Diplomatic corps advised to keep close to capital

Liberia’s Foreign Ministry has asked diplomats and representatives of inter-governmental organisations to limit their travel to areas close to the capital, Monrovia, because of insecurity caused by fighting in the northern county of Lofa between armed dissidents and pro-government forces. A letter addressed to “the diplomatic corps, inter-governmental organisations and the consular corps” advised them to coordinate any travel beyond Roberts International Airport, Careysburg and the Virginia/VOA checkpoint with the Ministry. The three locations are within 60 km of the city centre. “All members of the diplomatic community are further advised to avoid going out at night after 08:30 P.M.,” added the letter, dated 30 April and received last week by agencies in Monrovia. “The government will commence the mounting of checkpoints at night throughout the city and its environs to provide maximum security for residents.” A humanitarian source told IRIN on Wednesday that the checkpoints had been set up and were being manned by the Anti-Terrorist Unit.