Infamous warlord, accused blood diamond merchant and former Liberian President Charles Taylor will be in the dock today before a war crimes tribunal bent on sending a powerful message to the world’s despots that no one is above the law.

Trial in Africa is too risky for a man accused of fomenting bloodshed across West Africa, international prosecutors said in requesting that Charles Taylor’s trial for crimes against humanity be moved to The Hague in the Netherlands.

Nigeria’s announcement that it is ready to hand over exiled Liberian warlord Charles Taylor – the first former African head of state indicted for crimes against humanity and war crimes – is a reluctant gesture that sends a powerful message to other warmongers on the continent.

The new United Nations refugee chief has appealed for a "safe corridor" for refugees from Guinea's southern borders with Liberia and Sierra Leone.