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Our Stories Conflict in Liberia Liberia was home to about 16 different ethnic groups when freed slaves from the United States settled there in the 1820s. There was bad feeling between the African people and the new arrivals. The settlers were the minority, but had the support of the United States military and became the social elite.  The
country gained independence from the United States in 1847, but resistance from
tribal groups to the new powerful elite continued until the 1930s. The country
maintained strong ties with the US. William Tolbert became President in 1971. In 1979, he attempted to promote domestic rice production by raising prices. This sparked riots from opposition groups, which were suppressed by government forces. Tolbert was assassinated in 1980 and a coup brought Master Sergeant Samuel Doe to power. This marked the end of the settlers' domination of government and violent reprisals were carried out by the new government against Tolbert sympathisers. Instability in the country grew, coming to a head in 1989 when Charles Taylor's National Patriotic Front (NPFL) rose up against the government. The fighting was chaotic, with rebels fighting amongst themselves and against the government. By July 1990, rebel forces had surrounded the capital. A group of West African States sent in a peacekeeping force to monitor a ceasefire. In September 1990, President Doe was captured and executed by rebels under Prince Yeduo Johnson.  Both
Taylor and Johnson claimed the presidency and fighting continued. About 750,000
refugees fled the country. The West African States installed an interim president
but Charles Taylor launched a renewed assault in 1992. The West African States
responded by bombing to force the rebels to withdraw. A peace agreement led to elections being held in 1997. Charles Taylor became President. Liberia's relations with neighbouring countries deteriorated and Taylor was accused of fuelling the war in Sierra Leone by trading weapons in exchange for diamonds. In 2003, Taylor fled to exile in Nigeria after rebel factions surrounded the capital Monrovia. West African peacekeeping troops arrived to restore order. Talks are underway between government and rebel parties to set up an interim government. 
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