Liberia, Civil War (1st.1989-1996, 2nd.1997-2003)

First Liberian Civil War (1989-1996)

Despite Doe's poor human rights record and questionable democratic credentials, he retained close relations with the President Ronald Reagan and enjoyed considerable US financial support.

On Dec. 24, 1989, a small band of rebels led by Doe's former chief, Charles Taylor,invaded Liberian Patriotic front Rebels rapidly and gained the support of many Liberians. They reached the outskirts of Monrovia. From 1989 to 1996 , one of Africa's bloodiest civil wars ensued, claiming the lives of more than 2,00,00 Lliberians and neighbouring countries. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) intervened in 1990 and succeeded Monrovia.A member of Taylor's National Patriotic Front of liberia (NPFL) Yormie Johnson formed the INPFL. Johnson's forces captured and killed Doe on Sept. 9, 1990. Both of NPFL and INPFL continued siege on Monrovia.

After many ups and downs an election was held in July, 1997 which was won by Taylor by 75 % of votes and took the office in the 2nd Aug.,1997. Bloodshed in Liberia did not stop. For the next 6 years , Taylor Govt. could not improve the lives of liberians and unemployment , illiteracy continued resulting a second civil war in Aug. 2003.

Under intense presure from US president taylor resigned and departed. The UN took over the security of Liberia. In Oct. 2005,

Charge of liberia taken over by Charles Guude Bryant,in oct.2003.

Ellen Johnsom Sirleaf elected Presidentin 2005

presidential and legislative elections were held and in the history of Liberia , Ellen Johnson Sirleaf defeated international soccer star George Weah by 59.4 % of votes and became the President.

The Govt. of Liberia made positive recovery.

View of a lake in Bomi county, Liberia