Foday Sankoh, the leader of the Revolutionary United...

Foday Sankoh, the leader of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), was captured by pro-government forces. His capture prompted joyous celebrations in the streets of Freetown, where thousands had died during eight years of civil war. Sankoh was convicted of treason and sentenced to death in 1998, but escaped execution after his forces rolled into Freetown He was granted amnesty, named vice president - an office he still holds - and granted control over Sierra Leone's diamond region.