He has been under pressure to leave Liberia, but has said nothing about when he might actually do so.

When Nigerian troops begin leaving Liberia in the thousands, as expected next month, it will be left without a properly trained national army.

"Don't let him leave Liberia," she ordered.

"If he leaves Liberia and goes back to Nigeria, they'll free him."

At the height of the recent fighting in late July, he left Liberia, returning only three days ago, he said.

The United States is "taking appropriate steps to be able to help American citizens leave Liberia" while the airport is still open, the statement added.

When he left Liberia, he told followers, "God willing, I will be back."

The dream of leaving Liberia sustains him, as it does many Liberians.

Henry had left Liberia in 1985 to live permanently in the United States.

The Zolotitsa left Liberia on May 26 to escape fighting in Monrovia.