Renewed clashes deal serious blow to Liberian ceasefire

FIGHTING roared towards Liberia’s capital yesterday in a serious blow to last week’s ceasefire and hopes of a negotiated end to West Africa’s deadliest conflict.

Aid workers and military sources said rebels Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy attacked President Charles Taylor’s forces near Plumkor village, barely 20 km from the fringes of the coastal city of Monrovia.

Well over 300 people were killed in fighting in the suburbs before rebels were driven out and the truce signed.