Posted by Heidi Samnøen Aguilera As I mentioned in my email to you, I have not been back to Liberia for almost a year. However, from what I hear, there is fighting going on in Liberia. It started about 6 - 9 months ago in Upper Lofa region. Now I understand it has reached as far as Banga. People there seem to think that it may come to Monrovia soon. There is no infrastuctural or other development, the country has no WB or IMF, or other development aid funding and on inquiry, noone of any substance wants to consider anything there. There is a total absence of water purification, sanitation, medicines, or other basic aminities. You can only get electricity if you own a generator, or pay someone who has one to give you electricity. Everywhere you travel, you have to pass military and police check points, there is no discipline at all and more often than not the guards at the The USD/Liberty exchange rate has fallen to 60 LIberty to the Dollar. A very few select people do seem to have an extremely luxurious and carefree life with whatever they want. However, it depends whether you are related to the right family, or are in favour at that particular time. Unfortunately, I don't have photographs since it is not a good idea to carry anything expensive around with you. Also, it is not a good idea to take photos, since this can get you arrested and/or deported, usually as a spy. There is no iron ore or any industrial mining. The locals and and a few private foreigners are involved in alluvial mining for diamonds and gold. Mainly around the Lofa River area.
on 1/5/2001, 12:41:59
I received the following message on email today:
checkpoints are blind drunk on canejuice and grass. There is no rule of law.
You can get anything so long as you are able and prepared to pay the right person. It is all a question of how much you have at your disposal and how much you are prepared to pay
Everything is extremely expensive and unaffordable by the majority. There are
no jobs and you can feel the growing resentment and aggression in the people.
It appears that there is concern that there may be another war very soon and it would appear that people who can have already started leaving.
However, I will try and get some for you.
Message Thread:
« Back to thread