LIBERIA: GROWING ALARM IN CAPITAL

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06861715
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 4
• Document Creation Date: March 9, 2023
• Document Release Date: September 3, 2020
• Case Number: F-2017-02018
• Publication Date: May 30, 1990

Approved for Release: 2020/09/01 C06861715
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TCS 2825/90
30 May 1990
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Approved for Release: 2020/09/01 C06861715
Approved for Release: 2020/09/01 C06861715
Contents
Liberia: Growing Alarm in Capital
Top
TCS 2825/90
30 May 1990
Approved for Release: 2020/09/01 C06861715
Approved for Release: 2020/09/01 C06861715
Military Situation, 29 May 1990
.11-01i8V8881__
TCS 2825/90
30 May 1990
Rebels end ,
government troops`
fight for control
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Approved for Release: 2020/09/01 C06861715
Approved for Release: 2020/09/01 C06861715
LIBERIA:
Growing Alarm in Capital
Recent rebel press claims that the final offensive has began, despite
apparent rebel setbacks as army resistance has stiffened for the moment,
are fueling panic in Monrovia.
A spokesman for the rebels announced on Monday that they had
launched attacks on Roberts International Airfield and that a march
on the capital was imminent. He also asserted the rebels already had
taken the town of Kakata and controlled both Buchanan and
Gbarnga
Roberts Airfield is operating
normall the army has regained
control of Kakata, is pushing north toward Gbarnga, and currently is
fighting the rebels for control of Buchanan. Still, many government
officials and others in the capital have become alarmed by the rebel
pronouncements and by the proximity of the recent fighting.
According to press reports, 2,000 Liberians gathered outside the UN
building in Monrovia demanding international protection. Rumors
are rampant that Roberts Airfield has been attacked by rebels.
Massive lines form daily outside the Foreign Ministry as Liberians
seek passports to leave the country.
Although President Doe still intends to stay in Liberia and fight,
a variety of reporting indicates that he�and many of his fellow
Krahn cohorts and soldiers�may try to return to his tribal homeland
in Grand Jide. Doe has said that, if the situation in Monrovia
deteriorates further, he would return to his home rather than seek
exile outside the country. Close to 1,000 Krahn soldiers have
deployed to Zwedru and Doe's hometown of Tuzohn,
even though the rebels are unlikely to risk
venturing into Krahn territory. The local airport in Monrovia was
jammed yesterday with Krahns going to Grand Jide
Comment: The rebels' public optimism may be kindled by the ease of
their past victories and by a growing belief that foreign backers, such
as Ivory Coast, will increase their assistance once the rebels appear to
be closing in on the capital
Continued rebel bravado almost certainly will heighten tensions
further in Monrovia. Moreover, recent army resistance is likely to do
little more than temporarily slow rebel progress
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TCS 2825
30 May 1990
Approved for Release: 2020/09/01 C06861715