The UN's False Claim of Peace In Liberia

     The United Nations is an intergovernmental organisation that promotes peace around the globe through aid, action, commitments, and support. Its mission is to maintain international peace and security. Although, through looking at various interventions in the UN’s history, it can be seen that this supposedly harmonising organisation has claimed peace in areas even when it has not been fully reached.

In one of my classes, we look into how media portrays events incorrectly especially in regards to feeding into the White superiority complex, ignoring colonialist histories, and not blaming external countries and organisations for ultimately harmful interventions. While looking for such a document to critique, I came across an article by the UN titled “Their 15-year mission a success, the UN peacekeepers depart a stable and grateful Liberia”. With some knowledge of Liberia’s present, it can be deduced that it is not in a stable or peaceful state.

After the two devastating Civil Wars in Liberia, from 2003 until 2018 the UNMIL (United Nations Mission in Liberia) was installed. The article claims in its title that peace has been reached in Liberia which is objectively not true. Peace can be defined as the absence of war and violence, but it can be argued that if security of the state is not reached, neither is peace. For example, Liberia has been consistently ranked among the poorest countries in the world. Poverty comes hand-in-hand with all types of violence such as robberies, burglaries, muggings, and assaults. Sexual assault and rape are the most reported type of violence in the country so much so that tourists are strongly warned against travelling to Monrovia, the capital of Liberia. This brings into the question, what is considered peace? Is peace gendered? Is it raced? 

The title of the article provided by the UN gives an illusion of a heroic and successful project in a country that has been failed by a history of colonisation and by external intervention and pressures. On top of this, in the article there is no mention of the complex histories of Liberia and how it has become the country it is now. The article only focuses on how the UN has “saved” and ultimately aided Liberia. Yes, there is now more of an established governance and no “true war”, but ethnic conflicts remain and other types of violence persist.

    This is not the only case of media presenting a false narrative of countries especially within the global South. It is an issue that needs to be realised where individuals, groups, and intergovernmental organisations have the ability to spread a false claim of peace in order to fit their mission and brand. Furthermore, as mentioned above, it is easier to leave out a major root of a structural and historical issue than to accept its blame. 


Comments

  1. Austin W.October 28, 2021 at 12:20 PM

    I could not agree more that the UN has been falsely identifying Liberia as a peaceful state, Anabelle. For my response my question to you would be as to why the UN would lie like this? Are they doing it so they can keep their funding high? Are they lying like this to make Liberia "seem" safe so other nations do not attack them? What are your thoughts on this?

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    1. Annabelle VeithNovember 6, 2021 at 2:40 PM

      Thanks for your comment Austin! I would argue that the UN would publish biased reports in order to keep their narrative in check. Having a good reputation equates to better cooperation and funding. I wouldn't say that the UN lies about a state's safety in order to prevent conflict, but more so in order to maintain their ideals and have the ability to be perceived as a successful organisation.

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  2. Ellie StephensonNovember 1, 2021 at 1:29 PM

    This is a really thought provoking blog post Anabelle, but I have similar questions as Austin. Why would the UN, an organization that prides itself on humanitarian aid want to lie about peacemaking in Liberia? Wouldn't it want to rally more support and aid for the country if it was still in need? These questions give rise to the idea that the UN may have underlying motivations and may not just exist to provide aid but for the personal gain of its members.

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    1. Annabelle VeithNovember 7, 2021 at 9:38 AM

      Thanks for your comment Ellie! You bring up some thought provoking ideas. I believe it is very important to reflect on the motivations and histories of all organisations. In regards to the UN, I believe they were founded and carry on their purpose of bringing peace and aid to the nations of the globe. However, the UN is a biased organisation in terms of who truly has a say in matters and in terms of size voice equating to size of funding. I can not say with confidence the motivations of why the UN claimed peace in Liberia, but I would suppose it is to maintain their image of being helpful and successful.

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  3. Eli WebbNovember 3, 2021 at 1:18 PM

    Annabelle, I really enjoyed this blog post. It is obvious that the United States has trouble with the media and coverage of world issues. I am sure they have the same problem in Europe as the term 'fake news' still exists today. I do wonder the motives of the UN and their terms of peace. Is there job just a supposed to look good in the eyes of the wealthy countries, or are they supposed to really help. I believe, if they get funds by countries, their entire purpose is supposed to put up a facade of helping others and claiming peace (where there is not peace) so richer countries think they are doing good and continue giving money and supporting. If we really want to make a change, we can't worry about looking good, but should worry about each person within other countries and consider their opinions and what they need, not the wants of the rich backers in the UN.

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    1. Annabelle VeithNovember 7, 2021 at 9:49 AM

      Thanks for your comment Eli! Yes, I believe there is some truth to the point you made about pleasing the richer countries who fund the UN as it is easier to get money for successful missions. I do believe that the UN has the ability and does exercise help and aid in many troubled areas. There is also no other organisation like the UN which I think is important to keep in mind when criticising it. However, the issue with the UN's facade can hinder true progress in nations that need it.

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