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Monrovia, June 2, 2026 – University of Liberia Professor Dr. John Gibson Keykpo on Friday, May 22, launched his book, “The Child Who Saw The Liberian Civil War – A Dream That Came to Pass,” at the auditorium of the university’s Capitol Hill campus.
Held in the presence of special guests and invitees, including University of Liberia students, faculty, staff, and administrators, the ceremony marked the release of a work the author says is intended to preserve the memory of one of Africa’s most destructive internal conflicts while encouraging reflection on divisions that fueled the war.
The book revisits the Liberian Civil War, which lasted 14 years, according to the author’s account, and resulted in the deaths of more than 250,000 Liberians and the displacement of over 800,000 others.
Availability and language versions
Dr. Keykpo said copies of the book are available through Barnes and Noble in the United States and that digital versions can be downloaded through Amazon and Google at US$100 or US$95. He said the same book sells for US$50 in Liberia.
He also noted that a section of the book has been printed for Chinese readers. Dr. Keykpo hopes to meet with the authorities of the Ministry of Education for a review of the book to possibly decide which section of it can be used in the Liberian school system.
Dr. Keykpo also disclosed that the book was released internationally before the Liberia launch, noting that it had already been made available in the United States and other countries.
A story that links the past with Liberia’s present
Dr. Keykpo said the central focus of the book is to discuss the issue of tribalism and sectionalism, and the story is narrated by a character identified as S.J. Wopear. He added that parts of the book follow the changing opinions of a boy who grows into adulthood in the midst of pervasive cultural conflict.
Readers, he continued, may engage the work in multiple ways – through historical accounts, through the events as experienced by someone who lived them, or through both approaches.
Author says the goal is preservation, not profit
In remarks during the launch, Dr. Keykpo emphasized that financial gain was not the primary purpose of the book. He said printed copies can help future generations access Liberia’s history – particularly if information becomes harder to find through online platforms.
“You can put it on your shelf so that your children and your children’s children can see what happened in my country,” he told the attendees.
Discussion of elections and reform
Dr. Keykpo said the book’s final chapter addresses issues confronting Liberia today, including electoral reform. According to him, one recommendation in the text proposes adopting elements of the United States electoral college system, suggesting that a structure could be created across counties to better manage how votes are represented.
“It’s just a suggestion in the book,” Dr. Keykpo said, adding that the intention is to spark discussion about governance as Liberia’s population grows and voting blocs become more influential.
Clarifying the cover image
The author also responded to questions about the image on the book cover, which depicts a gun-bearing child-soldier. According to him, the picture was selected because it aligns with the theme of the book, but he clarified that it does not represent a specific child he personally knew.
“If you asked me whether I know that child, I’ll tell you no,” he said, explaining that the image was taken from YouTube, a general platform, and that it “suits the topic.” Dr. Keykpo added that the book’s significance lies in helping today’s readers and future generations recognize the people and circumstances that shaped the Civil War.
Nimba University president launches the book
The book was officially launched at the UL Capitol Hill campus by Dr. Jesse N. Mongrue, President of Nimba University, who urged those who can afford to purchase a copy to do so.
Dr. Mongrue described the book as an information resource on Liberia’s history, saying it is “loaded with facts, with history, and all the things that we need to know about Liberia.”
He also commended attendees for supporting Dr. Keykpo’s work and encouraged readers to engage with the text.
About the Author
Dr. John Gibson Keykpo is an associate professor at the University of Liberia Graduate School in Education Administration and Supervision and is the director of said graduate program. A 1977 graduate of Carroll High School, Yekepa, Dr. Keykpo went on to graduate from Cuttington University College in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics. Dr. Keykpo is also a 1989-1990 Fellow of Cornell University, New York.
In 2000, Dr. Keykpo obtained his Master of Arts degree in Psychology and Counselling with honors from Alder Graduate School of Professional Psychology in Minnesota. In 2013, the author obtained his doctorate degree in Leadership Education with honors from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. Professionally, Dr. Keykpo served as a mental health program director for more than a decade. He later worked in banking before entering his current role at the University of Liberia.
