End of an Era
A Nigerian peacekeeper exults as former Liberian President Charles Taylor’s plane prepares for takeoff. The indicted war crimes suspect and onetime warlord resigned and left for exile in Nigeria, bringing hope to war-weary civilians that years of brutal conflict would end. (Carolyn Cole / LAT)
Jubilant civilians run into the streets of Monrovia to greet African peacekeepers as they enter Liberia’s capital. (Carolyn Cole / LAT)
West African peacekeepers stir excitement as they make their initial approach to Monrovia. They are among the troops who will assist Liberia as it takes steps to end its 14-year civil war, which has left the country in need of food, water and medical care. (Carolyn Cole / LAT)
Rebel leaders celebrate the prospect of peace. Many said they were eager to lay down their arms. (Carolyn Cole / LAT)
A member of the rebel movement Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy, or LURD, mans his post on Bushnell Island. A tenative peace is holding after the arrival of peacekeepers. (Carolyn Cole / LAT)
Government soldiers make their way over the Via Town bridge, reuniting with old friends who had gone to the rebel side of the bridge. (Carolyn Cole / LAT)
Charles Taylor wipes his brow during a resignation ceremony inside Monrovia’s executive mansion. He ceded power to his vice president, Moses Blah. (Carolyn Cole / LAT)
Former Liberian President Charles Taylor waves and walks to the airplane that would take him to Nigeria. He had been pressured to leave by the U.S. and West African leaders. (Carolyn Cole / LAT)
Liberians bid farewell to Charles Taylor as his plane taxis for takeoff. (Carolyn Cole / LAT)