Guns for cash offer swamped
A UN campaign to disarm fighters in Liberia will halt for a month today after being swamped by children and adults desperate to trade in their weapons for dollars. The process backfired when thousands of ex-fighters rioted against not being paid immediately. At least nine reportedly died in the riot. The peacekeepers aim to improve conditions and increase capacity at Camp Schieffelen, a disarmament centre 10 miles south of the capital, Monrovia, where fighters once loyal to former president Charles Taylor have gathered. In exchange for a gun, an ex-combatant gets lodgings, food and $300 (£170) in cash. Full Story