The commission was established along similar lines to South Africa's post-apartheid body.

Since 2003, Liberia has inched forward, helped by the presence of thousands of peacekeeping troops.

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Not trials

It is not surprising that Liberians are divided on the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Some feel the memories of a war that was closely linked to Sierra Leone's conflict are still too fresh.

Others, including Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, believe the country will never achieve lasting peace if the truth behind the turmoil remains speculation and hearsay.

The seven-member commission does not have the power to try cases but will investigate crimes; and as the hearings begin, victims, witnesses and alleged perpetrators will tell their version of events.

In truth, the investigation would not be complete without also researching the appalling levels of corruption in Liberia which fuelled resentment and the war.

In recent months the commission has taken statements from people around the country - some of them extremely gruesome testimonies of how lives were shattered as men, women and children with guns and crude weapons targeted civilians.

Charles Taylor was central to the conflict

For now, he is unable to take part in the TRC public hearings as his war crimes trial is under way in The Hague.

(BBC)

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