The Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Reconciling or Re-dividing Liberia?

Abstract

After 14 years of civil war and violence followed by the momentous and rather unusual
elections of 2005, in which a woman defeated a footballer for the presidency, Liberia has seen
over six years of state reconstruction and relative peace. Two recent announcements have,
however, served as a warning to the extent of progress. The most recent is President Ellen
Johnson-Sirleaf’s declaration that she will, despite previous statements to the contrary, stand for
re-election in 2011 due to shortcomings in progress. The announcement preceding Johnson-
Sirleaf’s was made in the form of the report of the Liberian Truth and Reconciliation
Commission (TRC). It recommended that Johnson-Sirleaf, and indeed many others accused of
involvement in the war, should be barred from public office for the next 30 years, and still more
should stand trial on charges of war crimes. Four important questions arise. First, what was the
mandate and findings of the TRC? Second, how has Liberia and the wider international
community reacted to the final report? Third, has the TRC fulfilled its mandate and contributed
to a process of reconciliation? Finally, and in a much broader sense, where does the TRC stand
relative to the much wider liberal peace model?

Key words: Liberia, truth, reconciliation, peacebuilding

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