CHAOS: Aftermath of the 1980 Coup d'Etat In Liberia and U.S. Engagement With the Military Junta

the book examines the tragic confluence of socio- economic, military and political events between 1979 – 1985 in the West African Republic of Liberia, and their impact on the future stability of the country. The violent military overthrow of ruling True Whig party Government which dominated the political and and economic spheres strained and exacerbated the downward spiral of the once relatively stable country which was founded by freed black slaves from the United States in the mid 1800s. Following the overthrow of the civilian administration on April 12, 1980, the violent proclivity of the new military leaders was quickly realized when 13 former Government officials were accused of rampant corruption, hurriedly given a sham military trial and executed to the shock of Liberians and the international community. The U.S. miscalculated the potential of violent and bloody overthrown of the civilian Government but made the strategic decision to remain engaged with the coup leaders and even provided millions of dollars and military support and training in direct aid afterwards to Liberia. The U.S. escaped harsh criticisms for its support of the military junta because it openly held the coup makers to account for their dismal rights abuses and poor fiscal management. The former military leader turned former President Samuel K. Doe would go on to eliminate members of his governing People’s Redemption Council (PRC) and emerge as ruthless dictator after ‘stolen” Presidential elections in 1985. A major rebel insurgency beginning in December 1979 would eventually lead to Doe’s capture, torture and death and untold bloodletting and destruction of the country.