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Many theories have been advanced to explain why Lofa appears more prone to armed conflict than other parts of Liberia.
Analysts say, for example, that the large amount of relief assets
concentrated in upper Lofa for Sierra Leonean refugees there provides an attractive target for potential insurgents. Then again, the region borders on Guinea and Sierra Leone.
Other factors cited include the fact that more people from Lofa enlist in the armed forces than residents of other regions and the economic disparity between Mandingoes, many of whom are merchants, and other ethnic groups.
The undermining of civilian authorities by the various security units operating in Lofa, the proliferation of arms and drug abuse by ex-combatants are also some of the key problems, non-governmental sources say.
[See separate Item: irin-english-1514, titled 'Background Report on Lofa County]
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