Liberian Fighters Turning In Guns

Outstripping expectations, thousands of fighters from Liberia’s rival militias have been turning in their weapons in recent days in compliance with a disarmament program intended to dissolve the country’s armed factions by the end of this month.

In some of the most hopeful scenes Liberia has seen since the capital, Monrovia, was devastated nine months ago by weeks of fighting and looting, the disarmament program steadily has gained momentum as militia members have lined up at 11 centers around the country to surrender their arms.