Blessed, Fragile Peace in Liberia : Council’s leaders must end their rivalries if democracy is to have a chance

Democracy, albeit fragile, finally has returned to Liberia after almost six years of civil war that killed nearly 6% of the population and ruined the infrastructure of what had been one of Africa’s most stable republics. However, the peace that now prevails will last only if old enemies cooperate.

Three rival military leaders--including Charles Taylor, the murderous tyrant who started the war, recruited child soldiers and prolonged the killing--sit on the six-member Council of State established last week. They must find ways to work together to begin the rebuilding of food supplies, homes and schools.

The new coalition government can succeed, as has the power-sharing partnership of political opponents in South Africa, if the Liberian council members bury their enmity. Despite its bloody recent history, Liberia could provide a model for all of West Africa, a region in which some other countries have yet to achieve internal unity.

If the tentative peace holds, Liberia can thank its neighbors, especially soldiers from Nigeria and diplomats from Ghana. Africans brokered this peace. The Economic Community of West African States responded forcefully to Liberia’s tragedy, providing peacekeepers and diplomats after the United Nations and the West--including Liberia’s old friend, the United States--appeared to give up on the seemingly intractable conflict.

Democracy must be nurtured throughout the region, especially in nearby Nigeria, where military leaders continue to rule without fair elections, labor rights or a free press. External pressures may help persuade them to make good on their promises of change for Nigeria. South Africa and Zimbabwe have encouraged Nigerian leaders to embrace democracy. The United States and several European countries, all major trading partners of Nigeria, meanwhile have rightly threatened to impose economic sanctions.

Nigeria must not be allowed to descend into civil war as did Liberia or nearby Sierra Leone. Only peace offers hope for African progress and prosperity.