Small Boys' Unit (Liberia)
Basic Group Information
| Name assigned by coder: |
no
|
| PGM ID Number: |
41
|
| Country: |
Liberia |
| Date formed: |
Aug. 1, 1995 |
| Accuracy of date formed: |
month
|
| Details of Formation: |
The group was set up by Taylor as a rebel group in 1990. In 2000 it was first mention as a pro-government group but it is likely that it existed in some form since 1990 and therefore become pro-government when the interim ruling committee was formed in August 1995. |
| Date dissolved: |
Aug. 11, 2003 |
| Accuracy of date dissolved: |
day
|
| Details of Termination: |
The group ceased to be pro-government with the resignation of Taylor in August 2003. |
| Termination Type(s): |
change in government
|
Former and Successor Group Information
| Predecessor group(s): |
none
|
| Successor group(s): |
none
|
| Private Military Company? |
no |
| Former Group? |
yes |
| Former Armed Group? |
yes |
| Former Rebel Group? |
yes |
| Former Rebel Group UCDP ID: |
507 |
| PGM Becomes Rebel Group? |
no |
| Successor Rebel Group UCDP ID: |
none |
Government Relation, Support, and Training
| Government Relation: |
informal (type 1) |
| Created by the Government?: |
no |
Main Creating Government Institution: |
none
|
| Government Link(s): |
person/minister
|
| If link to party, name of party: |
None |
| Training and Equipment: |
yes |
| Shared Information and Joint Operations: |
no information |
| Shared Personnel: |
no information |
| Type(s) of Material Support: |
plunder and loot
|
| State Sponsor(s): |
none
|
| Other Connection(s): |
|
Group Characteristics
Ethnic Characteristics
| Ethnic Target(s): |
none
|
| Quality of Information for Ethnic Targeting: |
not applicable
|
| Ethnic Membership: |
none
|
| Quality of Information for Ethnic Membership: |
not applicable
|
| Ethnic Purpose: |
none
|
| Quality of Information for Ethnic Purpose: |
not applicable
|
Other Information
| Other Information: |
The age of the child soldiers ranges from six to 20. When the children got older they 'graduated' into other militia groups - such as the 'Cobra Unit' Group, which ceased to be pro-government on the resignation of Taylor in August 2003 and was part of the dis-armament programme organised by UNIMIL in 2004. |
New Variables from Meta-Analysis
Purpose
| Purpose: |
The militia was used to intimidate the population and harass Taylor’s political opponents during his time as president. |
| Relative Benefit(s) of PGM Use |
unknown
|
Treatment of Civilians
| Treatment of Civilians: |
The militia was involved in attacks on civilians such as massacres and rapes. Its members intimidated citizens by showing presence on the streets and carrying threatening weapons. |
| Type(s) of Violence against Civilians: |
killing; sexual violence
|
Reasons for Membership
| PGM Members Coerced? |
yes |
| PGM Members Paid? |
no information |
| Reasons for Membership: |
Children were kidnapped and forced into becoming members. After being forcefully recruited, some received benefits, e.g. in the form of clothes or education. Growing up, many turned into loyal supporters of Taylor. |
| PGM Members Killed? |
no information |
PGM Size
Weapons and Training
| Weapons and Training: |
Weapons were provided by the government, in particular AK-47, because they were considered most suitable for children. The government trained the child soldiers in camps. |
Organisation
| Organisation: |
The militia received orders from the Taylor government. |
Reference(s) for Meta-Analysis
Wikipedia. ”Small Boys Unit.” https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Small_Boys_Unit&oldid=819663362
Evidence
