Liberian History

Liberia is a relatively small country with a dynamically tragic history. The country is only a bit larger than the state of Tennessee, and it was established in the mid 1800's by freed slaves from America. Since the country's birth, there has existed a sort of "step-child" relationship between Liberia and the US as well as a strong tension between the descendants of the freed slaves ("Americo-Liberians") and those belonging to the indigenous tribes. These factors have contributed to significant civil unrest that finally erupted in 1980 when Samuel Doe, a man with an 8th grade education and the backing of a rebel army, overtook the government in a coup and publicly executed 13 members of parliament not far from where my ship is currently docked. Since Doe came into power the country has experienced economic decline, civil unrest and tyrannical leadership that climaxed into a violent civil war that claimed the lives of about 10% of the population and ended in 2003. Driving over the pot-holed roads and shells of bombed-out buildings throughout Monrovia, it's hard to believe that this city was one of the most advanced and prided cities in Africa just a few decades ago.

Here are some photos of Monrovia, taken by the Mercy Ships communication department. Because my $200 camera is more than half a year's wages for most Liberians, I am trying to be sensitive about where/when to take photos. On most of my trips into town the camera stays in my purse.