UN begins disarming former fighters in Liberia

Hundreds of Liberian combatants turned out today to hand in their arms to United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) peacekeepers as the world body started its disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration programme in the country.

The fighters, mainly loyal to the former Government of Liberia, waited in long queues throughout the day to begin the process at Camp Schieffelin, an army barracks 35 miles outside Monrovia.

Addressing those present, the senior UN envoy in the country Jacques Paul Klein said all participants would be given the opportunity “to begin a new life, free of fear, free of violence, free of the deprivations of war.”

Mr. Klein also criticized Liberian leaders who have tried to “hamper and undermine” the process by demanding jobs for themselves and by walking out of meetings. These people are “not only breaking the promise they made when they signed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement – they are betraying their own soldiers and the Liberian people,” he said.

At the same time, he hailed those who had handed in their arms for leading the country to peace. "All fighters and all commanders must join them," he said. "There is no other way forward."

All participants in the exercise receive food, clothing, health care, counselling, vocational training, schooling, apprenticeships and a modest stipend to help return to civil society.