Civil war broke out in 1989. In September 1990, Doe was overthrown and brutally executed by forces loyal to rebel faction leader Yornie Johnson.

The war dragged on until 1996, and a year later warlord Charles Taylor (left) was elected president. His autocratic rule saw opposition leaders targeted for assassination.

War broke out again in 1999. Taylor was eventually ousted in 2003, and exiled to Nigeria.