Return to civilian rule and first Kabbah Presidency

In 1996, Sierra Leone witnessed a significant political transition as promises of a return to civilian rule were fulfilled by then-military leader, Julius Maada Bio. He handed over power to Ahmad Tejan Kabbah of the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) following the conclusion of elections in early 1996. Kabbah's presidency was marked by a strong commitment to ending the brutal civil war that had plagued the nation for years. He initiated dialogues with the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), which had been defeated in the conflict, and invited RUF leader Foday Sankoh to participate in peace negotiations. This culminated in the signing of the Abidjan Peace Accord on November 30, 1996, which aimed to restore peace and stability in the country. However, the Kabbah government faced challenges, particularly under international pressure to terminate its contract with the private military company Executive Outcomes in January 1997, despite the absence of a neutral monitoring force. This decision allowed the RUF to regroup and launch renewed military offensives. The situation deteriorated further when Sankoh was arrested in Nigeria, leading to the collapse of the peace accord by the end of March 1997. Kabbah's presidency, while initially promising, was thus marred by the resurgence of conflict and instability.