LIBERIA: GOVERNMENT LOSING ITS GRIP

Document Type: 
Collection: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
06861501
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
U
Document Page Count: 
4
Document Creation Date: 
March 9, 2023
Document Release Date: 
September 3, 2020
Sequence Number: 
Case Number: 
F-2017-02018
Publication Date: 
June 2, 1990
File: 
AttachmentSize
PDF icon LIBERIA GOVERNMENT LOSIN[15820278].pdf205.25 KB
Body: 
Approved for Release: 2020/09/01 C06861501 �I 1 _I LI 1 LI 1!!!!!!1!!!!!!ii SeGL CPAS MID 90-128.1X TCS 2828/90 2 June 1990 (b)(3) Approved for Release: 2020/09/01 C06861501 Approved for Release: 2020/09/01 C06861501 �1 / �) I I� (b)(1) (b)(3) Contents USSR: Ryzhkov's Economic Program Caught in Crossfire 1 : Ycl'tsin Offers Support to Lithuania 2 Liberia: Government Losing Its Grip 3 Israel: Time Short as Shamir Tries for Government 4 Notes EC-US: Stalemate on Agricultural Trade 5 EC: Likely To Push Aid to USSR 5 Angola: Luanda Talking Tough 6 France: Outlines of Proposed European Confederation 6 USSR-India: Reportedly Discussing Aircraft Carrier Sale 7 (b)(1) (b)(3) In Brief 9 Special Analyses Taiwan-China: Ties That Bind 10 West Africa: Reform and Unrest, Marching Hand-in-Hand 12 Top TCS 2828/9 2 June 1990 (b)(1) (b)(3) Approved for Release: 2020/09/01 C06861501 Approved for Release: 2020/09/01 C06861501 I 1 I I I LI 1 Military Situation, 1 June 1990 Bong ,Rebels County � catture tots..fr � `...,--..111.4rea of ebI MONROVIAttisatinCem n tfep :Kowa ;activity smonsw ��+.. Payne Robin* Airtifft International Liberia Airlisid TCS 2828/90 2 June 1990 7191311 IA028391 690 Approved for Release: 2020/09/01 C06861501 Approved for Release: 2020/09/01 C06861501 I I II I uj I i To t (b)(3) LIBERIA: Government Losing Its Grip President Doe's unwillingness to step down and the government's increasing inability to provide services or protection to Monrovians heighten the possibility of an outbreak of oanic or lawlessness in the capital as the rebels close in. Doe said yesterday he would not run for office next year and appealed to the US and the UN to end the fighting to pave the way for internationally monitored elections. A rebel spokesman countered, however, that the insurgents would accept nothing less than Doe's immediate resignation and departure from Liberia as preconditions to a cease-fire. The situation in Monrovia continues to deteriorate. Many Cabinet members and other high�level officials have left the country, leaving staffers to run the government. The Liberian National Security Agency also is in disarray because much of the senior management has opted to leave Liberia A spree of panic buying reportedly has cleared shop shelves and led to brawls; Army troops were sent to control tlif crowds. Transportation also is a major problem. About 800 of the Gios and Manos attacked in the UN Development Program compound earlier this week are being protected in local churches. Meanwhile, the mass exodus of ICrahns continues from Spriggs-Payne Airport in Monrovia to their home county, Grand Ede. some of them brandished firearms in an attempt to get aboard. The Army Commander in Kakata took 200 of his troops back to Monrovia Wednesday night, leaving only a token force to defend it. The rebels subsequently captured a small town north of there. There was o indication of fighting near Roberts International Airfield yesterday. Comment: Doe's statement yesterday shows he is increasingly out of touch and likely to continue to refuse to step down or leave the country to avert a direct attack on the capital. Although the situation in Monrovia has not yet become unmanageable, the mounting inconveniences and tensions are likely to heighten the potential for hysteria and rioting if circumstances deteriorate further. Troop morale and discipline continue to plummet, but the Army probably remains capable of deploying troops in response to rebel attacks near Monrovia. Some 375 soldiers who could be easily deployed are stationed at Camp Schieffelin. Military commanders probably will continue their current practice of returning the bulk of their forces to Monrovia after each assault, however, to minimize the risk of desertions and being cut off by the rebels. 3 Top et TCS 2828/9 2 June 1990 (b)(3) (b)(3) (b)(1) (b)(3) (b)(3) (b)(3) Approved for Release: 2020/09/01 C06861501