Violence and social consequences of the conflicts in Liberia and Sierra Leone

The civil war in Liberia began in 1989, when the country was attacked by the rebels of the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) led by Charles Taylor. In Sierra Leone the civil war was initiated in 1991 by Revolutionary United Front (RUF) led by Foday Sankoh. The article describes the specifics of the conflicts in Liberia and Sierra Leone. It discusses social and economic context of the wars as well as causes of their longevity. In addition, it presents the international community actions for ending the prolonged civil war in Sierra Leone and the importance of the policy “weapon for diamonds”. The article uses a historical-analytical method of research.

Uncontrolled arms trade is one of today’s global problems. Its consequence is the development of terrorism, drug trafficking, poverty, death of women and children in local conflicts, etc. Since the beginning of the 20th century, international organizations have been established and functioning to limit this practice. For decades, they have provided policymakers, researchers and civil society with impartial, evidence-based and policy-relevant knowledge on all aspects of small arms and armed violence.