LIB WarCrimes 082108

ARCHIVES OF THE WICKED

(Meet Liberia’s Foremost Human Butcherers)

Note to readers:   

Gen. Moses Wright  of the AFL was contacted by Bernard Gbayee Goah to verify allegations that are brought up against him in the below cyber list that is circulated by a group named  "Forum For  The Establishment of A War Crimes Court in Liberia" on 8/27/2015".  Based  on the phone conversation between Gen. Wright and Bernard Goah,  Gen. Wright alleged that he was not in Monrovia BTC in June of 1990. Therefore, he  could not have part took in atrocities that were committed during that time.  Others have also testified that the General was not involved in the BTC Massacre that took place when 27 Gio and Mano families that were members of the AFL and residing at the BTC barracks were allegedly killed. 

Massacre, Summary Execution, And Other Gruesome Acts From 1990-2003

Submitted to:

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia

DATE	EVENT	PLACE	ALLEGED MASTERMIND	ORGANIZATION	HISTORY
Feb/1990	Massacre & arson	Yarsonnoh, Nimba County	Capt. James Chelly, Hon. Donzo, Commissioner resident in Ganta	Armed Forces of Liberia(AFL)	A group of AFL soldiers led by Capt. James Chelly, Hon. Donzo, Commissioner residing in Ganta, Massacred 71 persons in Yarsonnoh and burned 52 houses in that town.
Feb/1990	Massacre	Ganta, Nimba Co.	A group of soldiers headed by Edwin Voker, Commissioner of Sacleapea Mah, Vakaba Bility and Mr. Biabia	Armed Forces of Liberia(AFL)	A group of AFL soldiers headed by Edwin Voker, Commissioner of Sacleapea Mah, Vakaba Bility and Mr. Biabia entered Karnwee, Nimba County and arrested 18 young men under the guise of being NPFL facilitators. The victims were taken to Ganta and murdered.
March/1990	Murder	Nimba County	Paul Vaye, George Mansuo, and one Tarkpor	National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL)	In March 1990 Paul Vaye, George Mansuo, Tarkpor Gweh and men assigned with them arrested Moses Duopue, Stephen Daniels and some of their family members and murder them in Tiaplay, Nimba County. They allegedly acted on the orders of the then Maj. Charles Taylor.
June/1990	Massacre	Monrovia,BTC	Moses Thomas, Moses Wright, James Chelly, George Dweh and Tailey	Armed Forces of Liberia(AFL)	In June 1990, Moses Thomas, Moses Wright, James Chelly, George Dweh and Tailey, in consultation with President Doe, massacred 27 Gio and Mano families that were members of the AFL and residing at the BTC barracks. They were buried on the beach behind the BTC.
July 29,1990	Massacre	Monrovia, Lutheran Church	Edward Slangar, George Dweh, Moses Thomas, commander of the SATU & Gen. Tailey	Armed Forces of Liberia(AFL)	on July 29,1990, Edward Slangar, George Dweh, Moses Thomas, commander of the SATU, Gen. Tailey & members of the AFL allegedly massacred over 500 persons at the Lutheran Church in Sinkor under the guise that they were Gios and Manos in that Church who were in support of NPFL advances on Monrovia and the overthrow of the Samuel Doe regime.
July/1990	Massacre	Bakedu, Lofa County	G. Anthony Mehn and  Joe Doe	National Patriotic Front of Liberia(NPFL)	in July 1990 ,G. Anthony Mehn, Joe Doe and their bodyguards murdered about 32 persons of the Mandingo ethnic group inBakedu Lofa County. The murderers were fighters of NPFL.
1990	Murder	Monrovia	George Dweh	Armed Forces of Liberia(AFL)	In 1990,George Dweh eliminated the Johnny Nah family in Monrovia.
August 2, 1990:	Massacre	Monrovia, JFK	George Dweh	Armed Forces of Liberia	On August 2nd,1990, George Dweh led a group of AFL soldiers to the JFK hospital and massacred 250 persons, most of who were Gios and Manos ethnic groups. majority of them were seeking refuge at the hospital compound while others were arrested at the gate that was placed on the boulevard at the hospital entrance.
1990	murdered	Wanlema, Lofa County	Gen. Jack the rebel	National Patriotic Front of Liberia	In 1990, Gen, Jack the rebel went to the remote town of Wanlema, Lofa County and murdered Chief Mamadee Kamara and family members.
Sept 10, 1990	Murder & massacre	Monrovia	General Prince Y. Johnson	Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia	On September 10,1990, the  INPFL, captured, totured and  butchered  ex-President Samuel K. Doe and massacred several others for alleged corruption .
1990	Murder	Caldwell	General Prince Y. Johnson	Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia  (INPFL)	In 1990, the INPFL killed one of Liberia’s musical celebrities, Tecumsay Roberts for  allegedly practicing homosexuality.
1990	Massacre	Freeport, Monrovia	General Prince Y. Johnson	Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL)	1n 1990, the INPFL massacred more than 100 innocent civilians who had gone to seek food at the Freeport of Monrovia. He accused them of looting food.
1990	massacre	Bong Mines	General Prince Y. Johnson	Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL)	1990, the INPFL killed 200 innocent persons on grounds of their alleged support for NPFL. This massacre was carried out at the orders of Gen. Prince Johnson
1990	Conscription and illegal recruitment of child soldiers	Caldwell base	General Prince Y. Johnson	Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL)	In 1990, the INPFL under the brutal command of General Prince Johnson recruited and used child soldiers to wage reign of terror on innocent people, contrary to the Geneva Convention.
1990	Looting of banks and properties	Monrovia	General Prince Y. Johnson	Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL)	In 1990, general Prince Johnson masterminded and ordered the looting of various banks in Monrovia. Stores at water side, ware houses at Freeport, were also affected.
May, 1991	Massacre	Zorzor, Lofa County	Mangouhb Menior of the NPFL murdered	National Patriotic Front of Liberia ( NPFL)	In May 1991, Mangouhb Menior of the NPFL murdered 16 persons of the Mandingo and Gbandi ethnic groups in Zorzor. The victims were accused of being enemies of the revolution launched by Charles Taylor. Menlor was temporarily detained by Isaac Musa and later released on parole.
1991	Massacre	Kakata, Margibi County	An NPFL fighter code named “Mike Tyson”	National Patriotic Front of Liberia ( NPFL)	In 1991, on Bong Mines Highway an NPFL fighter code named “Mike Tyson” placed 73 person in a house and burned them to death in a place called “compound” on the Kakata – Bong Mines Highway. The victims were arrested as suspected ULIMO fighters.
October 20, 1991	Murder	Zorgowee Town, Nimba County	Paul Vaye, Henry Kerdiah, George Mansuo and George Karsuo	National Patriotic Front of Liberia ( NPFL)	on October 20, 1991: Paul Vaye, Henry Kerdiah, George Mansuo and George Karsuo arrested Jackson F. Doe in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, on the orders of Charles Taylor and murdered him in the Nimba Town of Zorgowee.
October,1992	murder	Gardnersville, Montserrado County	Christopher Varmo and Edward Wowah	National Patriotic Front of Liberia ( NPFL)	in October 1992 during the infamous “Operation Octopus” launched by NPFL, five Catholic Nuns were murdered . Christopher Varmo and Edward Wowah carried out this operation.
October,1992	Summary Execution	Horton’s Farm, Kakata, Margibi County	Martina Johnson	National Patriotic Front of Liberia ( NPFL)	in October 1992: Martina Johnson, NPFL artillery commander ordered the execution of 23 person arrested in Bong Mines as suspected fighters of ULIMO.
December 26,1992	Massacre	firestone, Margibi county	Joseph Zackor, alias “Gen. Zack”, Nixon Gayor, Francis Duanna and men assigned with them massacred	National Patriotic Front of Liberia ( NPFL)	on December 26, 1992: Joseph Zackor, alias “Gen. Zack”, Nixon Gayor, Francis Duanna and men assigned with them massacred 35 persons at the Firestone Plantations, division No. 31 while escaping the ULIMO incursion in Kakata.
January 2, 1993	Massacre	Voinjama, Lofa County	Cllr. Lavella Supuwood	National Patriotic Front of Liberia ( NPFL)	On January 2, 1993,  Cllr. J Lavelli Supuwoo, ordered and witnessed the execution of 18 persons in Voinjama. The blood of the victims was drained in a white bucket for unknown reasons.
June 6/7,1993	Massacre	Carter camp, Margibi County	AFL(Black beret) under the command structure of Brownell J Samukai	Armed Forces of Liberia(AFL)	on June 6/7, 1993 as established by the  Wako commission, the AFL/Black beret under the command structure of Brownell J Samukai  slaughtered close to 600 men, women and children in cold blood from 0100hrs to 0300hrs. . The victims are said to be buried on the outskirts of the camp.
May 11, 1993	Summary execution	Gbarnga,Bong County	Saar Gbollie	National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL)	on May 11, 1993: Saar Gbollie executed 17 persons in the Gbarnga MP cell while serving as deputy MP commander for the Executive Mansion Presidential Guard Force (EMPPGF). The victims were arrested in Lofa on suspicion of being ULIMO fighters.
August, 1993	Massacre	Ganta, Nimba County	Matthew Cheplay	National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL)	in August 1993: Matthew Cheplay, commander of “Wild Geese” and his men killed 21 persons in Ganta while in route to Sinoe and wanted to loot fuel from a trader. This incident claimed the lives of William Gensee, the wife, and three children of Samuel Luogon.
August 19,1993	Massacre	LAC, Grand Bassa county	Coo-Coo Dennis	National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL)	on August 19,1993: Gen. Coo coo Dennis killed 26 persons in LAC when they were accused of being supporters of LPC.
1993	Massacre	Greenville, Sinoe County	George Boley	Liberia peace Council(LPC)	in 1993 more than 100 human skeletons were discovered at theFrancis J. Grant Hospital in Greenville, Sinoe County. According to Mr. David Swen, the acting hospital administrator at the time, the skeletons were of people taken captive and slaughtered by LPC  upon the orders of George Boley in 1993.
1993	Murder	Vahum, Lofa County	Charles Taylor and Thomas Worwiyu	National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL)	in 1993, Six Senegalese ECOMOG soldiers were murdered by Oliver Varnie, Timothy Mulbah and Joe Doe in Vahun on orders of Charles Taylor and his then defense Minister J. Thomas Wuworyu following ECOMOG’s deployment in his controlled areas. Their bodies were dumped in a valley in Vahun and NPFL authorities refused to turn the bodies over to. It was based on persistent international pressure that the bodies of the six Senegalese were turned over to the ECOMOG High Command. Their bodies were flown to Senegal for proper burial.
January 15,1994	Massacre	Neeswen Town, Rivercess County	NPFL	National Patriotic Front of Liberia ( NPFL )	on January 15, 1994 ,the NPFL fighters killed 32 persons after they were accused of being supporters of the LPC. The fighters were said to have entered the town at about 3:00am and began slaughtering occupants of houses marked by the LPC.
February,1994	Massacre	Kpakolokuya Town, Bong County in	iafa Normah	National Patriotic Front of Liberia ( NPFL )	In 1994, Siafa Normah ordered the execution of 15 men in Kpakolokuya Town, Bong County during his term as army chief of staff of the NPFL. Abel Normah and Wogbagii implemented the order.
May,1994	Massacre	Gbarnga, Bong County	Cassius Jacobs.	National Patriotic Front of Liberia ( NPFL )	in May 1994, Andrew Koah, Alosius Sackie, Gaye Getteh, Saturday Tuah, J.J. Doeh, and Marcus Seebo tied 19 men in a Tarpolin and hung them over a pile of fire until they died. The culprits acted on the orders f Cassius Jacobs.
1994	Summary Execution	Zorzor, Lofa County	General Apolo J. Swen,	ULIMO	Summary Execution in Zorzor, Lofa County in 1994: General Apolo J. Swen, front line commander for ULIMO, murdered 69 POWs of NPFL in Lofa. More than 100 civilians were also murdered two days after.
June 19, 1994	Massacre	Moulton Corner, Brewersville, Montserrado County	Alhaji G.V Kromah	ULIMO-K	on June 19, 1994 Nine persons, including an entire family, upon the orders of Alhaji G.V Kromah, were slaughtered in the areas that was controlled by Mandingo fighters of ULIMO-K who recaptured the area from  Krahn fighters.
September, 1994	Massacre	Kpoloppai, Bong County	George Boley	LPC	In September 1994, LPC massacred about 300 persons “allegedly” when they fled the fighting in Gbarnga between ULIMO – K and NPFL.
September, 1994	Massacre	Phebe, Bong County	LPC	LPC	Massacre at Phebe, Bong County in September 1994 as reported by residents of the area: LPC allegedly massacred over 100 persons who were hospitalized and or seeking shelter at the Phebe Hospital after fleeing fighting between ULIMO –K and NPFL.
October/1994	Massacre	Duoh, Nimba County	Coo-Coo Dennis	National Patriotic Front of Liberia( NPFL)	in October 1994, Chinese Japper, a then commander under Coo coo Dennis, murdered 86 persons in  while retreating from Bassa with about 1700 fighters escaping from LPC.
October,1994	Murder	Beilah, Bong county	Saturday Tuah	National Patriotic Front of Liberia( NPFL)	in October 1994, On the orders of Saturday Tuah of the NPFL, Junior Vaye dumped the wife and children of James Glasco in the St. John River in Beilah during the fall of Gbarnga to ULIMO.
November 1994	Massacre	Sendin Crossing Point in Nimba County	Dominic Sayeh and Bleh Vah	National Patriotic Front of Liberia( NPFL)	in November 1994: A group of NPFL soldiers led by Dominic Sayeh and Bleh Vah killed 176 persons at the Sendin Crossing Point in Nimba County. The victims were of the Bassa ethnic group.
November 11, 1994	Massacre	Ganta Nimba County	General Liberty	National Patriotic Front of Liberia( NPFL)	Massacre in Ganta Nimba County on November 11, 1994: General Liberty killed 21 unarmed boys in Ganta during the fall of Gbarnga. He accused them of being disguised ULIMO fighters.
December 15, 1994	Massacre	Cow Field, Duport Road, Montserrado County	Paul Vaye, Sam Lartee	National Patriotic Front of Liberia( NPFL)	on December 19, 1994, About 48 persons (civilians were massacred by Paul Vaye, Sam Lartee and other soldiers of NPFL, while they were asleep at their home. Cow Field, Duport Road in the Paynesville area. The bodies were buried in a mass grave in the Palm Grove Cemetery on Center Street.
January,1995	Murder	Grand Kru County	Liberia Peace Council	LPC	in January 1995 as reported by Isaiah Momboe Sackor, Ni LURD commander alias K-1 ffu Borta Community Development Association/ The Inquirer Newspaper, January 3, 1995 Vol. 4 # 241: The Liberian Peace Council fighters killed 18 citizens
Sept. 27, 1995	Massacre	Tappita, Nimba County	Gen. Jack the Rebel	NPFL	on September 27, 1995 reported by JPC: Gen. Jack the Rebel acting upon the orders of Charles G. Taylor killed 105 persons in Tappita. These people were killed because they refused to give up their only sawmill in their town.
March, 1996	Massacre	Bokomu District, Fassama Town, Lofa County	Maj. A.C. Dorley held	ULIMO	In March 1996 as reported by an escapee/Monrovia Daily News Vol. 3 # 61: Several person lost their lives in six villages and towns by fighters of ULIMO. The commanders Maj. A.C. Dorley held separate meetings in the area at which time he accused the villages of being informants for the Lofa Defense Force (LDF) and retreating remnants of NPFL.
April 18,1996	Massacre	Zuanna Town/Bloun Town, Roycesville,Bomi County	ULIMO	ULIMO	in on April 18, 1996 as reported by several residents including the block leader/The News Newspaper, December 11, 1996 Vol. # 47: Twelve persons were killed when a group of fighters of ULIMO stormed the area and burned down the displaced camp and Karmo Town.
August, 1996	Massacre	BTC, Monrovia	AFL	AFL	Mass Grave found at Barclay Training Center (BTC) Beach, Central Monrovia, Montserrado County in August 1996 as reported by Chief Pathologist, Dr. Isaac Moss/ The National Chronicle, August 29-30, 1996 Vol. 1 #31: A team of medical doctors and health practitioners involved in the exhuming and reburying of dead bodies revealed that over 500 bodies were exhumed at the BTC beach and reburied at the Center Street Cemetery. Some of the people died from bullets or blunt objects while some were beheaded.
August,1996	Massacre	Matadi Estate, Airfield and	Unknown	Unknown	in August 1996 as reported by Chief Pathologist, Dr. Isaac Moss/ The National Chronicle, August 29-30, 1996 Vol. 1 #31: Mass grave were discovered in these areas by a team of medical doctors.
March 28, 1996	Massacre	Sinje, Grand Cape Mount County	ULIMO	ULIMO	On March 28, 1996, according to a UN press release issued by the Special Representative of the Secretary General Amb. Anthony B. Nyakyi, about 17 civilians were killed and many were injured while about 1000 civilians escaped the bloodbath. But other reports put the number at 25 to 48.
Sept., 1996	Murder	Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County	Unknown	Unknown	More Killing in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County in September 1996 as reported by fleeing residents/The Inquirer Newspaper October 4, 1996 Vol. 5 # 75: Unidentified fighters reportedly killed
1996	Brutal killings	Robertsport, Grand Capemount County	ULIMO	ULIMO	Nine prominent citizens of Robertsport were executed by men of ULIMO on  claims that their victims gave money to another armed group to attack their positions.
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October,1996	Gruesome Killings	seyon Town Bushrod Island	Unknown	Unknown	in October 1996 as reported by residents of Seyon Town/The News Newspaper October 18, 1996 Vol. 7 # 24: Three ex-combatants who had lured the market women from the Freeport of Monrovia where they had gone to buy rice and bulgur wheat slaughtered the two women; Doris Dekeh and Louis (surname not known). The three after they had killed the women, sprinkled kerosene on their remains, covered them with tires and set them ablaze. LD $2500 was taken from them.
December 11, 1996	Massacre	Zuanna Town Bloun, Royesville, Bomi County	ULIMO-J	ULIMO-J	in Zuanna Town Bloun, Royesville, Bomi County on December 7, 1996 as reported by the News Newspaper December 11, 1996 Vol. 7 # 47: Eight persons were killed. ULIMO-J is accused of committing the act.
November 28, 1997	Murder	Gbarnga, Bong County	Benjamin Yeaten	NPFL	on November 28, 1997 an opposition politician and former Deputy Speaker of the TLA, Samuel Saye Doke, his wife Janet, his sister Serena and nephew Emmanuel Voker were arrested at a security checkpoint in Gbarnga while in route to Sanniquellie, Nimba County to attend a welding. It was alleged that the SSS Director, Benjamin Yeaten ordered their arrest. Following their arrest, Mr. Dokie was brought to Monrovia for investigation and subsequently take back to Gbarnga. Three days later, the burnt bodies of the Dokies, the government said it never ordered the arrest of Mr. Dokie. The SSS Director, Benjamin Yeaten, however, admitted ordering Mr. Dokie’s arrest, but not his murder. Yeaten was temporarily relived of his post to assist in the investigation. The court for lack of evidence acquitted two security personnel Richard Saydee and Kennday Fineboy, who had been named as prime suspects. Their bodies are said to be buried around a place called Barbecue Corner on the Gbarnga-Kokoy Road
December 16,1997	Murder	Free port, Monrovia	State security	GOL	on December 16,1997 as reported by eyewitnesses: Daniel Nyankan, a businessman was found dead around the Freeport of Monrovia with bruises all over his body. His death sparked off controversy, with the police authorities accusing ECOMOG soldiers of killing Nyankan. Family sources, however, quoted eyewitnesses as saying that state security forces killed Nyankan after he had been severely flogged.
April,1998	Massacre( pregnant woman and others buried alive)	Zorzor, Lofa County	NPFL	NPFL	in April 1998 as reported by Zorzor citizen youth leader George/ The Heritage, April 28-30, 1998 Vol. 2 #53: NPFL fighters killed several people including pregnant women. The youth leader (George) claimed that the victims’ hands and legs were tied before they were buried alive in shallow, thin graves of about three to four feet deep.
June 28, 1998	Murder	Paynesville, Montserrado County	SSS personnel	GOL	on June 28, 1998: Nowai Flomo, a market woman, disappeared from her residence in Kpelle Town, Paynesville. She was allegedly abducted from her house at about 11:00am by nine officers of the SSS, led by one David Daniel, who had gone to visit Ms. Gormie Jartu, a housemate of Ms. Flomo. The SSS officers allegedly murdered her after an exchange of words over the manner in which the security personnel drove in the yard. Her corpse has not been found. The police later released all those arrested in connection with the disappearance for what the police termed “lack of evidence”.
Sept. 18,1996	Massacre	Johnson Road, Monrovia	Security forces	GOL	on September 18, 1998 as reported by resident in the Camp Johnson Road Area: State Security forces attacked Gen. Roosevelt Johnson, a former warring faction leader, on Camp Johnson Road. The government within 24 hours gave three different reasons for the invasion, which eyewitness accounts say, claimed the lives of over 100 persons. The government put the casualty figures at 53. The government first said that its security forces went to evict illegal occupants in private houses when they came under attack. Then, State Security Officials alleged that they were on patrol in the Camp Johnson Road area when they came under attack from supporters of Gen. Johnson.
September 19, 1998	Massacre	Camp Johnson Road, Monrovia	Col. Junior Fania, Leo Jebo, Saa Gbollie, Joe Tuah, General Eric Sway, and Arthur saah	GOL	On September 18th, President Taylor ordered the eviction of Mr. Roosevelt Johnson from his residence. Several persons of the Krahn ethnic tribe ran into the Episcopal Church. SSU allegedly executed about 1500 persons, mostly young men at dawn of September 19, 1998. Col. Junior Fania, Leo Jebo, Saa Gbollie, Joe
August 11, 1999	Massacre	Nikagabozu, Lofa County	LURD/NPFL	LURD/NPFL	about 100 persons were massacred  in Nikagabozu. This was believed to be a reprisal of a recent massacre of elders and Chiefs of Lawalazo by dissident forces (LURD) when they entered Liberia on August 11, 1999. The students blamed the massacre squarely at the feet of Defense Minister, Daniel Chea as a result of an interview he granted the BBC Journalist Robin White.
October 10,1999	Massacre	Swen, Bomi County	Siafa Norman	NPFL	on October 10, 1999: Siafa Norman massacred about 20 civilians who were accused of being LURD supporters in Swen Mechan District, Bomi County.
January 2000	Massacre	Zorzor District, Lofa County	Security forces	GOL	Massacre in Bawon Town, Zorzor District, Lofa County in January 2000 as reported by UL students from Quardu-Gboni Mandingo Chiefdom/New Democrat Newspaper, February 4-7, 2000 Vol. 6 #145: Armed militiamen massacred 18 persons of the Mandingo ethnic group in Lofa County. Government announced an investigation into the extra-judicial killings, but nothing was heard beyond the announcement.
January,2000	Massacre	Gbarnga, Bong County	Melvin Sobani	GOL	in January 2000: Melvin Sobani ordered the execution of 26 unarmed civilians in Gbar, Bomi County. They were accused of being supporters of LURD
May,200	Summary Execution	Voinjama, Lofa County	Joe Gbala	LURD	in May 2000: Mr. Joe Gbala ordered the execution of 42 captives in Voinjama. They were considered GOL soldiers who had surrendered in a battle between John Town and Zorzor. Others were brought from Foyah
March,2001	Summary Execution	Kornia, Lofa County	Momo Jebah	ATU	in March 2001, Momo Jibba ordered the execution of 14 persons in Kornia, Lofa County when GOL recaptured the town from LURD. He also planned and executed the death of François Massaquoi, the then Youth and Sports Minister.
June 9,2002	massacre	Bopolu, Gbarpolu County	Sekou Damante Conneh	LURD	on June 9, 2002, Ofourie Jay alias “Iron Jacket” upon orders of Sekou Damante Conteh , massacred 110 young men and women in Bopolu, Gbarpolu county. They were accused of being sympathizers of GOL
July 20,2002	Massacre	Tubmanburg, Bomi County	Benjamin Yeaten	GOL	in Marhair River Bridge, on July 20, 2002 as reported by two of the survivors, about 175 persons were massacred allegedly on the orders of Gen. Benjamin Yeaten. They claimed that the people were sympathizers of LURD.
Sept. 18, 2002	Summary Execution	Congo Town Monrovia	Charles Taylor, Jr	ATU	on September 18, 2002: Isaac Gono of the ATU, Chief Driver of Charles Taylor, Jr. “Chucky”, was beaten to death on the morning of September 18, 2002 for allegedly hitting a dog with Chucky’s car.
October 21, 2002	Incursion into Ivory Coast	Ivory Coast	Charles G. Taylor		on October 21, 2002: Charles Taylor mandated Benjamin Yeaten Joe Tuah, Liaison officer, Edward T. Zamay, Training Officer, Walloe, death squad commander, Osebo Demain, logistics officer, and Matthew Karn, artillery commander to cross into Ivory Coast to assist Felix Doe, leader of the Western Rebel, as mercenaries
February 28, 2003	Massacre	Toe’s Town, Grand Gedeh County	General Gbor Vaye	GOL	on February 28, 2003 as reported by JPC Monitor/The Inquirer Newspaper, March 17, 2003 Vol. 13 #39/ The News Newspaper, March 17, 2003 Vol. 14 #222: General Gbor Vaye of the GOL slaughtered three employees of the Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA) namely: Kara Lund, a Norwegian, Arty. Emmanuel Sharply, a Liberian and Country Director, and driver Muse Keita, another Liberian were massacred while in route to Maryland County to pay their employees. The perpetrators were never brought to justice
June 4, 2003	Murder	Paynesville, Montserrado County	Gen. Benjamin Yeaten.	GOL	Murder in Paynesville, Montserrado County on June 4, 2003 as reported by the deceased wives and relatives: The Deputy Ministers for National Security and Public Works, John Yormie and Isaac Vaye were arrested on the night of June 4, 2003 by a group of armed men under the command of one “Bababa” of the SSS which it was alleged he was acting on the orders of Gen. Benjamin Yeaten. They were allegedly brought to Monrovia, interrogated and later driven back on the Gbarnga-Ganta highway (CNC Logging Company area) and later killed. Their bodies were allegedly dropped on the train track by a container in the Ganta area. Their wives are demanding their bodies to give them a befitting burial
May 26, 2003	Massacre	Gbarn, Nimba County	Adolphus Sampson	GOL	on May 26, 2003: Adolphus Sampson, special bodyguard to Gen. Benjamin Yeaten murdered a family of five at the railroad bridge near Gbarn, Nimba County upon seeing then with $75,000LD, and two pieces of diamonds
May 2003	Summary Execution	Lofa Bridge	Sekou Kromah	LURD	In May 2003,General Sekou  Kromah and his men murdered 24 persons on Lofa Bridge. The victims were arrested in the Tubmanburg area and charged with reconnaissance. On the same day,  the perpetrator forced a boy to killed his father and suck up his brains.
June-July 2003	Summary execution	Monrovia	Lomax, artillery crew commander of Wild Geese and Marcus High Grade	GOL	Summary execution in Monrovia in June-July 2003: Lomax, artillery crew commander of Wild Geese, Marcus High Grade, bodyguard to Yeaten and Nyan murdered 42 persons on the Johnson Street Bridge for looting. The victims were accused but never tried.
June 9, 2003	Summary Execution	Stockton Creek bridge, Monrovia	Charles Taylor, Jr.	ATU	on June 9, 2003, Charles Taylor, Jr. “Chucky” murdered 18 persons at the Stockton Creek Bridge. Gen. Roland Duo men arrested these people as POW of LURD.
July, 2003	Massacre	Combat Camp	Gen. Yeaten	GOL	in July 2003: Marcus High Grade and Gola-Red acting on instruction of Gen. Yeaten transported 78 wounded soldiers from Monrovia to Combat Camp, under pretense of going to pay them and killed them. The victims were demanding to be paid by Charles Taylor.
July, 2003	Summary Execution	Klay, Bomi County	Cllr.J  Laveli Supuwood	LURD	in July 2003, General Abbas of LURD ,said to be acting upon the orders of Cllr. Laveli Supowood,vice chairman/operation, LURD, murdered 26 persons in Klay. The victims were arrested on Bushrod Island as POW of GOL. Most of their bodies were chop to pieces.
September 8-20, 2003	Massacre	Tubman Farm, Bong County	Gen. Benjamin Yeaten	GOL	On September 8-20, 2003: Zeezah Mazah, special bodyguard to Benjamin Yeaten fed Mr. Charles Taylor’s lions with 26 living persons on his farm in Maleki, Bong County. This was a prescribed punishment for those who committed crimes.
October 11-26, 2003	Summary Execution	Po-River, Bomi County	General Wasue Donzo	LURD	On October 11-26, 2003: General Wasue Donzo of the LURD ordered the execution of over 26 persons on the Po-River Bridge, Tubmanburg Highway and dumped some of their bodies in the Po-River.
2003	Massacre	Buchanan, Grand Bassa County	Thomas Nimley	MODEL	In 2003, upon the instructions of  the high command of MODEL, over 1 60 persons were placed in a house custody, and the house set on fire on suspicion of being fighters of GOL
October, 2003	Massacre	Greenville, Sinoe	Alphonso Zeon	MODEL	In July, 2003, fighters of MODEL under the command of one General Alphonso Zeon arrested 86 civilians, tied them up in a tarpaulin , lighted fire under them and roasted them to death. Most of the victims were men whose women were seized and raped.
November, 2004	massacre	River gee County	General zero	MODEL	In November, 2003, 20 persons were arrested , accused of being Charles Taylor sympathizers, and skinned to death with their hearts extracted and eaten by child soldiers of MODEL
2003	Massacre	River Gee County	H. Don Morias	GOL	In 2003, more than 500 innocent persons were slaughtered upon orders of H Dan Morias and others in Glawlo, River Gee County.
2003	Massacre	Liberia/Ivorian border	Thomas Nimley	MODEL	300 persons who refused to join the MODEL fighting group were executed. Some of them were amputated and left to die while others were beheaded. Most of these acts were carried out by child soldiers on orders from  Boi-blajue-Boi of MODEL
2003	Summary execution	Clara Town, Bushrod Island	LURD commander alias K-1	LURD	In, July, LURD commander alias K-1 ordered the killing of over 25 civilians for allegedly looting.
COURTESY OF THE FORUM FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A WAR CRIMES COURT IN LIBERIA

    

                                                                                                                                                               

Unity Party Celebrates July 26th Amidst Liberia’s DEARTH! (Letter of the Day

Source: theliberianjournal


By: Benjamin Kofa Fyneah

Jul 27, 2010

Despite Liberia’s dire economic circumstances, the Unity Party had cause for a pompous display of pageantry to celebrate Liberia’s 163rd independence anniversary.

Considering the overwhelming poverty and widespread destitution impacting MAJORITY of Liberians one would have imagined this occasion and ALL other planned celebrations be observed in a low key manner. It could also be a day of sober reflection of where we are, how we got here, and the way forward.

The Unity Party’s zest for wasteful spending, that adds no value to our national life and or positively impact Liberians needs to stop!

• What is there to celebrate when 80% of your constituents are unemployed?

• What is there to celebrate when over 80% of your constituents live far below the poverty line?

• What is there to celebrate when MOST citizens have no access to portable running water?

• What is there to celebrate when the country is overcome by darkness - lack of electricity?

• What is there to celebrate when the STRATIFICATION of our social and political structures are being enhanced!

• What is there to celebrate when a significant number of your constituents are ILLETERATE?

• What is there to celebrate when the national economy is dependent and CONTROLLED by a FEW powerful elites?

• What is there to celebrate when the very government is overcome by CORRUPTION?

Until the Unity Party can give honest answers to these questions, her LACK of vision and ability to provide solutions to the myriad of problems facing Liberia will always be EXPOSED.

What actually do we celebrate on July 26th? Independence? From whom? Remember, the bulk of Liberians are still feeling the impact(s) of Matilda Newport’s cannon shot!

This strange form of celebration amidst overwhelming poverty is akin to the very “temporary relief” provided by illegal chemical substances - sadly, once their effects wane, REALITY sets in!

We will ALL be in a better position to jubilate and or CELEBRATE when the Unity Party government provides the needed leadership to pull Liberians out of the crippling grips of poverty and set Liberian on a course of sustainable growth and development.

Editor’s Note: Benjamin Kofa Fyneah can be reached at bfyneah@hotmail.com

Elephant Aggression Displaces Multitude

Source: allafrica.com


28 July 2010

Rampaging elephants who launched valiance of attacks against River Cess Citizens a month ago have left many persons displaced, and are reportedly said to be in search of new homes, food and shelter, as well as clothing and medication.

River-Cess County Representative Jerry Masahn made the revelation recently in Monrovia about the destructive nature of the wide elephants who he said, have caused his kinsmen to flee their towns and villages and were displaced in Mass numbers seeking refuge in Nezohn and other nearby surrounding towns in the area, something he said, is troubling and requires urgent attention from the government and its partners to save his people from further disaster.

About a month ago, wide elephants got on the rampage in River-Cess County and attacked facilities of a logging company operating in the area, extending its aggressive conducts on high-Ways, villages as well as impeding ongoing farming activities and sending few persons to their early graves.

Reports gathered from the county at the time revealed that the rampaging elephants merciless attacks against the people of River – Cess was intended to place a stay order on the activities of the logging company operating in the area , who the reports said was refusing to abide by the regulations of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) by not employing citizens of the county, especially the district it was carrying on its logging activities.

Consequently, one of the elephants was killed three weeks ago by hunters, but Representative Jerry Masahn disclosed that the violent conduct of the elephants left behind many problems among which were the massive displacement of citizens of the county, as a result of the destruction of their towns and villages including the destruction of farms in the county.

According to Rep. Masahn, his people whom were affected by the Elephants’ aggression were presently displaced and were sleeping in the open air without food and clothing, something he said, needed prompt intervention from government and other aid agencies to help liberate his people who he said were dying from pneumonia , starvation and other killer diseases from the heavy down pour of rain.

The River-Cess Lawmaker also revealed that Nezohn was jam packed with hundreds of displaced citizens as a consequence of the brutal and ruthless nature of the wide life, describing their situation as totally unbelievable and unacceptable.

He said as a result of the elephant invasion, currently there is no food for his people to eat, no medication and worst of all, he alarmed, children, women and the elderly people were getting sick, and that if nothing was done to immediately rescue the alarming situation, his citizens stand the risk of dying in mass.

However, Rep. Jerry Masahn felt short of disclosing how many of his kinsmen have died since their displacement, but insisted that many of his people were dying due to the heavy down pour of rain, diarrhea, cholera and other killer diseases.

Statement of Petition From Citizens of Nimba County to H. E. Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Source: allafrica.com


28 July 2010

STATEMENT OF PETITION FROM CITIZENS OF NIMBA COUNTY TO H. E. MRS. ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA TO CONTEST THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT FOR A SECOND TERM

WHEREAS, leadership is gifted to special people, and that you are such one rare gem of a leader this nation has had;

WHEREAS, we the citizens of Nimba County have followed with keen interest the leadership you have provided to this nation since you came to power;

RECOGNIZING the many development initiatives you have undertaken, including the magnificent Tappita Hospital, the Community College of Nimba County, to improve the livelihood of the citizens and residents of this country, including those of Nimba County;

COGNIZANT of the role you have played to return Liberia to its rightful place in the comity of nations through your effective international contacts, thereby restoring the dignity of Liberian citizens both at home and abroad;

REALIZING the vision you have and actions you have taken that strives towards transparency, accountability and good governance in Government, which led to the waiving of Liberia’s US$4.9 billion debt;

NOTING your recognition of the significant role women and young people play in society, thereby appointing them into responsible positions in Government;

WHEREAS, your youth empowerment program, including the provision of scholarships and other opportunities, has prepared and continue to prepare new breed of national leaders to continue the developments being undertaken now and to be undertaken in the future;

We the citizens of Nimba County believe strongly that you, Madam President, have the required leadership characteristics so needed at this time in the history of our country to keep our country and people peaceful and manage our resources in a way that will engender the kind of development that can put us on par with other great nations of the world. You are simply the right person God has given us in this dispensation to be President of the country at this time.

NOW THEREFORE, we the citizens of Nimba County, represented by the youths, women and elders, confident that you are politically, physically and mentally fit to steer the affairs of State and to complete the unfinished business of the Liberian people, do hereby petition you to run for the Office of President, Republic of Liberia, for a second term.

In so doing, we herewith present to you this petition as our commitment to support you for said second term of office.


DONE IN THE CITY OF SANNIQUELLIE, NIMBA COUNTY ON THE 26TH DAY OF JULY, A.D. 2010.

Winston Tubman: TRC Report Represents Liberia's Best Efforts to End Nightmare

Source: FrontPage Africa

Ambassador Winston Tubman

07/28/2010 - Ambassador Winston Tubman, Liberia National Union

LIBERIAN 163RD INDEPENDENCE DAY ADDRESS, BY COUNSELOR WINSTON A. TUBMAN. DELIVERED, JULY 26 2010, AT THE MALAWALA BALAWALA SPORTS FIELD ON GSA ROAD, MONROVIA, LIBERIA.

Many thanks to all of you for your presence here this Afternoon and for inviting me to make this short speech today. My heartfelt congratulations go to the President and all the people of Liberia, especially Nimbaians in whose great County the official celebrations of our country’s 163rd birth Anniversary are today taking place, in SANNIQUELLIE , the historic city where the idea of African Unity first began to take shape when the Presidents of Liberia, Ghana and Guinea met there with that objective in mind fifty years ago. One hundred and thirteen years earlier, in 1847, Liberia itself was born, not as an ordinary state but as a unique fore- runner country which aimed at extending liberty to the African Motherland, as its name, Liberia, the land of liberty, implies. Nimba County was also the place where the first shots in our horrendous Civil War were fired. Therefore, by returning to and focusing at this time on Nimba County, a place of momentous beginnings, the people of Liberia are signaling to the world that the time has finally come when the true liberation of Liberia and a more meaningful African Unity must be raised to a higher and conclusive level.

Many Africans and even some Liberians often ask: ‘what development of any kind can Liberia show for its many years of independence?’National Economic Development, in my view is the result, not of age but of investments such as were made by the colonial powers in their African colonies, comprising all of Black Africa except Liberia, at a time when nothing remotely comparable was happening in Liberia. It was Ghana’s President Nkrumah who once said that Liberia should be judged, not by the height which, on her own, she attained but by the depths from which she climbed. The founders of our country, and by this I refer both to those who came to these shores, as well as those who were here and welcomed them; they had to prove to a cruel, derisive and mocking world that they too were human beings and the equals of any other race of people, fully able to do any and all of those things, as they wrote in their 1847 Declaration of Independence: “which adorn and dignify man.”

All of the newer African states, standing as they did on Liberia’s shoulders were never humiliated by having to argue much less to prove that they too were human beings. And yet, some young Liberians of today have said to me with regret: ‘it was a mistake to get our independence so soon! We should have waited until we had been developed!’ But we were never colonized. What my young Liberian friends regret is precisely that of which Liberians of my own and previous generations were proud, even boastful: We were never colonized!

Today, ten years into the Twenty First Century, Liberians must prove all over again something no less necessary now than what the first Liberians faced: we are called upon to rise up to the stubborn challenges of putting tribal divisions and national conflicts behind us forever; we must also ensure that the prevailing peace in our country will not shatter after the UN forces depart. For these things to happen, we must make sure that in our critical elections next year, the transfer of state power from one democratically elected government to another takes place smoothly and peacefully. The US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton said precisely that when she addressed the Liberian Legislature last year. Since then, a few other Americans have made statements which some Liberian politicians self-servingly delight in misconstruing. Nevertheless, what Secretary Clinton said coincides, I believe with Liberia’s needs and the wishes of most Liberians.

It once seemed to some of us that the power transfer that Secretary of State Clinton spoke of might have been facilitated if our incumbent President had refrained from taking part in the 2011 electoral race, as she had earlier promised she would do. Instead, she could have played the unsurpassable monitoring role of the iconic, globally admired and respected leader that she has become. This, we now know she has declined to do, as is her right; and there is no need or use in crying over spilt milk. Therefore, the next best thing for Liberia, in my view would be for the opposition parties to consolidate and combine their strengths so that next year, a run-off, second round of elections does not become necessary. Run offs provide conclusion to elections but they do not produce unity among a multiplicity of competing political parties, whose leaders must now make personal sacrifices for the good of Liberia. Because the narrow initial base of support enjoyed by the eventual winner in a runoff is virtually the same base upon which that winner comes to power. No real shift of support occurs; with the result that when the full panoply of state power devolves upon the eventual winner, that winner, particularly if he or she is the incumbent merely adds new power on to their already garnered power accumulations to produce, and here I borrow a phrase: “ a formidable President”; thereby, planting seeds for the return and consolidation of a strong one party state that stifles free expression, fosters tyranny and sets the stage for violent confrontations between those in power and those constituting the majority of the population seeking irrepressibly to replace an often very corrupt minority government. Liberia cannot afford to go down that disastrous road again! Preventing a return to a one party state would be a greater gain for Liberia than any number of foreign funded projects whether resulting from grants or loans which we might soon again be unable to repay. Most African countries especially those like Liberia endowed with rich natural resources can easily secure such investments. But no other African country is today better prepared, with UN forces deployed here and the right proven leadership than Liberia to make the peaceful, sustainable democratic transfer of the already mentioned state power. Our success on this score would not only hugely benefit Liberia but it would also inspire much of Africa Just as our showing to the whole world that Africans are capable of governing themselves galvanized all of Africa to eventually win their independence too.

It is therefore not wrong to call attention to the mortal danger of Liberia’s return to a one party state; nor is it unpatriotic to do so. On the contrary, it is courageous patriotism of the highest order to point out looming danger on this our national day that is so close to next year’s elections when Liberia must seek to finally close the bloodiest chapter of our history.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Report, with all its undeniable flaws represents our best, Liberian efforts to bring closure to our long national nightmare of divisions and conflicts, and place our nation on a new path to durable peace, unity, security and development. The vile, shameful and abusive characterizations that some have been hurled against me and my innocent deceased parents; even inciting the public to attack me because of my support for the TRC deserve no response; but they show powerfully just how on target the TRC’s recommendations truly are. If those recommendations are followed; not all at once but through sacrificial leadership supported by all Liberians as would be the case, step by step over time; Liberia would be bound to soon become the shining country on a hill that by its example would transform and elevate the whole African Continent as was the evident intention of the Almighty when He granted us our independence 163 years ago today.

THANK YOU.

VEEP BOAKAI A LOCK?????: Hometown Lofa Tipped for 2011 Indy Celebration

07/27/2010 - M. Welemongai Ciapha II

Monrovia - 
Source: FrontPage Africa

For months speculations have been in the air that Liberian president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf was contemplating dropping Dr. Joseph Boakai as her running mate in the much-anticipated presidential elections in 2011. Speculations have surfaced for months that partisans within the party’s hierarchy, fearing fielding an ageing ticket, have behind the scenes been pressing for Sirleaf to drop Boakai for a much younger candidate as the party looks to address concerns about the ageing ticket factor.

Political analysts here believed that the president’s assurance to one of the sons of Lofa of the next year celebrations is a clear signal that Hon. Boakai is physically fit to ride the political wagon of 2011 or Sirleaf is comfortable with him by her side.

On Monday, however, Sirleaf and the UP appear to have settled on sticking with Boakai. During celebrations marking the 163rd Independence Day Celebration, the incumbent leader of the post-war Unity Party government tipped Boakai’s hometown, the vote-rich Lofa County as the next stop for the Independence Day bash.

Political analysts here believed that the president’s assurance to one of the sons of Lofa of the next year celebrations is a clear signal that Hon. Boakai is physically fit to ride the political wagon of 2011 or Sirleaf is comfortable with him by her side.

In her remark, President Sirleaf told the gathering of elders, dignitaries and citizens that Liberians were proud of their global village, Liberia, despite the decade-longed civil strife fought, her country are of resilient people with undaunted pride.

The president noted that with all projects on course in Nimba, further proved that the county is on the move in terms of developments and progress.

She said that her administration has always try to celebrate the July 26th , where most of the population in leeward counties would benefit, which began in 2006 in Montserrado County, followed by Grand Bassa County, Bong County, and now it is in Nimba county, adding, “and now I say to you Lofa,” amid applause from the audience.

The president further observed that her visit to Sanniquellie has brought back to her memory of 1959, when the leaders of Ghana, Guinea and Liberia, Kweme Nkrumah, Sekou Toure’ and William V.S. Tubman and other leaders at the time, met to discuss the formation of African Unity, now African Union.

She maintained that the discussion between the three leaders led to the formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now African Union (AU).

Boakai was noticeably absent from the celebrations in Sanniquellie as he represented Sirleaf in Chad at the Community of Sahel Saharan States (CEN-SAD). Following the CEN-SAD meeting, the Vice President will proceeded to Kampala, Uganda to represent President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at the 15th Session of the African Union Summit. The Vice President also participated in the 14th Summit Bureau Meeting upon the request of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. The Vice President and party are expected to return home on Wednesday, July 28.

With Boakai being from the ruling Unity Party, political pundits are still unsure whether UP will abide by the merger agreement signed along with LUP and LAP - or stick with Boakai.

Boakai has not shied away from addressing the controversy surrounding his political future. In a 2009 FrontPageAfrica interview, the veep said he came on the ticket of the Unity Party not as a liability but as an asset.”I have large constituency and during the campaign of this party, unlike other parties you didn’t see me follow the president to go and campaign, I campaigned independently because I knew that not just in Lofa but all over Liberia, people know who I am.”

Over the past few months, Boakai has been showing his card, making of tour in Lofa in weeks leading to the recent Unity Party convention in Ganta, Nimba County where the party tipped Cllr. Varney Sherman as Chairman. Ironically, Sherman has been one of many names in the mix of potential replacements for Boakai but Sirleaf appears to be comfortable with the subtle Boakai.

Sherman debunked the speculations himself in a recent FrontPageAfrica interview when he said that he had no intentions of replacement Boakai. But the complications of the recent merger remains a prevailing dilemma for the ruling party.

According to Sherman in a recent FPA interview, the parties had an article for merger and the article of merger says that if the standard bearer of the Unity Party is selected for one of the constituent parties, that standard bearer will exercise his or her best efforts to select a vice standard bearer from one of the other two constituent parties. “That is what the article of merger says. Based on that, you gentlemen and ladies assume that Varney Sherman will be the vice standard bearer. There is no basis for that. I don’t see how you analysis can come to that kind of conclusion.”

With Boakai being from the ruling Unity Party, political pundits are still unsure whether UP will abide by the merger agreement or stick with Boakai.

Sherman was clear when pressed as to whether the merger meant that Boakai would not be Vice President because he’s from the Unity Party as is Sirleaf.

Said Sherman: “They say exert your best efforts. If the standard bearer exerts his or her best efforts and comes to the conclusion that it is Boakai and that is approved by the party, that’s it. But the thing about it is this. Even though Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has said that she would be formidable candidate, we still have to have a convention and come to that decision as to whether or not she would be the candidate. The assumption that she is automatically the candidate is wrong. Not in this unity party.”

The talk of replacing Boakai has fueled speculations that several young officials in the current government were being considered. Among them, Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan, Dr. Henrique Tokpah, President of Cuttington University, Planning and Economic Affairs Minister, Amara Konneh, Bureau of Maritime Affairs Commissioner Binyah Kesselly and others surfacing, VP Boakai admitted in an interview with FPA in Ganta shortly before the electoral process of the UP convention that in politics anything can happen and nothing is taken for granted.

Due Process Lawsuit: Teage Appeals for Support to Keep Parties Honest

Written by Alvin Teage Jalloh, Esq
Tuesday, 27 July 2010

Source: Liberian Forum

 Click to view writ issued by court

As the public debate surrounding my lawsuit against the Liberian government for its unconstitutional enforcement of several provisions of the Aliens and Nationality Law continues, I would like to provide you with additional facts.

I was born in Bopolu, Liberia, to two natural-born Liberian citizens, and acquired my Liberian citizenship at birth. During the devastating Liberian civil war, I was forced into exile and sought refuge in foreign lands. Although forced into exile, I did not leave my constitutional rights at any of the warring parties' check points that were placed throughout our nation. My constitutional due process right comes from the same Constitution that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, members of the Honorable 52nd Legislature, and members of the Honorable Supreme Court took an oath to defend and uphold.

I understand the political views about dual citizenship. The question in my lawsuit, however, is not about dual citizenship. Nor is it about an alleged renunciation oath as some would have you believe. Not everyone who becomes a naturalized citizen of the United States is required to take a renunciation oath. Rather, the question in my lawsuit is more fundamental to Liberia’s constitutional democracy: whether the government can enforce a statute, which on its face, purports to abrogate the due process clause under Article 20(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia.

One of the most profound accomplishments of our framers was the establishment of a document that is the highest law of Liberia. The Constitution establishes three separate, but equal branches of government, and spells out the limited roles and powers of each branch. Among other basic principles essential to our constitutional democracy, the Constitution defines certain fundamental rights of the people which the government may not violate. Due process of law is one of the fundamental rights.

Perhaps the most important, early lesson about due process comes from the Garden of Eden. Although knowing that Adam and Eve had eaten from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, God did not summarily punish Adam and Eve. God interrogates both Adam and Eve, and gives each of them an opportunity to provide an excuse for their transgression before punishing them.

In Liberia, the due process clause is found in Article 20(a) of the Liberian Constitution. It prohibits all levels of the Liberian government, including the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary from depriving any person of life, liberty, property, privilege, or any other right without a hearing and a judgment consistent with due process of law.

The due process requirements are not hollow words without substance. They are rights enumerated in our Constitution, and must be respected and enforced. If a self-executing statute, such as section 22.2 of the Aliens and Nationality Law, deprives a person of life, liberty, property, privilege, or any other right without a hearing and a judgment consistent with due process, that person has been denied the constitutional protection of due process. If a governmental action deprives a person of life, liberty, property, privilege, or any other right without a hearing and a judgment consistent with due process, that person has been denied the constitutional protection of due process.

While politicians play games with people’s rights, the judiciary operates on a different level. The judiciary’s foremost role is to defend and uphold the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, and to protect each person's constitutional, human, civil, and legal rights without regards to public opinion.

Section 22.2 of the Aliens and Nationality Law, which is being challenged in my lawsuit, states that, “The loss of citizenship under Section 22.1 of this title shall result solely from the performance by a citizen of the acts or fulfillment of the conditions specified in such section, and without the institution by the Government of any proceedings to nullify or cancel such citizenship.” This section purports to abrogate the due process clause under Article 20(a) of the Liberian Constitution--the highest law of the land. Section 22.2 will not withstand constitutional scrutiny.

But you are aware that in this cherished Republic of ours, the status quo holds on like a mussel. And misinformation travels fast. Therefore, I am asking for your help in this matter--not with the legal argument. My claims are supported by the Constitution of Liberia, and my legal interests before the Honorable Supreme Court of Liberia are being represented by Cllr. Jerome Korkoya, one of the best legal minds we have. Rather, I need you to join others to keep the parties honest.

This case presents a constitutional question that goes beyond the rights of a Liberian from Bopolu who, with all due respect, does not need a piece of paper to tell him he is a Liberian.

If the legislative process can be used to selectively deny a group of Liberians their constitutional rights to due process, then that process presumably could be used to deprive other disfavored groups of Liberians of their constitutional rights.

The question presented in my case is also about you and other Liberians: whether the government of Liberia can enforce a statute, which on its face, purports to abrogate a right that is enumerated in the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia.

Poverty & Corruption undermine progress: National Orator declares

Written by Robert Clarke in Nimba & Vivian Gartyn Monday, 26 July 2010

Source: Star Radio Liberia

The National Orator of the 163rd Independence anniversary celebration has identified factors stalling Liberia’s progress and achievements.

Monsignor Father Robert Tikpor named poverty, dwindling away of natural resources and sectionalism.

The 84 year old catholic prelate said corruption in high places, selfishness, greed and lack of patriotism are causing poverty.

Father Tikpor observed people are continuing to put personal interest over national interest, recalling this led to serious division during the war years.

Speaking on the theme: “In National Unity We Will Stand”, Father Tikpor, urged all Liberians to work together to surgically cut-off what he calls cancerous tissues from our records.

He believes this can be achieved if we put the welfare of our country over our personal cravings and wants.

The orator also calls for the identification of a national language, and revision of the country’s motto to enhance unity.

He observed “the love of liberty brought us here” promotes sectionalism as there were people here when the settlers arrived.

It can be recalled, the 2008 Independence Day orator also call for action on the language and motto but no concrete step has been taken to address them.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf had assured, the Governance Commission would review them.