Liberian rebels 'using government weapons'

A rebel leader fighting against the Liberian Government says his men are using Liberian arms stolen from Sierra Leonean rebels.

General Joe Wylie, who claims to be the leader of a group called Liberians United For Reconciliation and Democracy, told the BBC that his forces had seized weapons from the Sierra Leonean rebel fighters, and were now using them against Liberian Government troops.

Liberian President Charles Taylor has repeatedly been accused of supplying arms to the Sierra Leonean rebels - an accusation which he denies.

He accuses neighbouring Guinea of arming the rebellion in northern Liberia.

Taylor: Denies arming Sierra Leonean rebels

But General Wylie told the BBC's Focus on Africa programme that the weapons had come ultimately from Mr Taylor's own government.

"We were able to get them [the Sierra Leonean rebels] to turn their arms over to us," Mr Wylie said.

"I want Mr Taylor to know that it will take 100 years to drive our forces out of Liberia," he added.

"Ever since Mr Taylor was inaugurated as president he has slaughtered and killed more than 100 Liberians.

"Any government that does not protect its people is illegitimate."