Sir, - Once again a small African country is hitting the headlines in the world media, but alas, it seems to be the welfare of Europeans and Americans rather than of Africans which is attracting the interest. There is a sense of deja vu about all this. Just two years ago we read similar headlines about Europeans fleeing Rwanda, and little thought was given to the disastrous situation developing within that country at that time.
The war in Liberia has been a fact of life in the country for six years now. Trocaire has been channelling relief and rehabilitation funds to victims of the war and the hundreds of thousands of refugees who have had to flee to neighbouring countries. Little or no international attention has been given to the death of over 150,000 Liberians.
Will we ever learn? The Liberian situation shows once again the consequences of foreign governments supporting a despotic regime in order to maintain their own political and economic interests. In Liberia's case, it is the action of the US Government and the US rubber industry interests in the 1980s which kept Sergeant Samuel Doe's murderous regime in power. It was the eventual overthrow of this regime which plunged Liberia into a state of civil war.
The recent escalation of hostilities has all the warning signs of a major humanitarian disaster. Just because it has not reached epic proportions or captured the imagination of the media does not mean that urgent action is not required by the international community.
While the safety of foreigners is a cause for concern, the main priority must be the safety of all Liberians within Monrovia. It is time now for the international community to take its responsibilities seriously and re engage with Liberia. It is time for the UN to exert its diplomatic influence and that the support needed by the African Peace forces in Liberia (ECOMOG) is established without delay. - Yours, etc.,
Director, Trocaire,
Booterstown Avenue,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.