Troops set for Guinea

Guinea is home to thousands of Liberian refugees

West African army chiefs are meeting in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, to discuss deploying troops and observers along the border between Guinea and its neighbours.

Earlier this month the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) agreed the deployment, following attacks by rebels that have killed hundreds of people in southern Guinea over the past few months.

Tens of thousands more, who have fled the area, are said to be facing starvation.

The UN Security Council has called on other countries in the region - especially Liberia - not to provide military support for the attacks.

Guinea accuses Liberia of sponsoring the raids; Liberia denies involvement, but accuses Guinea of harbouring rebels who carry out attacks into Liberia.

Burning

The talks come after two refugee camps in Guinea were burnt to the ground.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reported that most refugees had fled the camps near the town of Gueckedou in the south-east of the country after fighting between the government and rebel forces.

On Monday, French ambassador Denis Gauer reported widespread devastation around Gueckedou, Kissidougou and Macenta and that most of the population appeared to have left the region.

Mr Gauer, who had been touring the forested regions near the borders with Liberia and Sierra Leone, said he had witnessed "great human suffering."

"The risk of famine is enormous," he said. At least 900 people are thought to have been killed in the latest outbreak of fighting.