Timeline of Sierra Leone

Chronology

7 events spanning the history of Sierra Leone. BCE/CE dating.

1. 1787

   The British establish a refuge for freed slaves.

   The British establish a refuge for freed slaves in a small portion of their West African territory now known as Sierra Leone. An area called Freetown receives 400 freedmen.

2. 1808

   Freetown settlement becomes crown colony.

   Freetown settlement becomes crown colony.

3. 1961

   Sierra Leone becomes independent.

   Sierra Leone becomes independent.

4. 1991

   Start of civil war.

   Start of civil war.

5. 1997

   The Commonwealth suspends Sierra Leone.

   The Commonwealth suspends Sierra Leone.

6. 1999

   A ceasefire is greeted with cautious optimism in Freetown.

   A ceasefire is greeted with cautious optimism in Freetown amid hopes that eight years of civil war may soon be over.

7. 2002

   War declared over.

   War declared over. UN mission says disarmament of 45,000 fighters is complete. Government, UN agree to set up war crimes court.