The warlords behind the six-year conflict want to take control of the peacekeeping operation from the ECOMOG troops
Who rules Liberia? At present, nobody. Since 1990, the nearest thing to a national authority has been the peacekeeping force of the Economic Community of West African States. Formally, the Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) depends upon ECOWAS but its power derives mainly from Nigeria, whose troops (along with those of Ghana) dominate it. Some Liberian warlords now say they want to reclaim sovereignty for Liberians.
A former dictator tries an electoral comeback in a test of Benin's democratic stamina
Next month's presidential election is important not just for the Beninese, who will give their verdict on five years of economic reform, but more widely as a test...
With the biggest funds and armouries, Aydeed is back on the offensive
By capturing Hoddur town in mid-January, General Mohamed Farah Hassan 'Aydeed' put himself back in the game. His forces now threaten Beled Weyne, which they lost in October...