International Crisis Group
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Liberia| West Africa
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Recent reports and briefings

With the negotiated departure of President Charles Taylor in November 2003 and his subsequent arrest and trial at The Hague for war crimes, Liberia concluded a period of civil war that had resulted to the total collapse of the Liberian state and destabilization of the Mano River Union sub-region. The transitional period saw intensive international engagement with the reconstruction of the country through the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), deployed in September 2003. In late 2005, concern over the lack of accountability for reconstruction funds led donors to impose the intrusive Governance and Economic Management Assistance Plan (GEMAP), aimed at improving governance practices and accountability for funds during the reconstruction period.

Liberia successfully faced the first of its major peacebuilding challenges in January 2006 with the election of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.  Barely three years into the new government, there have been some positive developments but more efforts are required in key recovery areas such as the security system reform. While there has been the introduction of gender sensitive laws, as well as positive army reform and extensive DDR initiatives, with mitigated results, Police reforms remain an urgent priority. Reconstruction continues to attract substantial foreign funding. But with major security, governance, economic and social challenges still ahead, there is a profound need to transform the goodwill directed at the new government into action for sustained positive change.


Our reports on Liberia are listed below, starting with the most recent. You can also search for relevant reports using the search box in the top right hand side of this page.

Articles, op-eds, speeches and media releases can be found under the media section.

 


Recent reports & briefings