Five reasons that prevented the coup of 1980 from achieving its aims and objectives in Liberia
1) Strong international opposition: The international community, particularly the United States, strongly condemned the coup and supported the ousted government of President William Tolbert. The United States, being one of Liberia's key allies, imposed economic and diplomatic sanctions on the coup leaders, cutting off aid and freezing their assets, which severely weakened their position.
2) Internal divisions among the coup leaders: The coup was led by a group of junior military officers known as the People's Redemption Council (PRC). However, there were significant divisions within the PRC, with different officers having conflicting personal agendas and aspirations for power. These divisions undermined the unity and effectiveness of the coup leadership.
3) Resistance from the general population: While the coup leaders initially enjoyed some public support due to widespread dissatisfaction with President Tolbert's regime, they soon faced opposition from various groups within society. Students, trade unions, and civil society organizations organized protests, strikes, and demonstrations against the military dictatorship, demanding a return to civilian rule. This resistance hindered the coup's ability to consolidate its power and implement its desired reforms.
4) Economic challenges and mismanagement: The coup leaders faced significant economic challenges in Liberia, including high inflation, unemployment, and a general decline in living standards. Despite promising economic reforms, the PRC failed to effectively address these challenges and instead implemented policies that exacerbated them. As a result, popular resentment grew, undermining the coup's legitimacy and support.
5) Regional and ethnic tensions: Liberia's diverse ethnic makeup and regional disparities fueled tensions and conflicts. The coup leaders, primarily from the Krahn ethnic group, were seen by other ethnic groups as favoring their own people and neglecting the interests of others. This sparked violent clashes and rebel movements in different parts of the country, further destabilizing the coup regime and preventing it from achieving its objectives.