Liberians riot over disarmament

Disarmament is considered central to creating a peace in Liberia

Former Liberian fighters have rioted in the capital, Monrovia, amid confusion about the UN's disarmament programme.

Hundreds of militiamen loyal to former President Charles Taylor went on the rampage after learning they would not be paid immediately for their weapons.

UN peacekeepers used tear gas to break up the riot. One man was killed and several were injured in the violence.

The UN says its campaign to disarm some 40,00 fighters is central to creating a lasting peace in Liberia.

The UN police commander in Liberia, Mark Kroeker, described the violence as "unfortunate and unnecessary".

"We are going to maintain a substantial presence in the area," Reuters news agency quoted him as saying.

"We want to inform [head of the UN mission in Liberia] Jacques Klein that we are not stupid. We are responsible people who have decided to give up our arms," said General "Rambo", a member of a government militia which supported Mr Taylor before he went into exile in Nigeria.

"If he does not give us our money this town is going to be hot. Some of us still have weapons hidden," he said.

Disarming difficulties

The disarmament deal was drawn up after President Charles Taylor's departure into exile in August paved the way for a peace deal between government forces and the main rebel factions.

We are dealing with people who are militia, not regular troops and we should expect situations like this along the way Moses Blah

That followed a 14-year civil war which killed more than 200,000 Liberians.

But so far the process has been plagued with difficulties.

On 8 December 2003 the first of the Liberian fighters set to give up their arms staged angry protests to demand immediate payment for disarming.

They fired their guns into the air and beat passers-by near a United Nations-run disarmament camp. This led to the programme being postponed.

It was delayed again in February after rows over how much money fighters would receive for their guns.

The disarmament campaign was relaunched in mid-April and has passed off well in areas previously controlled by rebel forces.

Moses Blah, who succeeded Mr Taylor as leader, described the riots as "regrettable" but said similar incidents were likely in the future.

"We are dealing with people who are militia, not regular troops and we should expect situations like this along the way," he said.