Tracing the Evolution of Liberia’s Nationhood
Liberia was established
in the 19th century due to the efforts of a group of in the United
States. This group known as The American Colonization Society was instrumental
in repatriating freed African Americans to Africa.
Liberia is located in the West African coast and shares borders with Sierra Leone, Guinea, Ivory Coast and the Atlantic Ocean. Liberia is the only country in Africa that was established by freed slaves.
However the land on
which these former slaves settled was originally occupied by two major tribes
Gola and Kissi people. These tribes arrived the location around the 12th
century. They first had contract with Europeans in the 16th century
when Portuguese trading vessels discovered the region. By the 18th
century British and French traders arrived and also conducted trade with the
locals.
As slave trade became
increasingly abhorred and disapproved of by many European and American citizens
concerted efforts were made to protect freed blacks. Thus in 1816, the American
Colonization Society (ACS) was founded.
These group of white
Americans believed that slaves who had regained freedom also had a right to prosperity.
They also came to the conclusion that a resettlement arrangement in Africa
would be better for the freed slaves.
By 1820 resettlement
efforts began with the establishment of Cape Mesurado, which is presently known
as Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia.
In 1822, the principal
settlement was laid out on the West African coast, in the end leading to the
foundation of the Republic of Liberia in 1847. The nation acquired autonomy and
sovereignty, becoming one of the first African nations to become independent
during the colonial era.
Time Line of Liberia’s History
Early History and Colonization:
Slavery and Emancipation: The historical
backdrop of Liberia is deeply entwined with the transatlantic slave trade. In
the early 19th century, the American Colonization Society was
established in the US, fully intent on localizing free African-Americans and previous
captives to Africa.
Settlement: In 1822,
the society laid out a settlement on the West African coast, which developed
rapidly and grew to become a viable settlement. The city metamorphosed into the
City of Monrovia, which today is the capital of Liberia. This eventually and
undeniably began the subtle phase of colonization.
Declaration of Independence:
Developing Settlements: Throughout
the long term, more settlers showed up from the US, laying out a few
settlements along the coast. The settlements continued to grow in numbers as
the years went by as it became of haven for slaves freed on-board slave ships.
Independence: On
July 26, 1847, Liberia announced its autonomy from the American Colonization
Society and established the Republic of Liberia. Joseph Jenkins Roberts became
the first president of the Republic of Liberia after this declaration.
Early Years and Regional Development:
Expansion: Liberia
extended its region through settlements and land purchases from nearby African
clan leaders. This further expanded the frontiers of the country but also led
to other challenges.
The settlers began to
have conflicts with local indigenous population who understandably were not
receptive of them. They also were piqued that they were subservient to the
settlers who were now the rulers of the land.
Nonetheless, the
country continued to grow geometrically. Liberia's economy developed based on
agriculture, especially products of palm oil, timber, and rubber. The Firestone
Tire Rubber Company played a major role in the rubber business, making the
country one of the key rubber producers in Africa.
Social Separation: In
any case, a gap emerged between the Americo-Liberians (descendants of the
settlers) who held political and economic power. The native populaces were
discriminated against by the settlers. They could not get jobs neither could
they participate in running the affairs of the state. They lacked political
representation and thus practically had no voice in their homeland.
20th Century Difficulties and Coups:
During the First and
Second World Wars Liberia remained neutral and did not contribute towards the
war campaigns. However, the conflicts had serious impact on the economic and
political structure of the country.
The economic crisis
that ensued from the war led to political unrest and protest. Also the
government became increasingly corrupt and inept. This created a wide gap
within the social structure of the country and further exacerbated inequality.
In response to imbalance
and inequality in the country discontent and political instability increased.
In 1980 Samuel Doe, a young Master Sergeant in the Liberian Army led a coup,
overthrowing and brining to an end the rule of the Americo-Liberian elite.
This coup marked the
beginning of one of Africa’s deadliest conflicts. During his regime, Samuel Doe
inept and incapable of leading, strived to stifle opposition. Thus he clamped
down on opposition as he tried to consolidate power.
Unfortunately it led to deeper issues and in 1989 a civil war broke out in Liberia. The main opposition to his government and one of the major leaders of the rebels was Charles Taylor. Though other factions participated in the war, Charles Taylor, eventually led the faction that captured and killed Samuel Doe.
The war brought untold
hardship, suffering and instability on the people of Liberia. Communities and
thousands of lives were wasted during this unfortunate incident. The war lasted
until 1997 when Charles Taylor took the reins of power as the President of
Liberia.
Charles Taylor’s
presidency was equally not different as he was accused of corruption and human
rights abuses. Just like his predecessor he muffled opposing voices,
incarcerated many and had others eliminated.
In 1999 another civil
war broke out which involved multiple factions and created regional instability
in the process. After 4 years of intense fighting and blood shed the conflict
was resolved after a peace agreement was signed in 2003.
This peace agreement
led to the removal of Charles Taylor after he was granted asylum in Nigeria by
the Gen Olusegun Obasanjo led government.
Charles Taylor however
is serving his jail term after he was found guilty of war crimes by the
International Criminal Court.
Post-War Recuperation and Democracy:
After the nationwide
conflicts, endeavors were made to reestablish stability and to rebuild the
nation. International organizations were instrumental in forging new policies
that would reinstate democracy in Liberia.
In 2006, Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf won the presidential elections and was thereafter named the President
of Liberia. She became in history the first woman to be elected head of State
in Africa.
Liberia has proceeded
with its journey towards maintaining democracy. This they have achieved by
holding presidential elections and witnessing peaceful transfer of power.
Presently the nation is led by a renowned former footballer; George Weah.
Liberia's set of
experiences is complicated and includes a blend of colonization, battle for
freedom, civil wars, and endeavors to reestablish and maintain democracy.
It's a demonstration of
the versatility and assurance of the Liberian nation to conquer difficulties
and work towards a better future. Though it is continuously making efforts to
overcome its legacy of slavery and colonization, it is on the right path to
recovery.