The government of Sierra Leone has offered an amnesty to rebels of the ousted military regime who are continuing to fight in the east of the country.

The interior minister, Charles Margai, said he would would guarantee the safety of those who surrendered within the next two weeks.

Rebels supporting the former military leader, Johnny Paul Koroma, have been accused of committing widespread atrocities since being driven from power in February.

International agencies and foreign governments, including the United States, say thousands of civilians have been killed or maimed in recent months in Sierra Leone.