Liberia is finally getting a much needed break from a lifetime of violence. Established in 1820 by the American Colonization Society, Liberia was intended to be an African homeland for former slaves hoping to return to their roots. Critics of the ACS opposed the aggressive tactics used to convince native tribes to “sell” the land (a gun pointed to the head), and the racist motivations behind the scheme (the ACS believed that blacks and whites couldn’t live in a society together). Many saw the country as simply an American attempt at intercontinental empire building. Regardless of the opposition, by 1867, 13,000 former slaves inhabited the area of coastal West Africa known as The Republic of Liberia.

The Americo-Liberians made up only 5% of the population, but maintained control of the country for the next 133 years. The indigenous population was suppressed, and the True Whig Party had complete economic and political power. The tribes battled this minority ruling class incessantly.

In 1980, the battles reached a peak, and a mighty coup d’etat resulted in Liberia’s first ever indigenous rule. Master Sergeant Samuel Doe and the People’s Redemption Council executed the standing President and his main officials, and seized power of the country. Though Doe established good relations with the US, the country was extremely unstable, and his win did nothing to create a sense of unity. On the contrary, rival tribes began to fight each other with renewed vigor. In 1989, civil war broke out, resulting in 150,000 deaths and forcing 850,000 refugees to flee. In 1996, a rebel leader, Charles Taylor, ran for president on the platform of continuing brutal war if he didn’t win. An election motto was “He kill my ma, he kill my pa, I vote for him.” He was elected, and the warfare came to a halt.

Not for long. Taylor’s regime was marked by corruption and military intimidation, and was largely opposed. In 1999, rebel groups began aggressively seizing control of significant portions of land. Violent attempts to remove Taylor from office eventually resulted in his 2003 flight to Nigeria. An interim government took over until fair elections could be held.

On November 23rd, 2005, Liberia announced the election of its new President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. The new leader is Harvard educated, and served time in jail due to her vocal opposition to military regimes. She is already making steps towards stability, having extended her hand to the Ivory Coast, a former foe. Many Liberians and Africans are hoping that a female leader will bring greater attention and a deeper compassion to human rights than former leaders. If her administration proves to be successful, doors may open for women all across the continent. To be sure, men and women all over Liberia, Africa, and the world will be watching Ms. Johnson-Sirleaf every step of the way.

Originally published by InternationalistMag.com on December 1, 2005