July 28, 2002

Britain has withdrawn 200 of it's 300 troops. The UK soldiers were being used to train the new army. Some 1,000 Royal Marine Commandos landed in the country in May, 2000 and quickly defeated the more aggressive rebel groups. Since then, British troops have been used mainly to train some 9,000 locals to professional military standards. The 17,000 man UN peacekeeping force has kept things quiet for over a year now. However, the economy is still in ruins and unemployment is high. While many weapons have been turned in, many remain among the population. It is feared that once the UN peacekeepers leave, wide spread banditry will return.