The United Nations said on Wednesday that it was reassessing the way it would conduct its planned disarmament programme in Liberia, following a false start in December. The acting head of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), Souren Seraydarian, told reporters that this time the UN peacekeeping force was determined to conduct the disarmament, demobilisation and rehabilitation of an estimated 40,000 former combatants in a more controlled and organised manner in close cooperation with Liberia's three warring parties. "We are working together with all the parties concerned as well as the government in assessing the outcome of the disarmament so far achieved and the ways to improve the security and safety during the next phase of the disarmament". Seraydarian said. He refused to say whether UNMIL would stick to its previously announced target date of 20 January for resuming the disarmament process, saying only that it would begin "once we have completed our assessment."
| "That could take years, y'know?" |
UNMIL started to disarm fighters loyal to former president Charles Taylor at a barracks near Monrovia on 7 December, but was forced to abandon the exercise 10 days later after former combatants rioted in the city to demand cash for handing in their guns. At least nine people were killed during three days of disorder and looting. UNMIL subsequently agreed to pay former fighters a $75 advance on their $300 rehabilitation allowance as they surrendered their weapons, but the demobilisation camp then found it overwhelmed by people rushing to hand in guns and claim the cash.
| I think I'll go lie down now... |
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