Taylor resignation raises hopes for peace in Liberia
Charles Taylor today stood down as Liberian leader in a ceremony that saw vice-president Moses Blah ready to assume the role.
It is widely hoped that Mr. Taylor’s decision will help move forward the peace talks that are taking place in Ghana between government and rebel forces.
However, his continuing presence in the country could be enough to increase tensions, and it is hoped that Mr. Taylor will soon take-up Nigeria’s offer of asylum.
The ceremony in the capital, Monrovia, was attended by several high-profile African leaders, including South African president Thabo Mbeki, as a sign of the rest of the rest of the continent’s commitment to ending ore than a decade of civil war in Liberia.
The fighting abated last week when around 800 West African peacekeepers arrived in Monrovia, with more expected to follow soon.
The US administration is also believed to be preparing to send support troops into the country, which was founded by freed American slaves.
According to reports the rebels have accepted the appointment of Blah, but would like to see a neutral government as soon as possible. President Blah is expected to stand down in October.
During Charles Taylor’s six-year term in office it is estimated that 200,000 have been killed. But despite his current unpopularity at home and among the international community, his departing remarks today were: “God willing, I will be back.”
Mr. Taylor may also have to face Sierra Leone’s special court on war crimes charges now that he has stood down, although the UN-backed court would not have jurisdiction over the former president if he goes to Nigeria.
