LIBERIA: Liberian President Charles Taylor declared a state of emergency yesterday, hours after shooting near the capital suggested an armed rebellion was gaining ground. The government said its forces had driven rebels from Kley junction, just 35 km from the capital, the closest they have come to the city since the West African country's latest war erupted in mid-2000.
Rebels said they were poised to strike the capital, Monrovia, which was ruined by a seven-year civil war in the 1990s that left up to 200,000 Liberians dead. "I hereby declare a state of emergency in the republic," Mr Taylor said in a live radio address, explaining that it was in line with the constitution.
"To take this decision was a heavy task, but we are compelled to do it because of the circumstances. The very existence of our country is threatened by barbaric attacks of unimaginable proportions."
Diplomatic sources said Monrovia was awash with reports of rebel activity, but said it was unclear who was involved. Rebel spokesman, Mr William Hanson, said forces of the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy expected to be in Monrovia in a week.