Statement by H.E. the President

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is always difficult to say goodbye to someone that you admire and appreciate, especially in the English language. That is why I prefer the French way of saying it, that is, au revoir

Brigadier Davidson Houston, you have been a tower of strength to our security system. For over a year, I have had the opportunity to watch you perform and I must say that I find you to be an outstanding military officer, one that I will love to remain in Sierra Leone much longer.

During this relatively short period of time of your engagement here, our officers and other ranks of the Sierra Leone military have upgraded their professionalism and learnt a lot from you through observing the way you perform. I have myself observed that during this period the skills, tact, patience and understanding that you have demonstrated have gone a long way to providing the right kind of professionalism and perspective that our military people must emulate.

I therefore wish to say on behalf of the people of Sierra Leone that we are grateful to you. I understand that your successor will be arriving today and from what you have told me about him, there is no doubt that he will make his mark when he assumes duty.

General Richards who is known to both of us is a man that I usually refer to as the architect of the current security system and arrangement that prevails in this country. Please let him know that we shall never forget him in Sierra Leone.

It is interesting that you will be leaving tomorrow but only today, we have carried out a very successful operation. This operation has been necessitated to demonstrate the view held by most right thinking people that the simplest way to prolong a conflict is through the encouragement of impunity. The Special Court was set up by the United Nations and the Government of Sierra Leone to address this question of impunity so that the people of Sierra Leone will no longer be threatened by the actions of wicked and selfish people by depriving them of peace and tranquility, development and their basic human rights.

Today, a number of people have been arrested for activities which are not in the interest of the people of Sierra Leone. The details of the offences and the names of the people involved will be announced later. In the meantime, I would advise all Sierra Leoneans to go about their business peacefully and calmly, sleep and stop worrying about their security and safety. They are in very good hands.

In this connection, I should like to thank UNAMSIL, our Army and Police. They have in a characteristic way demonstrated true professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

Finally, my special thanks go to you Brigadier Davidson-Houston and farewell.