Revolutionary United Front

The Revolutionary United Front (RUF) was a rebel group active in Sierra Leone during the 1990s and early 2000s. They initially sought to overthrow the government but became notorious for their brutal tactics, including mass violence, child soldiers, and the use of amputation as a weapon of terror. They also engaged in illegal activities such as diamond mining to fund their operations, which contributed to what’s known as "blood diamonds." The RUF's actions caused widespread suffering and instability before a peace process led to disarmament and the group's eventual disbandment.