In his evidence at the Special Court yesterday on the trial of the former president of Liberia Charles Taylor the prosecution witness has told the court how Revolutionary United Front (RUF) aided the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) in attacking Vonjama.
Giving his evidence in English the witness who was a radio operator for the RUF disclosed that the first attack on Foya, Vonjama and Golahun was led by Morris Kallon.
As these towns had been cut off from the RUF and NPFL this battle he said was not successful but Kallon stayed in Liberia until an announcement was made for him to return and join the AFRC in Freetown.
He added that Kallon later returned after the coup.
Continuing his evidence the witness said that after the disarmament, the road became free again and then in 1993, they entered Liberia, when fighting was going on in Liberia, the RUF fighters were looking for AWOL soldiers whom they take to Sankoh’s house.
He went on in 1999, operation ‘Vulture’ was launched and this was the second attack on Vongama which was led by the RUF and included fighters of AFL.
This attack was successful and after the attack the RUF did not return but stayed there for a month.
The witness said that a good number of the RUF were engaged in looting of goods including radio sets and transportation of these goods without orders from the commander.
The radio which was brought he said was used by Sam Bockarie.
The third attack which was made on Vonjama was done with Benjamin Yete as the commander and after this attack the RUF started looting again.
Benjamin Yet asked the RUF to leave because looting was not part of their plan as they were fighting in the interest of the government of Liberia and so the RUF returned to Foya and left Vonjama and later the insurgents attacked Vonjama from the RUF end.
Questioned by Mohamed Bangura of the prosecution about the fourth attack which took place in 2000, the witness said that Superman was called upon for this attack, and he came to know about this when ‘50’ called on General Issa to send him a strong commander for this attack.
So Superman was sent to Foya and reported to ‘50’ and Superman was made the overall commander of this fight.
The RUF fought alongside the AFL, SOD, and the SSS who were also jungle fighters.
The witness disclosed that Vonjama was captured and immediately Superman returned to Sierra Leone.
The radio operator also told the court that Superman always sends a message about the situation of the war to General Issa and he used to receive it and then translate them and inform General Issa.
Trial continues today.
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