Source: UNMIL News
Vietnam has called on every party in Liberia to work together to promote national reconciliation and hold constructive talks to find a long-term solution to its internal conflicts. During a United Nations Security Council debate on the situation in Liberia and the operations of the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) on September 9, Ambassador Bui The Giang, Vietnam’s permanent deputy representative at the UN, praised Liberia’s quest for peace, its economic stability and modernization, improvements in social welfare and its solutions to humanitarian issues. The Vietnamese official reaffirmed his support for the Liberian Government’s efforts to reduce poverty, increase security, eliminate its proliferation of weapons and reintegrate demobilized soldiers back to the community. He highlighted the necessity to step up moves between Liberia and its neighbors to counter drug-trafficking and organized crime.
Benin, Liberia to Strengthen Defense, Economic Cooperation
Sept. 11 (Bloomberg) – Liberia and Benin signed four agreements to strengthen economic and defense ties, the presidents of the two African nations said. The four pacts were signed yesterday by Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and her Beninese counterpart Thomas Boni Yayi at a press briefing in Benin’s main city, Cotonou, during Johnson-Sirleaf’s two-day visit to the country. Yayi visited Liberia two years ago when the two presidents pledged to strengthen scientific, economic and technical cooperation.
Taylor Did Not Order The Assassination Of RUF Commander Sam Bockarie, He Says
Sep 11, 2009 (CharlesTaylorTrial.org/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) -- Charles Taylor today said he did not order the the assassination of one of Sierra Leone's top rebel commanders during the country's civil war, and dismissed as "lies" allegations that he knew that Sierra Leonean rebels were recruiting fighters in Liberia in areas controlled by Mr. Taylor's own fighting force. In a day of testimony focused on refuting prosecution witness testimony against him, Mr. Taylor told the Special Court for Sierra Leone "I did not order the killing of Sam Bockarie." Mr. Taylor was responding to the testimony of the 37th Prosecution Witness, a Revolutionary United Front (RUF) insider and mining commander who testified under protective measures, using the pseudonym TFI-367. In his testimony from August 20 to September 1 2008, Witness TFI-367 explained that a relative of Sam Bockarie's wife had told him that Mr. Taylor ordered the assassination of the RUF commander and his entire family because Mr. Taylor was concerned that Mr. Bockarie knew too much about his involvement with the RUF.
International Clips on West Africa
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone UN Mission Office burgled
http://www.cocorioko.net
The Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the United Nations in New York was broken into last night by unknown person(s) and cash and equipment totaling several thousands of dollars stolen. The discovery was made at 8:45 am today Thursday 10th September, when the first set of workers arrived for the routine work at the 245 East 49th Street Mission in New York. The Receptionist and Office Manager had both commuted on the same train from Mount Vernon but split up on the train before their point of disembarkation. On her arrival at the office, the Receptionist said she met the gate and the main entrance door unlocked, and thought that perhaps the manager or, one of the officers may have reported for work earlier as they were busy making preparations for the President and his delegation’s arrival for the United Nations General Assembly’s 64th Session scheduled to be convened next week.
Survivors blame captain for S.Leone boat tragedy
TOMBO, Sierra Leone AFP— The captain of a ferry that sank off Sierra Leone leaving more than 200 people feared drowned ignored warnings that it was about to capsize, survivors said Friday. A senior police officer meanwhile said the main cause of the disaster appeared to be overloading. Police said only 38 people were known to have survived after the ferry, the Teh Teh, overturned and sank in just a few minutes after a storm suddenly blew up on Tuesday night. Estimates of the numbers on board ranged from 268 to more than 300. Witnesses and officials said 37 bodies had been brought out or washed ashore.
Cote D’ivoire
Compaore to visit Cote d'Ivoire next Tuesday
www.afriquejet.com/news/africa-news
Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire - Burkinabe President Blaise Compaore will pay an official visit to Cote d'Ivoire 15-18 September, according to a statement issued by the Ivorian presidency. According to the statement, which was read on the national television by the general secretary of the government, Tyéoulou Félix, the visit of the Facilitator of the inter-Ivorian dialogue will begin in the country's political capital, Yamoussoukro, where the first joint Council of Ministers of the two countries would be held.
Local Media – Newspaper
National Elections Commission Releases By-election Timetable
(The Inquirer, The News, The Informer, Daily Observer, New Vision, Heritage, National Chronicle)
· The National Elections Commission (NEC) has released the timetable for the pending Senatorial by-election in Montserrado County.
· Addressing a news conference in Monrovia, NEC Chairman James Fromoyan said the by-election will be held on November 10 and put the cost of the election at US$1.2 million.
· Chairman Fromoyan said nomination of candidates would run from September 12 to 26 while the final list of qualified candidates would be published on October 14, 2009.
· Montserrado County has a total of 496,508 registered voters throughout its 14 electoral districts.
“H1N1 virus” Suspected in Liberia
(The Informer, National Chronicle)
· The Liberian Government has reported the first case of Swine flu or Influenza A, H1N1, in the country.
· Health Minister Walter Gwenigale said an expatriate with the Buchanan Renewable Energies in Grand Bassa County is suspected to have brought the virus into the country.
· Minister Gwenigale said the British national who was treated in London of the virus and returned to Liberia in August 2009 but is still found to be infested, is reported to have spread the virus to seven additional staff of the company.
· The Health Ministry and the World Health Organization (WHO) are sending a team to Buchanan Friday to carryout awareness exercise and treat anyone found with the symptoms.
UN Envoy Briefs Security Council on Progress, Challenges in Liberia
(Public Agenda, The Analyst, New Vision, The Informer, The Inquirer)
· The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), Ms. Ellen Margrethe Løj has briefed to the United Nations Security Council on activities of the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) over the last six months.
· In her briefing on the Secretary-General’s 19th Progress Report on Liberia, SRSG Løj drew the Council’s attention to the Partners’ Forum and highlighted the critical work that is still needed in the Rule of Law sector.
· The UN Envoy also outlined the latest proposals for Phase 3 of UNMIL’s drawdown, as recommended by the Technical Assessment Mission.
· Members of the Security Council expressed support for the work of UNMIL and are engaged in negotiations on the renewal of UNMIL`s mandate before the end of September.
· Meanwhile, a Liberian Government delegation led by Justice Minister Christiana Tah has participated in a Justice and Security Sector Partners’ Forum.
· The security delegation presented details of the Ministry of Justice, LNP, Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization strategic plans at the Forum.
State Transfers alleged Pakistani Human Traffickers Secretly
(Daily Observer, New Democrat, The Parrot)
· [SIC]Latest reports say the State has secretly removed from the Monrovia Central Prison six alleged Pakistani human traffickers.
· In an interview, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration, Colonel Chris Massaquoi confirmed the transfer of the suspects from the South Beach prison to the custody of the National Security Agency (NSA).
GAC to Investigate Domestic Claims…Secretariat Constituted
(The News, Public Agenda)
· The General Auditing Commission (GAC) has reconstituted the Secretariat of the Permanent Claims which is to receive and investigate all claims again the Republic of Liberia.
· A GAC release said the commission has put in place a vigorous and efficient model and system of control to shortly begin to receive all claims with all supporting documents.
· The Commission will independently determine the validity and the amount of all claims against the country to ensure that claimants are legitimate to receive government payment.
Nation-Wide Address System Launched
(The News, The Analyst)
· The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications have launched a nation-wide address project aimed at providing the necessary framework that would lead to the introduction of a national address system. The project valued at US$1.5 million is expected to last for two years.
Former President Taylor Denies Ordering The Assassination Of RUF Commander
(Liberian Express, The News, Daily Observer, The Analyst, Heritage))
· Former President Charles Taylor said he did not order the assassination of one of Sierra Leone's top rebel commanders during the country's civil war
· Mr. Taylor dismissed as "lies" allegations that he knew that Sierra Leonean rebels were recruiting fighters in Liberia in areas controlled by Mr. Taylor's own fighting force.
· He was responding to the testimony of the 37th Prosecution Witness, a Revolutionary United Front (RUF) insider and mining commander who testified under protective measures using the pseudonym TFI-367.
Local Media – Star Radio (culled from website today at 09:00 am)
“H1N1 virus” Suspected in Liberia
(Also reported on Radio Veritas, Sky F.M., Truth F.M. and ELBC)
State Transfers alleged Pakistani Human Traffickers Secretly
National Elections Commission Releases By-election Timetable
(Also reported on Radio Veritas, Sky F.M., Truth F.M. and ELBC)
Legislature to Submit Threshold bill to President Sirleaf
· The Senate has instructed its Executive Committee to liaise with the Lower House to submit the “controversial” threshold bill to President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.
· The Senate took the decision Thursday after it endorsed a letter from the Lower House informing it of the concurrence vote on the threshold bill.
· Earlier, confusion erupted in the Senate as three Senators attempted to prevent the submission of the bill to President Sirleaf.
· But majority members of the Senate rejected the call by the three Senators and voted to submit the threshold bill to President Sirleaf for possible approval.
(Also reported on Radio Veritas, Sky F.M., and ELBC)
Government to Enforce Property Tax Collection
· The Ministries of Justice and Finance have reportedly launched a new effort to collect government taxes from real estate property owners indebted for more than 3 years.
· Government Senior Tax Prosecutor said the indebted property owners have been notified and given a 21-day period to settle their arrears.
· Counsellor Aaron Kparkillin said the failure of property owners to pay their taxes violates the tax laws and is an attempt to strangulate government.
· Counsellor Kparkillin warned that properties of people who fail to comply within the given period would be confiscated.
(Also reported on Radio Veritas, Sky F.M., and ELBC)
Health Ministry Launches Human Resource Census
· The Health Ministry has reportedly launched a human resource census for health workers across the Country sponsored at the cost of over US$90,000.00 by the World Bank.
· According to Assistant Health Minister for Planning, Kpangbala Sengbe, the census seeks to identify every health worker in the country.
· Minister Sengbe said the census result would also help in the development of good policies to improve the health care delivery system.
(Also reported on Radio Veritas, Sky F.M., and ELBC)
Government Orders a Halt to Publication of Unregistered Newspapers
· Government has reportedly mandated all printing presses in the country not to print any newspaper that is not registered.
· Information Minister Laurence Bropleh said there are laws on the books that prohibit the printing of newspapers not registered with Government.
· Minister Bropleh said the move is not intended to muscle the press but to ensure regularities are upheld.
· He said the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) was aware of the regulation and does not think the Union would oppose it.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Friday, September 04, 2009
UNMIL Public Information Office Media Summary 3 September 2009
Source: English General News Date: September 03, 2009
Liberia's defense minister says police have arrested six Pakistani men who tried to enter Liberia on fake U.S. passports with possible intent to carry out terrorism. Defense Minister Brownie Samukai says the men were arrested earlier this week at the international airport. In a radio statement late Wednesday he said one of the suspects removed his phone's SIM card and swallowed it as he was being arrested. Samukai did not give further details on what Liberian authorities believe the men were trying to do, where the men are being held or what charges they may face. Officials say they believe the men's U.S. passports were fakes.
International Clips on West Africa
Sierra Leone
In Sierra Leone, Police Named in Armed Robbery Scandal
http://www.news.sl/drwebsite
The Head of Media and Communications in the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has denied allegations from residents in Freetown that night patrol police personnel were part of the armed robbers who has been terrorizing peaceful residents at night. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Ibrahim Samura on Tuesday 1st September 2009 described the allegations as unfortunate, baseless and unfounded. The Sierra Leone Police is a professional force tasked with an obligation to protect the lives and properties of the citizenry and also that of maintaining law and order,” ASP Samura told the Awareness Times newspaper in a telephone interview. He stated that the presence of the police was highly visible at night, which according to him was an effort aimed at maintaining peace and rid the country of armed robbers. “Police personnel have been deployed in all areas across the country that are prone to armed robbery attacks,” he noted, adding that the police were very active in conducting condone and random searches.
Guinea
Guinea bans political debates on radio, TV
CONAKRY (Reuters) - Authorities in Guinea have banned live political chat shows, the latest sign of political unease after violent demonstrations and accusations of phone censorship deepened a row over delayed elections. The military junta that has run the world's top bauxite producer since a December 2008 coup is facing mounting opposition and criticism after it delayed until 2010 elections which the military leader has not ruled out standing in."The National Communications Council (CNC) has decided to ban, until further notice, politics from all types of interactive broadcasts in any language," said a statement read on state television. A senior source in the CNC, which regulates all media in Guinea, told Reuters that the ban was a result of "pressure from the entourage around the head of the junta".
Local Media – Newspaper
Government Gets Six Vehicles for Police Operations
(The Informer, The News)
· The Governments of Ireland, Germany as well as the United Nations Peace Building Fund have donated six vehicles to the Liberia National Police (LNP).
· The donation is to enhance internal security as the country moves toward consolidating peace.
· Handling the keys of the vehicles to LNP authority, the Chief Technical Advisor of the Security Sector Reform at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Napoleon Abdullai said the donation was part of their efforts to build the capacity of the LNP in fighting crimes.
· Deputy Police Inspector General for Administration Samuel Dakana lauded the donors and said that the donation was timely especially at a time when the LNP is gearing up to resume a rigorous exercise.
Criminals Leaving From Guinea To Liberia…As UNMIL, LNP Hold Security Meeting (The Inquirer)
· Lofa County Superintendent Galakpai Kortimai says he has observed the influx of criminals coming into the country from neighboring Guinea.
· In an interview, Mr. Kortimai said the influx of criminals has led to the increase of armed robbery, burglary and other crimes in the county.
· The Lofa Superintendent said he had begun holding series of meetings with the people of the county to discuss the influx of these alleged criminals and the increasing wave of crimes in the county.
· Meanwhile, the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and the Liberia National Police Detachment in the county over the weekend convened a special security meeting with the people aimed at addressing the security needs of the county.
· During the meeting, it was agreed that a watch team consisting of 15 persons from each quarter be forwarded to the security forces to help monitor the security situation.
Police Patrol Chief Indicted for Theft
(Daily Observer, New Democrat)
· The Chief of Patrol of the Liberia National Police (LNP) along with several other police officers to be identified has been reportedly indicted for theft.
· Inspector Darlington Williams and other LNP officers had been indicted by the grand Jurors of Criminal Court “A” at the Temple of Justice for their alleged involvement in the theft of more than US$9,000.00 and other properties.
· Hearing in the case is ongoing.
Court Seeks Substitution for Taylor’s Lawyer
(New Vision, Heritage, The News, The Monitor, National Chronicle)
· Reports from The Hague say the Special Court for Sierra Leone has taken a decision which could change the course of Mr. Charles Taylor’s direct examination.
· The court ruled on Wednesday that the Defence Team finds a substitute for its ailing Lead Lawyer, Courtenay Griffiths if he’s not available in court by next week.
· The trial has been postponed for another two days. But Defence Lawyer, Morris Anyah said that Mr. Griffiths has the personal responsibility to lead Mr. Taylor’s testimonies.
· This is the third time Mr. Taylor’s trial has been postponed because of the illness of Mr. Griffiths.
Foreign Ministry Comptroller Dismissed
(The Informer, Daily Observer, New Democrat, Heritage, National Chronicle, New Vision)
· The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed, with immediate effect, Mr. Osman Kamara, Comptroller of the Division of Finance for Administrative reason.
· The Ministry says Mr. Kamara failed to perform his duties in keeping with the standard of a Comptroller of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
· But the wife of Mr. Kamara has since dismissed the allegations arguing that her husband was competent.
GEMAP Ends This Month in Liberia
(Heritage, New Vision)
· The Governance and Economic Management Assistance Programme (GEMAP), is to formally end its operation in Liberia on 30 September 2009.
· The co-signature arrangements for the USAID-funded advisers at the Roberts International Airport (RIA), the national Port Authority (NPA), the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Corporation (LPRC) and the Ministry of Finance Department of the Budget will cease.
· However, the IMF and the World Bank will fund the retention of advisers with co-signature authority at the Ministry of Finance and the central Bank of Liberia.
Senate Breaks Silence on PUL Bills
(Daily Observer, the Inquirer)
· Despite persistent pressure from the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) for the passage of three media bills before the National legislature, the Liberian Senate says it received only one bill, an Act to Establish an Independent Broadcasting Regulator for Liberia.
· The Senate however said the bill contained lots of flaws that needed to be dealt with before its passage.
· The lawmakers said considering this, the Senate cannot pass the bill until certain amendments are made in the Acts that established the Ministry of Information, Liberia Telecommunication Authority and the Ministry of Post and Telecommunication.
· The three bills before the Legislature for passage include the Freedom of Information and an Act to establish an Independent Broadcasting Regulator.
Local Media – Star Radio (culled from website today at 09:00 am)
Star Radio (News monitored today at 09:00 am)
Defense Warns Against Releasing Six Pakistanis from Jail
· The Ministry of National Defence says any attempt to release six Pakistanis arrested recently at the Robert International Airport (RIA) would pose security threat to the country.
· In an interview, Defense Minister Brownie Samukai said the manner in which the Pakistanis entered the country has created serious security concerns.
· Minister Samukai disclosed that during the security screening at the RIA one of the Pakistanis took a sim card from his mobile phone and chewed it.
· The Defence Ministry reaction comes in the wake of reports that various law firms in Monrovia have filed habeas corpus petitions for the Pakistanis and several Liberians.
(Also reported on Radio Veritas, Sky F.M., Truth F.M. and ELBC)
US Naval Ship In the Country
· A United States Naval vessel, HSV Swift is in the Country as part of the Africa Partnership Station (APS) with several on board to conduct training and assistance programs.
· While in the country, the APS will conduct variety of health care delivery services including health education.
· The mission will also conduct advanced lab education at several medical facilities including the John F. Kennedy Medical Center and Redemption Hospital.
· During the deployment, the APS will construct two medical wards at the Redemption Hospital and begin work on the Liberian Coast Guard Pier.
(Also reported on Radio Veritas, Sky F.M., Truth F.M. and ELBC)
Hearings on Investment Act Start at Legislature
· A team of government representatives has described the draft Investment Act of 2009 as a major instrument to improving the Liberian economy.
· The government team said the Investment Act would support the development of a vibrant private and public sector by attracting foreign direct investment.
· The team said the Act would also improve the accountability, efficiency and transparency of how government deals with investors.
· The government representatives made the comments before the joint Legislative Committee, conducting public hearings on the draft Investment Act of 2009.
(Also reported on Radio Veritas, Sky F.M., Truth F.M. and ELBC)
Court Seeks Substitution for Taylor’s Lawyer
(Also reported on Radio Veritas, Sky F.M., Truth F.M. and ELBC)
WAEC Cites Reasons for Mass Failure of Students in 2009 exams
· The Monrovia office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has identified several factors responsible for the massive failure of students in its exams this year.
· The head of WAEC, Professor Thomas Gaie cited the lack of qualified teachers, and sub-standard schools operating in the country as some of the contributing factors.
· Professor Gaie also identified the lack of conducive learning environment and poor disciplinary measures as factors that contributed to the mass failures.
· Professor Gaie said Liberia might not participate in the West African senior schools examinations scheduled for 2011 if the factors are not carefully reviewed.
(Also reported on Radio Veritas, Sky F.M., Truth F.M. and ELBC)
Truth F.M. (News monitored today at 10:00 am)
Foreign Ministry Comptroller Dismissed
Liberia's defense minister says police have arrested six Pakistani men who tried to enter Liberia on fake U.S. passports with possible intent to carry out terrorism. Defense Minister Brownie Samukai says the men were arrested earlier this week at the international airport. In a radio statement late Wednesday he said one of the suspects removed his phone's SIM card and swallowed it as he was being arrested. Samukai did not give further details on what Liberian authorities believe the men were trying to do, where the men are being held or what charges they may face. Officials say they believe the men's U.S. passports were fakes.
International Clips on West Africa
Sierra Leone
In Sierra Leone, Police Named in Armed Robbery Scandal
http://www.news.sl/drwebsite
The Head of Media and Communications in the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has denied allegations from residents in Freetown that night patrol police personnel were part of the armed robbers who has been terrorizing peaceful residents at night. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Ibrahim Samura on Tuesday 1st September 2009 described the allegations as unfortunate, baseless and unfounded. The Sierra Leone Police is a professional force tasked with an obligation to protect the lives and properties of the citizenry and also that of maintaining law and order,” ASP Samura told the Awareness Times newspaper in a telephone interview. He stated that the presence of the police was highly visible at night, which according to him was an effort aimed at maintaining peace and rid the country of armed robbers. “Police personnel have been deployed in all areas across the country that are prone to armed robbery attacks,” he noted, adding that the police were very active in conducting condone and random searches.
Guinea
Guinea bans political debates on radio, TV
CONAKRY (Reuters) - Authorities in Guinea have banned live political chat shows, the latest sign of political unease after violent demonstrations and accusations of phone censorship deepened a row over delayed elections. The military junta that has run the world's top bauxite producer since a December 2008 coup is facing mounting opposition and criticism after it delayed until 2010 elections which the military leader has not ruled out standing in."The National Communications Council (CNC) has decided to ban, until further notice, politics from all types of interactive broadcasts in any language," said a statement read on state television. A senior source in the CNC, which regulates all media in Guinea, told Reuters that the ban was a result of "pressure from the entourage around the head of the junta".
Local Media – Newspaper
Government Gets Six Vehicles for Police Operations
(The Informer, The News)
· The Governments of Ireland, Germany as well as the United Nations Peace Building Fund have donated six vehicles to the Liberia National Police (LNP).
· The donation is to enhance internal security as the country moves toward consolidating peace.
· Handling the keys of the vehicles to LNP authority, the Chief Technical Advisor of the Security Sector Reform at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Napoleon Abdullai said the donation was part of their efforts to build the capacity of the LNP in fighting crimes.
· Deputy Police Inspector General for Administration Samuel Dakana lauded the donors and said that the donation was timely especially at a time when the LNP is gearing up to resume a rigorous exercise.
Criminals Leaving From Guinea To Liberia…As UNMIL, LNP Hold Security Meeting (The Inquirer)
· Lofa County Superintendent Galakpai Kortimai says he has observed the influx of criminals coming into the country from neighboring Guinea.
· In an interview, Mr. Kortimai said the influx of criminals has led to the increase of armed robbery, burglary and other crimes in the county.
· The Lofa Superintendent said he had begun holding series of meetings with the people of the county to discuss the influx of these alleged criminals and the increasing wave of crimes in the county.
· Meanwhile, the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and the Liberia National Police Detachment in the county over the weekend convened a special security meeting with the people aimed at addressing the security needs of the county.
· During the meeting, it was agreed that a watch team consisting of 15 persons from each quarter be forwarded to the security forces to help monitor the security situation.
Police Patrol Chief Indicted for Theft
(Daily Observer, New Democrat)
· The Chief of Patrol of the Liberia National Police (LNP) along with several other police officers to be identified has been reportedly indicted for theft.
· Inspector Darlington Williams and other LNP officers had been indicted by the grand Jurors of Criminal Court “A” at the Temple of Justice for their alleged involvement in the theft of more than US$9,000.00 and other properties.
· Hearing in the case is ongoing.
Court Seeks Substitution for Taylor’s Lawyer
(New Vision, Heritage, The News, The Monitor, National Chronicle)
· Reports from The Hague say the Special Court for Sierra Leone has taken a decision which could change the course of Mr. Charles Taylor’s direct examination.
· The court ruled on Wednesday that the Defence Team finds a substitute for its ailing Lead Lawyer, Courtenay Griffiths if he’s not available in court by next week.
· The trial has been postponed for another two days. But Defence Lawyer, Morris Anyah said that Mr. Griffiths has the personal responsibility to lead Mr. Taylor’s testimonies.
· This is the third time Mr. Taylor’s trial has been postponed because of the illness of Mr. Griffiths.
Foreign Ministry Comptroller Dismissed
(The Informer, Daily Observer, New Democrat, Heritage, National Chronicle, New Vision)
· The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed, with immediate effect, Mr. Osman Kamara, Comptroller of the Division of Finance for Administrative reason.
· The Ministry says Mr. Kamara failed to perform his duties in keeping with the standard of a Comptroller of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
· But the wife of Mr. Kamara has since dismissed the allegations arguing that her husband was competent.
GEMAP Ends This Month in Liberia
(Heritage, New Vision)
· The Governance and Economic Management Assistance Programme (GEMAP), is to formally end its operation in Liberia on 30 September 2009.
· The co-signature arrangements for the USAID-funded advisers at the Roberts International Airport (RIA), the national Port Authority (NPA), the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Corporation (LPRC) and the Ministry of Finance Department of the Budget will cease.
· However, the IMF and the World Bank will fund the retention of advisers with co-signature authority at the Ministry of Finance and the central Bank of Liberia.
Senate Breaks Silence on PUL Bills
(Daily Observer, the Inquirer)
· Despite persistent pressure from the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) for the passage of three media bills before the National legislature, the Liberian Senate says it received only one bill, an Act to Establish an Independent Broadcasting Regulator for Liberia.
· The Senate however said the bill contained lots of flaws that needed to be dealt with before its passage.
· The lawmakers said considering this, the Senate cannot pass the bill until certain amendments are made in the Acts that established the Ministry of Information, Liberia Telecommunication Authority and the Ministry of Post and Telecommunication.
· The three bills before the Legislature for passage include the Freedom of Information and an Act to establish an Independent Broadcasting Regulator.
Local Media – Star Radio (culled from website today at 09:00 am)
Star Radio (News monitored today at 09:00 am)
Defense Warns Against Releasing Six Pakistanis from Jail
· The Ministry of National Defence says any attempt to release six Pakistanis arrested recently at the Robert International Airport (RIA) would pose security threat to the country.
· In an interview, Defense Minister Brownie Samukai said the manner in which the Pakistanis entered the country has created serious security concerns.
· Minister Samukai disclosed that during the security screening at the RIA one of the Pakistanis took a sim card from his mobile phone and chewed it.
· The Defence Ministry reaction comes in the wake of reports that various law firms in Monrovia have filed habeas corpus petitions for the Pakistanis and several Liberians.
(Also reported on Radio Veritas, Sky F.M., Truth F.M. and ELBC)
US Naval Ship In the Country
· A United States Naval vessel, HSV Swift is in the Country as part of the Africa Partnership Station (APS) with several on board to conduct training and assistance programs.
· While in the country, the APS will conduct variety of health care delivery services including health education.
· The mission will also conduct advanced lab education at several medical facilities including the John F. Kennedy Medical Center and Redemption Hospital.
· During the deployment, the APS will construct two medical wards at the Redemption Hospital and begin work on the Liberian Coast Guard Pier.
(Also reported on Radio Veritas, Sky F.M., Truth F.M. and ELBC)
Hearings on Investment Act Start at Legislature
· A team of government representatives has described the draft Investment Act of 2009 as a major instrument to improving the Liberian economy.
· The government team said the Investment Act would support the development of a vibrant private and public sector by attracting foreign direct investment.
· The team said the Act would also improve the accountability, efficiency and transparency of how government deals with investors.
· The government representatives made the comments before the joint Legislative Committee, conducting public hearings on the draft Investment Act of 2009.
(Also reported on Radio Veritas, Sky F.M., Truth F.M. and ELBC)
Court Seeks Substitution for Taylor’s Lawyer
(Also reported on Radio Veritas, Sky F.M., Truth F.M. and ELBC)
WAEC Cites Reasons for Mass Failure of Students in 2009 exams
· The Monrovia office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has identified several factors responsible for the massive failure of students in its exams this year.
· The head of WAEC, Professor Thomas Gaie cited the lack of qualified teachers, and sub-standard schools operating in the country as some of the contributing factors.
· Professor Gaie also identified the lack of conducive learning environment and poor disciplinary measures as factors that contributed to the mass failures.
· Professor Gaie said Liberia might not participate in the West African senior schools examinations scheduled for 2011 if the factors are not carefully reviewed.
(Also reported on Radio Veritas, Sky F.M., Truth F.M. and ELBC)
Truth F.M. (News monitored today at 10:00 am)
Foreign Ministry Comptroller Dismissed
Thursday, August 13, 2009
The Sime Darby $800 million contract, “another form of extortion”
By: Tolo Bonah Corfah and Sam K. Zinnah
The recently signed $800 million “United States dollars” Concession contract between the government of Liberia and the multinational conglomerate Sime Darby is raising questions in counties to be affected. Recently, the question of whether Sime Darby’s contract is development oriented or just another white wash development was raised by Son/daughters of Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, and Gbarpolu Counties. One angry looking gentleman from Gbarpolu asked “what does this contract means to poor rice and other agric-farmers in the affected counties”?
In the early 1920s Harvey Firestone, “with help from the US government” signed a dubious leased agreement with the Liberian government to cultivate one million acres of land into natural Rubber. The agreement was signed between the government of Liberia and Firestone without any import or knowledge of the local inhabitants whose land was taken. Overnight the government of Liberia and Firestone had forcibly turned Rice and Cassava farmers into Rubber planters and tappers. At the time the local inhabitants whose land had been given to Firestone for Rubber cultivation were forced to become Rubber planters for Firestone at minimum wage pay of 2 cents per day. Today, after more than 80 years in operation, the Firestone rubber tapper makes less than $6.00 a day while Firestone makes millions of dollars profit at the expense of poor or voiceless Liberians. Beside the starvation wages paid to Firestone rubber tapers, working conditions at the plantation is like what the non-profit group in Liberia, “Save my future Foundation” called “The Mark of Modern Slavery”.
Last week, the chairman of the National Investment Commission, Mr. Richard Tolbert was up on Capital Hill trying to persuade the law makers in ratifying the just signed $800 million concession contract between the government of Liberia and the multinational conglomerate Sime Darby of Malaysia to cultivate rubber and Oil Palm on 220,000 hectors of land in Bomi, Grand cape Mount and Gbarpolu counties. This land is in addition to the concession rights to the renegotiated concession rights to the B.F. Goodrich rubber farm in Bomi and Grand Cape Mount counties; which was awarded to the Kumpulun Guthrie Sendirian Berhad or KGB, a subsidiary of Sime Darby (www.anilnetto.com).
Are these investment beneficiaries to the inhabitants of these counties or just another political white wash to present fake improvement to the international community? Where is the good political governance that was promised during the 2005 elections?, the main objective for political governance in post-war Liberia should be to secure democracy by instilling checks and balances, which have been absent throughout Liberia's long history. Such political system “in a way” would limit or reduce the president or group of people’s power to no longer usurp so much power and wield such extraordinary influence over the fate of the majority and by so doing provide the conditions for sustained growth and development - not white washing old buildings, putting black water on roads and referring to them as development. The first task of political democracy in Liberia should be aimed at ensuring equal and unhindered access for all to state power, which “as history has shown” had been the most contentious issue in Liberian political life that to a large extend fueled the violence that we witnessed in Liberia for 14 years. Liberian leaders have either lacked a vision or the political will to enforce whatsoever vision they had for the development of Liberia. The Constitution, which should provide the framework for governance was disregarded and treated with discontent by the very people who should have upheld it. Liberian politicians are more talkative than doers. They bark more than they bite. Most Liberians grew under the perception, which of course is now becoming unacceptable, that only "doctors/well learned people" could govern Liberia. This explains why all of Liberia's past and present leaders had spent their energies seeking out doctorate titles, even if honorary, in order to bolster their position and create the erroneous impression that they were the custodian of knowledge.
During the 2005 general elections, Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf professed to be the best candidate for the job that was chased by more than 20 candidates. Today, the promises zero tolerance on corruption, good governance, accountability and many more are flying through the political windows as kids stand-bye and watch the reality.
While vigorously fighting to defend his job last week, the NIC chairman told law makers that Sime Darby would provide amongst other things “resettlement benefits to the locals in the concession areas and that farmers wanting to farm would seek permission from the company to operate in their area”.
The need to attract companies to Liberia that will provide jobs to the working masses of
Our people can not be overemphasized, but what Liberians need to know is; what are
the socio-economic benefits to the locals? Are the local inhabitants involved in the
Negotiations to rehabilitate them from their farm lands? What are the so-called resettlement benefits?
Are the locals going to be evacuated from their villages and resettled somewhere else?
We need to know what the environmental impact will be on the land; will it be
like Firestone rubber company that is not only exploiting the workers, but has
ignored every environmental law on the books.
It was the believed of many Liberians that this government would not take the road other Liberian governments have taken in the past, which is getting into contractual agreements that did not benefit the country or the working masses but few elite.
The need for decentralization in Liberia
In the wake of continuous extortion of county resources, decentralization of state management is high recommended. Giving more power to the regions to determine local policies and development priorities, including such areas as education, social infrastructure and human development, as well as the power to implement these policies such as forming their own budgets, financing developmental policies, collecting certain types of taxes etc.. Likewise local authorities should be held accountable for what happen in their regions and they should be made less reliant on central authorities. Local authorities should have a share in managing state assets on their territories and gaining incomes from it as well for financing projects. To avoid outright manipulation of local authorities, particularly Paramount, Clan and Town Chiefs, article 56, clause B of the 1986 Constitution be revisited and the power of the President to remove these local officials be transferred to a credible and well scrutinized National Legislature acting upon
a specific number of signatures of the local population in the respective localities of these officials, certified by the national election commission as valid. In this way, we might not have town chiefs coming to bring resolutions of support to the president out of fear of losing their jobs. Given that Liberia is a small country of less than five million and that the level of illiteracy is high, and in view of the fact that power had been the root of all evils in Liberia in as much as incumbents had feared parting with power because it will not be gotten back again, a revisit of article 50 of chapter VI of the 1986 Constitution which states that "....no person shall serve as President for more than two terms is highly recommended. It should “however”, be re-emphasized, nationally accepted (under international monitored) that no person who have held office for more than 2 separate consecutive terms should be allowed to contest further. Efforts should be made to exploit the opportunity for amendment that is provided for in article 93 of chapter XII of the 1986 Constitution.
The danger of corruption in post-war Liberia
Corruption increases the marginalization of minority groups including women. It leads to contestation of the state’s monopoly of force or radicalizes opposition to the State and most times contributing to conflict, destabilization and failed State. Most recovery programs aim at restoration of peace and stabilizing the economy through sustainable economic programs.
Corruption posts a threat to these efforts hence the need to deal with corruption from the onset of recovery. In recent years, there has been increasing attention to the effects of corruption in post conflict and recovery environments. Various studious (by; UNDP, World Bank & Transparency international) confirm that about half of the post war countries revert to war within one decade and corruption can be considered as one of the major factors that contribute to fuelling a conflict and the return to violent. Therefore, overcoming corruption in post-war Liberia is essential to restoring the confident of Liberians at home and abroad.
Post conflict reconstruction is normally characterized by large scale injection of resources in an environment where the legal and institutional frameworks are weak, fragile or inexistent and the expertise scarce. Detection of crime is very low and enforcement difficult or ignored. The surviving governing structures are weak with financial, fiscal, administrative and regulatory capacities and limited oversight is informal and sometimes criminalized sectors. These institutions are often transitional in nature, carrying very little or no legitimacy, and therefore prone to capture by the privilege elite with access to power and resources. This lack of popular participation in reconstruction is vulnerable to hijacking by local elites, which leads to corruption, waste of available and scarce resources, lack of maintenance and monitoring by beneficiaries and eventual rejection in the long run.
The main purpose of zero tolerance on corruption in Liberia should be to assist post conflict Liberia in developing anti-corruption strategies. These strategies will be used to develop programs on anti-corruption in post-war Liberia and recovery process which will be a tool that will assist affected areas.
Development will never come to Liberia if Liberians continue to rely on foreign companies to do everything. History attests to this. The Indian, Ghanaian, Nigerian and Lebanese business communities in Liberia have never productively participated in Liberia's development. In fact, they have always tended to set themselves apart from Liberia. It is now up to the government and people of Liberia to build-up the credibility to attract investors to boost the Liberia’s economy.
About the Authors:
Tolo Bonah Corfah and Sam K. Zinnah are sons of Gbarpolu County. They currently reside in the United States. Tolo B. Corfah is reading Multicultural Urban Education at the Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, MN. Sam K. Zinnah holds Bachelors degree in Human Services from Springfield college of human services in Wilmington, Delaware.
Tolo Corfah can be reached at corfto@go.metrostate.edu or 651-214-6204. Sam Zinnah can be reached at szinnah@yahoo.com or www.szinnah.blogspot.com.
The recently signed $800 million “United States dollars” Concession contract between the government of Liberia and the multinational conglomerate Sime Darby is raising questions in counties to be affected. Recently, the question of whether Sime Darby’s contract is development oriented or just another white wash development was raised by Son/daughters of Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, and Gbarpolu Counties. One angry looking gentleman from Gbarpolu asked “what does this contract means to poor rice and other agric-farmers in the affected counties”?
In the early 1920s Harvey Firestone, “with help from the US government” signed a dubious leased agreement with the Liberian government to cultivate one million acres of land into natural Rubber. The agreement was signed between the government of Liberia and Firestone without any import or knowledge of the local inhabitants whose land was taken. Overnight the government of Liberia and Firestone had forcibly turned Rice and Cassava farmers into Rubber planters and tappers. At the time the local inhabitants whose land had been given to Firestone for Rubber cultivation were forced to become Rubber planters for Firestone at minimum wage pay of 2 cents per day. Today, after more than 80 years in operation, the Firestone rubber tapper makes less than $6.00 a day while Firestone makes millions of dollars profit at the expense of poor or voiceless Liberians. Beside the starvation wages paid to Firestone rubber tapers, working conditions at the plantation is like what the non-profit group in Liberia, “Save my future Foundation” called “The Mark of Modern Slavery”.
Last week, the chairman of the National Investment Commission, Mr. Richard Tolbert was up on Capital Hill trying to persuade the law makers in ratifying the just signed $800 million concession contract between the government of Liberia and the multinational conglomerate Sime Darby of Malaysia to cultivate rubber and Oil Palm on 220,000 hectors of land in Bomi, Grand cape Mount and Gbarpolu counties. This land is in addition to the concession rights to the renegotiated concession rights to the B.F. Goodrich rubber farm in Bomi and Grand Cape Mount counties; which was awarded to the Kumpulun Guthrie Sendirian Berhad or KGB, a subsidiary of Sime Darby (www.anilnetto.com).
Are these investment beneficiaries to the inhabitants of these counties or just another political white wash to present fake improvement to the international community? Where is the good political governance that was promised during the 2005 elections?, the main objective for political governance in post-war Liberia should be to secure democracy by instilling checks and balances, which have been absent throughout Liberia's long history. Such political system “in a way” would limit or reduce the president or group of people’s power to no longer usurp so much power and wield such extraordinary influence over the fate of the majority and by so doing provide the conditions for sustained growth and development - not white washing old buildings, putting black water on roads and referring to them as development. The first task of political democracy in Liberia should be aimed at ensuring equal and unhindered access for all to state power, which “as history has shown” had been the most contentious issue in Liberian political life that to a large extend fueled the violence that we witnessed in Liberia for 14 years. Liberian leaders have either lacked a vision or the political will to enforce whatsoever vision they had for the development of Liberia. The Constitution, which should provide the framework for governance was disregarded and treated with discontent by the very people who should have upheld it. Liberian politicians are more talkative than doers. They bark more than they bite. Most Liberians grew under the perception, which of course is now becoming unacceptable, that only "doctors/well learned people" could govern Liberia. This explains why all of Liberia's past and present leaders had spent their energies seeking out doctorate titles, even if honorary, in order to bolster their position and create the erroneous impression that they were the custodian of knowledge.
During the 2005 general elections, Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf professed to be the best candidate for the job that was chased by more than 20 candidates. Today, the promises zero tolerance on corruption, good governance, accountability and many more are flying through the political windows as kids stand-bye and watch the reality.
While vigorously fighting to defend his job last week, the NIC chairman told law makers that Sime Darby would provide amongst other things “resettlement benefits to the locals in the concession areas and that farmers wanting to farm would seek permission from the company to operate in their area”.
The need to attract companies to Liberia that will provide jobs to the working masses of
Our people can not be overemphasized, but what Liberians need to know is; what are
the socio-economic benefits to the locals? Are the local inhabitants involved in the
Negotiations to rehabilitate them from their farm lands? What are the so-called resettlement benefits?
Are the locals going to be evacuated from their villages and resettled somewhere else?
We need to know what the environmental impact will be on the land; will it be
like Firestone rubber company that is not only exploiting the workers, but has
ignored every environmental law on the books.
It was the believed of many Liberians that this government would not take the road other Liberian governments have taken in the past, which is getting into contractual agreements that did not benefit the country or the working masses but few elite.
The need for decentralization in Liberia
In the wake of continuous extortion of county resources, decentralization of state management is high recommended. Giving more power to the regions to determine local policies and development priorities, including such areas as education, social infrastructure and human development, as well as the power to implement these policies such as forming their own budgets, financing developmental policies, collecting certain types of taxes etc.. Likewise local authorities should be held accountable for what happen in their regions and they should be made less reliant on central authorities. Local authorities should have a share in managing state assets on their territories and gaining incomes from it as well for financing projects. To avoid outright manipulation of local authorities, particularly Paramount, Clan and Town Chiefs, article 56, clause B of the 1986 Constitution be revisited and the power of the President to remove these local officials be transferred to a credible and well scrutinized National Legislature acting upon
a specific number of signatures of the local population in the respective localities of these officials, certified by the national election commission as valid. In this way, we might not have town chiefs coming to bring resolutions of support to the president out of fear of losing their jobs. Given that Liberia is a small country of less than five million and that the level of illiteracy is high, and in view of the fact that power had been the root of all evils in Liberia in as much as incumbents had feared parting with power because it will not be gotten back again, a revisit of article 50 of chapter VI of the 1986 Constitution which states that "....no person shall serve as President for more than two terms is highly recommended. It should “however”, be re-emphasized, nationally accepted (under international monitored) that no person who have held office for more than 2 separate consecutive terms should be allowed to contest further. Efforts should be made to exploit the opportunity for amendment that is provided for in article 93 of chapter XII of the 1986 Constitution.
The danger of corruption in post-war Liberia
Corruption increases the marginalization of minority groups including women. It leads to contestation of the state’s monopoly of force or radicalizes opposition to the State and most times contributing to conflict, destabilization and failed State. Most recovery programs aim at restoration of peace and stabilizing the economy through sustainable economic programs.
Corruption posts a threat to these efforts hence the need to deal with corruption from the onset of recovery. In recent years, there has been increasing attention to the effects of corruption in post conflict and recovery environments. Various studious (by; UNDP, World Bank & Transparency international) confirm that about half of the post war countries revert to war within one decade and corruption can be considered as one of the major factors that contribute to fuelling a conflict and the return to violent. Therefore, overcoming corruption in post-war Liberia is essential to restoring the confident of Liberians at home and abroad.
Post conflict reconstruction is normally characterized by large scale injection of resources in an environment where the legal and institutional frameworks are weak, fragile or inexistent and the expertise scarce. Detection of crime is very low and enforcement difficult or ignored. The surviving governing structures are weak with financial, fiscal, administrative and regulatory capacities and limited oversight is informal and sometimes criminalized sectors. These institutions are often transitional in nature, carrying very little or no legitimacy, and therefore prone to capture by the privilege elite with access to power and resources. This lack of popular participation in reconstruction is vulnerable to hijacking by local elites, which leads to corruption, waste of available and scarce resources, lack of maintenance and monitoring by beneficiaries and eventual rejection in the long run.
The main purpose of zero tolerance on corruption in Liberia should be to assist post conflict Liberia in developing anti-corruption strategies. These strategies will be used to develop programs on anti-corruption in post-war Liberia and recovery process which will be a tool that will assist affected areas.
Development will never come to Liberia if Liberians continue to rely on foreign companies to do everything. History attests to this. The Indian, Ghanaian, Nigerian and Lebanese business communities in Liberia have never productively participated in Liberia's development. In fact, they have always tended to set themselves apart from Liberia. It is now up to the government and people of Liberia to build-up the credibility to attract investors to boost the Liberia’s economy.
About the Authors:
Tolo Bonah Corfah and Sam K. Zinnah are sons of Gbarpolu County. They currently reside in the United States. Tolo B. Corfah is reading Multicultural Urban Education at the Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, MN. Sam K. Zinnah holds Bachelors degree in Human Services from Springfield college of human services in Wilmington, Delaware.
Tolo Corfah can be reached at corfto@go.metrostate.edu or 651-214-6204. Sam Zinnah can be reached at szinnah@yahoo.com or www.szinnah.blogspot.com.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
‘THIS CHILD’ MUST EARN HER GREATNESS
By: T.Q. Harris Jr
The general reaction of Liberians to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Final Report underscores the sensitivity, complexity and difficulty in crafting a workable plan to restore normalcy to our relatively small, yet volatile underdeveloped nation. And despite the fact the literacy rate is well below 20 percent, the vast majority of Liberians already has formulated opinions regarding the voluminous document recently released by the Truth Commission. The opinions are diverse as species in the Sapo National Forest. And passions are running high.
Considering the dreadful statistics, one cannot help but wonder; how many Liberians have actually read the TRC Final Report in its entirety – and of this number - how many fully understand its content? Based on the facts, it is safe to assume that the latter is an extremely small group, not unlike the few who met in Ghana and committed the entire nation to an unrealistic peace agenda. Yet, if level heads do not prevail, the TRC recommendations, particularly those related to prosecution and debarment could reignite violence.
The truth-telling approach to national healing adopted in Ghana and touted as the best way forward has been roundly rejected. Now its leading advocates, including Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, are unhappy because the Truth Commission which they overwhelmingly supported has favored accountability and the eradication of impunity. For this, it is being severely criticized and vilified.
Though the Commission’s conclusions fall short in certain regards, they nevertheless have exposed the diabolical scheme to use reconciliation as a harmless weapon to bludgeon the truth. In its totality, the TRC Final Report confirms the recklessness as well as the unspeakable horrors visited upon defenseless men, women and children, including five innocent nuns. Now disappointment on the part of those who continue to deny these facts is manifesting as anger, resentment and - for some – speechlessness.
The notion that a truth commission is the best mechanism for healing this nation in the aftermath of the extremely brutal war is a fraud perpetrated by people unwilling to accept responsibility for acts so hideous it confounds the human mind. Therefore, those bearing the greatest responsibility for the carnage must be removed from decision-making. Their removal, however, is not necessarily an attempt to exact punishment. Rather, it creates a level of comfort for the victim and reduces anxiety; thereby eliminating fear, which oftentimes is mistakenly characterized as complacency or even stupidity.
The TRC Final Report is by no means perfect, nor a panacea. However, it is a courageous step on the long journey toward national healing, reconciliation and lasting peace. Thanks to the ubiquitous Internet; millions around the world have read the document. Now people are watching to see how Liberians are going to react.
Therefore, we must seize the moment and do what is right. Even in these darkest moments - you must believe - Liberia is being repositioned to lead Africa’s transformation. The challenges we face currently are mere opportunities to rebuild a new nation from the bottom up, embedding in its foundation rule of law and the tenets of democracy. Let us not pull back on account of lies, fear and intimidation. Because the atrocities committed in Liberia can never be forgotten; neither will the content of the TRC Final Report.
As the central and most prominent figures in the recent devastation, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Dr. Amos Sawyer must at this critical stage provide bold leadership in ending the prolonged nightmare. They must set the pace so that others may follow; because their names consistently appear at the top of every list of persons bearing the greatest responsibility for the 15-year carnage. Therefore, it is impossible to hold anyone else accountable without first getting Ellen and Sawyer to accept full responsibility for their actions.
The following are steps President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf must take to ensure the TRC report does not further divide the nation, pitting brother against brother. Also, this should help in gaining the confidence of citizens as well as the international partners. Because, realistically, the current leadership should not be handling these extremely delicate matters.
1. The President must state without delay her unequivocal support for the TRC Final Report. Also, she must in the same breath offer her resignation or state categorically that at the conclusion of her current term she will not seek public office, in keeping with the TRC recommendation;
2. The President must not delay in establishing the Independent National Human Rights Commission (INHRC) so work may begin on the TRC recommendations.
Also, considering that officials within the three branches of government have been indicted in the TRC Final Report, the President going forward must emphasize transparency by appointing a team of observers comprising of 5 – 7 upstanding citizens who will work closely with the Executive and Legislative branches, focusing primarily on long-term contractual agreements involving the State. Civil society organizations among others will be asked to submit names; and the final selection will be made by random drawing;
3. The President must side with the Liberian people in demanding cooperation from the Legislature in advancing the TRC Final Report, so its implementation may begin in a timely manner; and,
4. The INHRC must at the earliest convene a series of national conferences at home and abroad where stakeholders shall determine how best to implement the TRC recommendations, taking into account issues critical to long-term stability. At these meetings, strategies will be formulated to deal effectively with individuals known to have committed war crimes as well as crimes against humanity, but whose names are not included in the TRC Final Report.
In conclusion, Liberia at the moment is held hostage by a few individuals, including Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who have refused to accept responsibility for the senseless violence that devastated the infrastructure, uprooted and forced tens of thousands into exile, and also took the lives of thousands more. Regrettably, the prevailing culture of impunity has made it extremely difficult to take legal action against the culprits, evidenced the threats and outright rejection of the TRC Final Report. As a people, we can no longer continue on this destructive path. With every passing day the cost of reconstruction increases while Liberians fall deeper into poverty. Failing to deal decisively with those who may have violated the social contract and broken the law only threatens the fragile peace we now enjoy.
Therefore, we call on the President to show leadership by accepting the recommendation of the TRC which she vigorously supported and promoted.
Madam Sirleaf, you are uniquely positioned to end the nightmare and restore hope to this broken nation. Saving your people from themselves does not require the might of an iron lady. Rather, success is with the woman who has a humble heart, steady hands and a clear vision. It’s time ‘This Child’ demonstrates her greatness by rallying the nation to a cause greater than any one individual.
Let the sycophants not mislead you as was the case with Presidents Tolbert, Doe and Taylor. And there is no need to defend against the TRC at the Supreme Court or in any other court for that matter. Would you rather be remembered for what you did or did not do in the past, or for how you seized this opportunity to bend the arc of destiny?
The Author: Mr. T. Q. Harris, Jr. is currently the General Chairman of Liberia Contemporees United Patriotic and Strong (Contemp UPS www.contemporees.org) and CEO of the Movement STAND. He is a former vice presidential nominee of the Republic of Liberia. Call (562) 216-3177 / (562) 256-4271 or email him at liberia1@charter.net For more about Mr. Harris log in to www.friendsoftq.com
The general reaction of Liberians to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Final Report underscores the sensitivity, complexity and difficulty in crafting a workable plan to restore normalcy to our relatively small, yet volatile underdeveloped nation. And despite the fact the literacy rate is well below 20 percent, the vast majority of Liberians already has formulated opinions regarding the voluminous document recently released by the Truth Commission. The opinions are diverse as species in the Sapo National Forest. And passions are running high.
Considering the dreadful statistics, one cannot help but wonder; how many Liberians have actually read the TRC Final Report in its entirety – and of this number - how many fully understand its content? Based on the facts, it is safe to assume that the latter is an extremely small group, not unlike the few who met in Ghana and committed the entire nation to an unrealistic peace agenda. Yet, if level heads do not prevail, the TRC recommendations, particularly those related to prosecution and debarment could reignite violence.
The truth-telling approach to national healing adopted in Ghana and touted as the best way forward has been roundly rejected. Now its leading advocates, including Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, are unhappy because the Truth Commission which they overwhelmingly supported has favored accountability and the eradication of impunity. For this, it is being severely criticized and vilified.
Though the Commission’s conclusions fall short in certain regards, they nevertheless have exposed the diabolical scheme to use reconciliation as a harmless weapon to bludgeon the truth. In its totality, the TRC Final Report confirms the recklessness as well as the unspeakable horrors visited upon defenseless men, women and children, including five innocent nuns. Now disappointment on the part of those who continue to deny these facts is manifesting as anger, resentment and - for some – speechlessness.
The notion that a truth commission is the best mechanism for healing this nation in the aftermath of the extremely brutal war is a fraud perpetrated by people unwilling to accept responsibility for acts so hideous it confounds the human mind. Therefore, those bearing the greatest responsibility for the carnage must be removed from decision-making. Their removal, however, is not necessarily an attempt to exact punishment. Rather, it creates a level of comfort for the victim and reduces anxiety; thereby eliminating fear, which oftentimes is mistakenly characterized as complacency or even stupidity.
The TRC Final Report is by no means perfect, nor a panacea. However, it is a courageous step on the long journey toward national healing, reconciliation and lasting peace. Thanks to the ubiquitous Internet; millions around the world have read the document. Now people are watching to see how Liberians are going to react.
Therefore, we must seize the moment and do what is right. Even in these darkest moments - you must believe - Liberia is being repositioned to lead Africa’s transformation. The challenges we face currently are mere opportunities to rebuild a new nation from the bottom up, embedding in its foundation rule of law and the tenets of democracy. Let us not pull back on account of lies, fear and intimidation. Because the atrocities committed in Liberia can never be forgotten; neither will the content of the TRC Final Report.
As the central and most prominent figures in the recent devastation, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Dr. Amos Sawyer must at this critical stage provide bold leadership in ending the prolonged nightmare. They must set the pace so that others may follow; because their names consistently appear at the top of every list of persons bearing the greatest responsibility for the 15-year carnage. Therefore, it is impossible to hold anyone else accountable without first getting Ellen and Sawyer to accept full responsibility for their actions.
The following are steps President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf must take to ensure the TRC report does not further divide the nation, pitting brother against brother. Also, this should help in gaining the confidence of citizens as well as the international partners. Because, realistically, the current leadership should not be handling these extremely delicate matters.
1. The President must state without delay her unequivocal support for the TRC Final Report. Also, she must in the same breath offer her resignation or state categorically that at the conclusion of her current term she will not seek public office, in keeping with the TRC recommendation;
2. The President must not delay in establishing the Independent National Human Rights Commission (INHRC) so work may begin on the TRC recommendations.
Also, considering that officials within the three branches of government have been indicted in the TRC Final Report, the President going forward must emphasize transparency by appointing a team of observers comprising of 5 – 7 upstanding citizens who will work closely with the Executive and Legislative branches, focusing primarily on long-term contractual agreements involving the State. Civil society organizations among others will be asked to submit names; and the final selection will be made by random drawing;
3. The President must side with the Liberian people in demanding cooperation from the Legislature in advancing the TRC Final Report, so its implementation may begin in a timely manner; and,
4. The INHRC must at the earliest convene a series of national conferences at home and abroad where stakeholders shall determine how best to implement the TRC recommendations, taking into account issues critical to long-term stability. At these meetings, strategies will be formulated to deal effectively with individuals known to have committed war crimes as well as crimes against humanity, but whose names are not included in the TRC Final Report.
In conclusion, Liberia at the moment is held hostage by a few individuals, including Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who have refused to accept responsibility for the senseless violence that devastated the infrastructure, uprooted and forced tens of thousands into exile, and also took the lives of thousands more. Regrettably, the prevailing culture of impunity has made it extremely difficult to take legal action against the culprits, evidenced the threats and outright rejection of the TRC Final Report. As a people, we can no longer continue on this destructive path. With every passing day the cost of reconstruction increases while Liberians fall deeper into poverty. Failing to deal decisively with those who may have violated the social contract and broken the law only threatens the fragile peace we now enjoy.
Therefore, we call on the President to show leadership by accepting the recommendation of the TRC which she vigorously supported and promoted.
Madam Sirleaf, you are uniquely positioned to end the nightmare and restore hope to this broken nation. Saving your people from themselves does not require the might of an iron lady. Rather, success is with the woman who has a humble heart, steady hands and a clear vision. It’s time ‘This Child’ demonstrates her greatness by rallying the nation to a cause greater than any one individual.
Let the sycophants not mislead you as was the case with Presidents Tolbert, Doe and Taylor. And there is no need to defend against the TRC at the Supreme Court or in any other court for that matter. Would you rather be remembered for what you did or did not do in the past, or for how you seized this opportunity to bend the arc of destiny?
The Author: Mr. T. Q. Harris, Jr. is currently the General Chairman of Liberia Contemporees United Patriotic and Strong (Contemp UPS www.contemporees.org) and CEO of the Movement STAND. He is a former vice presidential nominee of the Republic of Liberia. Call (562) 216-3177 / (562) 256-4271 or email him at liberia1@charter.net For more about Mr. Harris log in to www.friendsoftq.com
Monday, July 06, 2009
Liberia's truth panel recommends banning Sirleaf from office
UNMIL Public Information Office Media Summary 06 July 2009
Source: AFP World News / English Date: July 06, 2009
MONROVIA, July 6, 2009 (AFP) - Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommended Monday that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf be banned from holding public office for 30 years because of her alleged role in a civil war. In its final report, the panel investigating Liberia's successive 1989-2003 civil wars included Sirleaf's name in a list of people it accused of being "the financiers and political leaders of the different warring factions." "They (those named) should be banned from occupying public office for 30 years beginning the day of the passage of the report at the parliament," the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recommended. On the list, seen by AFP, the name of Sirleaf, who was elected in 2005, was present along with those of several members of her government, including Transport Minister Jackson Doe, the elder brother of former president Samuel Doe. In a hearing before the commission in February, Sirleaf denied ever being a member of the movement led by rebel leader and warlord Charles Taylor, who was president of the West African country between 1997 and 2003.
Prosecutors: former Liberian President Charles Taylor's list of defence witnesses is excessive
Source: Canadian Press Date: July 06, 2009
THE HAGUE, Netherlands _ The trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor could take up to four more years, if his lawyers call all their witnesses, prosecutors told judges Monday at a Sierra Leone war crimes tribunal sitting in The Hague. Taylor is due to begin his defence case next week answering 11 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sierra Leone. Taylor will take the stand in his own defence on July 14, a day after his lawyers present their opening statement. Prosecution trial lawyer Brenda Hollis said at a hearing Monday that Taylor's lawyers have lined up an "excessive" list of 256 potential witnesses. However, the defence lawyers are not expected to call all the witnesses on their list to testify. Taylor's lead attorney, Courtenay Griffiths, pointed out that prosecutors listed some 200 witnesses and called 91. Griffiths told judges he has "no intention of being here another four years." Taylor is accused of arming and controlling militias from across the border in Liberia, where he held power from 1997 until he was forced into exile in 2003.
International Clips on West Africa
Ivory Coast's SIFCA seeks to double palm oil output
ABIDJAN, July 6 (Reuters) - Ivory Coast's SIFCA group will double its annual palm oil output to 500,000 tonnes over the next three years with technical and financial investment from Singapore's Wilmar International, SIFCA said. It said that the increased output and the SIFCA group's purchase of its own ship to improve regional deliveries should help reduce the reliance on Asian imports while also easing a deepening shortfall in palm oil across West Africa. 'With this project, palm oil production from Palmci (a part of the SIFCA group) will increase from 250,000 tonnes to 500,000,' Palmci Managing Director Angora Tano told Reuters at the weekend. 'Wilmar will bring its techniques and experience in boosting production from plantations and reducing factory and refining costs to make the finished product more competitive for a growing market,' Tano said.
Local Media – Newspaper
Pro-War Crimes Court Group Wants Sirleaf, Others Resign
(The Inquirer, The Monitor, Public Agenda, Plain Truth, The News)
· A pro-war crimes court group, Forum for the Establishment of a War Crimes Court for Liberia (FORUM) has called for the resignation of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and others listed in the TRC final report.
· The Forum’s National Chairman, Mulbah Morlu believes the resignation will pave the way for proper investigation.
· The Group earlier endorsed the TRC final report, describing it as the best means for moving Liberia forward.
· According to the group, the collective merits of the Commission’s findings outweigh its misgivings about some of the recommendations.
· The group however disagreed with the granting of amnesty to people it considers active combatants who committed heinous crimes.
· The group pledged to advocate for the prosecution of active combatants who were given amnesty.
· Meanwhile, the Plain Truth reports that in a “survey” conducted by the paper, citizens say the President has lost the moral authority to govern and requested her immediate resignation.
TRC Commissioner Gives Dissenting Opinion over Recommendations
(Liberian Express, New Vision)
· A crack has seemingly emerged in the final verdict of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia (TRC) with a dissenting opinion of one of its Commissioners.
· Commissioner Pearl Brown-Bull disagreed with the final report and declined to sign it claiming criminal prosecution and debarment as recommended runs contrary to the Liberian constitution and other legal instruments.
· She cited among other things an Act enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in 2003 granted immunity from both civil and criminal proceedings against all persons within the jurisdiction of Liberia from act or crimes committed during the civil war from December 1989 to August 2003.
· Meanwhile, the TRC’s Information Officer said that there’s nowhere in the TRC guidelines that all commissioners have to sign before a report becomes final.
Coalition of Civil Society Group Wants Legislature Reject TRC Report
(The Monitor)
· A consortium of civil society grouping, the Coalition for Peace and Tranquility in Liberia has called on the Legislature to reject the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia (TRC) final report.
· The group in a statement described the TRC report as a political document targeted at rivals.
· The coalition said the consistent division among TRC Commissioners amounts to waste of tax payers’ money.
· They said the report will further divide the people of Liberia instead of helping to bring genuine healing and reconciliation.
ICTJ says TRC Report Vital But Not Last Step
(Liberian Express, The Inquirer)
· The International Centre for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) said the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia (TRC) provides a necessary foundation for Liberians to debate their past and address present and future need.
· In a statement, the ICTJ’s President Alex Boraine said the report was a necessary step but there was a need for additional measures to deal with Liberia’s difficult past.
· The ICTJ said an Independent National Commission on Human Rights, responsible for ensuring follow-up to the TRC's work, must also be properly organized and given the necessary authority.
· The International Centre for Transitional Justice assists countries pursuing accountability for past mass atrocity or human rights abuse and has been working in Liberia since 2004 to support actors engaging in transitional justice efforts.
Consortium of Political Parties Frown at Delays to Enact Electoral Bills
(Liberian Express)
· A consortium of ten political parties in Liberia has expressed reservation over what they call the consistently failure and delay of the Legislature to enact the electoral bill ahead of the 2011 Presidential and General elections.
· In a statement, the parties made reference to the decision of the Senate to send back to the House of Representatives the Threshold Bill to additionally ensure that no county has less than two seats.
AU Summit Ends As Leaders Discuss Formation of Unity Government
(Heritage, New Vision, Liberian Express)
· The 13th ordinary session of the African Union has ended in Libya with a resolution to implement the Maputo declaration.
· The declaration called for the ten percent of the national budget of each member state to be allocated for Agriculture production. Leaders of the summit agreed to implement the decision.
· Meanwhile, the AU leaders have proposed the introduction of an African Union Authority to replace the African Union.
· The Authority, if approved, will provide for a President, Vice President and Secretaries, to coordinate affairs within Africa in a united manner.
Government Accuses UNMIL Of Drugs Trafficking
(Plain Truth)
· [SIC] Confidence between the Liberian Government and the United Nations Mission in Liberia appears to be sustaining manifold bruises with the former accusing the latter of drugs trafficking.
· The accusation comes in the aftermath of the use of over US$500,000 confiscated from a Nigerian businessman by government in 2006.
· The allegations are purported contained in an official Government statement forwarded to the House of Representatives committee set up to probe the matter.
· In the statement, The National Security Advisor, Dr. Boimah Fahnbulleh defended Government use of the money claiming that the alleged drugs found on the Nigerian at the time was stolen by an UNMIL Officer insinuating that there was a collusion between the officer and the businessman .
International Partners Support Bureau Of Immigration
(Daily Observer)
· The restructuring of the Liberian security sector has touched the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (BIN) with a flurry of international assistance in terms of capacity-building, equipment and other support.
· In a statement, the Commissioner of the BIN, Chris Massaquoi, said negotiations with partners aimed at “strengthening institutional capacity and tackling global migratory issues, particularly within the sub-region” culminated in support from the Dutch, French, American and the German Governments.
ICRC Dedicates Over US$15,000 Water Kiosk in Monrovia Suburb
(The Monitor, Daily Observer)
· The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has dedicated a water tower in the Crab Hole community in Duala outside Monrovia.
· Speaking at a brief hand-over ceremony, the Managing Director of the LWSC, Humbu Tulay, said the facility constructed at a cost of US$15,400 was done with support from the ICRC which decided to initiate a viable water project for residents in the area.
· The project was implemented by a Liberian construction company, Humbu Enterprises, under the supervision of Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC).
Local Media – Star Radio (culled from website today at 09:00 am)
President Sirleaf Not Embarrassed By TRC Report
· The Executive Mansion says President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is going through the TRC report and would comment appropriately.
· Presidential Press Secretary Cyrus Badio said the president had been in Libya attending the AU summit and is yet to fully read the report.
· President Sirleaf is among people listed by the TRC to be banned from public office for thirty years.
· At the same time, Mr. Badio says the President is not embarrassed by the inclusion of her name in the report.
· On calls for the President to resign, he said the Executive Mansion will not dignify the call and cautioned people that the ban remains a recommendation.
Pro-War Crimes Court Group Wants Sirleaf, Others Resign
(Also reported on Sky F.M., Truth F.M. and ELBC)
Coalition of Civil Society Group Wants Legislature Reject TRC Report
(Also reported on Sky F.M., Truth F.M. and ELBC)
LNP Training Academy Suspends Use of Firing Range
· The National Police Training Academy says it has suspended the use of its firing range.
· In an interview, Police Training Commandant James Hallowanger said the decision followed the digging of dirt from around the range by residents.
· Commissioner Hallowanger said the act was unsafe and would delay the training of officers of the Emergency Response Unit when it comes to the use of firearms.
· The Police Training Commandant disclosed the academy is also facing a serious land crisis saying people encroaching on the 100-acre of land given the Academy by the late J. C. N. Howard.
(Also reported on Sky F.M., Truth F.M. and ELBC)
AU Summit Ends As Leaders Discuss Formation of Unity Government
Truth F.M. (News monitored today at 10:00 am)
Consortium of Political Parties Frown at Delays to Enact Electoral Bills
****
Source: AFP World News / English Date: July 06, 2009
MONROVIA, July 6, 2009 (AFP) - Liberia's Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommended Monday that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf be banned from holding public office for 30 years because of her alleged role in a civil war. In its final report, the panel investigating Liberia's successive 1989-2003 civil wars included Sirleaf's name in a list of people it accused of being "the financiers and political leaders of the different warring factions." "They (those named) should be banned from occupying public office for 30 years beginning the day of the passage of the report at the parliament," the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recommended. On the list, seen by AFP, the name of Sirleaf, who was elected in 2005, was present along with those of several members of her government, including Transport Minister Jackson Doe, the elder brother of former president Samuel Doe. In a hearing before the commission in February, Sirleaf denied ever being a member of the movement led by rebel leader and warlord Charles Taylor, who was president of the West African country between 1997 and 2003.
Prosecutors: former Liberian President Charles Taylor's list of defence witnesses is excessive
Source: Canadian Press Date: July 06, 2009
THE HAGUE, Netherlands _ The trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor could take up to four more years, if his lawyers call all their witnesses, prosecutors told judges Monday at a Sierra Leone war crimes tribunal sitting in The Hague. Taylor is due to begin his defence case next week answering 11 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sierra Leone. Taylor will take the stand in his own defence on July 14, a day after his lawyers present their opening statement. Prosecution trial lawyer Brenda Hollis said at a hearing Monday that Taylor's lawyers have lined up an "excessive" list of 256 potential witnesses. However, the defence lawyers are not expected to call all the witnesses on their list to testify. Taylor's lead attorney, Courtenay Griffiths, pointed out that prosecutors listed some 200 witnesses and called 91. Griffiths told judges he has "no intention of being here another four years." Taylor is accused of arming and controlling militias from across the border in Liberia, where he held power from 1997 until he was forced into exile in 2003.
International Clips on West Africa
Ivory Coast's SIFCA seeks to double palm oil output
ABIDJAN, July 6 (Reuters) - Ivory Coast's SIFCA group will double its annual palm oil output to 500,000 tonnes over the next three years with technical and financial investment from Singapore's Wilmar International, SIFCA said. It said that the increased output and the SIFCA group's purchase of its own ship to improve regional deliveries should help reduce the reliance on Asian imports while also easing a deepening shortfall in palm oil across West Africa. 'With this project, palm oil production from Palmci (a part of the SIFCA group) will increase from 250,000 tonnes to 500,000,' Palmci Managing Director Angora Tano told Reuters at the weekend. 'Wilmar will bring its techniques and experience in boosting production from plantations and reducing factory and refining costs to make the finished product more competitive for a growing market,' Tano said.
Local Media – Newspaper
Pro-War Crimes Court Group Wants Sirleaf, Others Resign
(The Inquirer, The Monitor, Public Agenda, Plain Truth, The News)
· A pro-war crimes court group, Forum for the Establishment of a War Crimes Court for Liberia (FORUM) has called for the resignation of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and others listed in the TRC final report.
· The Forum’s National Chairman, Mulbah Morlu believes the resignation will pave the way for proper investigation.
· The Group earlier endorsed the TRC final report, describing it as the best means for moving Liberia forward.
· According to the group, the collective merits of the Commission’s findings outweigh its misgivings about some of the recommendations.
· The group however disagreed with the granting of amnesty to people it considers active combatants who committed heinous crimes.
· The group pledged to advocate for the prosecution of active combatants who were given amnesty.
· Meanwhile, the Plain Truth reports that in a “survey” conducted by the paper, citizens say the President has lost the moral authority to govern and requested her immediate resignation.
TRC Commissioner Gives Dissenting Opinion over Recommendations
(Liberian Express, New Vision)
· A crack has seemingly emerged in the final verdict of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia (TRC) with a dissenting opinion of one of its Commissioners.
· Commissioner Pearl Brown-Bull disagreed with the final report and declined to sign it claiming criminal prosecution and debarment as recommended runs contrary to the Liberian constitution and other legal instruments.
· She cited among other things an Act enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in 2003 granted immunity from both civil and criminal proceedings against all persons within the jurisdiction of Liberia from act or crimes committed during the civil war from December 1989 to August 2003.
· Meanwhile, the TRC’s Information Officer said that there’s nowhere in the TRC guidelines that all commissioners have to sign before a report becomes final.
Coalition of Civil Society Group Wants Legislature Reject TRC Report
(The Monitor)
· A consortium of civil society grouping, the Coalition for Peace and Tranquility in Liberia has called on the Legislature to reject the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia (TRC) final report.
· The group in a statement described the TRC report as a political document targeted at rivals.
· The coalition said the consistent division among TRC Commissioners amounts to waste of tax payers’ money.
· They said the report will further divide the people of Liberia instead of helping to bring genuine healing and reconciliation.
ICTJ says TRC Report Vital But Not Last Step
(Liberian Express, The Inquirer)
· The International Centre for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) said the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia (TRC) provides a necessary foundation for Liberians to debate their past and address present and future need.
· In a statement, the ICTJ’s President Alex Boraine said the report was a necessary step but there was a need for additional measures to deal with Liberia’s difficult past.
· The ICTJ said an Independent National Commission on Human Rights, responsible for ensuring follow-up to the TRC's work, must also be properly organized and given the necessary authority.
· The International Centre for Transitional Justice assists countries pursuing accountability for past mass atrocity or human rights abuse and has been working in Liberia since 2004 to support actors engaging in transitional justice efforts.
Consortium of Political Parties Frown at Delays to Enact Electoral Bills
(Liberian Express)
· A consortium of ten political parties in Liberia has expressed reservation over what they call the consistently failure and delay of the Legislature to enact the electoral bill ahead of the 2011 Presidential and General elections.
· In a statement, the parties made reference to the decision of the Senate to send back to the House of Representatives the Threshold Bill to additionally ensure that no county has less than two seats.
AU Summit Ends As Leaders Discuss Formation of Unity Government
(Heritage, New Vision, Liberian Express)
· The 13th ordinary session of the African Union has ended in Libya with a resolution to implement the Maputo declaration.
· The declaration called for the ten percent of the national budget of each member state to be allocated for Agriculture production. Leaders of the summit agreed to implement the decision.
· Meanwhile, the AU leaders have proposed the introduction of an African Union Authority to replace the African Union.
· The Authority, if approved, will provide for a President, Vice President and Secretaries, to coordinate affairs within Africa in a united manner.
Government Accuses UNMIL Of Drugs Trafficking
(Plain Truth)
· [SIC] Confidence between the Liberian Government and the United Nations Mission in Liberia appears to be sustaining manifold bruises with the former accusing the latter of drugs trafficking.
· The accusation comes in the aftermath of the use of over US$500,000 confiscated from a Nigerian businessman by government in 2006.
· The allegations are purported contained in an official Government statement forwarded to the House of Representatives committee set up to probe the matter.
· In the statement, The National Security Advisor, Dr. Boimah Fahnbulleh defended Government use of the money claiming that the alleged drugs found on the Nigerian at the time was stolen by an UNMIL Officer insinuating that there was a collusion between the officer and the businessman .
International Partners Support Bureau Of Immigration
(Daily Observer)
· The restructuring of the Liberian security sector has touched the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (BIN) with a flurry of international assistance in terms of capacity-building, equipment and other support.
· In a statement, the Commissioner of the BIN, Chris Massaquoi, said negotiations with partners aimed at “strengthening institutional capacity and tackling global migratory issues, particularly within the sub-region” culminated in support from the Dutch, French, American and the German Governments.
ICRC Dedicates Over US$15,000 Water Kiosk in Monrovia Suburb
(The Monitor, Daily Observer)
· The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has dedicated a water tower in the Crab Hole community in Duala outside Monrovia.
· Speaking at a brief hand-over ceremony, the Managing Director of the LWSC, Humbu Tulay, said the facility constructed at a cost of US$15,400 was done with support from the ICRC which decided to initiate a viable water project for residents in the area.
· The project was implemented by a Liberian construction company, Humbu Enterprises, under the supervision of Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC).
Local Media – Star Radio (culled from website today at 09:00 am)
President Sirleaf Not Embarrassed By TRC Report
· The Executive Mansion says President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is going through the TRC report and would comment appropriately.
· Presidential Press Secretary Cyrus Badio said the president had been in Libya attending the AU summit and is yet to fully read the report.
· President Sirleaf is among people listed by the TRC to be banned from public office for thirty years.
· At the same time, Mr. Badio says the President is not embarrassed by the inclusion of her name in the report.
· On calls for the President to resign, he said the Executive Mansion will not dignify the call and cautioned people that the ban remains a recommendation.
Pro-War Crimes Court Group Wants Sirleaf, Others Resign
(Also reported on Sky F.M., Truth F.M. and ELBC)
Coalition of Civil Society Group Wants Legislature Reject TRC Report
(Also reported on Sky F.M., Truth F.M. and ELBC)
LNP Training Academy Suspends Use of Firing Range
· The National Police Training Academy says it has suspended the use of its firing range.
· In an interview, Police Training Commandant James Hallowanger said the decision followed the digging of dirt from around the range by residents.
· Commissioner Hallowanger said the act was unsafe and would delay the training of officers of the Emergency Response Unit when it comes to the use of firearms.
· The Police Training Commandant disclosed the academy is also facing a serious land crisis saying people encroaching on the 100-acre of land given the Academy by the late J. C. N. Howard.
(Also reported on Sky F.M., Truth F.M. and ELBC)
AU Summit Ends As Leaders Discuss Formation of Unity Government
Truth F.M. (News monitored today at 10:00 am)
Consortium of Political Parties Frown at Delays to Enact Electoral Bills
****
Friday, July 03, 2009
Liberia commission recommends warlord prosecution
UNMIL Public Information Office Media Summary 03 July 2009
Source: AP Online Regional - Africa Date: July 02, 2009
MONROVIA, Liberia_Liberia's truth and reconciliation commission recommended Thursday that ex-President Charles Taylor and seven other former warlords be prosecuted for crimes against humanity for their alleged roles in the West African country's civil war. The commission now will submit its recommendations to the country's legislature for consideration. It is not clear when it would start dealing with recommendations contained in the report. Liberia's back-to-back wars, which lasted from 1989 to 2003, sparked vicious factional fighting that killed an estimated 250,000 and displaced millions. Taylor, who launched the 1989 invasion, is on trial at The Hague, accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity in neighboring Sierra Leone. The Liberian commission recommended that he and seven other former warlords be prosecuted for offenses including "human rights violations, violations of international humanitarian law, international human rights laws, war crimes, egregious domestic economic crimes," the report said. Among those recommended for prosecution was Prince Johnson, a former rebel leader who won a landslide victory in the 2005 postwar election and is now a sitting senator.
Student finds determination to succeed
Source: McClatchy-Tribune Information Services Date: July 03, 2009
Jul. 3--Bernardine Okyne has come to Coastal Georgia all the way from war-torn Liberia thanks to her lifelong dreams and her steadfast determination. She is now a student at the Brunswick Job Corps, and while it may seem like she's a long way from home, she has made Brunswick her home and the people at Job Corps her second family. "They make you feel at home," she said, "They show you love and care and support." Okyne, 23, was born in Liberia, but fled to Ghana with her family when she was 6 years old to escape the Liberian Civil War. She now carries herself with the kind of confidence and strength of someone born to succeed. "Whatever happens in life happens for a reason. Never regret," Okyne said. She wants to be a neurosurgeon, and she has a firm path planned to take her there. Her dream of being a doctor developed naturally for her as a child growing up in Africa. "I'd see people in Africa, and if they had a brain tumor I would think, 'I wish I was a doctor so I could help them,'" she said. "I want to save lives and prevent suffering."
International Clips on West Africa
Sekou Conneh Is Treated As A Guinean
Jul 03, 2009 (All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) -- Reacting to public outcries relative to the reticence of the Liberian Government on the detention of Sekou Conneh in Guinea, former leader of one of the warring factions in Liberia, Information Minister Dr. Laurence Bropleh has set the record straight, saying that the detained Conneh is being treated as Guinean national and not a Liberian citizen. Saying that the Government of Liberia was concerned about his condition, he indicated that they (government) cannot do much because the former warlord is prominent citizen of Guinea. Apart from saying that he is a Guinean national, the Information Minister in the same vein noted that the Liberian government has not received any formal communication from the military government of Guinea, neither Ambassador E. Sumo Jones who follows the activities of all Liberians in that country.
Local Media – Newspaper
TRC Recommends President Sirleaf, Others Be Barred From Public Office for 30 Years
(Daily Observer, Liberian Express, Heritage, The News, The Inquirer, The Informer, New Vision, New Democrat, The Analyst, National Chronicle, The Independent, The Parrot)
· The Truth and Reconciliation Communication has finally released the listing of people recommended for prosecution and public sanction.
· Those recommended for prosecution include former President Charles Taylor of the defunct National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) Prince Johnson of the Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL) and Alhaji Kromah of United Liberation Movement for Liberia (ULIMO) K.
· Others are George Boley of Liberia Peace Council (LPC), Thomas Yaya Nimely of Movement for Democracy in Liberia (MODEL), and Sekou Damante Konneh of Liberia United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD).
· The TRC also recommended that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Senator Isaac Nyenabo, Justice Kabineh Ja’neh, Toga McIntosh Gayewea and Joe Gbala among others to be barred from holding public office for 30 years.
· The Truth Commission named Lewis Brown, Oscar Cooper, Coocoo Dennis, Cora Peabody, Emmanuel Shaw and Edwin Snowe as those who committed economic crimes.
· Former Maritime Commissioner under Taylor, Mr. Benoni Urey, Charles Taylor, Lonestar Communications, Firestone Corporation are also among people and institutions accused of committing economic crimes.
· Under its further investigation column, the TRC wants Daniel Chea, Peter Coleman, Cyril Allen, Siaka Sherif and others to be further investigated.
Senate Finally Passes “Controversial” Population Threshold Bill
(Daily Observer, The Informer, New Vision, The Parrot, The News, The Analyst, Heritage)
· The Senate has finally passed into law a compromise version of the controversial population threshold bill
· The Senate passed the bill at 40,000 provided no County has less than two representations in the House of Representatives.
· The passage of the threshold bill came as a result of over five hours of closed doors discussions by the Senate.
· A conference committee would now be set up to harmonize the two versions of the threshold bill passed by the both Houses.
· The House of Representative earlier passed the bill at 40,000 without a condition.
US Funds Renovation of Harper City Hall
(The Informer)
· Maryland County authorities have turned over the Harper City Hall to the Liberia Community Infrastructure Program (LCIP) for rehabilitation and construction works.
· The renovation which is expected to last for four months has already been sub-contracted to GILGAL, a local construction firm, to implement the rehabilitation and construction of the hall.
· During programs marking the turn over of the hall, LCIP’s representative, Heather Robertson said LCIP has rehabilitated nine administrative buildings in the country, and the project in Harper will raise the number to 10.
· She said administrative buildings in five other counties have been worked on by the United Nations.
· The renovation of the Harper City Hall is being done with funding from the United States Government.
New Transport Fares Released -Violators To Face The Law
(Heritage,The Informer)
· After months of confrontation between commuters and commercial vehicle drivers, the Government of Liberia has finally released new transport fares for Monrovia and its environs.
· Announcing the new transport fares at the joint news conference hosted by the Ministries of Commerce and Transport, Commerce, Minister Miata Beysolow said the new fare structure is due to the increase in the price of petroleum products especially gasoline.
· A gallon of gasoline is now being sold at a retail price of 230 Liberian dollars.
· In the new fare structure, from Central Monrovia to Paynesville Red-light is 45 Liberian dollars in taxi cab while from Monrovia to Oldroad is now 30 dollars.
· Acting Transport Minister Julius Caesar said the decision was taken in consultation with the Ministry of Commerce and Transport Unions.
· He said inspectors would be deployed to monitor adherence and warned, serious measures await violators.
Local Media – Star Radio (culled from website today at 09:00 am)
(Also reported on Sky F.M., Truth F.M. and ELBC)
Senate Finally Passes “Controversial” Population Threshold Bill
(Also reported on Sky F.M., Truth F.M. and ELBC)
Finance Minister on Liberia’s Fiscal Status
· Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan says Liberia is in a tight financial situation and that the country’s policy of cash based balanced budget was limiting expectations for spending in key sectors.
· According to the Finance Minister, Liberia has revised expectations in terms of Gross Domestic Products and export growth.
· Minister Ngafuan said while other countries have the abilities to borrow, Liberia is constrained to cut back during this period of the global economic slowdown.
· Minister Ngafuan said this was hindering development and key poverty reduction deliverables.
Governance Holds Retreat on Draft National Policy on Decentralization
· The Governance Commission today held a one day decentralization retreat for the House and Senate Committees on Governance.
· According to a statement, the retreat will explain key issues within the draft National Policy on Decentralization and local Governance.
· The statement said awareness on the draft decentralization policy will build consensus on the way forward.
· The policy came out of nearly three-year of nationwide consultations by the Governance Commission, key Government Ministries and Partners.
· The passage into law of the National Policy on Decentralization and Local Governance will eventually lead to a constitutional referendum in 2010.
Former President Charles Taylor to Begin Testifying July 13
· Former President Charles Taylor’s lead defense lawyer says his client’s testimony would be an integral part of the reconciliation process in Liberia.
· Mr. Courtney Griffiths said if the Liberian government is committed to promoting truth and reconciliation, it should pay attention to Taylor’s testimony.
· Former President Taylor is to give his account of the war in Sierra Leone on July 13.
· Though the testimony would focus on the Sierra Leone crisis, Mr. Griffiths also encouraged all Liberians to pay attention to what Taylor has to say.
· The Former Liberian President is being tried on eleven count criminal charges for allegedly supporting rebel forces in Sierra Leone from 1996 to 2002.
****
Source: AP Online Regional - Africa Date: July 02, 2009
MONROVIA, Liberia_Liberia's truth and reconciliation commission recommended Thursday that ex-President Charles Taylor and seven other former warlords be prosecuted for crimes against humanity for their alleged roles in the West African country's civil war. The commission now will submit its recommendations to the country's legislature for consideration. It is not clear when it would start dealing with recommendations contained in the report. Liberia's back-to-back wars, which lasted from 1989 to 2003, sparked vicious factional fighting that killed an estimated 250,000 and displaced millions. Taylor, who launched the 1989 invasion, is on trial at The Hague, accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity in neighboring Sierra Leone. The Liberian commission recommended that he and seven other former warlords be prosecuted for offenses including "human rights violations, violations of international humanitarian law, international human rights laws, war crimes, egregious domestic economic crimes," the report said. Among those recommended for prosecution was Prince Johnson, a former rebel leader who won a landslide victory in the 2005 postwar election and is now a sitting senator.
Student finds determination to succeed
Source: McClatchy-Tribune Information Services Date: July 03, 2009
Jul. 3--Bernardine Okyne has come to Coastal Georgia all the way from war-torn Liberia thanks to her lifelong dreams and her steadfast determination. She is now a student at the Brunswick Job Corps, and while it may seem like she's a long way from home, she has made Brunswick her home and the people at Job Corps her second family. "They make you feel at home," she said, "They show you love and care and support." Okyne, 23, was born in Liberia, but fled to Ghana with her family when she was 6 years old to escape the Liberian Civil War. She now carries herself with the kind of confidence and strength of someone born to succeed. "Whatever happens in life happens for a reason. Never regret," Okyne said. She wants to be a neurosurgeon, and she has a firm path planned to take her there. Her dream of being a doctor developed naturally for her as a child growing up in Africa. "I'd see people in Africa, and if they had a brain tumor I would think, 'I wish I was a doctor so I could help them,'" she said. "I want to save lives and prevent suffering."
International Clips on West Africa
Sekou Conneh Is Treated As A Guinean
Jul 03, 2009 (All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) -- Reacting to public outcries relative to the reticence of the Liberian Government on the detention of Sekou Conneh in Guinea, former leader of one of the warring factions in Liberia, Information Minister Dr. Laurence Bropleh has set the record straight, saying that the detained Conneh is being treated as Guinean national and not a Liberian citizen. Saying that the Government of Liberia was concerned about his condition, he indicated that they (government) cannot do much because the former warlord is prominent citizen of Guinea. Apart from saying that he is a Guinean national, the Information Minister in the same vein noted that the Liberian government has not received any formal communication from the military government of Guinea, neither Ambassador E. Sumo Jones who follows the activities of all Liberians in that country.
Local Media – Newspaper
TRC Recommends President Sirleaf, Others Be Barred From Public Office for 30 Years
(Daily Observer, Liberian Express, Heritage, The News, The Inquirer, The Informer, New Vision, New Democrat, The Analyst, National Chronicle, The Independent, The Parrot)
· The Truth and Reconciliation Communication has finally released the listing of people recommended for prosecution and public sanction.
· Those recommended for prosecution include former President Charles Taylor of the defunct National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) Prince Johnson of the Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL) and Alhaji Kromah of United Liberation Movement for Liberia (ULIMO) K.
· Others are George Boley of Liberia Peace Council (LPC), Thomas Yaya Nimely of Movement for Democracy in Liberia (MODEL), and Sekou Damante Konneh of Liberia United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD).
· The TRC also recommended that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Senator Isaac Nyenabo, Justice Kabineh Ja’neh, Toga McIntosh Gayewea and Joe Gbala among others to be barred from holding public office for 30 years.
· The Truth Commission named Lewis Brown, Oscar Cooper, Coocoo Dennis, Cora Peabody, Emmanuel Shaw and Edwin Snowe as those who committed economic crimes.
· Former Maritime Commissioner under Taylor, Mr. Benoni Urey, Charles Taylor, Lonestar Communications, Firestone Corporation are also among people and institutions accused of committing economic crimes.
· Under its further investigation column, the TRC wants Daniel Chea, Peter Coleman, Cyril Allen, Siaka Sherif and others to be further investigated.
Senate Finally Passes “Controversial” Population Threshold Bill
(Daily Observer, The Informer, New Vision, The Parrot, The News, The Analyst, Heritage)
· The Senate has finally passed into law a compromise version of the controversial population threshold bill
· The Senate passed the bill at 40,000 provided no County has less than two representations in the House of Representatives.
· The passage of the threshold bill came as a result of over five hours of closed doors discussions by the Senate.
· A conference committee would now be set up to harmonize the two versions of the threshold bill passed by the both Houses.
· The House of Representative earlier passed the bill at 40,000 without a condition.
US Funds Renovation of Harper City Hall
(The Informer)
· Maryland County authorities have turned over the Harper City Hall to the Liberia Community Infrastructure Program (LCIP) for rehabilitation and construction works.
· The renovation which is expected to last for four months has already been sub-contracted to GILGAL, a local construction firm, to implement the rehabilitation and construction of the hall.
· During programs marking the turn over of the hall, LCIP’s representative, Heather Robertson said LCIP has rehabilitated nine administrative buildings in the country, and the project in Harper will raise the number to 10.
· She said administrative buildings in five other counties have been worked on by the United Nations.
· The renovation of the Harper City Hall is being done with funding from the United States Government.
New Transport Fares Released -Violators To Face The Law
(Heritage,The Informer)
· After months of confrontation between commuters and commercial vehicle drivers, the Government of Liberia has finally released new transport fares for Monrovia and its environs.
· Announcing the new transport fares at the joint news conference hosted by the Ministries of Commerce and Transport, Commerce, Minister Miata Beysolow said the new fare structure is due to the increase in the price of petroleum products especially gasoline.
· A gallon of gasoline is now being sold at a retail price of 230 Liberian dollars.
· In the new fare structure, from Central Monrovia to Paynesville Red-light is 45 Liberian dollars in taxi cab while from Monrovia to Oldroad is now 30 dollars.
· Acting Transport Minister Julius Caesar said the decision was taken in consultation with the Ministry of Commerce and Transport Unions.
· He said inspectors would be deployed to monitor adherence and warned, serious measures await violators.
Local Media – Star Radio (culled from website today at 09:00 am)
(Also reported on Sky F.M., Truth F.M. and ELBC)
Senate Finally Passes “Controversial” Population Threshold Bill
(Also reported on Sky F.M., Truth F.M. and ELBC)
Finance Minister on Liberia’s Fiscal Status
· Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan says Liberia is in a tight financial situation and that the country’s policy of cash based balanced budget was limiting expectations for spending in key sectors.
· According to the Finance Minister, Liberia has revised expectations in terms of Gross Domestic Products and export growth.
· Minister Ngafuan said while other countries have the abilities to borrow, Liberia is constrained to cut back during this period of the global economic slowdown.
· Minister Ngafuan said this was hindering development and key poverty reduction deliverables.
Governance Holds Retreat on Draft National Policy on Decentralization
· The Governance Commission today held a one day decentralization retreat for the House and Senate Committees on Governance.
· According to a statement, the retreat will explain key issues within the draft National Policy on Decentralization and local Governance.
· The statement said awareness on the draft decentralization policy will build consensus on the way forward.
· The policy came out of nearly three-year of nationwide consultations by the Governance Commission, key Government Ministries and Partners.
· The passage into law of the National Policy on Decentralization and Local Governance will eventually lead to a constitutional referendum in 2010.
Former President Charles Taylor to Begin Testifying July 13
· Former President Charles Taylor’s lead defense lawyer says his client’s testimony would be an integral part of the reconciliation process in Liberia.
· Mr. Courtney Griffiths said if the Liberian government is committed to promoting truth and reconciliation, it should pay attention to Taylor’s testimony.
· Former President Taylor is to give his account of the war in Sierra Leone on July 13.
· Though the testimony would focus on the Sierra Leone crisis, Mr. Griffiths also encouraged all Liberians to pay attention to what Taylor has to say.
· The Former Liberian President is being tried on eleven count criminal charges for allegedly supporting rebel forces in Sierra Leone from 1996 to 2002.
****
Monday, June 22, 2009
More Market Women Acquire Writing Skills
United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL)
International Clips on Liberia
Jun 22, 2009 (All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) -- Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has formally launched a grassroots literacy movement, Literate Liberia, in Monrovia, with an assurance that Government will continue to support efforts to provide educational opportunities for Liberians who wish to learn, particularly market women. The President commended the organizers of the campaign for providing an opportunity for market women to learn how to read and write. She also lauded women who have volunteered their time to attend the literacy classes. An Executive Mansion release says the Liberian leader urged all women to take advantage of the program. She encouraged those who can read and write to provide whatever little time they can to teach others.
International Clips on West Africa
The American dream: Widowed African father honors wife's wish for children
Source: McClatchy-Tribune Information Services Date
Ganieyou Salamy never wanted a new life. In Abidjan, the Ivory Coast capital, he taught high school physics and chemistry. Nothing suited him better. But his wife, Lysette, had died without realizing a dream. A computer operator, she envisioned her son and three daughters coming to the United States some day. There, she believed, they could have a richer education, a brighter future. Into her wish Salamy leaped. He sold his belongings and came alone to State College in spring 2001, starting over in a foreign land of falling leaves and snow with little English and useless teaching credentials. At one point, he juggled three jobs as he worked to save enough money for his children to join him. He served late-night hamburgers so his oldest daughter, Ade- Jelila, 24, could be a nurse in Philadelphia. Slicing meat and washing dishes paved the way for Anissat, 20, now a Penn State senior, to study counseling and become an award-winning African dance choreographer. Because he worked behind a supermarket deli counter, Seymira, 18, can play rugby on the USA Under-20 National Team as she goes into her sophomore year at Penn State. And Aziz, 10, can thrive at Radio Park Elementary School and enjoy his Nintendo Wii at home.
Local Media – Newspaper
President Sirleaf Instructs Ministers to Sack Corrupt Official without Hesitation
(New Democrat, Liberian Express)
· In a confidential memo to Cabinet Ministers, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has mandated them to fire corrupt officials without hesitation.
· The President’s memo comes just days after the U.N. Under Secretary for Peacekeeping, Mr. Alain Le Roy underlined the importance of transparency in the management of public funding saying that corruption deters donors.
· The President said continuing international and national reports on corruption were beginning to hurt the government.
Delegates at TRC National Reconciliation Conference Want Prosecution for Perpetrators of Conflict
(The Inquirer, Heritage, The News, Liberian Express, New Democrat, The Monitor, Liberia Journal, Public Agenda, Daily Observer)
· Delegates at the just-ended National Reconciliation Conference have recommended prosecution for perpetrators of the civil conflict.
· The delegates in a 38-count resolution also called for the banning of perpetrators to elected or appointed positions among other things.
· The over 400 participants recommended a review of the constitution and the rewriting of Liberia’s history.
· Receiving the participants’ resolution, TRC Chairman Jerome Verdier thanked the delegates and promised to place the recommendations in the Commission’s final report.
Finance Minister Suspends Two Officials over Budget Error
(Liberian Express, Heritage, New Democrat, Plain Truth, Liberian Journal)
· Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan says two versions of the 2009/2010 draft national budget are in circulation.
· In an interview, Minister Ngafuan said one of the budgets contains inconsistencies in figures while the other is without error.
· Addressing a news conference in Monrovia at the weekend, he said the budget with no error had limited copies and during the re-printing of the budget for distribution to members of the legislature and public the error came about.
· Meanwhile, two officials of the budget bureau who have oversight responsibility for printing of the budget have been suspended.
KRTTI Holds First Graduates in 20 Years, Graduates over 170 Teachers
(The Informer, The News, The Inquirer)
· The Kakata Rural Teachers Training Institute (KRTTI) in Kakata, Margibi County, has held its first graduation in 20 years, with 178 teachers awarded certificates.
· Speaking at the occasion, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said the graduation was a manifestation of Government’s commitment to addressing the country’s weak school system.
· The President commended the country’s partners, particularly the United States of America, the Ministry of Education and the faculty and staff of KRTTI for their contribution to the success of the programme.
· Earlier, in a keynote address, United States Ambassador to Liberia, Linda Thomas-Greenfield urged teachers in the country to demonstrate commitment to the recovery of Liberia through their contributions to the education.
US$4M Microfinance Programme Launched
(Daily Observer)
· A Bangladeshi non-governmental development organization, BRAC Liberia, has officially launched an over US$4 million microfinance programme in the country.
· Speaking at the launch of the program over the weekend, BRAC Country Manager, Mohammad Salam said the programme was aimed as their contributing to the poverty reduction and the creation of employment opportunities.
· Mr. Salam said the program seeks to enhance the income of the poor with emphasis on women in the country.
President Sirleaf Launches Literate Liberia Movement
(The Informer)
· President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has formally launched a grassroots literacy movement, Literate Liberia, in Monrovia, with an assurance that Government will continue to support efforts to provide educational opportunities for Liberians who wish to learn, particularly market women.
Liberian University Graduates Face Enrollment Problems Abroad
(Daily Observer)
· The National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) has expressed serious concern over the non-enforcement by universities and colleges in the country of basic requirements for meeting international standards of universities.
· Dr. Michael Slawon named the requirements as 'preparation of accreditation standard of higher education, mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation, synchronizing curricula, data collection and research surveys'.
· He said as a result of this problem Universality graduates face enrollment problems abroad.
Local Media – Star Radio (culled from website today at 09:00 am)
President Sirleaf in Abuja, Nigeria for ECOWAS Summit
· President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is in Abuja, Nigeria to take part in the 36th Summit of Heads of State of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
· The two day mid-year summit of ECOWAS is expected to bring together leaders of the 15-nation regional grouping.
Finance Minister Suspends Two Officials over Budget Error
(Also reported on Sky F.M., and ELBC)
Delegates at TRC National Reconciliation Conference Want Prosecution for Perpetrators of Conflict
Maryland Authorities Welcome ERU Police Officers
· Authorities of Maryland County have officially received ten newly deployed officers of the Emergency Response Unit of the Liberia National Police.
· In an interview, the Mayor of Harper, Regina Sampson said the deployment of the ERU in Harper would help improve of security in the county.
· At present, there is dusk to dawn curfew which was imposed in the city following a violent demonstration there.
· The Harper City Mayor called on residents of Harper to cooperate with the ERU and other police forces in their endeavour to restore total calm to Harper.
E.L.B.C. (News monitored today at 9:00 am)
KRTTI Holds First Graduates in 20 Years, Graduates over 170 Teachers
President Sirleaf Launches Literate Liberia Movement
International Clips on Liberia
Jun 22, 2009 (All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) -- Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has formally launched a grassroots literacy movement, Literate Liberia, in Monrovia, with an assurance that Government will continue to support efforts to provide educational opportunities for Liberians who wish to learn, particularly market women. The President commended the organizers of the campaign for providing an opportunity for market women to learn how to read and write. She also lauded women who have volunteered their time to attend the literacy classes. An Executive Mansion release says the Liberian leader urged all women to take advantage of the program. She encouraged those who can read and write to provide whatever little time they can to teach others.
International Clips on West Africa
The American dream: Widowed African father honors wife's wish for children
Source: McClatchy-Tribune Information Services Date
Ganieyou Salamy never wanted a new life. In Abidjan, the Ivory Coast capital, he taught high school physics and chemistry. Nothing suited him better. But his wife, Lysette, had died without realizing a dream. A computer operator, she envisioned her son and three daughters coming to the United States some day. There, she believed, they could have a richer education, a brighter future. Into her wish Salamy leaped. He sold his belongings and came alone to State College in spring 2001, starting over in a foreign land of falling leaves and snow with little English and useless teaching credentials. At one point, he juggled three jobs as he worked to save enough money for his children to join him. He served late-night hamburgers so his oldest daughter, Ade- Jelila, 24, could be a nurse in Philadelphia. Slicing meat and washing dishes paved the way for Anissat, 20, now a Penn State senior, to study counseling and become an award-winning African dance choreographer. Because he worked behind a supermarket deli counter, Seymira, 18, can play rugby on the USA Under-20 National Team as she goes into her sophomore year at Penn State. And Aziz, 10, can thrive at Radio Park Elementary School and enjoy his Nintendo Wii at home.
Local Media – Newspaper
President Sirleaf Instructs Ministers to Sack Corrupt Official without Hesitation
(New Democrat, Liberian Express)
· In a confidential memo to Cabinet Ministers, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has mandated them to fire corrupt officials without hesitation.
· The President’s memo comes just days after the U.N. Under Secretary for Peacekeeping, Mr. Alain Le Roy underlined the importance of transparency in the management of public funding saying that corruption deters donors.
· The President said continuing international and national reports on corruption were beginning to hurt the government.
Delegates at TRC National Reconciliation Conference Want Prosecution for Perpetrators of Conflict
(The Inquirer, Heritage, The News, Liberian Express, New Democrat, The Monitor, Liberia Journal, Public Agenda, Daily Observer)
· Delegates at the just-ended National Reconciliation Conference have recommended prosecution for perpetrators of the civil conflict.
· The delegates in a 38-count resolution also called for the banning of perpetrators to elected or appointed positions among other things.
· The over 400 participants recommended a review of the constitution and the rewriting of Liberia’s history.
· Receiving the participants’ resolution, TRC Chairman Jerome Verdier thanked the delegates and promised to place the recommendations in the Commission’s final report.
Finance Minister Suspends Two Officials over Budget Error
(Liberian Express, Heritage, New Democrat, Plain Truth, Liberian Journal)
· Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan says two versions of the 2009/2010 draft national budget are in circulation.
· In an interview, Minister Ngafuan said one of the budgets contains inconsistencies in figures while the other is without error.
· Addressing a news conference in Monrovia at the weekend, he said the budget with no error had limited copies and during the re-printing of the budget for distribution to members of the legislature and public the error came about.
· Meanwhile, two officials of the budget bureau who have oversight responsibility for printing of the budget have been suspended.
KRTTI Holds First Graduates in 20 Years, Graduates over 170 Teachers
(The Informer, The News, The Inquirer)
· The Kakata Rural Teachers Training Institute (KRTTI) in Kakata, Margibi County, has held its first graduation in 20 years, with 178 teachers awarded certificates.
· Speaking at the occasion, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said the graduation was a manifestation of Government’s commitment to addressing the country’s weak school system.
· The President commended the country’s partners, particularly the United States of America, the Ministry of Education and the faculty and staff of KRTTI for their contribution to the success of the programme.
· Earlier, in a keynote address, United States Ambassador to Liberia, Linda Thomas-Greenfield urged teachers in the country to demonstrate commitment to the recovery of Liberia through their contributions to the education.
US$4M Microfinance Programme Launched
(Daily Observer)
· A Bangladeshi non-governmental development organization, BRAC Liberia, has officially launched an over US$4 million microfinance programme in the country.
· Speaking at the launch of the program over the weekend, BRAC Country Manager, Mohammad Salam said the programme was aimed as their contributing to the poverty reduction and the creation of employment opportunities.
· Mr. Salam said the program seeks to enhance the income of the poor with emphasis on women in the country.
President Sirleaf Launches Literate Liberia Movement
(The Informer)
· President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has formally launched a grassroots literacy movement, Literate Liberia, in Monrovia, with an assurance that Government will continue to support efforts to provide educational opportunities for Liberians who wish to learn, particularly market women.
Liberian University Graduates Face Enrollment Problems Abroad
(Daily Observer)
· The National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) has expressed serious concern over the non-enforcement by universities and colleges in the country of basic requirements for meeting international standards of universities.
· Dr. Michael Slawon named the requirements as 'preparation of accreditation standard of higher education, mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation, synchronizing curricula, data collection and research surveys'.
· He said as a result of this problem Universality graduates face enrollment problems abroad.
Local Media – Star Radio (culled from website today at 09:00 am)
President Sirleaf in Abuja, Nigeria for ECOWAS Summit
· President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is in Abuja, Nigeria to take part in the 36th Summit of Heads of State of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
· The two day mid-year summit of ECOWAS is expected to bring together leaders of the 15-nation regional grouping.
Finance Minister Suspends Two Officials over Budget Error
(Also reported on Sky F.M., and ELBC)
Delegates at TRC National Reconciliation Conference Want Prosecution for Perpetrators of Conflict
Maryland Authorities Welcome ERU Police Officers
· Authorities of Maryland County have officially received ten newly deployed officers of the Emergency Response Unit of the Liberia National Police.
· In an interview, the Mayor of Harper, Regina Sampson said the deployment of the ERU in Harper would help improve of security in the county.
· At present, there is dusk to dawn curfew which was imposed in the city following a violent demonstration there.
· The Harper City Mayor called on residents of Harper to cooperate with the ERU and other police forces in their endeavour to restore total calm to Harper.
E.L.B.C. (News monitored today at 9:00 am)
KRTTI Holds First Graduates in 20 Years, Graduates over 170 Teachers
President Sirleaf Launches Literate Liberia Movement
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Liberia Retold History in USA
International Clips on Liberia
Liberia Retold History in USA
By: UMIL News
Monrovia, Liberia
Freetown, Jun 16, 2009 (Concord Times/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) -- A Human Rights Watch new photographic exhibit, Long Story Bit by Bit: Liberia Retold, featuring the work of award-winning journalist Tim Hetherington has opened on June 12 at Lincoln Center's Furman Gallery in New York, USA. Long Story Bit by Bit: Liberia Retold explores the dynamics of power, international complicity, and the search for justice in recent Liberian history. Liberia's last three presidents have each faced a dramatic end - William Tolbert was disemboweled during a coup d'etat, Samuel Doe was filmed being tortured to death, and Charles Taylor is standing trial for war crimes in The Hague. The exhibit tracks both the terrible years of war and corruption and the more hopeful present, as Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has taken charge of the country as Africa's first elected female head of state.
International Clips on West Africa
UN's Accolade for Koroma
Freetown, Jun 16, 2009 (Concord Times/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) -- The United Nations Under Secretary General for Political Affairs, Lynn Pascoe, has assured President Koroma that the UN would not only continue to support Sierra Leone but would align its priorities in accordance with the government's 'agenda for change'. Speaking during a brief visit at the President's Hill Station Lodge on Friday 12th June, Mr. Pascoe said the whole UN body was impressed with President Koroma's performance and presentation during the video link on the UN conference on Sierra Leone in New York, which he described as a "resounding success". In his remarks, President Koroma gave a detailed account of his government's aspirations and agenda. Starting with a note of gratitude for the world body's support during the country's most difficult period, the President said Sierra Leone is now engaged in real economic growth. He said the 'agenda for change' "addresses the aspirations and living standards of our people, addresses their poverty and the social services delivery system."
'DAC - a Day to Advocate for Children' - Unicef Rep
Freetown, Jun 16, 2009 (Concord Times/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) -- Country Representative of the child advocacy agency, UNICEF has said that the 'Day of the African Child', celebrated all over Africa today, should be used as a day to advocate for the children of Sierra Leone. Speaking at a press conference organized by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children's Affairs ahead of today's commemoration of the African child's day, Geert Cappelaere noted that child survival should be one of the major priorities of all non-governmental organizations operating in the country to help foster the standard of living for all children in Sierra Leone. He said UNICEF's theme for this year's commemoration is 'child survival' as the organization looks forward to scaling down child and maternal mortality rates in the country.
Local Media – Newspaper
Finance Ministry Concede Error in Budget Calculation
(New Democrat, National Chronicle, The Parrot, The Inquirer, Daily Observer, The News, Heritage)
· The Finance Ministry has admitted to an error in the 2009/2010 draft budget amounting to over half a million United States dollars.
· The amount was put in the proposed budget under the terms general claims without any explanation.
· The error was discovered by one of the Chairperson of the joint Legislative budget committee.
· Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan confirmed the mistake involving such a huge amount but described it as human error. He however said until a decision on appropriation is made the controversial amount will be reserved under the contingency reserved fund.
U.N. Secretary Wants Continue Support to Liberia
(New Vision)
· U. N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on Liberia's partners to continue support to the country which remains fragile but has the potential to be a beacon on stability in the region.
· In his latest report to the Security Council on the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), Mr. Ban proposed that the Council authorize the continuation of UNMIL's troop strength of nearly 8,000 until after the 2011 elections.
· He said security conditions permitting the UNMIL drawdown would resume at an accelerated pace during the post-election period.
US Visa 'Fraudsters' Face Prosecution
(Daily Observer)
· Two persons, Wade Appleton and King Sun, have been sent to court in connection to an alleged U.S. visa scam in Monrovia.
· The defendants are said to have collected over US$7,000 from five individuals with the understanding that they would have provided visas for the five to travel to the USA.
Avoid Un-ambitious Recommendations… Former TRC Chairman for Sierra Leone
(Daily Observer, The News, The Inquirer, New Democrat, The Independent)
· Retired Bishop Joseph C. Humper, former Chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in Sierra Leone, has cautioned the Liberian TRC commissioners against making 'un-ambitious and un-achievable' recommendations aimed at pleasing the victims and perpetrators of human rights abuses.
· Delivering the keynote address at the opening of a five-day national reconciliation conference in Monrovia Bishop Humper called on the government to ensure that the TRC recommendations were given deserved consideration.
· Meanwhile, the conference opened yesterday with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and top Government officials including the National Legislature being absent.
· Two commissioners of the TRC, Counselor Pearl Browne-Bull and Dedeh Dolopei were also reported to have boycotted the start of the conference.
WAEC Exams ‘Fraudsters’ Face NSA Inquest
(Daily Observer)
· The Head of National Office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in Monrovia, Prof. Thomas K. Gaie, said schools that had been caught in examination malpractices for this year would be ‘thoroughly investigated’ by the National Security Agency (NSA).
· Last month over 86,000 students including 6th, 9th and 12th graders sat the WAEC examinations across the country, but with reports of some alleged malpractices.
· Schools that are alleged to have been involved in the examination malpractice are the St. Michael Catholic School, St. Philip Ecumenical School, E.J. Goodridge High School, St. Peters High School all of Gardnersville.
· Others are the Cavalry Chapel Mission, Cathedral Catholic School, the Monrovia Free Pentecostal School, Paynesville Community School P.M. section and the Amos Taybior institute among others.
Local Media – Star Radio (News monitored today at 09:00 am)
Tension Mounts at Guthrie Rubber Plantation
· Reports from Grand Cape Mount County say tension is mounting at the Guthrie Rubber Plantation
· The tension is as a result of the management’s alleged failure to settle the arrears of the workers.
· The workers last week threatened series of go-slow action including the setting up of roadblocks to claim government’s attention.
· The Guthrie Rubber Plantation has been the scene of many strike actions some of which turned out to be violent.
(Also reported on Truth F.M., Sky F.M. and ELBC)
Finance Ministry Concede Error in Budget Calculation
(Also reported on Truth F.M., Sky F.M. and ELBC)
35 Inmates Break Jail In Maryland County
· At least 35 inmates including murder and rape convicts are said to have broken jail in Harper, Maryland County.
· Reports say the escapees broke jail last week during a violent protest in Harper.
· The “mysterious” death of a man sparked the demonstration at which time angry youths vandalized the prison facility, the police depot and the home of the lone suspect in the case.
· Reports say the youths vandalized the prison because the police took the suspect into protective custody there.
· Police have meanwhile arrested 15 people including two youth leaders in connection with the violence. The youth leaders have denied any link to the violence.
· In April, dozens of inmates escaped the National Place of Correction in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County but were all re-arrested.
· At the same time, the Justice Ministry has dismissed two senior officials of the Monrovia Central Prison for their alleged role in a recent jail break at the facility.
Truth F.M. (News monitored today at 10:00 am)
ECOWAS Donates Several Computers to Liberia News Agency
· The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has donated a consignment of communication gadgets to the Liberia News Agency (LINA).
· During the turn over ceremony the Special Representative of the President of ECOWAS, Ambassador Ansumana Sesay said the presentation was intended to help build the capacity of the national news agencies of its member states.
· Mr. Sesay said the commission was ready to support the post-war recovery programme of member countries.
· ECOWAS donated several laptop and desk top computers among other things to help in the revitalization of the agency.
· Information Ministry authorities have meanwhile expressed gratitude for the donation.
Chief Administrator of Largest Referral Hospital Admits to Bribery at the Facility
· The Chief Administrator of the John F. Kennedy Medical Centre (JFK), Winnie Scott McDonald has admitted to bribery at the nation’s number one referral Hospital.
· She said the act was undermining professionalism at the hospital but said low income was responsible for the problem.
· Speaking at the ongoing budget hearing, the JFK Administrator said the issue of bribery can only be curtailed if the salaries of health practitioners at the centre are improved.
Liberia Retold History in USA
By: UMIL News
Monrovia, Liberia
Freetown, Jun 16, 2009 (Concord Times/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) -- A Human Rights Watch new photographic exhibit, Long Story Bit by Bit: Liberia Retold, featuring the work of award-winning journalist Tim Hetherington has opened on June 12 at Lincoln Center's Furman Gallery in New York, USA. Long Story Bit by Bit: Liberia Retold explores the dynamics of power, international complicity, and the search for justice in recent Liberian history. Liberia's last three presidents have each faced a dramatic end - William Tolbert was disemboweled during a coup d'etat, Samuel Doe was filmed being tortured to death, and Charles Taylor is standing trial for war crimes in The Hague. The exhibit tracks both the terrible years of war and corruption and the more hopeful present, as Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has taken charge of the country as Africa's first elected female head of state.
International Clips on West Africa
UN's Accolade for Koroma
Freetown, Jun 16, 2009 (Concord Times/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) -- The United Nations Under Secretary General for Political Affairs, Lynn Pascoe, has assured President Koroma that the UN would not only continue to support Sierra Leone but would align its priorities in accordance with the government's 'agenda for change'. Speaking during a brief visit at the President's Hill Station Lodge on Friday 12th June, Mr. Pascoe said the whole UN body was impressed with President Koroma's performance and presentation during the video link on the UN conference on Sierra Leone in New York, which he described as a "resounding success". In his remarks, President Koroma gave a detailed account of his government's aspirations and agenda. Starting with a note of gratitude for the world body's support during the country's most difficult period, the President said Sierra Leone is now engaged in real economic growth. He said the 'agenda for change' "addresses the aspirations and living standards of our people, addresses their poverty and the social services delivery system."
'DAC - a Day to Advocate for Children' - Unicef Rep
Freetown, Jun 16, 2009 (Concord Times/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) -- Country Representative of the child advocacy agency, UNICEF has said that the 'Day of the African Child', celebrated all over Africa today, should be used as a day to advocate for the children of Sierra Leone. Speaking at a press conference organized by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children's Affairs ahead of today's commemoration of the African child's day, Geert Cappelaere noted that child survival should be one of the major priorities of all non-governmental organizations operating in the country to help foster the standard of living for all children in Sierra Leone. He said UNICEF's theme for this year's commemoration is 'child survival' as the organization looks forward to scaling down child and maternal mortality rates in the country.
Local Media – Newspaper
Finance Ministry Concede Error in Budget Calculation
(New Democrat, National Chronicle, The Parrot, The Inquirer, Daily Observer, The News, Heritage)
· The Finance Ministry has admitted to an error in the 2009/2010 draft budget amounting to over half a million United States dollars.
· The amount was put in the proposed budget under the terms general claims without any explanation.
· The error was discovered by one of the Chairperson of the joint Legislative budget committee.
· Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan confirmed the mistake involving such a huge amount but described it as human error. He however said until a decision on appropriation is made the controversial amount will be reserved under the contingency reserved fund.
U.N. Secretary Wants Continue Support to Liberia
(New Vision)
· U. N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on Liberia's partners to continue support to the country which remains fragile but has the potential to be a beacon on stability in the region.
· In his latest report to the Security Council on the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), Mr. Ban proposed that the Council authorize the continuation of UNMIL's troop strength of nearly 8,000 until after the 2011 elections.
· He said security conditions permitting the UNMIL drawdown would resume at an accelerated pace during the post-election period.
US Visa 'Fraudsters' Face Prosecution
(Daily Observer)
· Two persons, Wade Appleton and King Sun, have been sent to court in connection to an alleged U.S. visa scam in Monrovia.
· The defendants are said to have collected over US$7,000 from five individuals with the understanding that they would have provided visas for the five to travel to the USA.
Avoid Un-ambitious Recommendations… Former TRC Chairman for Sierra Leone
(Daily Observer, The News, The Inquirer, New Democrat, The Independent)
· Retired Bishop Joseph C. Humper, former Chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in Sierra Leone, has cautioned the Liberian TRC commissioners against making 'un-ambitious and un-achievable' recommendations aimed at pleasing the victims and perpetrators of human rights abuses.
· Delivering the keynote address at the opening of a five-day national reconciliation conference in Monrovia Bishop Humper called on the government to ensure that the TRC recommendations were given deserved consideration.
· Meanwhile, the conference opened yesterday with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and top Government officials including the National Legislature being absent.
· Two commissioners of the TRC, Counselor Pearl Browne-Bull and Dedeh Dolopei were also reported to have boycotted the start of the conference.
WAEC Exams ‘Fraudsters’ Face NSA Inquest
(Daily Observer)
· The Head of National Office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in Monrovia, Prof. Thomas K. Gaie, said schools that had been caught in examination malpractices for this year would be ‘thoroughly investigated’ by the National Security Agency (NSA).
· Last month over 86,000 students including 6th, 9th and 12th graders sat the WAEC examinations across the country, but with reports of some alleged malpractices.
· Schools that are alleged to have been involved in the examination malpractice are the St. Michael Catholic School, St. Philip Ecumenical School, E.J. Goodridge High School, St. Peters High School all of Gardnersville.
· Others are the Cavalry Chapel Mission, Cathedral Catholic School, the Monrovia Free Pentecostal School, Paynesville Community School P.M. section and the Amos Taybior institute among others.
Local Media – Star Radio (News monitored today at 09:00 am)
Tension Mounts at Guthrie Rubber Plantation
· Reports from Grand Cape Mount County say tension is mounting at the Guthrie Rubber Plantation
· The tension is as a result of the management’s alleged failure to settle the arrears of the workers.
· The workers last week threatened series of go-slow action including the setting up of roadblocks to claim government’s attention.
· The Guthrie Rubber Plantation has been the scene of many strike actions some of which turned out to be violent.
(Also reported on Truth F.M., Sky F.M. and ELBC)
Finance Ministry Concede Error in Budget Calculation
(Also reported on Truth F.M., Sky F.M. and ELBC)
35 Inmates Break Jail In Maryland County
· At least 35 inmates including murder and rape convicts are said to have broken jail in Harper, Maryland County.
· Reports say the escapees broke jail last week during a violent protest in Harper.
· The “mysterious” death of a man sparked the demonstration at which time angry youths vandalized the prison facility, the police depot and the home of the lone suspect in the case.
· Reports say the youths vandalized the prison because the police took the suspect into protective custody there.
· Police have meanwhile arrested 15 people including two youth leaders in connection with the violence. The youth leaders have denied any link to the violence.
· In April, dozens of inmates escaped the National Place of Correction in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County but were all re-arrested.
· At the same time, the Justice Ministry has dismissed two senior officials of the Monrovia Central Prison for their alleged role in a recent jail break at the facility.
Truth F.M. (News monitored today at 10:00 am)
ECOWAS Donates Several Computers to Liberia News Agency
· The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has donated a consignment of communication gadgets to the Liberia News Agency (LINA).
· During the turn over ceremony the Special Representative of the President of ECOWAS, Ambassador Ansumana Sesay said the presentation was intended to help build the capacity of the national news agencies of its member states.
· Mr. Sesay said the commission was ready to support the post-war recovery programme of member countries.
· ECOWAS donated several laptop and desk top computers among other things to help in the revitalization of the agency.
· Information Ministry authorities have meanwhile expressed gratitude for the donation.
Chief Administrator of Largest Referral Hospital Admits to Bribery at the Facility
· The Chief Administrator of the John F. Kennedy Medical Centre (JFK), Winnie Scott McDonald has admitted to bribery at the nation’s number one referral Hospital.
· She said the act was undermining professionalism at the hospital but said low income was responsible for the problem.
· Speaking at the ongoing budget hearing, the JFK Administrator said the issue of bribery can only be curtailed if the salaries of health practitioners at the centre are improved.
FACE AFRICA clean water team returns from Liberia
After weeks of hard and hands-on works in the war devastated African Country of Liberia, The FACE AFRICA clean water team is back in the U.S.
Press release coming soon
Press release coming soon
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
United Nations News
International Clips on Liberia
Cause Canada on Peace Building Project
By: Ben Samuel Turay
Concord Times, May 19, 2009 (Concord Times/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) -- Cause Canada in collaboration with civil society organizations in Sierra Leone has commenced a two-day clinic on peace building for Sierra Leone, Liberia and Ivory-coast.
Cause peace building coordinator, Daniel N'bompa-Turay told participants at the Archdiocesan Pastoral center in Freetown that the aim of the workshop was to bring the tree countries together to strengthen gender issues, empower women and youths in peace building process.
He said the clinic will also look at educating people about human rights issues and bring both civil society organizations and the government to work as one.
"It is important to discuss about peace building. We want peace in of West Africa," he said. He added that both Liberia and Sierra Leone have experienced brutal civil war and that it was important for the two countries to build on their peace process.
International Clips on West Africa
Mediator sees chance of Ivory Coast "turning point"
OUAGADOUGOU, May 18 (Reuters) - The African leader seeking to broker an end to Ivory Coast's six-year political gridlock hailed a new Nov. 29 election date on Monday as a real chance for the world's top cocoa grower to emerge from the stalemate.
Last week's announcement of the date met with skepticism by analysts who warned it could slip like others before it, citing what they see a lack of political will by incumbent Ivorian leaders benefiting from the political uncertainty.
But Burkina Faso's President Blaise Compaore said before a new round of mediation talks that President Laurent Gbagbo's government was committed to holding a poll aimed at reuniting a country whose north has been in the hands of rebels since a 2002-03 civil war.
Local Media – Newspaper
UN Security Council Delegation Visits Liberia – Travel Ban victims beg to be heard
(New Democrat, The Analyst, The Monitor, Heritage, the Informer and The Inquirer newspapers)
· A United Nations Security Council delegation is due to visit Liberia on Tuesday on the last stop of an eight-day, four-nation trip to Africa.
· Ambassadors and diplomats from the 15 council nations - the United States of America, France, Uganda, the United Kingdom, Russia, the People’s Republic of China, Austria, Burkina Faso, Costa Rica, Croatia, Japan, Libya, Mexico, Turkey and Vietnam - are due to meet with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Cabinet Ministers, the leadership of the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), senior members of the UN country team, and the International Contact Group on Liberia.
· The media expects that the delegation, led by US Ambassador Susan Rice, would reaffirm the Council’s support to President Sirleaf's efforts to rebuild the country after back-to-back civil wars.
· Accordingly, the Council will also assess the UN Mission in Liberia, whose mandate expires in September, to determine whether it should be further renewed. The delegation will also assess the operational capacity and sustainability of the Liberia National Police and other security institutions.
· In another twist, a number of Liberians affected by the UN Security Council travel restrictions continued to accuse the government of being insensitive to their plight, urging the visiting UN Security Council delegation to accord them an opportunity to be heard.
· Most of the affected Liberians accused the Council of being selective in removing names from the travel ban list.
· It is widely believed in Liberia that the issue of removal was a key instrument for garnering votes in the heat of the 2005 Presidential campaign. A major Liberian online news magazine suspects that ‘promises were made by some political players that they would advocate on behalf of those restricted from travel and whose assets have been frozen.’
· Recently, Jewel Howard Taylor, wife of former President Charles Taylor lamented that a promise made by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf regarding the turnover of her husband to the war crimes court for trial was not fulfilled, a pledge President Sirleaf denies in her memoir which was released a short while ago.
Suspended LTA Chairman Faces Probe
(Heritage, The News, Daily Observer)
· The suspended Chairman Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), Albert Bropleh will submit himself for investigation based on recent audit reports. The rest of the LTA commissioners have complied with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's request to resign their posts.
Man Arrested over US$1M Scam
(The News, Heritage, The Inquirer, Daily Observer)
· A middle-aged man identified as 'E. Jee Sirleaf', who coned the Government to cart away US$1 million under the guise of acting on behalf of the President, is currently undergoing investigation for his alleged involvement in fraudulent acts at the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL).
Corrections Officer Justifies Jailbreaks
(The Monitor)
· [Sic:] An official of the Corrections and Rehabilitation at the Ministry of Justice has attributed the wave of jailbreaks in the country to neglect of the correction system by the Liberian Government. ‘Correction officers in the country are still operating in primitive days, we walk with prisoners from various detention or prison centers to court; there are no vehicles for corrections officers,’ said Victoria Freeman.
Local Media – Star Radio (News monitored today at 09:00 am)
High-Power UN Security Council Delegation in Monrovia for Assessment
(Also reported on Sky F.M., and ELBC)
US Ambassador Renews Commitment to Assist in Liberia’s Recovery
· In an interview, U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, Linda Thomas Greenfield expressed her government’s re-newed commitment to supporting Liberia in its recovery programme.
· Ambassador Greenfield said the U.S. was interested in investing in all sectors of the country but said her Government was particularly interested in infrastructure development, security, health and education.
· Meanwhile, the U.S. Ambassador to Liberia has administered the oath of service to six additional Peace Corps volunteers in Monrovia.
· She said the Peace Corps volunteers programme represent a viable and visible symbol of America’s contribution to efforts of world peace.
(Also reported on Sky F.M., and ELBC)
Former President Pro-temp Differs on Proposal to Cut Salaries of Senior Public Officials
· Former President Pro-tempore of the Liberian Senate, Isaac Nyenabo says salaries of certain Government officials cannot be reduced unless constitutional amendments are made.
· According to him, the constitution protects the salaries of the President, Vice President, Chief Justice and the Supreme Court Justices.
· Senator Nyenabo said it was totally wrong for a lawmaker to propose salary deductions for certain government officials.
· His statement was in reaction to a proposal by Montserrado Representative Rufus Neufville for a reduction in the salaries of top government officials.
· Representative Neufville proposed the reduction to ensure that the salaries of civil servants are increased to a minimum of US$150.
Supreme Court Summons Central Bank Governor in Connection with Controversial US$508,200
· Chambers Justice Francis Kporpor has cited the Central Bank Governor, Mills Jones to a conference in connection with the “controversial” half a million dollars seized from a Nigeria in 2006 and used by Government.
· Justice Minister, Philip Banks and lawyers representing the Nigerian will also attend the conference scheduled for Wednesday.
· The conference is in line with the recent rate of mandamus filed against Justice Minter Banks and CBL Governor Dr. Mills Jones.
· The government’s spending of the over US$500,000 on National Security sparked the petition from a local human rights lawyer.
Cause Canada on Peace Building Project
By: Ben Samuel Turay
Concord Times, May 19, 2009 (Concord Times/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) -- Cause Canada in collaboration with civil society organizations in Sierra Leone has commenced a two-day clinic on peace building for Sierra Leone, Liberia and Ivory-coast.
Cause peace building coordinator, Daniel N'bompa-Turay told participants at the Archdiocesan Pastoral center in Freetown that the aim of the workshop was to bring the tree countries together to strengthen gender issues, empower women and youths in peace building process.
He said the clinic will also look at educating people about human rights issues and bring both civil society organizations and the government to work as one.
"It is important to discuss about peace building. We want peace in of West Africa," he said. He added that both Liberia and Sierra Leone have experienced brutal civil war and that it was important for the two countries to build on their peace process.
International Clips on West Africa
Mediator sees chance of Ivory Coast "turning point"
OUAGADOUGOU, May 18 (Reuters) - The African leader seeking to broker an end to Ivory Coast's six-year political gridlock hailed a new Nov. 29 election date on Monday as a real chance for the world's top cocoa grower to emerge from the stalemate.
Last week's announcement of the date met with skepticism by analysts who warned it could slip like others before it, citing what they see a lack of political will by incumbent Ivorian leaders benefiting from the political uncertainty.
But Burkina Faso's President Blaise Compaore said before a new round of mediation talks that President Laurent Gbagbo's government was committed to holding a poll aimed at reuniting a country whose north has been in the hands of rebels since a 2002-03 civil war.
Local Media – Newspaper
UN Security Council Delegation Visits Liberia – Travel Ban victims beg to be heard
(New Democrat, The Analyst, The Monitor, Heritage, the Informer and The Inquirer newspapers)
· A United Nations Security Council delegation is due to visit Liberia on Tuesday on the last stop of an eight-day, four-nation trip to Africa.
· Ambassadors and diplomats from the 15 council nations - the United States of America, France, Uganda, the United Kingdom, Russia, the People’s Republic of China, Austria, Burkina Faso, Costa Rica, Croatia, Japan, Libya, Mexico, Turkey and Vietnam - are due to meet with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Cabinet Ministers, the leadership of the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), senior members of the UN country team, and the International Contact Group on Liberia.
· The media expects that the delegation, led by US Ambassador Susan Rice, would reaffirm the Council’s support to President Sirleaf's efforts to rebuild the country after back-to-back civil wars.
· Accordingly, the Council will also assess the UN Mission in Liberia, whose mandate expires in September, to determine whether it should be further renewed. The delegation will also assess the operational capacity and sustainability of the Liberia National Police and other security institutions.
· In another twist, a number of Liberians affected by the UN Security Council travel restrictions continued to accuse the government of being insensitive to their plight, urging the visiting UN Security Council delegation to accord them an opportunity to be heard.
· Most of the affected Liberians accused the Council of being selective in removing names from the travel ban list.
· It is widely believed in Liberia that the issue of removal was a key instrument for garnering votes in the heat of the 2005 Presidential campaign. A major Liberian online news magazine suspects that ‘promises were made by some political players that they would advocate on behalf of those restricted from travel and whose assets have been frozen.’
· Recently, Jewel Howard Taylor, wife of former President Charles Taylor lamented that a promise made by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf regarding the turnover of her husband to the war crimes court for trial was not fulfilled, a pledge President Sirleaf denies in her memoir which was released a short while ago.
Suspended LTA Chairman Faces Probe
(Heritage, The News, Daily Observer)
· The suspended Chairman Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), Albert Bropleh will submit himself for investigation based on recent audit reports. The rest of the LTA commissioners have complied with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's request to resign their posts.
Man Arrested over US$1M Scam
(The News, Heritage, The Inquirer, Daily Observer)
· A middle-aged man identified as 'E. Jee Sirleaf', who coned the Government to cart away US$1 million under the guise of acting on behalf of the President, is currently undergoing investigation for his alleged involvement in fraudulent acts at the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL).
Corrections Officer Justifies Jailbreaks
(The Monitor)
· [Sic:] An official of the Corrections and Rehabilitation at the Ministry of Justice has attributed the wave of jailbreaks in the country to neglect of the correction system by the Liberian Government. ‘Correction officers in the country are still operating in primitive days, we walk with prisoners from various detention or prison centers to court; there are no vehicles for corrections officers,’ said Victoria Freeman.
Local Media – Star Radio (News monitored today at 09:00 am)
High-Power UN Security Council Delegation in Monrovia for Assessment
(Also reported on Sky F.M., and ELBC)
US Ambassador Renews Commitment to Assist in Liberia’s Recovery
· In an interview, U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, Linda Thomas Greenfield expressed her government’s re-newed commitment to supporting Liberia in its recovery programme.
· Ambassador Greenfield said the U.S. was interested in investing in all sectors of the country but said her Government was particularly interested in infrastructure development, security, health and education.
· Meanwhile, the U.S. Ambassador to Liberia has administered the oath of service to six additional Peace Corps volunteers in Monrovia.
· She said the Peace Corps volunteers programme represent a viable and visible symbol of America’s contribution to efforts of world peace.
(Also reported on Sky F.M., and ELBC)
Former President Pro-temp Differs on Proposal to Cut Salaries of Senior Public Officials
· Former President Pro-tempore of the Liberian Senate, Isaac Nyenabo says salaries of certain Government officials cannot be reduced unless constitutional amendments are made.
· According to him, the constitution protects the salaries of the President, Vice President, Chief Justice and the Supreme Court Justices.
· Senator Nyenabo said it was totally wrong for a lawmaker to propose salary deductions for certain government officials.
· His statement was in reaction to a proposal by Montserrado Representative Rufus Neufville for a reduction in the salaries of top government officials.
· Representative Neufville proposed the reduction to ensure that the salaries of civil servants are increased to a minimum of US$150.
Supreme Court Summons Central Bank Governor in Connection with Controversial US$508,200
· Chambers Justice Francis Kporpor has cited the Central Bank Governor, Mills Jones to a conference in connection with the “controversial” half a million dollars seized from a Nigeria in 2006 and used by Government.
· Justice Minister, Philip Banks and lawyers representing the Nigerian will also attend the conference scheduled for Wednesday.
· The conference is in line with the recent rate of mandamus filed against Justice Minter Banks and CBL Governor Dr. Mills Jones.
· The government’s spending of the over US$500,000 on National Security sparked the petition from a local human rights lawyer.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
I will not sit
By: T. Q. Harris, Jr.
As we head toward the next Presidential and Legislative elections you will find me standing shoulder to shoulder with the men and women who have said enough is enough. I stand because Liberians have lost countless opportunities by being silent even when the situation demands that we speak. I stand because it is painful to see the country of my birth – Africa first republic - in such a horrible condition. Also, I stand because the slave culture nurtured by our leaders dating back to the 1800s must be eradicated. I stand because only Liberians themselves can deal effectively with the enemies within our midst. And, yes, I stand as the son of a Gio man whose father was sold by his government to work the fields of Fernando Po and also as the son of an Americo-Liberian woman whose great grandmother was born on a ship bringing the freed slaves to this land. It is no coincidence that I was born a Liberian. So, today, I stand because it is my duty.
My decision to enter politics as well as the desire to inspire a new generation of leaders is borne out a firsthand experience interacting with leading actors in the Liberian political arena. Nothing I have seen in the past 19 years has given cause for optimism, as it relates to long-term stability and sustained growth. The fact is Liberia as a nation is frozen in time, unable to move past the Tubman era and unwilling to shake off the American slave culture. And, sadly, the Tubman-generation-leaders are in denial. It’s time for a new vision, new focus, and a reordering of priorities. Moreover, we must begin to repair the damage caused by decades of immoral leadership.
As it relates to my personal evolution, life took a dramatic turn for me on that fateful day when I saw the depressing photograph next to the word LIBERIA on the page of an international newspaper. The year was 1990. And the picture was the usual: Africans on the move, carrying large bundles with children in tow. But this time these were Liberians. My initial reaction was, this can’t be real; not my people, not Liberia! Then next I asked; how could I help? Politics was the farthest from my mind. After all, I left Liberia in December 1978 as a young man with no previous involvement in government or politics. And though my leaving was due to circumstances outside of my control; it turned out to be in many ways a blessing from God, because Liberia’s debacle began in 1979.
There is no going back
Most Liberians seem dubious of the fact this nation could suddenly turn for the worse and become a Haiti, Somalia or an Afghanistan due to prolonged mismanagement and antiquated laws. With illiteracy and unemployment well into the stratosphere, rule of law nonexistent, poverty and corruption deeply entrenched, and the infrastructure in shambles; the chance of a complete collapse has never been greater. Clearly, the individuals Liberians have relied upon to manage the affairs of state, including the current president, have not been up to the task. Perhaps well-intentioned, but collectively their actions have produced one disaster after another. Had it not been for the UN Mission, violence would have yet again erupted. The question now is this: Will UN Troops remain in Liberia indefinitely; if not, what does the future hold?
Liberians themselves rather than the international community must effect the change this nation needs. And it must begin with the 2011 elections. The message coming out of these elections must be clear and unequivocal: Liberia has turned the corner and there is no going back. Because there will be no meaningful progress under Tubman-generation-leaders (TGLs), and the civilized world will not tolerate their recklessness.
As it relates to the senseless violence that devastated this nation, the United States has made its position abundantly clear: (1) Chuckie Taylor has been sentenced to a 97-year prison term by a US court for torturing Liberians; and (2) President George Bush, during his visit to Liberia, did not give the Sirleaf administration a dime. You will recall it was President Bush who in 2003 boldly declared that “Charles Taylor must leave the country.” How disappointed he must have been to see Liberians replace an indicted war criminal with a war crimes suspect? Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s ascent to the presidency is no less disturbing than this infamous chant: You killed my ma…you killed my pa; I will vote for you.
The participants generally were combative
After reading the newspaper’s account of the devastation caused by the war, I began searching for Liberians in the US with information on how to assist displaced families. This would mark the beginning of a 19-year odyssey. Through it all I have come to realize what often is seen as the cause of Liberia’s failure might very well be symptom of a larger problem. Liberia’s creation just might be the cruelest social experiment in recorded history. Is it possible that a people who for generations lived under an extreme form of slavery and even made to believe they were less than humans are able to lead - without guidance or proper instructions - the building of a wholesome functional nation? Absolutely not!
This explains why Liberians in general, after 162 years, continue to exhibit attitudes of slaves in America. Were I to chronicle in detail my personal experiences as a philanthropist and subsequent transition to a political figure it would fill volumes, but I won’t burden you. However, please indulge me in this brief narrative which I hope will help change the thinking of those who believe living conditions of Liberians can improve without personal accountability.
After parting company with Charles Taylor, Charles Brumskine invited me to participate in a teleconference he had organized for the purpose of determining the best way forward in dealing with Charles Taylor’s rogue regime. Participants included Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Togba-Nah Tipoteh, Alhija Kromah and Cletus Wotorson among others. But nothing meaningful was achieved because the participants generally were combative and cantankerous. However, in the closing moments we agreed to organize a meeting in Washington DC where Liberians would elect individuals who will serve as the voice of the opposition. Cletus Wotorson and Charles Brumskine were made chairman and co-chairman respectively of the organizing committee. On the surface it seemed like a great idea, but the level of mistrust and downright hatred between the various personalities made the stated objectives unrealistic.
Realizing that personal differences had doomed the teleconference, I proposed in an email to the group that we meet prior to the Washington DC event at a private venue where we could relax and become better acquainted. This I reckoned might ease tension and help redirect the focus toward the critical issues at hand. But no one responded. For the next 7 days I sent out a number of follow-up emails soliciting a response. Finally, Mr. Wotorson commented by saying, in his 60 years he had never heard of such a thing…in essence, the idea was ludicrous. Days later I commended the group for their efforts and informed them that I had no intention of participating in yet another exercise not likely to produce any real benefit for the Liberian people. It is interestingly to note no one else in the group commented on my proposal.
On the day of the event, a host of Liberians as well as representatives from the UN, the US State Department as well as other major entities converged on Washington DC. Cletus Wotorson was chosen to lead, assisted by Charles Brumskine. But, within forty-eight hours, Charles Brumskine resigned. A week later, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Amos Sawyer were at it again, organizing yet another conference to be held this time in Burkina Faso. While Ellen and Sawyer did the planning, Harry Greaves touted the conference as the final train…anyone not on board will be left out. Again, T. Q. Harris did not attend. Within less than 60 days following the event in Washington DC, the Ellen-Sawyer show in Ouagadougou produced a new opposition leadership team.
TGLs nefarious campaign severely undermined LURD leadership
Behind the public façade, Tubman-generation-leaders (TGLs) - including Ellen Johnson Sirleaf – were secretly maneuvering to become the leader of LURD. Money as well as other resources was used to achieve these objectives. They infiltrated the LURD leadership with paid agents who pressed their case and discredited rivals. Their nefarious campaigns constantly undermined Sekou Konneh’s leadership and severely weakened the organization.
How do I know this? Long before there was a LURD, T. Q. Harris was a fearless, vocal opponent of Charles Taylor – the thug who murdered women and children. My resentment of the warlords in general was no secret. I even campaigned against them for the Presidency in 1997 while they were armed and feared by many. Later, I would realize someone was taking note. This was confirmed by the calls I received; one of these calls came unexpectedly from a man who introduced himself as Eddie. He said, we were with the General in Monrovia…after he was killed we fled the country and have regrouped in Freetown. I’m calling because we intend to carry out his dream. And because you were chosen to lead, we’d like you to become involved.
I had never met the former AFL General, but we spoke once by phone. The conversation was brief. He got straight to the point: We are tired of this Charles Taylor nonsense, he said, and are about to take him out…it will be done right here in this town…we’re not starting anything from the border. And because we are military people, not civilians; we would like you to head the government that will replace Charles Taylor. I would have preferred we meet in person, but this will attract attention. Can you meet with my men in a nearby country? They will brief you as to the details. Unfortunately, circumstances did not permit me to meet the General’s men nor did I have the opportunity to ask why they had selected me.
A week following my talk with the General, his men arrived in the nearby country. However, on the day of their arrival, Charles Taylor forces launched a massive assault on the Camp Johnson Road community. The General was killed. Considering the timing, it is likely he and his men were victims of a betrayal.
My investigation of Eddie proved his story was accurate. At the time Eddie, Vamba Kanneh, Lavala Supuwool, and others were in Freetown seeking support to launch an offensive against the Taylor regime. According to information received, those willing and perhaps able to help demanded that they present a leader. Several names were submitted. However, T. Q. Harris was selected. Within days of the decision I was given a number to call. The contact person was the special assistant to a key military officer in the region who told me his boss was quite familiar with the situation in Liberia and very unhappy with Charles Taylor’s treatment of the Liberian people. Also, that he had been instructed to give me all the assistance I need.
Apart from intense lobbying by TGLs such as Vamba Kanneh, Lavala Supuwool and a few others, plans to drive Charles Taylor out of Liberia were progressing quite well until a group headed by George Dweh arrived. They came from Nigeria with promises of cash as well as other resources to support the operation. Money they brought was used to buy influence, including naming the group Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD). But soon they realized, though T. Q. Harris had never set foot on the ground, his leadership was endorsed by key elements, particularly the fighting men. It was then they requested to speak with me.
I placed a call to George Dweh from my residence in the US. It was our first contact ever. He acknowledged I had broad-based support; yet demanded that I remit $100,000 in order to retain the leadership position. I responded by saying, I won’t give a dime for this purpose! As it became clear I wasn’t giving in, he lowered the amount to $25,000 and explained how quickly I will get the money back once I become president. Again, I restated my position. He then suggested that I think it over. This conversation for all intents and purposes ended my relationship with the group, as it was clear our priorities were not the same.
After facing a number of setbacks in Freetown the group transferred to Conakry where they languished until Charles Taylor made perhaps his worst tactical error by attacking a major border town in Guinea. This made it possible for LURD to receive the resources it needed. However, support would be funneled only through the husband of the president’s spiritual advisor.
LURD operational problems
In May 2003 I received yet another unexpected call from a man who identified himself as V. Marshall. He was sent by his colleagues in LURD to inform me that they were gearing up to take the fight into Monrovia. But before launching, they wanted “a leader more acceptable to the Liberian people”. So the various commanders held a vote and T. Q. Harris was elected. Now they want to know whether I would accept the position. Knowing full well LURD already had a leader in the person of Sekou Damate Konneh; I told Marshall that I will have to get back with them later.
My investigation of V. Marshall showed he was genuine. This was also confirmed by a LURD insider who said Marshall was one of the fighters who didn’t often leave the bush…therefore it must be important.
However, before I could get back with Marshall, we received a call from yet another LURD operative who introduced himself as Abbey, a military advisor. He said LURD Military High Command had sent him to ask me to serve as chief negotiator in order to end the war. According to Abbey, the decision had been taken “because too many little children were dying in the bush while the politicians in LURD were fighting among themselves for power…we want to end this war,” he concluded. I then informed him of the message we had received earlier. He recognized V. Marshall and was happy to learn the fighting men also had contacted me. It immediately became clear LURD had serious organizational problems. So I proceeded to inform Abbey that the request will have to be presented in writing.
Several days later, I was given a number to call the LURD Battlefield Commander who identified himself as Prince Seo. He thanked me for being willing to serve as chief negotiator and asked that we help him with communication. Cell phones were sent to Freetown for both Seo and Abbey. The following week LURD Military High Command presented the statement as requested.
Shortly thereafter, I was contacted by officials of both the UN and the ECOWAS. Encouraged by the statement, a top ECOWAS official commented that it was an extremely significant development. But the so-called politicians in LURD, on the other hand, saw it differently. They reacted violently, even speeding up the attack on Monrovia without a plan to govern. This in large part was the work of paid agents who believed the ensuing chaos would strengthen the position of their benefactors. The strategy worked. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf did not become the leader of LURD; but after failing in Ghana to obtain the top spot in the transitional government, she succeeded in gaining the presidency.
More than enough reason to stand
Regardless of our differences some things are indisputable: (1) More than 200,000 of our fellow compatriots were killed in the carnage and neither the good guys nor the bad guys have been identified; (2) Tens of thousands Liberians have lost their entire inheritance and are now living in abject poverty; (3) The national debt exceeded 4 Billion United States Dollars and there is nothing to show; (4) The nation’s electricity, water and sewer systems were destroyed by the warlords and their accomplices; and (5) A generation has been denied education and proper discipline. How much more must we tolerate?
In a recent interview, Jewel Taylor – wife of the indicted war criminal Charles Taylor – intimated that her husband is a hero, and if he were to return to Liberia and participate in the 2011 elections he would win the presidency hands down. If this is remotely possible, what does it say about Liberians in general? What does it say about you as a person? It says Liberians are morally bankrupt, an ungodly, unprincipled human eating people. And it is through this prism the world now sees us.
This is why I will not sit until a new generation of leaders takes control of the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches of government beginning in 2012. I will not sit until those who have been wronged are given redress. I will not sit until our friends and loved ones who were murdered in cold-blood receive justice as well as the proper respect. I will not sit until the yoke of mental slavery is broken and my people experience true freedom. I Will Not Sit!
The Author: Mr. T. Q. Harris, Jr. is currently the General Chairman of Liberia Contemporees United Patriotic and Strong (Contemp UPS) www.contemporees.org and a former vice presidential nominee. He can be reached by phone in the US at (562) 216-3177 or (562) 824-0385 or by email him at liberia1@charter.net and visit the Friends of TQ website www.friendsoftq.com
As we head toward the next Presidential and Legislative elections you will find me standing shoulder to shoulder with the men and women who have said enough is enough. I stand because Liberians have lost countless opportunities by being silent even when the situation demands that we speak. I stand because it is painful to see the country of my birth – Africa first republic - in such a horrible condition. Also, I stand because the slave culture nurtured by our leaders dating back to the 1800s must be eradicated. I stand because only Liberians themselves can deal effectively with the enemies within our midst. And, yes, I stand as the son of a Gio man whose father was sold by his government to work the fields of Fernando Po and also as the son of an Americo-Liberian woman whose great grandmother was born on a ship bringing the freed slaves to this land. It is no coincidence that I was born a Liberian. So, today, I stand because it is my duty.
My decision to enter politics as well as the desire to inspire a new generation of leaders is borne out a firsthand experience interacting with leading actors in the Liberian political arena. Nothing I have seen in the past 19 years has given cause for optimism, as it relates to long-term stability and sustained growth. The fact is Liberia as a nation is frozen in time, unable to move past the Tubman era and unwilling to shake off the American slave culture. And, sadly, the Tubman-generation-leaders are in denial. It’s time for a new vision, new focus, and a reordering of priorities. Moreover, we must begin to repair the damage caused by decades of immoral leadership.
As it relates to my personal evolution, life took a dramatic turn for me on that fateful day when I saw the depressing photograph next to the word LIBERIA on the page of an international newspaper. The year was 1990. And the picture was the usual: Africans on the move, carrying large bundles with children in tow. But this time these were Liberians. My initial reaction was, this can’t be real; not my people, not Liberia! Then next I asked; how could I help? Politics was the farthest from my mind. After all, I left Liberia in December 1978 as a young man with no previous involvement in government or politics. And though my leaving was due to circumstances outside of my control; it turned out to be in many ways a blessing from God, because Liberia’s debacle began in 1979.
There is no going back
Most Liberians seem dubious of the fact this nation could suddenly turn for the worse and become a Haiti, Somalia or an Afghanistan due to prolonged mismanagement and antiquated laws. With illiteracy and unemployment well into the stratosphere, rule of law nonexistent, poverty and corruption deeply entrenched, and the infrastructure in shambles; the chance of a complete collapse has never been greater. Clearly, the individuals Liberians have relied upon to manage the affairs of state, including the current president, have not been up to the task. Perhaps well-intentioned, but collectively their actions have produced one disaster after another. Had it not been for the UN Mission, violence would have yet again erupted. The question now is this: Will UN Troops remain in Liberia indefinitely; if not, what does the future hold?
Liberians themselves rather than the international community must effect the change this nation needs. And it must begin with the 2011 elections. The message coming out of these elections must be clear and unequivocal: Liberia has turned the corner and there is no going back. Because there will be no meaningful progress under Tubman-generation-leaders (TGLs), and the civilized world will not tolerate their recklessness.
As it relates to the senseless violence that devastated this nation, the United States has made its position abundantly clear: (1) Chuckie Taylor has been sentenced to a 97-year prison term by a US court for torturing Liberians; and (2) President George Bush, during his visit to Liberia, did not give the Sirleaf administration a dime. You will recall it was President Bush who in 2003 boldly declared that “Charles Taylor must leave the country.” How disappointed he must have been to see Liberians replace an indicted war criminal with a war crimes suspect? Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s ascent to the presidency is no less disturbing than this infamous chant: You killed my ma…you killed my pa; I will vote for you.
The participants generally were combative
After reading the newspaper’s account of the devastation caused by the war, I began searching for Liberians in the US with information on how to assist displaced families. This would mark the beginning of a 19-year odyssey. Through it all I have come to realize what often is seen as the cause of Liberia’s failure might very well be symptom of a larger problem. Liberia’s creation just might be the cruelest social experiment in recorded history. Is it possible that a people who for generations lived under an extreme form of slavery and even made to believe they were less than humans are able to lead - without guidance or proper instructions - the building of a wholesome functional nation? Absolutely not!
This explains why Liberians in general, after 162 years, continue to exhibit attitudes of slaves in America. Were I to chronicle in detail my personal experiences as a philanthropist and subsequent transition to a political figure it would fill volumes, but I won’t burden you. However, please indulge me in this brief narrative which I hope will help change the thinking of those who believe living conditions of Liberians can improve without personal accountability.
After parting company with Charles Taylor, Charles Brumskine invited me to participate in a teleconference he had organized for the purpose of determining the best way forward in dealing with Charles Taylor’s rogue regime. Participants included Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Togba-Nah Tipoteh, Alhija Kromah and Cletus Wotorson among others. But nothing meaningful was achieved because the participants generally were combative and cantankerous. However, in the closing moments we agreed to organize a meeting in Washington DC where Liberians would elect individuals who will serve as the voice of the opposition. Cletus Wotorson and Charles Brumskine were made chairman and co-chairman respectively of the organizing committee. On the surface it seemed like a great idea, but the level of mistrust and downright hatred between the various personalities made the stated objectives unrealistic.
Realizing that personal differences had doomed the teleconference, I proposed in an email to the group that we meet prior to the Washington DC event at a private venue where we could relax and become better acquainted. This I reckoned might ease tension and help redirect the focus toward the critical issues at hand. But no one responded. For the next 7 days I sent out a number of follow-up emails soliciting a response. Finally, Mr. Wotorson commented by saying, in his 60 years he had never heard of such a thing…in essence, the idea was ludicrous. Days later I commended the group for their efforts and informed them that I had no intention of participating in yet another exercise not likely to produce any real benefit for the Liberian people. It is interestingly to note no one else in the group commented on my proposal.
On the day of the event, a host of Liberians as well as representatives from the UN, the US State Department as well as other major entities converged on Washington DC. Cletus Wotorson was chosen to lead, assisted by Charles Brumskine. But, within forty-eight hours, Charles Brumskine resigned. A week later, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Amos Sawyer were at it again, organizing yet another conference to be held this time in Burkina Faso. While Ellen and Sawyer did the planning, Harry Greaves touted the conference as the final train…anyone not on board will be left out. Again, T. Q. Harris did not attend. Within less than 60 days following the event in Washington DC, the Ellen-Sawyer show in Ouagadougou produced a new opposition leadership team.
TGLs nefarious campaign severely undermined LURD leadership
Behind the public façade, Tubman-generation-leaders (TGLs) - including Ellen Johnson Sirleaf – were secretly maneuvering to become the leader of LURD. Money as well as other resources was used to achieve these objectives. They infiltrated the LURD leadership with paid agents who pressed their case and discredited rivals. Their nefarious campaigns constantly undermined Sekou Konneh’s leadership and severely weakened the organization.
How do I know this? Long before there was a LURD, T. Q. Harris was a fearless, vocal opponent of Charles Taylor – the thug who murdered women and children. My resentment of the warlords in general was no secret. I even campaigned against them for the Presidency in 1997 while they were armed and feared by many. Later, I would realize someone was taking note. This was confirmed by the calls I received; one of these calls came unexpectedly from a man who introduced himself as Eddie. He said, we were with the General in Monrovia…after he was killed we fled the country and have regrouped in Freetown. I’m calling because we intend to carry out his dream. And because you were chosen to lead, we’d like you to become involved.
I had never met the former AFL General, but we spoke once by phone. The conversation was brief. He got straight to the point: We are tired of this Charles Taylor nonsense, he said, and are about to take him out…it will be done right here in this town…we’re not starting anything from the border. And because we are military people, not civilians; we would like you to head the government that will replace Charles Taylor. I would have preferred we meet in person, but this will attract attention. Can you meet with my men in a nearby country? They will brief you as to the details. Unfortunately, circumstances did not permit me to meet the General’s men nor did I have the opportunity to ask why they had selected me.
A week following my talk with the General, his men arrived in the nearby country. However, on the day of their arrival, Charles Taylor forces launched a massive assault on the Camp Johnson Road community. The General was killed. Considering the timing, it is likely he and his men were victims of a betrayal.
My investigation of Eddie proved his story was accurate. At the time Eddie, Vamba Kanneh, Lavala Supuwool, and others were in Freetown seeking support to launch an offensive against the Taylor regime. According to information received, those willing and perhaps able to help demanded that they present a leader. Several names were submitted. However, T. Q. Harris was selected. Within days of the decision I was given a number to call. The contact person was the special assistant to a key military officer in the region who told me his boss was quite familiar with the situation in Liberia and very unhappy with Charles Taylor’s treatment of the Liberian people. Also, that he had been instructed to give me all the assistance I need.
Apart from intense lobbying by TGLs such as Vamba Kanneh, Lavala Supuwool and a few others, plans to drive Charles Taylor out of Liberia were progressing quite well until a group headed by George Dweh arrived. They came from Nigeria with promises of cash as well as other resources to support the operation. Money they brought was used to buy influence, including naming the group Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD). But soon they realized, though T. Q. Harris had never set foot on the ground, his leadership was endorsed by key elements, particularly the fighting men. It was then they requested to speak with me.
I placed a call to George Dweh from my residence in the US. It was our first contact ever. He acknowledged I had broad-based support; yet demanded that I remit $100,000 in order to retain the leadership position. I responded by saying, I won’t give a dime for this purpose! As it became clear I wasn’t giving in, he lowered the amount to $25,000 and explained how quickly I will get the money back once I become president. Again, I restated my position. He then suggested that I think it over. This conversation for all intents and purposes ended my relationship with the group, as it was clear our priorities were not the same.
After facing a number of setbacks in Freetown the group transferred to Conakry where they languished until Charles Taylor made perhaps his worst tactical error by attacking a major border town in Guinea. This made it possible for LURD to receive the resources it needed. However, support would be funneled only through the husband of the president’s spiritual advisor.
LURD operational problems
In May 2003 I received yet another unexpected call from a man who identified himself as V. Marshall. He was sent by his colleagues in LURD to inform me that they were gearing up to take the fight into Monrovia. But before launching, they wanted “a leader more acceptable to the Liberian people”. So the various commanders held a vote and T. Q. Harris was elected. Now they want to know whether I would accept the position. Knowing full well LURD already had a leader in the person of Sekou Damate Konneh; I told Marshall that I will have to get back with them later.
My investigation of V. Marshall showed he was genuine. This was also confirmed by a LURD insider who said Marshall was one of the fighters who didn’t often leave the bush…therefore it must be important.
However, before I could get back with Marshall, we received a call from yet another LURD operative who introduced himself as Abbey, a military advisor. He said LURD Military High Command had sent him to ask me to serve as chief negotiator in order to end the war. According to Abbey, the decision had been taken “because too many little children were dying in the bush while the politicians in LURD were fighting among themselves for power…we want to end this war,” he concluded. I then informed him of the message we had received earlier. He recognized V. Marshall and was happy to learn the fighting men also had contacted me. It immediately became clear LURD had serious organizational problems. So I proceeded to inform Abbey that the request will have to be presented in writing.
Several days later, I was given a number to call the LURD Battlefield Commander who identified himself as Prince Seo. He thanked me for being willing to serve as chief negotiator and asked that we help him with communication. Cell phones were sent to Freetown for both Seo and Abbey. The following week LURD Military High Command presented the statement as requested.
Shortly thereafter, I was contacted by officials of both the UN and the ECOWAS. Encouraged by the statement, a top ECOWAS official commented that it was an extremely significant development. But the so-called politicians in LURD, on the other hand, saw it differently. They reacted violently, even speeding up the attack on Monrovia without a plan to govern. This in large part was the work of paid agents who believed the ensuing chaos would strengthen the position of their benefactors. The strategy worked. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf did not become the leader of LURD; but after failing in Ghana to obtain the top spot in the transitional government, she succeeded in gaining the presidency.
More than enough reason to stand
Regardless of our differences some things are indisputable: (1) More than 200,000 of our fellow compatriots were killed in the carnage and neither the good guys nor the bad guys have been identified; (2) Tens of thousands Liberians have lost their entire inheritance and are now living in abject poverty; (3) The national debt exceeded 4 Billion United States Dollars and there is nothing to show; (4) The nation’s electricity, water and sewer systems were destroyed by the warlords and their accomplices; and (5) A generation has been denied education and proper discipline. How much more must we tolerate?
In a recent interview, Jewel Taylor – wife of the indicted war criminal Charles Taylor – intimated that her husband is a hero, and if he were to return to Liberia and participate in the 2011 elections he would win the presidency hands down. If this is remotely possible, what does it say about Liberians in general? What does it say about you as a person? It says Liberians are morally bankrupt, an ungodly, unprincipled human eating people. And it is through this prism the world now sees us.
This is why I will not sit until a new generation of leaders takes control of the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches of government beginning in 2012. I will not sit until those who have been wronged are given redress. I will not sit until our friends and loved ones who were murdered in cold-blood receive justice as well as the proper respect. I will not sit until the yoke of mental slavery is broken and my people experience true freedom. I Will Not Sit!
The Author: Mr. T. Q. Harris, Jr. is currently the General Chairman of Liberia Contemporees United Patriotic and Strong (Contemp UPS) www.contemporees.org and a former vice presidential nominee. He can be reached by phone in the US at (562) 216-3177 or (562) 824-0385 or by email him at liberia1@charter.net and visit the Friends of TQ website www.friendsoftq.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)