Looking Back and Building Forward: The Case of Liberia
By Yves-Renée Jennings, MS,
Ph. D. Student
George Mason University, Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution

This paper looks at Liberia’s past while focusing on the present in order to help Liberia move forward as it transforms its communities’ ability to resolve conflict constructively. As a research study, this paper examines the challenges encountered by the freed slaves from the United States who repatriated to the Western part of Africa, currently known as Liberia. It then looks at dynamics between Liberians since the country’s foundation in 1847, the periods preceding the 1980 political coup that ended the Liberia’ s oligarchy, and the different phases of 1989-2003 Civil War. It analyses some of the issues, root causes, as well as the sub-structural and structural aspects that have impacted relationships between Liberians before the war; and assesses if any relational issues influenced the war. Intervention activities are recommended to assist Liberians as they look back at their past and learn how to constructively collaborate to foster social relationships that help them deal with past traumas and the legacy of the war; and work together to address emerging social issues in order to achieve sustainable peace and stability in Liberia. The findings of this study are slated to be a reference and resource for peacebuilders who seek to assist Liberians as they work to rebuild their communities after the 1989-2003 Civil War.