Overview
Concern has been working in Liberia since 1996, only halting operations during the height of the 2003 conflict. It is now in the process of moving from emergency programming to longer term development programmes in Montserrado, Grand Bassa, Bong and Lofa counties. Concern Liberia focuses on providing water and sanitation facilities, hygiene education, rehabilitation for refugees and HIV education.
Liberia was born of slaves resettled from the United States. It gained independence in 1847 and is the first independent black African country. Within 25 years Liberia had established a republic. Between 1944 and 1971, President William Tubman promoted foreign investment with resultant high economic growth rates and largely bridged the economic, social, and political gaps between the descendents of the original settlers and the inhabitants of the interior. However, the creation of a dual society, based on an elite few taking advantage of this resource-rich country, eventually led to civil crisis. William Tolbert succeeded Tubman after his death in 1971 and tried to introduce reforms. The elite, however, continued to control the country and corruption became rampant.
In 1980, Tolbert was killed in a military coup led by Samuel Doe which started a decade of authoritarian rule. In 1989, Charles Taylor launched a rebellion against Doe's regime that led to a prolonged civil war in which Doe died. Relative peace in 1997 allowed for elections that brought Taylor to power, but major fighting resumed in 2000. This was only stopped by the resignation of Taylor and his exile to Nigeria in 2003 and the intervention of 15,000 international peacekeeping troops under the United Nations mission in Liberia. The UN disarmament and demobilisation programme ended in 2004, and all the internally displaced people had left their camps by April 2006. Rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-combatants is still ongoing.
After two years of a transitional government, democratic elections in late 2005 brought President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, a Harvard-trained economist, to power in January 2006.
Liberia today
President Sirleaf’s new government has been actively trying to re-establish social and political stability in the country, with efforts to reduce corruption, build international financial support and encourage private investment. After 14 years of civil conflict, there is a cautious optimism that Liberia will move from conflict to recovery and economic prosperity.
Liberia faces many challenges in the coming years. The country’s 14 year war destroyed the socio-economic fabric of the country, and led to almost 10% of the population of 3.5 million being killed and at least half displaced. Much of its infrastructure was destroyed or severely damaged during the war. Liberia’s life expectancy is among the lowest in the world and nearly three-quarters of Liberians live on less than $1 per day, with half living on just 50 cents per day. Low literacy compounds high unemployment rates.
Nevertheless, optimism is evident in the vast reconstruction and social activity throughout the county, including local and international investment and a lifting of the timber and diamond export embargos. Liberia has a wealth of natural resources, water, mineral resources, forests, and a climate favourable to agriculture, and had been a producer and exporter of basic products, primarily raw timber and rubber and has potential for strong economic growth.
Concern has been working full time in Liberia since 1996, only stopping operations during the height of the 2003 conflict. It is now in the process of moving from emergency programming to longer term development programmes in Montserrado, Grand Bassa, Bong and Lofa counties. Concern Liberia focuses on providing water and sanitation facilities, hygiene promotion, rehabilitation for refugees and HIV education. Read more...
