Vigilante Groups (Liberia)

Country: Liberia
Details of Formation: In 2006 the Liberian National Police has set up vigilante groups in 152 communities.
Details of Termination: According to a report from 2015, the Liberian government prohibited the establishment of vigilante groups.
Purpose: The intended role of the militia was to act as a neighbourhood watch group to patrol, apprehend robbers and protect the population.
Organisation: --
Weapons and Training: There is no evidence indicating that members were armed or trained by the government
Size: --
Reason for Membership: Members were provided with meals, cigarettes, and liquor, all of which was financed by donations from the population.
Treatment of Civilians: It is unclear to what extent the group managed to protect civilians and according to one report the militia beat a civilian to death.
Other Information: Vigilante groups were given material support by the Liberian National Police, such as whistles and cell phones. Evidence suggests that male inhabitants of a community become members of the vigilante groups. Members were provided with meals, cigarettes and liquor, all of which was financed by donations from the population.
References: Information was taken from news sources listed in the PGMD.