Reports from Rome say Sierra Leonean rebels who abducted a Roman Catholic priest earlier this month have demanded a satellite phone in return for his release.

The MISNA missionary news agency in Rome said the message from Father Mario Guerra, included a demand by one of the kidnappers, Solomon Musa -- a minister from the outsted military government.

He wanted to be allowed to talk to his detained wife in Freetown.

Meanwhile four senior rebel commanders are reported to have surrendered to the West African peackeeping force, ECOMOG.

One of the rebels told the BBC more would surrender if they were guaranteed security.