Rebel fighters encircled Liberia’s capital, Monrovia, yesterday, sending tens of thousands of inhabitants fleeing for their lives. The rebels gave the country’s president, Charles Taylor, 72 hours to step down.
Refugees said members of Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy advanced under heavy fire to recapture the key Saint Paul river bridge just hours after the defence minister had vowed to root out pockets of resistance.
US marines prepared sandbag bunkers on top of the American embassy, ready for an expected helicopter evacuation of westerners. The embassy had already announced an evacuation of non-essential personnel, and UN agencies were also said to be considering pulling out.
The fighting has overshadowed peace talks in Ghana to try to end nearly 14 years of violence, which Taylor is accused of spreading to Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast.
Taylor has been indicted by a UN-backed court for war crimes in Sierra Leone.
The peace talks are due to resume today. – Guardian Unlimited Â