Fear On the Rise as Crime Wave Hits Liberian Capital

5 days ago
MONROVIA (AFP) — In the past week the capital of Liberia has been hit by a crime wave that has left inhabitants fearing for their lives while the government admits the security situation is deteriorating.

The West African nation has been struggling to rebuild itself after decades of internal conflict left the country in ruins. Since the government of Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf came to power in 2006 it has been credited with restoring stability and security to the country but in recent months crime has been on the rise.

Photo by Pamela

In the past eight days at least 160 homes in Monrovia were attacked by armed robbers, according to figures collected by AFP, demanding money or valuables and raping.

President Johnson-Sirleaf admitted that the security situation in the capital had deteriorated. She even said that some of the crimes were carried out by police officers assigned to protect the population.

Observers say most of the robbers are former fighters who fought in the civil war. Many have kept their weapons and find it hard to find and keep regular jobs in a country plagued by over 80 percent unemployement.