Armed Forces Revolutionary Council

Sierra Leonean military organization

Also known as: AFRC

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Last updated

July 17, 2026

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The Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) was a military group that, along with the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), ruled Sierra Leone after a coup in May 1997. This council was formed by Maj. Johnny Paul Koroma and included members of the RUF. Their rule led to the country's suspension from the Commonwealth and sanctions from the United Nations. The AFRC was eventually overthrown in February 1998 by ECOWAS troops, and President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah's government was restored. The conflict, which had begun in March 1991 when Liberian rebels crossed the border, escalated into a brutal civil war characterized by atrocities, including mutilation and forced conscription. The war officially ended in January 2002, with an estimated 50,000 lives lost and millions displaced.12

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Sierra Leone
Civil war
…for the coup, formed the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), which included members of the RUF, to rule the country; President Kabbah was sent into exile. The AFRC met with increasing resistance on all fronts: domestically, its troops were engaged in battle with militia forces loyal to Kabbah’s government; internationally,…
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…for the coup, formed the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), which included members of the RUF, to rule the country; President Kabbah was sent into exile. The AFRC met with increasing resistance on all fronts: domestically, its troops were engaged in battle with militia forces loyal to Kabbah’s government; internationally,…
Read More