It is also eyeing the possible sale of offshore oil blocks this year. Diplomats say Britain in particular is keen for a vote which would justify the continued presence of Kabbah, whose mandate on the basis of 1996 elections has expired and has already had to be prolonged by parliament once. While Kabbah retains some popular support, many of his Sierra Leone People's Party find little favour outside their Mende heartland, amid allegations of tribalism, corruption and arrogance. All involved acknowledge that genuine disarmament by the rebels and other groups will be difficult while they fear for their own security if others are in power. Hundreds of millions of dollars.
People outside expect to see real results soon if that support is going to continue.
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