Operation REPTILE

The conflict in Sierra Leone dates from March 1991 when fighters of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) launched a war from the east of the country near the border with Liberia to overthrow the government. From that time, military juntas and civilian governments have ruled the country. On 22 October 1999, the Security Council established the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) to co-operate with the Government and the other parties in implementing the Lomé Peace Agreement (signed July 7 1999) and to assist in the implementation of the plan.

Operation REPTILE is Canada's contribution to the U.N. mission in Sierra Leone, which is designed to achieve peace in the region through disarmament, demobilisation and re-integration of the belligerent forces. CF members are deployed as United Nations Military Observers on Operation REPTILE.