October 31, 2002

The UN is reducing the peacekeeping force about 25 percent (4,500 troops out of 17,266.) Some 600 peacekeepers have left this month and the rest of the 4,500 will depart by next May. Disarmed rebels have not returned to banditry and war crimes trials are proceeding. However, corruption is rampant and economic growth sluggish. So the cycle of corruption, poverty and rebellion is likely to start again eventually.