17 former UNMIL contractors arrested after attacking UNMIL staff, vehicles 11 March. Police 20 March seized 30,000 ammunition rounds near Sierra Leone border. Special Court for Sierra Leone officials said witnesses testifying against ex- Liberian President Charles Taylor subject to intimidation, death threats. First census in 24 years conducted 21-23 March.

UNMIL announced troop reduction 6 Feb; force strength to drop to 12,250 (from 15,000) by Sept 2008. During 21 Feb visit by U.S. President Bush, President Johnson-Sirleaf urged him to ensure “gradual” UN drawdown; Bush promised education aid and support for reconstruction effort. Chair of group supporting war crimes court Mulbah Morlu briefly detained for sabotage and threatening security during Bush visit. 1 killed and police station burned by crowd protesting murder of local woman by detainee in Tappita 13 Feb.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) opened, Monrovia, 8 Jan; heard testimony of former rebel leader Joshua Blahyi who admitted responsibility for 20,000 deaths including human sacrifices. Supreme Court ruled 14 Jan President Johnson-Sirleaf can temporarily appoint local mayors, due to insufficient funds for local elections. Final phase of rehabilitation and reintegration of estimated 9,000 ex-combatants launched 18 Jan, Monrovia.

UN Security Council extended arms and travel embargoes for 1 year 19 December in response to increased gun violence. Ex-President Gyude Bryant arrested 7 December after missing court appearance on embezzlement charges; released 8 December after agreeing to appear at 10 December ruling.

Economic progress with first diamond deal since July lifting of export ban signed with Israel, 20 November. Liberty Party and Congress for Democratic Change called for independent inquiry into legislative corruption; alleged bribes paid to remove former House of Representatives speaker Edwin Snowe. Belgian manager of Buchanan rubber plantation killed 17 November in unrest sparked by government deal with Dutch-owned Liberia Agriculture Company (LAC). UNMIL forces increased local security in response.

Withdrawal of 2,450 UNMIL troops started, despite UNSC recognition peace remains fragile. In public broadcast, President Johnson Sirleaf claimed “enemies of state” undermining government; opposition leaders said this constituted threat to their security. Alleged coup-plot trial continued: defence moved for dismissal 16 October claiming state failed to produce weapons allegedly used to commit murder, and to name individuals believed murdered.

Stability further consolidated. UN Security Council extended UNMIL mandate 1 year; will reduce troop numbers by 5,000, police by 500 over 3 years. Drawdown follows 8 August UNSG Ban Ki-moon’s report citing security improvements. Demobilised soldiers built roadblocks 18 September in dispute over unpaid benefits; crowds dispersed by UNMIL forces and Liberian police. 6 further arrests over alleged coup plot, only 2 charged. Case appears increasingly thin; state witness alleged torture. Retd. Gen. Charles Julu and former Speaker of the House George Koukou among those awaiting trial. First diamonds exported since April lifting of UN ban, 6 September.

UN announced UNMIL drawdown plan: 15,000 peacekeepers to 9,750 by December 2010, subject to completion of security benchmarks. President Ellen Johnson- Sirleaf put Police Chief Beatrice Munnah Sieh on 3-month probation after panel found her responsible for July clash between 2 police units. First group of Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) military police in training overseen by U.S. Army adviser. Memorandum of understanding signed 23 August for Nigeria to train, assist AFL. Supreme Court 24 August rejected immunity claim of transitional government head Gyude Bryant; embezzlement trial to proceed.

Rival security forces clashed 9 July, first in presidency of Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf: nearly 50 wounded during confrontation between national police force and police unit in charge of security at Monrovia port. Incident sparked by national police force’s attempts to investigate alleged fuel theft; UN troops intervened. Presidential investigation committee concluded Police Chief Col. Munah Sieh bore responsibility. Retd. Gen. Charles Julu among 5, including former Speaker of the House George Koukou, arrested in connection with alleged coup plot; Julu and Koukou charged with treason 20 July. Hundreds of ex-combatants protested inadequate DDR programs at UNDP Monrovia offices 16 July.

Auditor-General John Morlu accused President Johnson-Sirleaf’s administration of being “3 times more corrupt than its predecessor”. Government rejected allegations and summoned Morlu before parliament 26 June. UNSC panel of experts reported Liberian government not enforcing UN’s travel ban and assets freeze targeting associates of former president Charles Taylor, and Taylor may maintain access to considerable wealth through investment holdings in Liberia and Nigeria. Major UNHCR repatriation operation ended 30 June; over 100,000 refugees returned.