what caused the civil war in Liberia? Nehemiah Jallah’s Local Initiative
What caused the civil war in Liberia, which raged from 1989 to 2003, was a complex and deeply rooted conflict with several interrelated causes:
- Ethnic and Social Divide: Liberia’s society was deeply divided along ethnic lines, primarily between the indigenous populations and the Americo-Liberians, descendants of freed American slaves who had settled in Liberia. This divide created a sense of exclusion and marginalization among the indigenous communities.
- Authoritarian Rule: The long-lasting authoritarian rule of President William R. Tolbert exacerbated tensions. His government was accused of corruption, nepotism, and favoritism toward the Americo-Liberian elite.
- Economic Disparities: Liberia’s wealth, primarily derived from the rubber and iron ore industries, was unevenly distributed. The benefits were concentrated among a small elite, leaving the majority of the population impoverished.
- Amassment of Power: Samuel Doe, a non-commissioned officer from the Krahn ethnic group, seized power in a coup in 1980, executing President Tolbert. His regime was characterized by brutality, human rights abuses, and further marginalization of rival ethnic groups.
- Regional Conflicts: Liberia became entangled in regional conflicts, particularly the Sierra Leone Civil War. Various factions, supported by neighboring countries, fueled the violence within Liberia.
- Warlords and Militias: Numerous warlords and militias emerged, each with its own ethnic or factional agenda. They recruited child soldiers and perpetrated atrocities, further deepening the crisis.
Youth-Led Initiative: what caused the civil war in liberia Promoting Peace in Liberia
In the wake of this traumatic civil war, the youth of Liberia have taken it upon themselves to promote peace and ensure that such horrors never recur. Their initiatives are driven by a collective determination to address the root causes of the conflict:
- Education and Awareness: Liberian youth are actively engaged in educating their peers and communities about the consequences of violence. They strive to foster understanding, tolerance, and unity among different ethnic groups.
- Conflict Resolution: Young activists are trained in conflict resolution and mediation techniques. They play vital roles in resolving disputes at the community level and advocating for peaceful solutions to conflicts.
- Political Engagement: Recognizing their potential vulnerability to political manipulation, young Liberians actively engage in politics. They advocate for transparent and accountable governance to prevent a return to authoritarianism.
- Promoting Reconciliation: Initiatives promoting reconciliation and healing are at the forefront of youth-led efforts. They encourage dialogue, forgiveness, and social cohesion among war-affected communities.
- Advocacy and Civic Education: Youth organizations in Liberia work to empower young people with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities as citizens. This includes educating them on the importance of non-violence in political processes.
- International Partnerships: Liberian youth have forged partnerships with international organizations and received support for their peace-building initiatives. These collaborations help strengthen their efforts.
In Buchanan, Liberia, young people aged 18 to 25 gather to address a pressing concern: the peaceful conduct of the presidential and legislative elections on October 10. With the scars of a brutal civil war that claimed 250,000 lives between 1989 and 2003, violence is the specter that they hope to keep at bay in this election.
Illustrating Fear what caused the civil war in Liberia Through Art
In a classroom, these young Liberians took turns illustrating their deepest fears on paper. They depict scenarios that they dread the most—the return of violence. The memory of a brutal civil war still lingers, and the recent death of three individuals in clashes between political supporters only intensifies their worries.
Defining Violence and Promoting Peace
In this classroom setting, Nehemiah Jallah, 24, leads the discussion. He starts by asking, “What is violence?” The responses vary but all revolve around the idea of force, harm, and destruction. Nehemiah’s message is clear: young people must stay away from all forms of violence. Violence leads to destruction and loss of innocent lives. The imperative is to keep Liberia in peace, irrespective of political affiliations.
Navigating Election Challenges
The discussion turns to a pivotal question: how to respond in case of election irregularities. The young participants are deeply engaged in the dialogue. While the surrounding sounds of car horns and passing processions persist, the youth’s focus remains unwavering.
Preaching Non-Violence
Posters advocating non-violence adorn the room. Slogans like “Vote for peace in Liberia. Say no to violence” and “Respecting the rule of law will save our democracy” remind everyone of the importance of peaceful elections.
Youth Vulnerability and Political Manipulation
Lawrence Sergbou, a youth activist, emphasizes the vulnerability of young people to political manipulation. More than 60% of Liberia’s population is under 25, making them a target for politicians seeking support. Sergbou acknowledges Liberia’s violent history, where child soldiers were tragically exploited during the civil war.
Trepidation Amidst Two Decades of Peace
The civil war’s atrocities, including massacres, mutilations, rapes, and acts of cannibalism, haunt Liberia’s history. Despite these horrors, no trials have been held to date. Some former warlords continue to wield political influence.
Political Posturing and Promises of Peace
In the current political landscape, Prince Johnson, known for a chilling video where he sipped beer while his men tortured President Samuel Doe to death in 1990, remains a senator. He has threatened a popular revolt if the election is manipulated. Meanwhile, George Weah, the former football star and current president seeking re-election, promises peaceful, fair, and credible elections.
Commitment to Peace
Liberia’s young generation understands the profound consequences of the civil war and is committed to breaking the cycle of violence. Through their dedication, they aim to build a nation where peace, stability, and prosperity prevail, ensuring that the root causes of the conflict remain in the past.
What caused the civil war in Liberia? In April, all competing parties, under the auspices of the UN and the West African Community (ECOWAS), committed to refraining from violence and using judicial institutions to resolve electoral conflicts. Liberia’s young population hopes that these commitments will hold and that the specter of violence will not revisit their nation. Source and visit thedailycourierng for more news