Liberia History & Information

By General Joe Wylie

Wylie in Sierra Leone

[May 19, 2001] — About Liberians United For Reconciliation And Democracy (LURD) Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) is an armed, political organization dedicated to the building of genuine democracy in the Republic of Liberia through the removal of the repressive Taylor-led government. LURD is committed to the principles of national reconciliation and unification, and the ideals of constitutional democracy, such as the respect for fundamental rights.

LURD was formed in 2000 by Liberian refugees in the West Africa subregion. Its support comes from internally displaced Liberians and exiles. No former warlord has been nor shall be involved or associated with the LURD in its national effort to build democratic institutions in Liberia.

LURD has a two-tier organizational structure. A political campaign to establish rule of law, and a military campaign to free the Liberian people from the tyrannical rule of the Taylor-led regime.

How LURD Is Different From Other Political And Military Groups
In safeguarding the best interests of the Liberian people, it is the intent of LURD to work with other Liberian democratic entities in a provisional governing body towards internationally supervised, free and fair multi-party elections in 2003. Under this transitional arrangement:

1. The constitution will be upheld, defended and protected;
2. Human rights and civil liberties will be respected and defended;
3. Basic services will be restored;
4. International norms will be observed;
5. An enabling environment will be created to foster economic recovery and attract foreign investments; and
6. All international agreements with Liberia will be honored by LURD.

Why The Taylor-led Government Must Resign Or Be Removed From Power
The savage civil war set the stage for the current decaying social, political and economic conditions in Liberia. That conflict virtually destroyed the physical and cultural fabric of our nation. Relative peace and security paved the way for rushed internationally monitored elections that gave Charles Taylor and his National Patriotic Party a mandate to govern, unite and reconcile Liberians.

After three and one half years of the brutal and corrupt misrule of our national affairs, the Taylor regime has failed miserably in fulfilling the electoral mandate given by Liberians. Meanwhile, President Taylor continuously violates the constitution with impunity, and is irreparably damaging the image of our “Lone Star” within the international community.

LURD is determined to have Charles Taylor removed from state power so as to halt his constant assault on the constitution, including the abuse of power and the misuse of authority to stifle press freedom and individual rights. The Taylor government’s misguided economic policies, monopolistic practices, and criminal interests hinder economic recovery and international reconstruction assistance. An imperial presidency has local and national government with public services in shambles or disarray.

Liberians, having languished as refugees and displaced persons for over ten years, and wanting to be repatriated and resettled in a democratic Liberia, have decided to form themselves into LURD to bring all necessary pressures to bear on the Taylor-led government to immediately resign from state power or be removed by all means necessary.

LURD’s political and military campaigns are geared toward national salvation. Charles Taylor and his National Patriotic Party (NPP) have two choices: either his government steps down from the reins of state power or be removed immediately by the Liberian people to prevent anarchy in order to build a sustainable democracy.

Vision Of LURD
The ultimate mission of LURD is to build and sustain democracy in the Republic of Liberia.

Our short-term objectives are:

1. to repatriate all Liberian refugees and resettle all internally displaced persons in Liberia;
2. to professionalize the military and security forces;
3. rehabilitate all former combatants; and
4. to work tirelessly with the other countries (Guinea and Sierra Leone) of the Mano River Union to ensure lasting peace and stability in the sub-region.

Our primary focus centers around the unification and integration of all Liberians, with an unending desire to promote ethnic harmony and religious tolerance. The healing of our national wounds through a genuine reconciliation process will secure just and lasting peace and stability in our homeland. The adherence to the rule of law and the respect for fundamental rights of all Liberians shall be the cornerstone for the building of democracy.

It is highly expected that LURD’s military and political campaigns will attract, encourage and cement the participation of Liberians in the democratic process, as well as sustain our democratic institutions.

The laws of Liberia as enshrined in our constitution are supreme. The cornerstone of our constitution is the universal principle of social justice. No one person must be allowed to be above the law, as well as, no one should be allowed to violate our constitution with callous disregard for basic human rights. The will of the Liberian people must always prevail in the court of law and public opinion when it comes to injustices against the Liberian people in the past or present.

It Is The Vision Of Liberians United For Reconciliation And Democracy That:

1. Liberians everywhere will campaign tirelessly to defeat dictatorship and build democracy in Liberia;
2. Liberians everywhere will work together in unity to ensure that its new government will be democratic, transparent and accountable to the Liberian people;
3. Liberians everywhere and the international community will assist Liberia to recover from economic devastation and develop into a vibrant society with equal opportunities for all Liberians, as well as benefit foreign interests that invest in the future of Liberia;
4. Liberians everywhere must mobilize their human, financial and material resources to socially develop our war ravaged nation, as well as appeal for international assistance to improve the low standard of living of our people; and
5. Liberians everywhere must demand and ensure that our natural resources are reserved for future generations through the enactment of environmentally sound policies.

LURD calls upon Liberians everywhere to support the ongoing national campaigns to end the Taylor dictatorship and usher in a new government of Liberia for Liberians and by the Liberian people.

“In Union Strong, Success Is Sure. We Will Not Fail!”