Liberia in Turmoil as International Community Stalls on Support
July 29, 2003
As hundreds of thousands of Liberian residents kill cats and dogs for food amid a growing humanitarian catastrophe, the international community seems unclear how to proceed in the civil war-torn country.
A one-sided cease-fire was called by the rebel group, Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy, on Tuesday, after heavy fighting with soldiers of President Charles Taylor. Taylor has lost control over two-thirds of his country and is facing calls by the United States, the European Union and the United Nations to step down to avoid further bloodshed.
But the embattled leader has refused leave the country until an international peacekeeping force is in place, something being pushed by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. The U.S., however, has refused to back a 3,000-man West African contingent of peacekeepers until Taylor steps down.
As the two sides remain deadlocked, hundreds of thousands of Liberians are caught in the middle. Hundreds of civilians have been killed in fire fights between Taylor’s troops and the LURD rebels in the port city of Monrovia the past 11 days. Civil war has been tearing the country apart since 1999, when rebel groups began fighting again against Taylor, who had managed to keep three years of tense peace.
Ports out of use, humanitarian crisis
Humanitarian organizations are already talking of a catastrophe. Hospital doctors have told wire service reporters that supplies are running out, endangering the lives of hundreds of patients. With the country’s main ports in rebel hands, no food or supplies have been able to enter the country, leaving many in danger of starvation.
The European Union has so far supported international calls for a cease-fire. Brussels has been tight-lipped, however, on whether EU members intend to send troops to contribute to the Nigerian-led peacekeeping force. France is leading a multi-national force currently engaged in peacekeeping duties in the Congo.
After deploying three warships to be positioned off the Liberian coast, U.S. President George W. Bush has so far been hesitant to commit to more. Liberia was founded by freed American slaves 150 years ago and many Liberians still look to the U.S. as the country’s big brother. The Liberian flag resembles America’s Stars and Stripes.