They lived and worked alongside each other. However, as the region's spiralling violence and human rights abuses spilled across borders, Guinea's President Lansana Conte declared in September 2000 that it was time for the refugees to go home, and the place of refuge has now become a virtual hell on earth. Over the past six months, Sierra Leonean and Liberian refugees have fled from one camp to another and Guinean villagers from one village to another, in a desperate attempt to avoid the chaotic violence that has descended in south eastern Guinea. As they flee camps, the camps are burned, to prevent return. The UN and aid agencies are working feverishly to establish new camps, further inland, hopefully beyond the reach of the cross-border raids.
Most refugees express resentment and anger at the prospect of further transfers to other camps.
They have had enough and want only to go home, even though they know the situation there is no better. The mission found overwhelming evidence of violence from so many different directions and forms. One after another, camps have been emptied because of attacks or rumoured attacks. While fleeing, countless refugees have been killed or abducted by rebels. Others have disappeared after being abducted by Guinean soldiers, such as the nine refugees who disappeared after being arrested in Forecariah in September 2000.