The leaders of the two sides in the Guinea-Bissau civil war are in the Gambian capital, Banjul, for their first direct peace talks.

The leader of rebel soldiers, Ansumane Mane, arrived first in a Nigerian plane, accompanied by several foreign ambassadors.

He was followed soon after by President Joao Bernando Vieira, who came in a French military helicopter.

Talks were expected to start shortly afterwards.

Diplomats say they're likely to discuss a re-opening of Bissau airport by the rebels, an extension of the recently expired ceasefire and the establishment of a government of national unity.

After further advances in fighting last week, the rebels are reported to control more than ninety-per cent of Guinea Bissau, with the government defended by Senegalese and Guinea troops.