November 3, 2001

The RUF rebels denied they ever had any dealings with the bin Laden organization. Bin Laden gem traders were known to be operating throughout Africa, particularly where there was trade in illegal material. It's likely RUF did deal with bin Laden operatives, but didn't know it (or care, for that matter.) The illegal diamond trade RUF was in the middle of was all about money, not religion or overseas terrorism.