By Paul Welsh BBC West Africa correspondent

But the trial judge faces a dilemma as he reopens a case which is being seen as part of Sierra Leone's peace process.

On his previous appearances in court, the man who led a ferocious rebel movement has appeared confused and frail, his hair grey now and matted in dreadlocks

Mr Sankoh has been unable to find anyone willing to defend him who is also acceptable to the court.

Under Sierra Leone's law, he has a right to a lawyer.

As the original hearing was adjourned in March, the attorney general appealed to his country's lawyers to be fearless and to come forward to represent Mr Sankoh and the other 49 accused.

Licence refused

A month ago it seemed there had been a breakthrough.

A Nigerian lawyer stood beside Mr Sankoh in court and the case was adjourned for a month to allow him time to obtain a licence to practise law in Sierra Leone.

It seems he has been refused that licence and the court faces a dilemma when Mr Sankoh appears again today.

It cannot abandon the murder trial but if it continues without defence lawyers, the verdict will be questioned.

Mr Sankoh says he is not guilty but he could face the death penalty if he is convicted of the murder of 21 people.

They were killed as they demonstrated outside his house in Freetown in May 2000 after a peace deal had been signed.

Tribunal due

On his previous appearances in court, the man who led a ferocious rebel movement has appeared confused and frail, his hair grey now and matted in dreadlocks.

This is unlikely to be the last time he is questioned. A United Nations war crimes tribunal is due to begin work later this year, bringing charges against those it believes were responsible for crimes against humanity.

And earlier this week a truth and reconciliation commission was formally set up.

It is based on the hearings which took place in South Africa and it is likely to begin public meetings and statements in three months' time - one more step in the healing process of a country which tore itself apart.