arrived in Freetown to head UN mission (UNAMSIL). U.S. lifted unilateral sanctions against Sierra Leone, replaced them with trade restrictions on conflict diamonds. Special Court for Sierra Leone accused detained militia leader Chief Sam Norman of inciting civil unrest, and banned all communications with him.

Government troops on alert to prevent Liberian militias moving weapons into Sierra Leone to escape disarmament process in Liberia. Interpol issued warrant for arrest of ex-President Taylor at request of Special Court for Sierra Leone. Unlikely to be accepted by Nigeria, where Taylor remains in asylum.

UN says Sierra Leone’s human rights record has improved markedly over last year, but still some security concerns. Liberia’s interim president expressed regret for his country’s role in Sierra Leone’s civil war.

Lawyers for ex-Liberian President Charles Taylor appeared before Special Court 31 October to argue Taylor immune from prosecution. UNAMSIL Mission continuing its drawdown. First 80 of 800 Bangladeshi peacekeepers relocated to Liberia 8 October.