Liberians on Monrovia's streets now see the planned arrival of UN peacekeepers as the best chance for peace they have had for a generation, since former government troops are now reportedly robbing and raping at will. Around 5,500 refugees have fled to Guinea since fighting began in northern Liberia in late August and now continues at a rate of 300 to 450 persons per day. Once again, the phrase "the situation will get worse before it gets better" has now become a Liberian mantra.

The 15,000 strong UN force promised last week is expected to operate under a Chapter Seven mandate, which would give them the most robust mode of operation available under the UN charter. Their primary mission will be to restore security and to devise a plan to disarm an estimated 30,000 militiamen (including child soldiers) still active in the countryside.

Nigeria would contribute the most troops (3,500) while the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) announced that the 850-strong Bangladeshi battalion (currently on a one-year tour of duty ends in northern Sierra Leone) would redeploy to Liberia on the 23rd. The battalion's shift would take ten days. The UN peacekeeping mission would also include more than 1,115 civilian police. 

So why do member nations have such enthusiasm for this Liberian mission? Compared to a mission like Iraq, the threat in Liberia is less aggressive and, as always, United Nations pay is highly desired amongst the armies of poorer member nations. Can we say "gravy train"? - Adam Geibel