Abstract

Campaigner, insurgent, fugitive, rebel commander, commodity kingpin, elected president, exile and finally prisoner, Charles Taylor sought to lead his country to change but instead ignited a conflict which destroyed Liberia in over a decade of violence, greed and personal ambition. Taylor's takeover threw much of the neigbouring region into turmoil, until he was finally brought to face justice in The Hague for his role in Sierra Leone's civil war. In this remarkable and eye-opening book, Colin Waugh draws on a variety of sources, testimonies and original interviews - including with Taylor himself - to recount the story of what really happened during these turbulent years. In doing so, he examines both the life of Charles Taylor, as well as the often self-interested efforts of the international community to first save Liberia from disaster, then, having failed to do so, to bring to justice the man it deems most to blame for its disintegration.
Colin Waugh grew up in Scotland and was educated in the UK before pursuing careers in writing and publishing, financial markets and international post-conflict work. The latter led him to live and travel in over twenty countries in Africa over the past two decades. In 2004 he wrote 'Paul Kagame and Rwanda', a career narrative of the current President of Rwanda. From 1996-97 he worked in Sierra Leone and later in Ghana, a country of refuge for many Liberians, before returning to Sierra Leone and Liberia itself in 2002, Charles Taylor's last full year in power. Mr. Waugh currently lives in London, and recently has served on the advisory board of Columbia University’s Institute of African Studies and as director of Lombard Street Associates in London.
'Bold in its design as it is discerning/piercing in its content, this study dissects Charles Taylor ruthless and bloody quest for power and wealth. More than a mere account of the enigmatic Taylor, this illuminating analysis is ultimately a biography of the Liberia Civil war, one which examines the politics of violence in relation to the economic, socio-political conditions and processes that underpinned and led to war, terror and corruption.' - Mamadou Diouf, Professor of West African History & Director of the Institute of African Studies, Columbia University 'Colin Waugh's book reads like a thriller. Carefully researched, it gives us remarkable insights into the life of one of the most notorious warlords, turned national leader to emerge from Africa in the later part of the 20th century. 'Charles Taylor and Liberia' is an invaluable contribution towards understanding the brutal civil wars that ravaged Liberia and Sierra Leone and their ramifications on the West African sub-region.' - Ambassador Francis Tsegah, Diplomat and Senior Research Fellow, Ghana Centre for Democratic Development 'A book destined to become essential reading for anyone who want to understand the tragedy that was Liberia. A truly fascinating read.' - Linda Melvern, investigative journalist, author of A People Betrayed and Conspiracy to Murder 'Colin Waugh’s book is both informative and thought-provoking. It provides insights not just into Charles Taylor but also into the institutional fragilities and international forces that perpetuated the civil strife in the West African nation of Liberia. On all points, Waugh provides a balanced, well-researched, and well written account of the Liberian tragedy that began in 1980 and continued for almost 25 years. For anyone interested in understanding the inertia of civil strife, the challenge of national reconciliation and justice, and the vagaries of the international judicial system, Charles Taylor and Liberia: Ambition and Atrocity in Africa’s Lone Star State is essential reading.' - Canadian Journal of African Studies 'Should be essential reading for anyone interested in Liberia and more generally in the unusual role of personality in shaping big events.' - African Affairs