LIBERIA: ETHNIC TENSIONS ESCALATE AS REBELS DRAW NEAR

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06861500
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: March 9, 2023
• Document Release Date: September 3, 2020
• Case Number: F-2017-02018
• Publication Date: May 31, 1990

Approved for Release: 2020/09/01 C06861500
4 LC1. 1:C0.12 f.M.P1'117..P.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CP.48 NID 90-126.IX
TCS 2826/90
31 May 1990
Approved for Release: 2020/09/01 C06861500
Approved for Release: 2020/09/01 C06861500
Contents
Liberia: Ethnic Tensions Escalate as Rebels Draw Near
..lecret.
TCS 2826/90
31 May 1990
Approved for Release: 2020/09/01 C06861500
Approved for Release: 2020/09/01 C06861500
LIBERIA: Ethnic Tensions Escalate as Rebels Draw Near
Armed soldiers ransacked the UN Development Program compound
in Monrovia Tuesday night, terrorizing several hundred Gio and
Mano civilians seeking refuge there. Four individuals were shot, one
of whom died. About 30 people were abducted, and some probably
have been killed. The UNDP has decided to close its offices and
evacuate remaining UN personnel. At least five other civilians were
killed in separate incidents, including the son of a prominent senator
from Nimba County. Meanwhile, the rebels
have regained control of Buchanan: the town is calin
Comment: The UNDP's departure from Monrovia probably will put
added pressure on US Embassy officials to take an active role in
protecting Gio and Mano civilians against further abuses, exposing
the US to charges of abetting rebel sympathizers. Liberian citizens
are likely to increasingly seek refuge at the US Embassy and Voice
of America compounds. The army probably will have difficulty
launching another attack on Buchanan. The insurgents' recent
strategy of engaging the army on several fronts by attacking Kakata
and Buchanan simultaneously appears to have spread !lovernment
thin,troons lowing the rebels to regain the initiative.
9
-Top-Secut,
TCS 2826/90
31 May 1990
(b)(3)
NR
Record
(b)(1)
(b)(3)
(b)(3)
Approved for Release: 2020/09/01 C06861500