IRC Calls For Stabilization Force for Liberia

International Rescue Committee
Wednesday, 9 July 2003

Robert Warwick, the IRC's West Africa regional director, says an international stabilization force is urgently needed in Liberia to ensure civilian protection and access to aid.

Warwick made the call today in Washington, in testimony before the House Committee on International Relations.

"If Taylor fails to leave Liberia voluntarily and instead calls for a showdown with rebel forces, the bloodshed in Monrovia could be staggering and the humanitarian consequences disastrous," Warwick said.

He also noted that the rebels trying to oust President Charles Taylor have no stated political aims and made clear that if Taylor's regime falls or is dislodged there will be a security vacuum that will lead to anarchy and chaos.

"We know from other failed or changed regimes that political and security vacuums in the post conflict period never remain vacant for long," Warwick testified. "Power grabs, score settling, looting, reprisals, rapes, organized crime, mineral exploitation, crimes against humanity all thrive on conditions of lawlessness and the collapse of dictators."

Warwick said that only an international stabilization force can provide needed legitimacy, restore security in Liberia and protect civilians from on-going attacks.

Read the complete Warwick statement on Liberia at: http://www.theirc.org/?resID=2421

For more information, or to contact International Rescue Committee, see their website at: www.theirc.org