On commission from the Ministry of Defence, the FOI Studies in Africa Security Team have made an analysis of the current situation and security developments in four countries in the West African sub-Region. This analysis focuses on Sierra Leone and the rising political tensions between the two main political partes - the APC and the SLPP - coupled with the long-term structural challenges the country faces: weak institutions; small economy with low growth; corruption; youth unemployment; illicit drugs trafficking; and the emerging split in the country along political party, and regional lines. The current situation provides the platform upon which the 2012 elections are to be contested, in a country where elections are always accompanied by violence. Instability in the country, leading up to, during and after the elections is expected.