Rebel Meeting May Boost Peace Hopes

An imprisoned rebel leader will be allowed to meet with his followers in Togo next month in hopes of halting a brutal civil war. President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah said Foday Sankoh, the charismatic founder of the Revolutionary United Front, may go to Togo on April 18 to meet with rebel officers at a neutral venue. Kabbah said the government hopes for peace talks with the rebels after the meeting, and said he expects a cease-fire by April 27. The international community has condemned the rebels for killing, raping and maiming thousands of civilians to sow terror and confusion.