The Conflict

Blacks from America—former slaves—colonized Liberia in 1822. Since 1989 Liberia has been fighting a bloody and brutal civil war. In addition to the deaths and mutilations, the war has created thousands of refugees, and virtually decimated the infrastructure of the country.

Political

• The Africans from America (Americo-Africans) established a government in Liberia and for much of the history of Liberia, ran the government. The native-born Africans were not allowed to fully participate.
• Many rebel groups, such as ULIMO, led by Samuel Doe, emerged to fight the Liberian government and each other.
• The war in Liberia destabilized neighboring countries.

Economic

• Americo-Africans are significantly wealthier and have more opportunities than Africans whose ancestors have always been African.

Nowhere has the severity of conflict been more...