The Liberian Civil War
Algina Porte
Strayer University Online
Math 105
Prof. Clifton Collins
Dec 13, 2009,
THE LIBERIAN CIVIL WAR.
Liberia is the oldest African Republic, located on the West Coast of Africa. Liberia was founded in 1822 by the American Colonization Society as a safe haven for freed slaves returning home from the Americas to greater freedom. Liberia became a republic in 1847.
On April 12, 1980, the government of Liberia was overthrown in a bloody coup. The then president William R. Tolbert (descendent of freed slaves) was executed along with 12 of his cabinet ministers. The 12 cabinet ministers were rounded up and executed by firing squad by band of young immature …show more content…
To the shock, dismay and disappointment, the war continued. Amos Sawyer and ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) attempt for a cease fire, held numerous peace conference monitored by the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) in Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire. These peace talks failed as soon as the various parties got back to their headquarters. Mr. Taylor would sign the peace accord, but would not abide by it.
In October 1992, Mr. Taylor launched “Operation Octopus against the city of Monrovia. Civilians, once again fled for the lives into NPFL held territory. Rockets were thrown into Monrovia from all directions resulting in the loss of many lives. The peace keeping force of ECOMOG had advantage on the ground, sea and air, using Gunboats on the seas, and Alpha Jet Bombers in the air. Operation Octopus lasted for three months and a ceasefire ensued in the capital of Benin, …show more content…
Taylor for allegedly funding the war in nearby Sierra Leone, which had claimed the lives and limbs of many. Many of the survivor arms and legs were amputated. It was speculated that Mr. Taylor was funding the war in Sierra Leone because he wanted to have control of the Diamond mines. In the years to come, the International community would impose an embargo on the Liberian Government and Charles Taylor for funding the war in neighboring Sierra Leone, 11 counts of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious violation of international law. Mr. Taylor was forced into exiled in 2003, and flown to Nigeria after pressure from the International Community ensued. He was arrested trying to cross the border into Cameroon, and flown to Liberia where his rights were read and then flown in a U.N helicopter to Sierra Leone to stand trial. Because of the sensitive matter of the trial, Mr. Taylor was flown to The Hague in the Netherlands where his trial is in progress.