Africa press split over Taylor trial

Newspapers across Africa are at odds over the capture and trial of Liberia's former President Charles Taylor, with some believing bringing him to justice is the right way to proceed and brings hope to those who suffered.

Others warn it may destabilise Liberia and that President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf runs the risk "of opening Pandora's box".

One commentator asks when US President George W Bush and UK Prime Minister Tony Blair will also be brought before a special tribunal for their role in the Iraq war.

KENYA'S NATION

The capture of one of Africa's worst criminals against humanity is welcome news indeed... There is a lesson here for all rebel leaders who perpetrate genocide like Joseph Kony of Uganda and numerous warlords in Somalia: Once they are indicted for war crimes, they can run for years, but in the end, they cannot hide.

OKEY NDIBE IN NIGERIA'S GUARDIAN

Taylor, whose expertise included killing sprees and orgies of decapitation, proved a coward when it came to facing the music for his actions.

KENYA'S PEOPLE DAILY

Taylor's trial ... [is] a precedent in Africa given that he is the first leader from the continent to face a tribunal for crimes against humanity. His successful trial, alongside others involved in the alleged crimes, will thus be instrumental in the ongoing campaign to end the culture of impunity in the continent thereby minimizing chances of future abuses... There cannot be any stability in Liberia until Taylor is brought to justice.

BURKINA FASO'S LE PAYS

This arrest does not put the Taylor affair to rest... The rising number of Liberians who were opposed to the extradition raises the question of timing in the decision to transfer the former president... Should the few democratic gains in Liberia be put at risk for the sake of a thirst for justice? The country has other priorities than to begin by seeking the trial of one of its sons for crimes... [President] Ellen Johnson Sirleaf should not forget the complexity of Liberian politics. By wanting to play the justice card first and foremost, she runs the risk of opening Pandora's box

KOFI AKORDOR IN GHANA'S GRAPHIC

What is the motive of those who are clamouring for the trial of Charles Taylor in Sierra Leone or anywhere for war crimes?... Why are people in a hurry to bring back the memories of yesterday's war to the people of Liberia and those who care for peace in that country? What should be realized is that Charles Taylor's absence from Liberia is, so far, so good... Charles Taylor still has a lot of support among the war-hardened men who are roaming Liberia unemployed, disenchanted and ready to go into battle again should the need arise. That is why the man should be left alone.

GHANA'S CHRONICLE

The message is sent out loudly that no matter how long it takes, those who take up arms and through their direct or indirect actions unnecessarily cause the loss of lives, they can never escape the long arm of the law... In Liberia, there would certainly be apprehension as the remnants of Taylor's forces may not forgive their people for calling for their mentor's extradition... The members of ECOWAS itself, following from whatever arrangements they had with Charles Taylor, seem to have betrayed a trust.

UGANDA'S NEW VISION

Taylor's disappearance rekindles the debate about how best to deal with gross violations of human rights. What is more important - bringing to justice the perpetrators or securing the peace? Would it have been better for Taylor to remain in his lonely exile, ageing away and finally dying while being watched and neutralized, and not be given the chance to destabilize a now peaceful Liberia? Only the unfolding events of history can judge.

BURKINA FASO'S L'OBSERVATEUR PAALGA

The international community sought and finally obtained what it wanted: a black king answering for his actions before an international tribunal. But when will George Bush or Tony Blair appear before a special tribunal for Iraq? We can continue to wait for ever for that to happen!

BBC Monitoring selects and translates news from radio, television, press, news agencies and the internet from 150 countries in more than 70 languages. It is based in Caversham, UK, and has several bureaux abroad.