DEVELOPING ALTERNATIVES: CITIZENS PERSPECTIVES ON LIBERIAN CIVIL WAR

Abstract

This article provides an alternative examination of the causes of the Liberian civil war from 1980 to 2003. I employed a constructivist epistemology and qualitative study based upon fieldwork in different African cities interviewing Liberians outside and within Liberia. A purposive sampling of fourteen participants was selected. Mainly qualitative methodology and data collecting methods and instruments, involving semi-structured interviews, document and textual analysis, were used. The perceptions of these participants on the causes and possible solution to the endemic conflict in their homeland hold key perspectives that have hitherto been ignored in the whole debate about the Liberian civil war and its legacies. Finally, from the synthesized findings of the investigation, we concluded that the causes of the Liberian civil war are found in competition for scarce resources, marginalization, bad governance, weak legal framework, historical legacy, external factors, incessant political power struggles and the proliferation of small fire arms entering the country. We then proffered some solution to the seemingly lingering and endemic legacies of the war, and they include: Youth training initiative by the Liberian government; inclusive conflict prevention structures encompassing all the ethnic groups into the Government policy implementation strategies; helping vulnerable groups to adapt to new challenges; employment opportunities and other income generating ventures. The Government, together with the sub-regional Organisation (ECOWAS), should enforce the following post conflict reconstruction activities such as social reintegration, Demobilisation and Disarmament, Military integration and restructuring, maintaining law and Order, Protection of Human rights, Institutional and Policy reforms.