Daily Liberian Newspaper Summary

UNMIL Public Information Office Complete Media Summaries
30 January 2009

Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner, Sheikh Kafumba Konneh has for the fourth time been accused of supporting the defunct rebel faction United Liberation Movement for Democracy (ULIMO).
· Testifying at the ongoing thematic and institutional hearings Thursday, a former ULIMO General, Mohammed Sherriff alleged that Commissioner Konneh was a member of the former warring faction political wing.
· In recent months, there had been incessant accusations against Commissioner Sheikh Kafumba Konneh of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) about roles he had allegedly played during the Liberian civil war as a backer of the disbanded rebel faction, United Liberation Movement for Democracy in Liberia (ULIMO).
· A former General of LURD, Ofori Diah and a Liberian in the diaspora, Tarty Teh last year made similar claims but Commissioner Konneh has persistently denied the allegations dismissing, saying it’s a smear campaign against him.

Lawmakers Cite Ambiguity in President’s comments regarding County Development Fund - Seek Clarification
(Public Agenda, Heritage, National Chronicle, New Democrat, The News, Daily Observer)

· The House of Representatives is requesting clarification from President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf over her recent statement for members of the National Legislature to withdraw from the implementation of the County Development Funds.
· The lawmakers are calling for more information on the intent of the statement citing ambiguity in the pronouncement.
· In her State of the Nation address, the President said the withdrawal will enable the Executive to fully manage the implementation of the resources allotted to the counties.
· There have been numerous reports of fraud in the use of the county development fund with County Superintendents and lawmakers being accused.

Youth and Sports Ministry Deploys 135 Youths for Volunteer Service
(Daily Observer)
· The Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on Thursday began the deployment of 135 young men and women under phase two of the National Youth Volunteer Service (NYVS).
· The volunteers completed a three-week induction course in education, health, agriculture and other subjects prior to their deployment. They are being deployed in six counties namely - Bong, Lofa, Grand Gedeh, Grand Bassa, Maryland and Sinoe Counties.

US Firm Faces Exploitation Charge in Liberia
(Daily Observer)

· [sic] Citizens of Kokoyah Statutory District in Bong County have threatened to stop the American-Liberia Mineral Company (AMLIB) from operating in their district over assumptions that the company, which has been prospecting for gold over the last nine years, has been exploiting the area instead.

Business Organization Backs President Sirleaf's Plan to Cut Taxes
(Daily Observer)

· A local business organization says it strongly backs President Sirleaf's tax cut policy for businesses and individuals. The Concerned Liberian International Business Organization (COLINBO) said recent tax cut policy proposals made to the Legislature by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the reduction in the price of rice from US$35 to US$30 were in the best interest of the business community and the people of Liberia.

Radio Summary
Local Media – Radio Veritas (News monitored today at 9:45 am)
Commissioner Konneh Accused Again of Support to Rebel Group
(Also reported on Sky F.M., Truth F.M. and ELBC)

Legislature Seeks Clarification Over President Sirleaf’s Pronouncement
(Also reported on Sky F.M., Truth F.M. and ELBC)

Truth F.M. (News monitored today at 10:00 am)
Commerce Ministry Announces Price Reduction on Basic Commodities

· The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has announced a reduction in the prices of basic commodities on the Liberian market.
· At a news conference yesterday, Commerce Minister, Miatta Beyslow named rice, cement and petroleum products as the commodities affected by the price reduction.

Female Lawmakers Claim Marginalization

· Female lawmakers from the lower House have expressed dissatisfaction over the leadership reshuffle saying it was targeted at female lawmakers.
· At a joint news conference yesterday, the female lawmakers said they were singled out of the dominant male House of Representatives and replaced as heads of the committees they were serving.
· Since the reshuffle of the House leadership, there have been claims that the changes were not done in good faith but were targeted at certain individuals.

Gbarpolu County officials meets with Senior Senator Momo

Gbarpolu County Senior Senator Theodore Momo has held a consultative meeting with the leadership of the Gbarpolu County Association in the United States. The meeting was held in the East Coast State of Delaware, the United States of America.
According to a press dispatch from Delaware, Senator Momo's meeting with his fellow compatriots was geared towards stimulating greater involvement of members of the Gbarpolu County Association in the holistic development program of the county.
Senator Momo used the occasion to brief the Gbarpolu County Association leadership on the current state of affairs regarding the County development programs as well as the challenges ahead.
In response, the leadership of the Gbarpolu Association lauded Senator Momo for meeting with them in an effort to help mobilize the resources necessary to move the County forward.
The Gbarpolu County U.S. based citizens assured Senator Momo of their total commitment to the development of the County.
The meeting, according to the dispatch, resolved that a system of transparency and accountability be formulated for the channeling and handling of resources from the U.S. based citizens through the county leadership for onward delivery to the people of Gbarpolu County.
On account of the current destruction of crops and poisoning of water resources by caterpillars crossing on from Bong County, both Senator Momo and the Gbarpolu County Association leadership agreed to create more awareness to attract immediate assistance for the County.
Meanwhile a follow up round table conference between Senator Momo and the Association of Gbarpolu County is scheduled shortly.

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UNMIL daily Media Summaries,5 January 2009

UNMIL

Libyan Leader Renews Commitment to Liberia

(The Inquirer, The News, National Chronicle, Heritage, New Democrat, Daily Observer, Public Agenda)

·         Libyan leader, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi has renewed his government’s commitment towards the implementation of projects his country has agreed to undertake in Liberia,

·         According to an Executive Mansion release, the projects to be undertaken include a rubber processing plant, a US $30-million dollars agriculture project and the renovation of the Hotel Africa facilities in Virginia, on the outskirts of Monrovia.

·         The Libyan leader made the commitment at the weekend during a stopover visit to the country.

·         Meanwhile, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Colonel Gaddafi later discussed a wide range of issues including bilateral relations between the two countries and the recent military takeover in neighbouring Guinea among other things.

President Sirleaf Visits Former Transitional Chairman Bryant

(The Analyst)

·         President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has visited the residence of the former Chairman of the National Transitional Government of Liberia, Mr. Gyude Bryant in Monrovia. Wednesday's visit, coming on the eve of the New Year, was part of the President's goodwill gestures marking the holidays.

·         During the visit, the Liberian leader extended warm holiday greetings to the former transitional Chairman and wished him well as we welcome 2009. The President later told reporters that her visit was also a gesture of reconciliation as Liberians work together to rebuild the country

·         Former Transitional Chairman Bryant welcomed the move, saying he was honoured by the President's visit, which according to him, came as a surprise. Mr. Bryant described the President's visit as a gesture aimed at building a new bridge into the New Year as the country and its people continue to reconcile. He said it was time to hold together and move the country forward, urging all Liberians to work towards the common good of the country.

·         Wednesday's surprised visit to the home of Chairman Bryant is part of visitations by the President as part of gestures to mark the holidays. President Sirleaf recently visited ailing Catholic archbishop Michael Francis and later exchanged holiday greetings with the Standard bearer of the Liberia Action Party, Cllr. Varney Sharman when the two met in Robertsport last weekend during a retreat. The President has also visited a number of hospitals and clinics around Monrovia and its suburbs as well as orphanages and the Monrovia Central prison, distributing food and gift to the institutions.

Timor Massacre Trial Somersaults – 4^th Witness claims main perpetrators on the run

(Daily Observer)

·         Uncorroborated testimonies given by the various state witnesses in the ongoing Timor massacre trial appear to rest the burden of proof on the Government to prove its case beyond all reasonable doubt as the fourth witness, Tidoe Morden, last Friday, January 2, 2009 told the court that the main organizers of the crime were still at large.

Major Cabinet Reshuffle set for This Month - Information Minister Says

(Heritage)

·         The Ministry of Information says President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will early this month carry out a major cabinet reshuffle in her government. Addressing the year-end edition of the regular Information Ministry news conference, Minister Laurence Bropleh said the President has reiterated her resolve to reshuffle her cabinet to increase efficiency, effectiveness and productivity in government.

Radio Summary

Local Media – Radio Veritas (News monitored today at 9:45 am)

Libya Reassures Liberia of Continued Aid

President Sirleaf Visits Rivercess County Today

·         President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will today visit Rivercess County and tour several projects undertaken by NGO’s and the Liberian Government.

·         In an interview, Rivercess County Senator Jonathan Baney said the President will also tour the newly constructed police station and a 100-bedroom guest house still under construction in the county.

·         The President will also visit the site of a major highway project linking Buchanan to Cestos City.

·         The rehabilitation of the highway was done by the United States Government through USAID with the Liberia Community Infrastructure Programme (LCIP) as implementing partner.

 (Also reported on Star Radio, Sky F.M., Truth F.M. and ELBC)

Two Criminals Arrested for Stealing Nearly US$2,000 from Fellow Passenger

·         Two alleged criminals have been arrested in Monrovia for stealing nearly US$2,000 from a fellow passenger in a taxicab.

·         The two men are said to be involved in a new criminal scheme referred to as operation “escort passenger” that has left several passengers robbed.

·         Speaking to reporters following their arrest, the men admitted to the act and said they usually enter taxis and steal from unsuspecting passengers.

(Also reported on Star Radio, Sky F.M., Truth F.M. and ELBC)

Police Investigates 18 Suspected Looters

·         Police in Monrovia are investigating at least 18 people for their alleged involvement in the looting of a local mattress factory.

·         Police sources said the suspects were arrested Sunday with several items including mattresses and computer sets allegedly looted from the factory while it was engulfed by fire.

·         The cause of the fire has not been established but it is believed to have started from the production room. Investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.

(Also reported on Star Radio, Sky F.M., Truth F.M. and ELBC)                                      

Truth F.M. (News monitored today at 10:00 am)

Press Union Seeks Injunction to Halt Its Headquarters Project

·         The Press Union of Liberia has filed a petition before the Civil Law Court seeking an injunction to the construction of its headquarters in Sinkor.

·         According to PUL President Peter Quaqua, the decision was taken after series of efforts to hold discussions with the company failed.

·         Mr. Quaqua said the contract had a number of flaws that needed to be reviewed in keeping with the union’s constitution.

Postal Affairs Ministry Beefs up Surveillance Measure at Facilities                                     

·         The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has installed several surveillance cameras at its operational facilities to detect what it referred to as fraudulent activities.

·         Postal Affairs Minister Jeremiah Sulonteh said the exercise is part of the comprehensive post-war reform programme which is intended to upgrade the country’s postal system.

 

FACE AFRICA TO RECEIVE 1 MILLION PACKETS OF PUR™

Boston, MA – January 2, 2009 – FACE Africa, a non-profit that works to replicate innovative and results-oriented non-profit programs in African communities, today announced that Procter and Gamble has agreed to donate 1 million packets of their water purification flocculent disinfectant, the so-called PUR Purifier of Water (“PUR”).

The donation of PUR will go towards FACE Africa’s efforts to bring point-of-use water purification methods to communities in Liberia, with a focus on rural Liberia where access to safe drinking water is almost non-existent.

“Poor water and sanitation systems are major problems in Liberia,” said Saran Kaba Jones, Founder and Executive Director, FACE Africa. “The war compounded the sufferings of millions of Liberians who, even before the war, had little or no access to basic human needs such as safe drinking water and basic sanitation. For the majority of Liberians, pipe-borne water as well as other basic health needs remain unachievable for the foreseeable future. We believe that a necessary starting point in rehabilitating the country is to provide easy access to safe drinking. Doing so will reduce the incidence of water borne diseases.”

Water-borne bacteria cause diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, and typhoid fever among other diseases. Among the young and elderly, these conditions are often fatal. According to the Liberia WASH Consortium, poor water and sanitation systems leads to 42 percent of Liberian children under age 5 dying from malaria and 22 percent under 5 dying from diarrhea. The great news regarding PUR is that scientists from the John Hopkins University tested the product in Liberia in 2005 and showed that PUR reduced diarrhea incidence by 90% in households that used the product versus control households that did not use the product.

FACE Africa’s long term goal is to establish more sustainable supply and distribution networks of point-to-use water treatment materials. The second method of water purification they plan to introduce is based on a solar-powered nano-porous membrane known by its trade name as the Sky Station.  This system is capable of producing 10,000 liters of clean water a day and the porosity of the membrane allows for the removal bacteria, viruses, turbidity and other contaminants. 

About FACE Africa

FACE Africa works to fill the gap between innovative and results-oriented non-profit programs and communities in Africa that can most benefit from their unique programs and services. The organization supports programs that address rural issues affecting women and children in four key areas: education, health/nutrition, clean water, and technology. Their initial and primary focus is on Liberia, a country in West Africa emerging from a long and devastating civil war. Upon successful implementation of their programs in Liberia, FACE Africa will seek to expand operations to other countries with similar challenges and needs, Sierra Leone being their next country for expansion. For more information, please visit www.faceafrica.org.

Contact:

+1 (617) 302-5038

press@faceafrica.org