One Line
The author observed the rebuilding of infrastructure and forged strong bonds in post-conflict Liberia amidst uncertain future elections.
Slides
Slide Presentation (9 slides)
Key Points
- Liberia was recovering from a brutal civil conflict in 2004.
- The capital Monrovia had no running water or electricity.
- UN Peace Keepers were deployed to hold the peace and disarm armed forces.
- Parts of the country were depopulated due to citizens fleeing or hiding.
- Lofa County had a lush rainforest and experienced significant changes during the year.
- The office in Lofa County was initially basic but improved over time.
- Life in Liberia was not drastic, and the author made good friends from different agencies and countries.
- Liberia was holding elections to choose their next president, with a choice between an economist from the old political class and a former African soccer player.
Summaries
18 word summary
In post-conflict Liberia, the author witnessed the reconstruction of infrastructure and formed close relationships despite uncertain future elections.
82 word summary
In 2004, the author visited post-conflict Liberia. Monrovia lacked basic amenities as UN Peacekeepers arrived after Charles Taylor's exile. Some areas were controlled by ex-combatants and child soldiers. The author resided in Lofa County, witnessing the reconstruction of churches, mosques, and schools. Improvements were made to accommodations, including housing, generators, refrigerators, and computers. Despite challenges, the author formed close relationships with colleagues. Liberia's future remained uncertain as elections approached between an economist and an African soccer player without a high school education.
143 word summary
In 2004, the author traveled to Liberia, a country recovering from a long civil conflict. Monrovia, the capital city, had no running water or electricity. As Charles Taylor left for exile, UN Peacekeepers arrived to maintain peace and oversee disarmament. Parts of the country were depopulated, controlled by ex-combatants and child soldiers. The author lived in Lofa County, where changes occurred over time with rebuilt churches, mosques, and schools. Initially, the author's office was makeshift, with cramped sleeping arrangements and no running water or reliable electricity. However, improvements were made, including housing construction, generators, refrigerators, and computers. Despite the challenging living conditions, the author formed close relationships with colleagues. By the time the author left Liberia, progress had been made, but the future remained uncertain. Liberia was holding elections between an economist and a renowned African soccer player without a high school education.
342 word summary
In August 2004, the author traveled to Liberia to assist with the country's recovery from a long and brutal civil conflict. After 15 years of fighting and neglect, Liberia was in a state of disarray, with no running water or electricity in the capital city of Monrovia. As Charles Taylor, the ousted president, left for exile in Nigeria, the largest deployment of UN Peacekeepers arrived to maintain peace and oversee the disarmament process.
Parts of the country were depopulated, with citizens fleeing across the border or hiding in camps or the bush. In 2004, ex-combatants still controlled these areas, with child soldiers holding weapons and demanding to be called "generals." The security situation in these regions was uncertain, and many Liberians were afraid to return to their homes.
The author lived in Lofa County for a year, which was known for its lush rainforest. The landscape resembled hills covered in natty locks. Over time, significant changes occurred in the county, with churches, mosques, and schools being rebuilt and families returning home.
Upon arrival, the author's office was makeshift, with a shared space for 50 staff members. Sleeping arrangements were cramped, and there was no running water or reliable electricity. Communication with the head office in Monrovia relied on radio signals. However, as time went on, improvements were made, such as housing construction, a larger generator, refrigerators, stoves, running water, computers for each department, and cell phones.
Despite the challenging living conditions, the author formed close relationships with colleagues from various agencies and countries. Nearby, the ICRC (Red Cross) house/office provided additional amenities, and the Pakistani Peacekeepers had the best restaurant in the country.
By the time the author left Liberia, significant progress had been made. However, the future remained uncertain for the country. The author wished them the best as they faced numerous challenges. At the time of writing, Liberia was holding elections to choose their next president between an economist from the old political class and an outsider who was a renowned African soccer player but lacked a high school education.