Introduction
Sierra Leone has bountiful marine resources due to its location along the Atlantic Ocean. These resources should have fostered socio-economic growth, but instead they have been a curse. Throughout the Revolutionary Front (RUF) war from 1991 to 2002, diamonds were the main focus in Sierra Leone, and this focus stunted the economy's ability to develop. The RUF, invaded the country and sought for control of the diamonds. With the war came thousands of deaths and even more displacements. The main reason for the continued duration of the war was the Sierra Leone government which was characterized by corruption. No group could stay in power long enough to end the war and put the economy back on its feet. Even if one party managed to stay in power, the money made from the diamond mining would be siphoned off to neighboring countries, leaving limited, if any, investment in Sierra Leone.
Today, democracy is slowly being reestablished in the country. The military is developing as an insurer of the country's stability. "The new government's priorities include furthering development, creating jobs, and stamping out endemic corruption" (CIA).
Today, democracy is slowly being reestablished in the country. The military is developing as an insurer of the country's stability. "The new government's priorities include furthering development, creating jobs, and stamping out endemic corruption" (CIA).