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**President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah** **by: Natty Untiveros** President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah is known to be the 3rd president of Sierra Leonne. He was born on February 16, 1932 and was in office from 1996-97 and 1998-2007. He won the elctions of Sierra Leonne in 1996, with 59% of the votes against his rival at the time, John K-Smart. He also happened to be one of the first Mandingo presidents that Sierra Leone ever had. During President Kabbah's firs term in office, he was intent on bringing the rebel war to an end. According to a Wikipedia article, the war "in four years had already claimed hundreds of innocent lives, driven thousands of others into refugee status, and ruined the nation's economy" (Ahmad Tejan Kabbah). Kabbah's goals included improving Sierra Leone's economic status, something that he was well equipped to do as he had gotten his bachelor's degree in Economics in 1959, as well as practiced law as a member of the Honourable Society of Gray's Inn, London. President Kabbah was a practicing and devoted Muslim as well as part of the military at one point. President Kabbah is reffered to as one of the greatest leaders Sierra Leone has had. In an article in written by Sayoh Kamara in Awareness Times, the best leaders in Sierra Leone were mentioned. In a quote from the article, President Tejan Kabbah is admired, "And it was Tejan Kabbah who Allah appointed as the 'Messiah' to save Sierra Leone from disintegration and possible dissipation. Sierra Leoneans and the world saw what he did in restoring peace to the people of Sierra Leone" (Kamara). Alongside of his success and proven leadership for the Republic of Sierra Leone, Kabbah is remembered as one of the best presidents in the 49-year long history of Africa. Additionally, Kabbah has five children and three grandchildren and is still alive today.

"Ahmad Tejan Kabbah". Columbia University: World Leaders Forum (2005). Web. 7 February 2011.

"Ahmad Tejan Kabbah". Wikipedia: 2003. Web. 7 February 2011.

Kamara, Sayoh. "Tejan Kabbah is Sierra Leone's Greatest Leader so far". Awareness Times: (2010). Web. 7 February 2011.