Most of the initial Guinean military effort was in this area, perhaps because it is relatively close to the capital, and this group has now been pushed well back across the border, with most of the fighting now taking place around Kambia, an RUF-held area inside Sierra Leone.

BBC: The Guinea conflict explained

The country was tugged back from the brink of utter chaos two years ago, when 800 British paratroopers landed in Freetown to prevent the RUF from over-running the city and toppling Mr Kabbah's government.

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However, Judge Lussick said in return for a constant flow of diamonds, Taylor provided arms and both logistical and moral support to the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels - prolonging the conflict and the suffering of the people of Sierra Leone.

BBC: Liberia ex-leader Charles Taylor get 50 years in jail

Darin Ruf had a sixth-innig solo homer against David Aardsma.

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It would have been "virtually impossible" for him to order anyone -- including the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), the rebel group in Sierra Leone -- to carry out such actions, Taylor said, because he was too occupied with running his own country.

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But although there was plenty of circumstantial evidence - and a working assumption that the RUF could not have done what it did without rear bases in Liberia - few people would claim to have irrefutable proof.

BBC: The case against Taylor

One of the convicted RUF leaders, Issa Sesay, received a 52-year jail term and a rebel from the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) group, Alex Tamba Brima, was given 50 years.

BBC: Liberia ex-leader Charles Taylor get 50 years in jail

The fears of the refugees - who still have rebel atrocities fresh in their minds - were exacerbated by the continuing mystery surrounding the whereabouts of RUF leader Foday Sankoh.

BBC: UN troops hit by friendly fire

Other locals have embraced the new -- and highly controversial -- Black Forest gateau that can be found in a tin, the brainchild of baker Johannes Ruf who runs the Holzoffenbaeckerei in St Peter.

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