POLICY PAPER: Peace Implementation in Liberia.
Abstract
Liberia is currently recovering from seven years of a rapacious civil war. Recently the combatants traded in their weapons for ballots, holding free and fair national elections on July 19, 1997, according to hundreds of international observers. The election of Charles Taylor, a former Liberian government official, prisoner of Massachusetts, and rebel leader, represents an important juncture in Liberia's recuperation. The truly difficult task of rebuilding begins now, in the wake of the election, as Taylor and other leaders struggle to fulfill their countrymen's high expectations. While the UN prepares to deploy a peacekeeping mission to Liberia, the potentially lethal environment in the country requires the deployment of an interim force to pave the way for its arrival. This paper presents a realistic policy for restoring stability to Liberia and preparing for the arrival of the UN force. The next few months carry the potential for a growing peace or a descent back into armed conflict.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 21, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA330040
Entities
People
- John E. Maraia
Organizations
- Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict & Interdependent Capabilities