April 18, 1999
Web posted at: 4:51 p.m. EDT (2051 GMT)

LOME, Togo (CNN) -- Sierra Leone rebel leader Foday Sankoh arrived Sunday in Togo for talks with his followers, witnesses said.

Sankoh, who was sentenced to death last October, has been imprisoned for nearly two years. He was given permission to meet leaders of his Revolutionary United Front in an attempt to end a bitter conflict between his group and the government.

"We're here for discussions," Sankoh said when he arrived in Lome, under U.N. escort. "We are seeking all means to bring peace to our country."

In the latest rebel offensive last December and January, 3,000 to 5,000 people lost their lives, and parts of the capital were reduced to rubble.

The rebels are allied with former members of the Sierra Leone army against Sierra Leone President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah. The current government army is bolstered by an intervention force made up of soldiers from other West African countries.

"The Revolutionary United Front is convinced of the need for peace, and they know that they have to make some sacrifice," Sankoh said in Freetown as he prepared to board the U.N. plane that would take him to Togo.

The meeting is to take place in Kara, 300 kilometers (180 miles) north of Lome.

Embattled President Kabbah called for peace talks between the two sides earlier this year, but the rebels refused to discuss peace unless they were allowed to meet with their leader first.

Sankoh and his commanders are expected to discuss Kabbah's appeal before crafting their own proposal for peace and scheduling talks with the government.

Sankoh, convicted on treason charges and crimes against humanity, is to return to prison after the meeting.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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