National Patriotic Front of Liberia

The National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) was a military organization that emerged during Liberia's civil war. Led by Charles Ghankay Taylor, the NPFL was a significant faction in the conflict that erupted in 1990, primarily between the Krahn and Gio and Mano peoples. The war lasted for seven years, with various factions arising and neighboring countries becoming involved, causing devastating effects on the civilian population and economy.1

After a truce in 1996, elections were held the following year, and the National Patriotic Front of Liberia Party, led by Taylor, won a majority. Taylor's government initially maintained a fragile peace, but rebel insurgencies resurfaced, and by August 2003, Taylor stepped down and went into exile. The NPFL's actions also led to international sanctions and Taylor's indictment for war crimes related to his alleged support of rebel forces in Sierra Leone.1