Disarmament process in difficulties. At least 9 ex- government militia killed in confrontation with UN peacekeepers in Monrovia 10 December – militia demanding cash to surrender arms. UN responded by suspending disarmament from 17 December to 20 January 2003, to upgrade camp for former combatants. Peacekeepers deployed to rebel-held town 27 December for first time. UN and US to co-host international donors conference in February 2004. Only 5,900 peacekeeping troops had arrived mid-December out of 15,000 authorised.

Stability slowly being restored but much still to be done. Large areas of country totally devastated. UN peacekeepers began expanding operations beyond capital Monrovia. Estimated 55% of population malnourished. Mains electricity restored to parts of Monrovia for first time in decade. Nationwide disarmament and reintegration program due to start 7 December – and some soldiers have already disarmed - but talks between former government militias and rebel groups broke down 28 November. Still sporadic fighting in countryside. Nigeria’s President says ex-President Taylor will be surrendered to Liberia for war crimes trial if requested by Liberia. Human Rights Watch briefing paper says Guinea armed rebel LURD forces.

Businessman Gyude Bryant sworn in as interim president 14 October. He and LURD rebels arguing over composition of transitional government. UN Security Council concerned former President Taylor still trying to exert influence in Liberia from exile in Nigeria. UNMIL peacekeeping mission replaced West African force 1 October: force won’t be fully deployed till 2004 – at full strength will number 15,000. Peacekeepers began disarming former government and rebel troops in limited areas. American involvement ended with last U.S. warship leaving coast 1 October. Government and rebel troops still committing atrocities against civilians in countryside.

UN approved peacekeeping force of 15,000 troops for Liberia. UN force to take over from ECOWAS on 1 October – but full UN force will not deploy for several months. Former President Charles Taylor trying to run Liberia from exile in Nigeria. Nigerian President Obasanjo warned Taylor against interfering in Liberia in breach of asylum conditions. Obasanjo also stated that Taylor did not have sovereign immunity – implying Taylor could be handed over to Sierra Leone Special Court if Nigeria so decides. Sekou Conneh, leader of LURD rebels, returned to Liberia from exile in Guinea. Government and rebel troops continue to commit atrocities against civilians in countryside.

President Charles Taylor resigned on 11 August and took up offer of asylum in Nigeria. Almost 2,000 Nigerian peacekeepers deployed in Monrovia, with 2,300 U.S. marines positioned on ships offshore. Government signed peace agreement with LURD and MODEL rebels in Accra on 18 August, with interim government to take power on 14 October until elections in 2005. Businessman Gyude Bryant chosen to head interim government. Fighting continues in countryside. Humanitarian corridors still do not exist. Relief aid limited to Monrovia and Buchanan corridor.