AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (AP):

Grim tales of cannibalism highlighting the brutality of West Africa's civil wars emerged in testimony yesterday at the war crimes trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor.

Joseph 'Zigzag' Marzah, who described himself as Taylor's chief of operations and head of the Death Squad before Taylor became president, said African peace-keepers and even United Nations personnel were killed and eaten on the battlefield by Taylor's militiamen.

Prosecutors described Marzah as one of their key witnesses, testifying with inside knowledge of the former Liberian president's operations in Liberia and neighbouring Sierra Leone, where he is accused of responsibility for the widespread murder, rape and amputations committed by soldiers loyal to him.

Not guilty plea

Taylor, 59, has pleaded not guilty to 11 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. He is accused of orchestrating violence in Sierra Leone's civil war, which ended in 2002, and trading in illegally mined diamonds to finance the conflict.

The trial by the Special Court for Sierra Leone, sitting in the Dutch city of The Hague, began last June but adjourned after one day when Taylor fired his lawyer. It reconvened in January, but many prosecution witnesses have testified behind closed doors for fear of retribution.

Marzah appeared in open court after lengthy negotiations involving protection for him and his family.

Graphic description

Prodded under cross-examination by defence lawyer Courtenay Griffith, Marzah gave a sometimes graphic description of cannibalism that altered between the ritual taking of vengeance and the practical need for food.

He repeatedly said nothing was done without Taylor's instructions, and that anyone who violated Taylor's orders would be executed.

"Did Charles Taylor order you to eat people?'' Griffith asked.

"Yes, to set an example for the people to be afraid,'' Marzah replied.

He appeared unfazed by Griffith's blunt queries, and responded in matter-of-fact tones to such questions as "How do you prepare a human being for the pot?''

Marzah then described the splitting, cleaning, decapitating and cooking of the corpse with salt and pepper. "We throw your head away," he said.