Villagers relive the atrocities and act out their flight from rebels. Amputees describe how armed gangs cut off their limbs and they carry out mock assaults on ex-combatants who mutilated them. People are angry and they have been hurt. If they keep that anger locked up inside, they will lose their balance and will start exploding. Once victims understand the importance of not seeking revenge, he advises ex-combatants to go back to their communities.
Many former rebels make public confessions in churches and mosques.
Although people are still coming to terms with their turbulent past, they are showing a willingness to listen and even to forgive. Francis and his colleagues estimate they have helped more than 20,000 people in the Freetown area. However, outside the capital, where rebel forces are still active, Francis has been unable to extend his counselling services. Priority is given to human rights monitoring, reporting, advocacy and training. MORE about the UN's work to protect human rights and about UN Volunteers.