Libyan, Russian, and United States role

Libyan, Russian, and United States role

Muammar al-Gaddafi both trained and supported Charles Taylor. Gaddafi also helped Foday Sankoh, the founder of the Revolutionary United Front.

According to Douglas Farah:  

The amputation of arms and legs of men, women, and children as part of a scorched-earth campaign was designed to take over the region’s rich diamond fields and was backed by Gaddafi, who routinely reviewed their progress and supplied weapons.

Russian businessman Viktor Bout, who enjoys protection of the Russian state, supplied Charles Taylor with arms for use in Sierra Leone and had meetings with him about the operations.

Charles Taylor worked for The United States' CIA, , beginning in 1980s. The exact nature of this relationship is uncertain.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sierra_Leone_Civil_War#The_demographics_of_rebel_recruitment