Rival Political Groups Clash in Sierra Leone -- Women Victimized

by Barbara McPherson | March 18, 2009 at 09:24 am

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Clashes between rival political parties in Sierra Leone threaten the fragile peace. While Sierra Leone is rich in natural resources, it remains one of the poorest in the world.

Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd on Friday and again on Monday, as thousands of APC supporters converged on the SLPP's headquarters, trapping party members on the roof of the four-storey building.

An official at a hospital who asked not to be named said that at least 20 people were treated for injuries, including six women who were raped during the riot.

In video

Rival political groups clash in Sierra Leone

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Sierra Leone has been recovering from years of political turmoil and has held two elections deemed by international observers to have been free and fair.