Sierra Leone Leader, Rebels OK Peace Pact

Sierra Leone’s president and rebel army leader signed a peace accord to end a five-year civil war and usher in what both vowed would be a new era of peace and democracy. In a solemn ceremony in the presidential palace in this nearby West African country, which hosted months of peace talks, Sierra Leone President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah and rebel chief Foday Sankoh shook hands, then raised their fists together in celebration after signing the 28-point agreement. The accord calls for foreign forces, including South African mercenaries, to be withdrawn; for the government to establish work-training programs for former rebels; and for incorporation of some former rebels into the national army.