The Borders of Liberia

Liberia has always held a unique place in African history. As can be seen from the map below of pre-colonial Africa, Liberia was never part of any major empire prior to its settlement by the American Colonization Society in the 1820's.

"Before European colonization. 7th to 16th century," My Continent Africa, accessed August 18, 2016, http://mycontinent.co/AfricaBorders.php.

When the "Scramble for Africa" began, the settlers who came with the ACS  were hard-pressed to stand their ground against the pressures of other colonizing countries, particularly the British and the French. Towards the end of 19th century, Liberia lost a fair amount of territory that was rich in resources to their neighbors.[1] However, by the time of the First World War, Liberia's borders - unlike the majority of other African countries - had pretty much been set:

"European territorial claims on the African continent in 1914," My Continent Africa, accessed August 18, 2016, http://mycontinent.co/AfricaBorders.php.

The fact that Liberia's borders have remained relatively stable does not mean, however, that they are organic in relation to the ethnic groups that make this territory their home. As the following map shows, Liberia's international borders cut through the tribal territories of the Vai, the Kissi, the Dan (or Gio), the Mano, the Loma, and more.

People groups across borders in western Africa
Poro Studies Association, accessed August 18, 2016, http://www.porostudiesassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/MAP-working-copy-5_12_13-9PM-Merged1.jpg.

Having international borders that bisect ethnic groups has played a large part in the economic chaos that has plagued Liberia and other countries in the region. Whereas national economic recovery is largely dependent on accurate reporting and taxation, especially in such lucrative goods as diamonds, gold, and timber, the black market trading across unsecured borders detracts a huge amount of revenue for the country every year. While it is simply human nature to want to better your own financial standing and that of your relatives and tribesmen, this practice is extremely detrimental to the progress of the country of Liberia as a whole.


During the recent ebola outbreak, the issue of borders became a very hotly debated topic, as every effort was being made to contain the spread of the disease. As is described in the video below, there are dozens and dozens of unofficial border crossings, as people have family members who live on both sides of the border. Trying to close these borders in the event of a health crisis such as ebola proved both ineffective and next to impossible.

Video courtesy Benno Muchler, "At Porous Liberia Border, Vigilant People Prevent Spread of Ebola," VOA, April 7, 2015, accessed August 18, 2016, http://www.voanews.com/a/at-porous-border-vigilant-people-prevent-ebola-spreading/2709404.html.

[1] "Liberia: History," Encyclopedia.com, accessed August 18, 2016,  http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Liberia.aspx.