Liberia

Overview

After more than a decade of civil war that left Liberia a shell of its former shelf, traveling throughout the country is akin to standing naked on a busy highway, dangerous yet exhilarating. Since the deposition of Charles Taylor to Nigeria in 2003 the country has slowly but steadily regained stability. United Nations troops continue to patrol the country but strife is rare. Elections in November 2005 saw Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf take power and optimism for the country's future has never been higher.   Travel throughout the country, however, has yet to improve. The war destroyed much of the country's infrastructure and save for a decent highway that connects Monrovia with the Sierra Leonean border, roads throughout the country are less than ideal. Adding to the travelers hassles are ever-present military and police checkpoints where 'registration fees' are demanded. Keep your cool and stick to your beliefs on the issue of bribery and you'be fine.   Despite the country's poverty, its people are amongst the most welcoming you'll ever meet. Walking through the streets of Monrovia you'll undoubtedly be approached and quizzed on your views on the country's development, its future and, chances are, your thoughts on Charles Taylor. Take a deep breath before you get there and enjoy!

History

In August 2003, a comprehensive peace agreement ended 14 years of civil war and prompted the resignation of former president Charles TAYLOR, who was exiled to Nigeria. The National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL) - composed of rebel, government, and civil society groups - assumed control in October 2003. Chairman Gyude BRYANT, who was given a two-year mandate to oversee efforts to rebuild Liberia, heads the new government. The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), which maintains a strong presence throughout the country, completed a disarmament program for former combatants in late 2004, but the security situation is still volatile and the process of rebuilding the social and economic structure of this war-torn country remains sluggish. Liberia is recovering from a devastating civil war that ended only recently. While the country is on the mend, it has not yet redeveloped the necessary infrastructure to sustain a large increase in tourism, with little for the average visitor outside Monrovia. Towns like Buchanan, Ganta etc are little more than a collection shanty houses with no decent hotels or food. There is a lot of lawlessness outside of Monrovia but the situation is improving with the UN Peacekeepers. Fear must not stop you if you come to this place, but remember that this is a recovering country and going to rural areas is a big no-no.