Déplacés, insertion urbaine et modes de mobilisation: L’exemple de Monrovia en guerre

Abstract

The city of Monrovia has played a pivotal role in the war in Liberia. Despite the fact that rural conflicts have ultimately made their way to the capital, the city's population has tripled. And despite the urban violence Monrovia has still offered displaced populations a more secure refuge than the hinterland which continues to be ravaged by armed bands. This exodus from the countryside has had important political consequences. Links with Monrovia have provided groups from the interior with access to a site of political power historically monopolized by the coastal elites. Once in the the city, squatters from rural areas and towns outside the capital have not been content to remain a silent majority. On several occasions they have taken to the streets to demonstrate for peace. Their representation in the city is now permanent, a development that has important consequences not only for the reconstruction of Monrovia but for the entire country.