Liberian rebel leader weighs asylum offer
April 17, 1996
Web posted at: 2:20 p.m. EDT (1820 GMT)MONROVIA, Liberia (CNN) -- The leader of Liberian rebels holding hostages at a military camp packed with refugees is considering an offer of asylum from Nigeria, a spokesman for warlord Roosevelt Johnson said Wednesday.
However, spokesman Madison Wionon would not elaborate, and it was unclear whether militia leader Charles Taylor would be satisfied if Johnson leaves the country instead of giving himself up.
A government warrant for Johnson's arrest touched off the standoff at the compound, where about 10,000 people have sought refuge since fighting in Monrovia began 11 days ago.
Taylor, the most powerful member of Liberia's six-man governing council, has said he would not agree to a cease-fire without the surrender of Johnson, whose forces were dug in at the barracks.
Johnson told some journalists Wednesday that he was "well-protected" and saw "no reason" to leave the country, according to Time magazine reporter Kirk Troy in Monrovia. (98K AIFF sound or 98K WAV sound)
Cholera deaths
Taylor's men were repelled Wednesday after launching another attack on the barracks known as the Barclay Training Center. On Tuesday, Johnson's men fought off an artillery assault that killed six people inside the compound, Troy said. (476K QuickTime movie)
According to witnesses, at least 156 people have died inside the barracks since the siege began. There are cases of cholera, and food and water are in short supply.
Journalists allowed inside the compound Wednesday said conditions were deteriorating, but disease was not widespread. As many as 30 cholera deaths have been reported. A nurse was seen removing a bullet from an injured patient without anesthetic.
Americans missing
Military helicopters flew 49 refugees to neighboring Sierra Leone Wednesday morning, and more flights were expected later in the day, U.S. Army Lt. Matthew Thompson said. Americans have rescued more than 2,000 people, including more than 420 Americans.
U.S. officials said about 50 Americans remained unaccounted for, and 38 others chose not to leave.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- Civilians trapped in new Liberian assault - April 16
- Gunfire and looting continue in Liberian capital - April 15
- Writer tells of narrow escape from rebels - April 11
- U.S. sends more troops to West Africa - April 10
- Americans evacuated from war-torn Liberia - April 9
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