In Sierra Leone, the former rebel leader Foday Sankoh has formally appealed against his death sentence for treason, for supporting last year's military coup.

The justice minister and attorney-general, Solomon Berewa, said a British law firm Akainyah and Company had offered to represent sixty-year-old Mr Sankoh, who had to defend himself during his original trial because local lawyers would not act for him.

Prison officials said he danced with joy in his cell when told of the British firm's offer.

Twenty-four soldiers convicted of treason for their involvement in the overthrow of President Tejan Kabbah were executed earlier this month, despite widespread condemnation.

The African Commission on Human and People's Rights has asked Sierra Leone to stop the executions.