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Guns for cash offer swamped
Rory Carroll, Africa correspondent Wednesday December 17, 2003 The Guardian A UN campaign to disarm fighters in Liberia will halt for a month today after being swamped by children and adults desperate to trade in their weapons for dollars. The process backfired when thousands of ex-fighters rioted against not being paid immediately. At least nine reportedly died in the riot. The peacekeepers aim to improve conditions and increase capacity at Camp Schieffelen, a disarmament centre 10 miles south of the capital, Monrovia, where fighters once loyal to former president Charles Taylor have gathered. In exchange for a gun, an ex-combatant gets lodgings, food and $300 (£170) in cash. Some 8,000 have been demobilised, but analysts say peace hinges on demobilising 40,000 fighters and boosting the peacekeeping force from 4,500 to 15,000. Special report Conflict in west Africa Interactive guide Liberia - a brief history Audio reports Conflict in west Africa The issue explained 04.08.2003: War in Liberia Timeline 30.07.2003: Conflict in Liberia Printable version | Send it to a friend | Save story
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