Episode 2: Charles Taylor Finds His Voice

In this episode, Gerry Naughton and Aaron Weah explore how Charles Taylor emerged not just as a rebel leader, but as a powerful communicator during the early years of the Liberian Civil War.

The discussion focuses on Taylor’s use of radio – particularly the BBC World Service programme Focus on Africa – to reach Liberian audiences and shape public perception.

Key themes:

Taylor’s rise as a media figure during the early 1990s

The role of the BBC as an unintended platform for influence

“Domestic propaganda” and psychological warfare

How radio brought the war into everyday life

The gap between stated and underlying objectives in the conflict

The proliferation of peace agreements and their limited impact

The lead-up to Operation Octopus (1992)

The episode also touches on Aaron Weah’s later attempt to interview Charles Taylor in prison – and the weight of confronting such a figure directly.

Next episode:Aaron's War

Additional links:Audio references to BBC Focus on Africa theme music will be shared in accompanying Substack posts.

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