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Residents of the Liberian capital cheered when they heard that West African peacekeepers were on their way.

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A Nigerian-led fact-finding mission is in Monrovia to pave the way for the peacekeeping force.

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Government and rebel fighters have turned much of Monrovia into a war zone in recent weeks

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Much of the fighting has been around the Old Bridge (l) and the Gabriel Tucker Bridge (r) which lead to central Monrovia.

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Conditions for civilians are desperate, with cholera a threat.

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Aid agencies have opened therapeutic feeding centres to help malnourished children.

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Some people, especially children, are not getting enough to eat despite rebel claims they are giving food to the hungry.

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The markets are limited and have only opened during lulls in fighting.

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Liberians on both sides have been frustrated by the delay in the arrival of international peacekeepers.