A series of military governments held power in Sierra Leone and there was violence in the country and at the border with Liberia. The Revolutionary United Front (RUF) established a military government, however due to international pressure and popular demands held elections in 1996, agreeing to hand over power to a civilian government. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah won the election, and the Abidjan Peace Accord was signed with the RUF and Sierra Leone People's Party.