Indeed, mining in general, and unregulated artisanal mining in particular, is foisting environmental degradation and social breakdown upon rural communities. Indeed, with these neglected risks Liberia seems to be at a critical juncture. To be sure, the challenges for Liberia are daunting and considerable, and conflict or a return to extreme political and social tensions appears to be a constant threat. But such policy should not be confused with job-creation schemes or national development because the objective is different. If so, what are the underlying elements of these conditions, and how do we make war or political violence an unacceptable mode of political and economic transaction in Liberia?

Source: Front Page Africa September 11, 2020 03:45 UTC