Friday, October 14, 2011

Liberia: CDC Cries Foul

E. J. Nathaniel Daygbor

Source: The New Dawn 

Despite findings from various civil groups and international groups, certifying that Tuesday’s legislative and presidential elections were generally free, fair and transparent, the main opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) of Cllr. Winston Tubman is crying foul, alleging that the electoral process is not free and fair.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Liberia: With Six Days to Elections, Will Supreme Court Act on 10-Year Clause Petition Brought Before It?

Liberia: ‘No Strategy to Fight Corruption’ - Cllr Gongloe Dissects UP, Opposition Platforms

Human rights lawyer
and
Former Solicitor General, Tiawon Gongloe
Cllr. Gongloe: Despite various platforms put forth by the contesting political parties including that of the ruling Unity Party(UP), there has been no strategy by the parties toward the fight of corruption.

Liberia: U.S. Ambassador Confident Locals Will Choose Ballots Over Violence

Friday, September 2, 2011

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Liberians in Europe Call for Boycott of Referendum

Written by EFLA  

Liberia: Tubman Somersaults On Referendum

Written by E. J. Nathaniel

Source: The New Dawn

Cllr. Winston Tubman
Barely a day to the National Referendum, the Standard Bearer of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) Cllr. Winston Tubman has somersaulted on his earlier call for a boycott.
"I said that we at the CDC announced boycott of the referendum because we knew that the referendum is unconstitutional; the government, especially the ruling Unity Party and President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf are wantonly calling for the referendum so that if voted on, their standard bearer will fit with the residency clause from ten years to five [years].

....Liberian referendum marred by ballot error


MONROVIA, Liberia (AP) — Liberia's first constitutional referendum in 25 years was marred by error on Tuesday after the National Election Commission said it had distributed defective ballot papers.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Liberia: President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf must reject asylum request from Colonel Gadhafi


Two Best Friends
Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia
and
Moammar Gadhafi


Bernard Gbayee Goah
President Operation We Care for Liberia

As the Libyan capital “Tripoli” slips from the grasp of the Libyan military under the leadership of a notoriously unpredictable man, Moammar Gadhafi, Operation We Care for Liberia (OWCL) call on H.E. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and the entire Liberian government to reject any asylum request from members of Colonel Gadhafi’s fighting forces including Gadhafi himself.Information reaching us suggests that asylum talks are currently going on between President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and members of Gadhafi’s inner circle. We believe that any communication from President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf to Colonel Gadhafi at this time would jeopardize the little peace Liberia is experiencing. Aiding Gadhafi in any way would not be in the best interest of Liberia and West Africa.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Liberia: TQ Harris bowed out ...Tipoteh Rescues FAPL


Dr. Togbah-Nah Tipoteh
Fielding presidential candidates seems the mainstay of Liberia’s electoral politics, such that a party that has no stake in the presidential race does not count itself equal.  Many say NEC’s final list of presidential and legislative candidates for the 2011 elections will determine largely whether the means to field presidential candidates is also a consideration.  Meantime, the Freedom Alliance Party of Liberia (FAPL) has shown that that is a major consideration as veteran politician, Dr. Togbah-Nah Tipoteh, moves in to a rescue after cash-starved TQ Harris bowed out. The Analyst, reports. Source: allAfrica.com

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Liberia: John Stewart Writes President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf

Subject: God Will Not Come Down and Talk to You"

Dear Madame President,

Congratulations for the successful holding of the independence day celebrations in Lofa. Congratulations also to you, the people of Lofa, for your hospitality and above all for your demonstrated sense of maturity. I make this point Madame President because there were concerns that victims of the Konia and Voinjama civil disturbances would have mounted a public demonstration to call on the government to take actions to bring to heel those who planned, incited, instigated and took part in the mayhem. Then there was and still is the outstanding dispute over boundaries between Voinjama District and the newly created Quardu-Gboni District. Suggestions indicated in your Independence Day message that all was well were/are indeed unfounded.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

OPERATION WE CARE FOR LIBERIA WANTS A “REFERENDUM-FREE SPECIAL ELECTIONS”!


Bernard Gbayee Goah
President, Operation We Care for Liberia
Due to the nature of the prevailing political circumstance in Liberia surrounding the residency clause requirement stipulated in the constitution of Liberia for persons wanting to run for the presidency, and given the status of Liberia’s economy and others factors that have the propensity to evoke unimaginable chaos; we call upon all Human right groups, the International community, the Liberian government through its Supreme Court, the NEC Elections commission of Liberia, Senators and representatives of various counties and districts, elders and Zoes, as well as all peace loving Liberians wherever they may reside, to declare the 2011 elections (referendum –free), as such “SPECIAL  ELECTIONS” taking the TRC final recommendations into serious consideration  in the interest peace. 

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

LIBERIA: Don't Declare Corruption 'Enemy #1'

No Liberian disagree that more than the outcome of incompetence and the lack of resources combined, corruption is the single most compromiser of Liberia’s postwar reconstruction and economic recovery. In order to combat corruption effectively therefore, many Liberians who are aspiring for state power believe it is expedient to design a national policy that considers corruption “enemy #1. Of course, these aspirants are taking cue from their compatriots – Samuel K. Doe, Charles Taylor, Charles Gyude Bryant, and Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf – who did so prior to or upon taking state power. These leaders have either declared corruption “enemy #1 or have declared “zero tolerance” for corruption. Now former Auditor General John S. Morlu, II says to declare corruption enemy or declare zero tolerance for it actually emboldens the menace. The Analyst presents Mr. Morlu’s recent speech to ODI and BBC World Service Trust Discussion in which he outlines the steps to defeating corruption without making vain public vows. Source: allAfrica.com

John S. Morlu, II

See full text of Morlu’s speech Below:

ODI and BBC World Service Trust Discussion Series
On “Dual Accountability: Aid Effectiveness”
British Academy, London, England

25 July 2011

I want to thank ODI and the BBC World Service Trust for hosting these series, as they are vital for a new and improved thinking on how to make aid effective. I am hopeful that these discussions will lay a good foundation for Busan. I will also like to thank ODI and BBC World Service Trust for inviting me to participate in these discussions.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Liberia’s 164 Independence Day Message to Liberians

Written by Bernard Gbayee Goah
Mr. Vice President,
Officials and members of Operation We Care for Liberia
(Distinguished Guest present here today)
Special Friends of Liberia
Fellow Liberians from far and near,
Ladies and Gentlemen

Bernard Gbayee Goah
President
Operation We Care for Liberia
I deem it a special privilege to have been selected to speak to you on this auspicious occasion of Liberia’s 164 Independence Day celebrations. This day is been celebrated both in Liberia and in Liberian communities in the Diaspora.

Please allow me to express my appreciation to the Government of the United States of America for the kind hospitalities bestow upon all Liberians that dwell in this country.

Permit me to also express my deepest gratitude to you all for your endless love for our beloved country Liberia.

I salute OWCL’s dedication and commitment to the complete transformation of Liberia into an economically and politically strong country led by moral, ethical men and women unencumbered by the divisive, destructive politics of the past. Thanks a million for advancing the interests of the people of Liberia through advocacy as well as promote unity, understanding and cooperation amongst the people of Liberia.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Liberia: 'Armed Men Break Into TQ Harris' Bedroom'

Source: Allafrica.com
The Liberian government and its international security partners launched the Security Sector Reform (SSR) project, undoubtedly, to preempt the domino effects the short-circuited UN-mandated Disarmament, Demobilization, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration Programme (DDRRP) would have on Liberia. The project produced robust police and army units, all right; but one effect of the failed DDRR programme that would not go away is armed robbery. There is a number of conspiracy theories about the 'why'. What is clear, though, is that the armed robbery is observing no boundary, making observers to demand that it must be an issue for the 2011 presidential election. The Analyst has been looking at the reported attack on presidential aspirant, TQ Harris.

Several armed men have reportedly broken into the bedroom of 2011 prospective presidential candidate, TQ Harris, making away with US $40,000, L $100,000 in cash, and several valuable household and personal possessions.

Mr. Harris he intended to use the cash for his 2011 presidential campaign.

The stolen items included a US $25,000 gold Rolex watch, a US $500 gold watch, a Sony Laptop, a Memorex Flatbed color scanner, a Pentax 35mm X 200mm lens camera, and a Samsung Digital Camera.

The armed men reportedly also took away a LoneStar Cell Internet modem, two 2-GB flash drives, and six cell phones, including a US $600 unused touch-screen cell phone.

Along with these items, the visibly terrified and dejected standard-bearer of the opposition Freedom Alliance Party of Liberia (FAPL) told our reporters yesterday, the armed men took several gifts he received from a relative several years ago.

The FAPL leader, who walked into the offices of The Analyst to 'bring his mishap to the knowledge of the Liberian people', said the incident started at about 2:30 a.m., Monday, July 18, 2011 when a group of armed men forcibly broke into his bedroom, wielding deadly weapons.

He said as they trained their weapons – which included clubs, knifes, and automatic rifles – on him, they demanded that he hand over all cash and valuable items in his possession, lest they be forced to kill him. "If you move, you will die!" Mr. Harris quoted the man who appeared to be the ringleader as bellowing, as he ordered his associates to begin rummaging for cash and valuables.

The presidential candidate said the armed men, most of whom he said were in their mid-20s, told him that they were sent to his home to carry out the robbery. He said the robbers did not say who sent them; neither did he say if he had any idea who might be the senders.

This is the sixth time armed robbers have attacked Mr. Harris' home; but he said Monday's attack was the first time the robbers succeeded in breaking in.

In previous attempts, according to Mr. Harris, the robbers tied up, gagged the security offices on duty, and made away with a large portable generator, over 40 gallons of diesel fuel, and several other items.

Mr. Harris had reportedly reported all of these incidents to the Zone 5 Police Depot in Paynesville and to UNMIL; but according to him, there had been no redress.

What was strange about all of these incidents, he said, was that no one has been caught, neither has any of the properties been recovered.

Another striking coincidence, he noted further, was that all of the armed robbers – though attacking his home at different times and dates and perhaps comprising different individuals – have always claimed to be acting on orders.

Monday's brazen attack on Mr. Harris came only two days after he moved into his Paynesville Community home and less than a week after he took over the leadership of the FAPL as its political leader.

Meanwhile the prospective FAPL presidential candidate said he is currently in consultation with his counsel to explore the possibility of petitioning the Ministry of Justice for permit to purchase and possess a firearm.

As part of UN effort to control the use of small arms in crimes and warfare in the country, the government of Liberia has placed restriction on the private ownership of firearm.

But Mr. Harris, who is terrified by continued attacks on his home, said there was no question that the restriction was doing more harm than good to the Liberian people.

He said if armed robbers could be brave enough to attack and rob him, despite the fact that he has security details in place and lived in a fenced-in compound, it was not difficult to imagine the ordeal ordinary Liberians have to go through every night.

Whether Mr. Harris thought the reduction of violent crimes, as a civil right issue, should be part of the 2011 presidential debate, he did not say.

Neither did he say whether the prevalence of violent crimes in the society, eight years after the official cessation of hostilities in the country and five years after President took over, is the failure of the Liberia government to address the nation's unemployment question, adequately.



Liberia: Armed robbers raid Presidential Candidate TQ Harris’ residence

OWCL President
Mr. Bernard Gbayee Goah


Operation We Care for Liberia (OWCL) condemn the incident of armed robbery that occurred in the early hours of last Monday against TQ Harris. The armed robbers laid siege on the residence of Honorable TQ Harris Jr., forcibly taking valuable items worth thousands of United States dollars and a laptop containing Mr. Harris’ personal information.

Information reliably gathered from community members revealed that a group of grown men numbering about 10 arrived at Honorable Harris’ residence at 2.00 am with weapons consisting of long screw drivers, cutlasses and axes. The armed robbers demanded campaign information and money from Mr. Harris and succeeded in their quest.

We condemn any hidden hands behind this inhumane behavior especially when Liberia’s 2011 elections are right around the corner. These disturbing and barbaric acts appear to be politically motivated. Using “armed robbers” to try to prevent a formidable Presidential Candidate from partaking in the 2011 presidential elections in Liberia is unacceptable at all fronts and not in the interest of justice, peace and democracy.

Honorable Harris is a Presidential candidate whose advocacy mainly focuses on the establishment of a war crimes court in Liberia. Mr. Harris has been outspoken in his advocacy of ensuring that all principal participants involved in the war are tried through a Liberian war crimes court. Attempting to create a situation that would force Mr. Harris into exile would exponentially reduce the probability of the formation of a war crimes court in Liberia. We fully support recent statements made by the US Ambassador to Liberia stating, “The headwinds in support of democracy will prevail, and tyrants who attack their people will fail. We have witnessed citizens challenging governments in Libya and other countries in the Middle East. The march for democratic rule cannot be stopped.” – US Ambassador to Liberia Greenfield

This incident is not the first one TQ Harris has experience since his arrival in Liberia to contest the Liberian presidency. Armed men have terrorized his residence on 5 separate occasions with little to no immediate police intervention whereas; the Liberian National Police was almost always immediately contacted during the course of these incidents.

We call on the Liberian people to demand justice from their government through a mass protest across the entire country using all possible means at their disposal to force their government to action. The government must protect democracy and the political process and let all those willing to serve the government in a presidential capacity run without threats of bodily harm.

Bernard Gbayee Goah
President, Operation We Care for Liberia

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Liberia: US Envoy Declares End of Strongman Era ...

No More Strongman Rule


Source: New Democrat News - Liberia 




US Amb. Greenfield

US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield has indicated that no “strongman” leaders will succeed because people’s desire to have social justice and democracy has made them more fearless and that the march for democratic rule is unstoppable.

The Ambassador, who made the statement at the program marking the 235th Independence Anniversary of the US, spoke in relation to the whirlwind of people’s revolt currently precipitating the ouster of despotic leaders in North Africa and the Middle East.

Ambassador Greenfield: “The headwinds in support of democracy will prevail, and tyrants who attack their people will fail. We have witnessed citizens challenging governments in Libya and other countries in the Middle East. The march for democratic rule cannot be stopped.

“In the past few months, we have witnessed the burning desire for social justice manifested through fearless mass demonstrations. Young people are demanding democratic systems of government… They are saying ‘no more’ to strongmen who ruled for decades without the genuine consent of their fellow citizens.”

The Ambassador then mentioned the importance of the scores of elections that were held in many African countries in 2010, as well as those already held or are to be held in 2011, saying: “These elections tell us that more citizens are demanding participation, accountability, and a better quality of life.”

Many leaders have either been fearlessly challenged or have been deposed in recent time for their tyrannical exercise of power over their people. A few months ago, Presidents Ben Ali of Tunisia and Hosni Mubarak of Egypt were deposed by their citizens. Other “strongman” leaders like Muammar Gaddafi of Libya are being challenged.


Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Former TRC Chairman, Cllr. Jerome Verdier (Liberia): Stay Away or Vote 'No'

Former TRC Chairman, Cllr. Jerome Verdier
The pre-election constitutional referendum is less than a month away. As months become weeks and weeks become days and hours, many expect the National Elections Commission (NEC’s) to step up its information campaign to stir up voters’ interest and obtain the critical turnout, without which the referendum will be a waste of meager resources. While NEC’s low-key response to the fleeting time is reason enough for concern amongst pro-referendum activists, the anti-referendum forces are becoming even more vocal. One of them, former TRC chairman and longtime human rights activist and lawyer, Cllr. Jerome Verdier, is calling for “no” votes; or worse, he is calling for a boycott of the referendum. The Analyst, reports.Former TRC Chairman, Cllr. Jerome Verdier, says the August 23, 2011 National Constitutional Referendum does not worth the while of the Liberian people, besides being an “unconstitutional” and “illegitimate” imposition on the Liberian people.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

LIBERIA: T.Q. HARRIS JR. BECOMES FREEDOM ALLIANCE PARTY OF LIBERIA STANDARD BEARER

FAPL NEW STANDARD BEARER
T.Q. HARRIS JR.
TQ HARRIS ACCEPTANCE SPEECH DELIVERED AT

THE FREEDOM ALLIANCE PARTY NATIONAL CONVENTION
GBARNGA, BONG COUNTY

SATURDAY, JULY 9, 2011


SALUTATIONS:

I am pleased and indeed honored to accept your nomination and selection as the Standard Bearer of the Freedom Alliance Party of Liberia, especially in light of the fact that I am not the founder of this party, yet you have entrusted me with this high office. At a time when our country is in desperate need of institutions, FAPL certainly is a model worthy of emulation.

Let me begin by quoting this famous Latin Phrase that says: “AMAT VICTORIA CURAM.” Translation: Victory Loves Preparation.”

Ladies and Gentlemen, it has been a lengthy preparation process and there is still much more that I have to learn, but the hour has come when I must advance to the next stage. For 22 years I have waited patiently for this moment while at the same time searching diligently for a man or woman capable of leading us out of this wilderness where for decades we have wandered aimlessly, but I have yet to find such a leader. Today, for me, the search is over. I WILL LEAD!

My journey began in 1990 as a humanitarian providing aid to Liberian refugees within the Sub-region and attending peace conferences organized by Liberians in the United States. Realizing at the time my knowledge of the issues was limited I always sat at the back of the room. Gradually I worked my way towards the front…asking questions and taking in every bit of available information. It wasn’t long before I was called to the podium and asked to speak.

Seven years later after a grueling 75,000 miles of travels for meetings in the Capital of a dozen nations involved with the Liberian peace efforts I found myself in 1997 on the national stage standing alongside former vice president Dr. Harry Fumba Moniba as his vice presidential running mate.

Now, having gained a better understanding of the issues, I launched in 1998 an aggressive internet campaign for the purpose of rallying international support for the formation of a war crimes tribunal for Liberia. The website was called RepublicofLiberia.com. Before long my Sierra Leonean counterparts latched on to the idea and applied same to their own crisis. It was then we began collaborating.

Ironically, five years later the Special Court for Sierra Leone provided respite for Liberians by handing down criminal indictments against the sitting president which led to his removal from office.

Recently I opted not to form yet another political party in order to participate in the impending Election, but rather join an existing party and become its standard bearer. But when it seemed my chances of heading an existing party were slim, I then proceeded to petition the National Elections Commission for certification as an independent presidential candidate. As we were gearing up to launch the TQ HARRIS FOR PRESIDENT CAMPAIGN, leaders of the Freedom Alliance Party contacted us and proposed that we combine forces. In the spirit of unity we accepted. Today I am proud to stand before you in the capacity of standard bearer of the next ruling party of the Republic of Liberia.

Already, I’m beginning to smell victory because not only have I personally undergone intense preparation for the task at hand; the Freedom Alliance Party itself also has endured moments of severe testing evidenced by its remarkable performance in the 2005 Election and recent victory in the courts. Incredibly, within a span of 5 years FAPL has become a household name.

If the saying is true “Victory Loves Preparation,” then -- Folks – TQ Harris and the FAPL are poised to win in 2011!

Tribute to the FAPL Founder

It is not easy to fill the shoes of our illustrious Founder – the late Reverend Dr. Margret-Tor Thompson -- a Mother, Teacher, Sister, Pastor and bona fide Leader. However, I stand here humbled in the presence of Almighty God and before man to say this: Sister Margret, as you look down upon this gathering rest assured we will do our utmost to keep the dream alive. The seed you planted while in our midst is about to become a gigantic tree towering above this land protecting the people you loved so dearly. We will do our utmost to build upon the good work you have started.

Follow Partisans, let me say to you, from this day forward and until the National Elections Commission makes the final announcement declaring FAPL the winner in this Election; do not relent…do not despair…and do not become complacent. We are Grass-rooters and have nowhere else to go but the Executive Mansion.

A country with Potential

Why is this election of such great importance to you and me? Why TQ Harris and the Freedom Alliance Party must take over the leadership of this country? Why you must give all that you have so that FAPL may win the Presidency and majority seats in the Legislature? Here’s why…

The outcome of this Election will no doubt determine the kind of country Liberians will live in for the next 50 years. So it is a serious mistake for anyone to think that the 2011 Election is just another political exercise. No, it is not!

In the aftermath of the bloodletting that broke this nation apart, this Election is a God-given opportunity to prayerfully and carefully select the right leaders that will lay a solid foundation for the building of institutions which will empower the people and transform Liberia into a vibrant post-modern nation.

To put it simply: this Election will decide once and for all whether Liberia will forever be known as a country with Potential; or, it will rise to the occasion and become a self-sufficient, productive member of the comity of nations. The decision we make this time at the polls will certainly impact generations yet unborn. This, my friend, is a defining moment.

Never before has this nation been confronted with so many critical issues threatening its very existence. This is the reality: A generation of Liberians now in their mid 20s have never set foot in a classroom, but are experts at the worst forms of warfare…today the average citizen is unable to execute basic instructions…teenage prostitution, child mortality, and death during labor are at an all-time high…illiteracy and unemployment pose a serious threat to national security…the vast majority of the population are hungry and homeless…the economy is depressed…domestic food production is nonexistent…the country’s infrastructure is in shambles…tens of thousands UN troops are here to stop us from killing one another…Liberians now have more confidence in witchcraft than their national leaders and institutions of government…and most troubling is the real possibility that this country could yet again return to war. Folks, we need a strong leader that will get us out of this mess! That’s the reason I’m in this race.

The worst manmade disaster

As the campaign progresses you will be bombarded with promises and pledges by all the candidates, but don’t be distracted by the noise. This Election is not about roads, hospitals, schools, free education, concession agreement, debt waiver, women issues, men issues…or that magical word often tossed about – “Development”. Election 2011, my friend, is about the kind of country that will emerge from the worst manmade disaster ever recorded in our history…it’s about coming to grips with the cold-blooded murder of more than 250,000 of our friends and loved ones…it’s about balancing justice and compassion…it’s about personal accountability. Yes, it’s about healing, unity, stability and finding the best way forward. It’s about the TRC report…It’s about knowing who we are and what we are. It’s about you!

The responsibility to shape this nation now rests squarely upon the shoulders of this generation. Therefore, in this Election, we must elect a man or woman who has not held key position in government within the past 30 years, and certainly no one who led or supported a warring faction. Rejecting these individuals is absolutely necessary in order to separate the ghastly past from the luminous future that lies ahead.

President Sirleaf’s failure to heal the nation and improve living conditions is further evidence that entrusting our future to recycled politicians has serious negative consequences. Sadly, the past six years under the leadership of the Unity Party is yet again a lost opportunity for the Liberian people. It’s time for CHANGE!

Take the good news to the people

As we leave this place let us go into the towns, clans, villages, cities and throughout our neighborhoods knocking on doors – sit with friend and foe and tell the good news! Tell them that CHANGE has come and it’s called TQ Harris! That he is the voice of the voiceless! That the age of “Country people” and “Civilized people” is over! That all Liberians are equal under the law! That Rule of Law will replace lawlessness under TQ Harris’ leadership! That poverty and hard time soon will be no more! That there is no need to fear! That those who suffered abuse at the hands of warlords are going to receive justice! That no one mentioned in the TRC Report will be a candidate in future elections! That the people can start dreaming again! Tell them light has come that darkness may flee!

I thank you

God Bless Liberia









Friday, June 3, 2011

Libyan rebels will recognise Israel, Bernard-Henri Lévy tells Netanyahu

By RFI

Bernard-Henri Lévy speaks at a rally
in support of
Iranian woman Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani



AFP/Boris Horvat
 Libya’s rebel National Transitional Council (NTC) is ready to recognise Israel, according to French philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy, who says he has passed the message on to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Is Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf a War Crime suspect????

Source: TheLiberiandialogue

An open letter to Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf
Thursday, September 15, 2005

By Jucontee Thomas Woewiyu

Dear Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf:

The Rest of Your Apologies

I write this letter to first compliment you for finally mustering the courage to apologize to the Liberian people for the callous and deadly statement you made on the BBC in 1990 while prosecuting the second and Taylor led version of NPFL wars. You said "Level Monrovia, we will rebuild it," and not "Level the Executive Mansion" as contained in your statement of apology. As you said, you regret making what you now term as a "stupid comment." If you truly regret making a statement that resulted in the death of thousands of your fellow countrymen and women, why replace it now with a false one?

Liberia: Prince Johnson Wants War Crimes Trial



Prince Johnson
 
Ellen Jonnson-Sirleaf

Counselor Jerome Verdier, former TRC boss
Source: all Africa

 Former warlord, now senator and presidential candidate, Prince Johnson, has endorsed the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) listing him as a notorious perpetrator and one of those that should be prosecuted for alleged war crimes during the country's 14-year war.

Cote d'Ivoire: Reports of Abuses Stain New Ivorian President's Record

By Elizabeth Whitman
Source: All africa


Ivorian President Alessane Ouattara

New York — Forces loyal to Ivorian President Alessane Ouattara have carried out indiscriminate torture, rape, extrajudicial killings, and other acts of violence and abuse, according to an investigation by Human Rights Watch.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Liberia: Trading Impunity for Reconciliation

Source: New Democrat Editorial

Unfolding events in recent times signal orchestrated ploys to defend and protect individuals responsible for some of the pronounced abuses anywhere.

Liberia: PYJ Speaks Tough - Wants TRC Report Fully Implemented

Source: allAfrica.com


Prince Y. Johnson
 Perhaps what is 2011 Elections’ most paradoxical political talk has come to the fore, with Senator Yormie Johnson, an indictee of war crimes as per the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report, criticizing another indictee, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, for failing to fully implement the TRC recommendations which, amongst other things, call for a thirty-year ban from politics of some indictees in the country.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Libyan: Russia offers to mediate ex-ally Gadhafi's exit

By ANGELA CHARLTON, Associated Press       
Source:
Yahoo News

AP – Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, left, speaks with
Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan
during a bilateral …


Two best friends  
Moammar Gadhafi of Lybia, and Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia ......
  DEAUVILLE, France – Russia abandoned one-time ally Moammar Gadhafi and offered Friday to mediate a deal for the Libyan leader to leave the country he has ruled for more than 40 years.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s Five Wrong Steps: Why the Unnecessary Distractions?

Written by Varney Anderson

The Editor,

Source: FrontPage Africa


I have tried my hardest over the years from writing opinion pieces about happenings in our beloved country Liberia. But events over the last couple of months have convinced me to voice my opinion about things that I consider unnecessary distractions as they relate to the presidency of our country.

Political Maneuverings’: CDCians for Ellen Rally Marred by Arrests, Brutality

Written by David B. Kolleh

Source: FrontPage Africa
  
Monrovia - The Secretary General of the Congress for Democratic (CDC) Mr. Acarous Gray claims a program organized by a group under the banner of  ‘Free Thinkers’ of the Congress of CDC expressing support for the Incumbent leadership is an act of “Political Criminality.”

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Report: both committed atrocities in Ivory Coast

By MARCO CHOWN OVED,

Source: YahooNews

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast – Only days after Ivory Coast's president was inaugurated, ending a monthslong power struggle with the outgoing leader who refused to leave office, a rights group said in a new report that supporters of both men killed hundreds of civilians and committed atrocities in the battle for power.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Operation We Care for Liberia (OWCL) applauds Germany’s anticorruption approach, calls upon ICC to implement Liberia’s TRC final report..

OWCL President
Bernard Gbayee Goah


Operation We Care for Liberia (OWCL) applauds bold anticorruption comments made by Germany’s Federal Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development (Mr. Dirk Niebel) during his official visit to Liberia. Mr. Dirk Niebel outlined acceptance of the impending general elections results and the fight against corruption as preconditions to Germany’s support toward Liberia’s reconstruction process.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Cote d'Ivoire: Ouattara Invites Gbagbo Supporters to Investiture

Source: allAfrica

Côte d'Ivoire President
Alassane Ouattara
Côte d'Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara has invited members of deposed former President Laurent Gbagbo's former party the Ivorian Popular Front to his formal investiture in Yamoussoukro on Saturday.

Around 15 members of Gbagbo's Ivorian Popular Front party have been invited to attend the ceremony. French President Nicolas Sarkozy, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and other heads of state will also be present.

Liberia: Corrupt Officials Hurting Liberia’s Development - Catholic Priest

Written by Clara K. Mallah

Source: FrontPageAfrica

Bopolu, Gbarpolu County- The Father of St. Monica Parish in Gbarpolu County, Gabriel Sawyer, says the development of the country has been hampered by corrupt government officials in the past and is still glaring in the current government.

Letter of Protest Against Ellen's Visit to Harvard

Dear President Drew Faust and Members of Harvard University Faculty Senate Committee:

We, the undersigned, write to express to you and your university, in the strongest possible term, our collective concern and protest against making your alumna, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia as your convocation speaker this year.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Cote d'Ivoire: Ouattara Asks ICC to Investigate Post-Poll Violence

Source: allAfrica.com

President
Alassane Ouattara
Côte d'Ivoire's President Alassane Ouattara has asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to open an investigation into the violence that swept the country following the disputed November election.

Ouattara sent a letter, dated 3 May, to ICC President Luis Moreno-Ocampo asking the court to investigate "the most serious crimes committed since 28 November 2010 throughout the Ivorian territory".

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Operation We Care for Liberia agrees with President Sirleaf on scars of division amongst Liberians

Written by Bernard Gbayee Goah
President Operation We Care for Liberia

Operation We Care for Liberia agrees with President Sirleaf’s recent statement in which she acknowledged the persistence of scars of division amongst Liberians in spite of the National Unification Policy proclaimed by late President Tubman over 4 decades ago. The President said there exists “WILL” to erase these divisions.

We disagree with the timing of the President’s acknowledgement

Monday, May 16, 2011

Liberia: TUBMAN AND THE EMBASSY SALE SAGA

Front Page Africa Editorial
Source: FrontPageAfricaonline



AMBASSADOR
WINSTON TUBMAN
AMBASSADOR WINSTON Tubman, a candidate for the presidency of the Republic of Liberia has been accused of acting in bad faith regarding the sale of the Liberian embassy in Paris France during the height of the civil war.

THE REPORT, yet-to-be-made was sanctioned by former Foreign Minister Olubanke King-Akerele who, in 2009 and was one of several transactions cited for investigation. The others being, the Liberian chanceries in London, Nairobi, Belgium, and a number of other foreign missions.

THE SALE in question took place shortly after the fall of Samuel Doe and the arrival of the Interim Government of National Unity headed by Dr. Amos Sawyer, whose government was set up in an attempt to restore peace in Liberia and usher in a democratically-elected government.

Liberia: Scars of Division Linger

Source: allAfrica.com

Acknowledging the persistence of scars of division amongst Liberians in spite of the National Unification Policy proclaimed by late President Tubman over 4 decades ago, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf says there exists a will to erase these divisions.

Liberia: Controversial Nigeria Oil Deal

Paul Yeenie Harry

Source: allAfrica.com


In the wake of the General Auditing Commission's recent report revealing corruption at the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Corporation (LPRC), including the lack of accountability and transparency in the controversial "Nigerian Oil Deal," President Sirleaf has declared Mr. Greaves blameless.

Liberia: Shaw Bounces Back

Source: allAfrica.com

Mr. Emanuel Shaw, once a close confidant of former president Charles Taylor, has been tapped by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf as the new chair of the Board of Directors of the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA).

Liberia: Ex-AG Rejects President's Claim

Source: allAfrica.com

Former Auditor General John Morlu has sharply rejected President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's assertion that she 'personally' recruited him for the post.

Liberia: Guns Infiltrated

Source: allAfrica.com

Worried top security hands have alerted this paper about weapons being infiltrated into the country as mercenaries return from troubled Cote d'Ivoire, leading to a rise in armed robberies over the past weeks.

Libya: Hague Prosecutor Seeks Arrest Warrant for Gaddafi

Source: Allafrica.com
The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, announced Monday that his office will seek arrest warrants on war crimes charges for Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi, his son Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, whom Ocampo described as the “de facto prime minister,” and Director of Military Intelligence Abdullah Al-Senussi, Gaddafi’s “right hand man, the executioner” on war crimes charges.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Liberia: October Line-up - 25 Parties Set, 8 Disqualified

Source: The New Democrat Mnrovia


The National Elections Commission (NEC) has de-registered 8 political parties and authorized 24 others in addition to one coalition party to field candidates in the impending general elections.

Liberia: Rip-Off Or Help?

Source: New Democrat News Monrovia


Details have emerged of how the Liberian Government entered into an agreement with the Nigerian Government for the lifting of crude oil as assistance from Abuja worth an estimated US318, 761,591.24 but with the Government getting US553, 000 out of the deal, according to a General Auditing Commission (GAC) audit for the financial years 2006 to 2007.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf should not be given a second term.



Operation We Care for Liberia President
Bernard Gbayee Goah
 
Liberian President
Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf
In order for Justice to prevail in Liberia, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf should not be given a second term.



By Bernard Gbayee Goah
President Operation We Care for Liberia
Email: bgoah76@yahoo.com

The presence of United Nations troops has afforded Liberians the opportunity to find solutions to the ills plaguing the nation. Knowing full well these troops will not remain indefinitely; it is imperative Liberians lay the foundation for the rule of law; because it offers the best remedy for corruption, human rights violations, land disputes, armed robbery as well as other pressing issues. Crimes sponsored, masterminded, or carried out by a handful of individuals cannot be conferred upon an entire nationality, in this case Liberians. There is no better way to stabilize Liberia than to introduce a legal system capable of holding people accountable. Without justice, peace shall remain elusive and efforts to rebuild Liberia will not produce the intended results.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Africa: 'Time Running Out' for Leaders Who Outstay Welcome - Obasanjo

Source: All Africa

Cape Town — The former Nigerian president, Olusegun Obasanjo, has told African leaders who outstay their people's welcome that "time is running out" for them.

Speaking at the launch of the Africa Progress Panel's 2011 report at the World Economic Forum on Africa, Obasanjo suggested that such leaders "are really becoming extinct... how many of them do we have left today?"

Africa Progress Panel

This graph published in the Africa Progress Report 2011 shows how steady African growth was interrupted by the global financial crisis in 2009 but is expected to regain its momentum through 2011.

But he urged those who remain to be reassured that "there's life after the State House." However, he said some lived in "fear of the unknown" and urged that after retirement -- unless they had committed "heinous crimes"-- they should be given "something they can do usefully" for their countries or for the continent.

At the same news conference, former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan defended the International Criminal Court against criticism that it targets only African leaders.

"The ICC is not after Africa," he said. "Most complaints [about the ICC] are not from victims... often we say this in protection and in defence of the accused... [But] don't the victims of today... and potential victims of tomorrow need protection?"

He said most prosecutions against Africans had been initiated when governments were unable or unwilling to bring charges themselves. If Africa developed its judicial systems, cases would not need to be referred to the ICC.

"If the leaders stay ahead of the curve, reform or move on when their terms are up, and not try to hang on... we should be okay," he said.

Liberia: Gaddafi's U.S.30 Million Lofa Project Collapses

Source: All Africa

The African Development Aid (ADA) project funded by now embattled Libyan leader, Col. Muammar Kadhafi with some US$30m to engage in mechanized production of rice in Foya District, Lofa County, has collapsed, and President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is presently seeking a new investor to take over the project.

Employees of ADA complained to President Sirleaf during her visit to Foya last weekend, saying the company owes them several months in salary arrears.

Liberia: U.S18 Million Gone - Finance Officials Have No Documents

Source: All Africa

Officials at the Ministry of Finance say they do not have records for an estimated US18m out of US$29,948,027 earmarked for Domestic Debt, according to the General Auditing Commission (GAC).

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Liberia: Tyranny, Dictatorship Creeping Back

Source: allafrica.com


Recent commentaries from human rights and governance organizations around the world suggest that Liberia is gradually moving towards democracy and fiscal accountability and transparency. But the former chairman of Liberia’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Cllr. Jerome Verdier, says those who compiled the various commentaries might have been under some delusion. The Analyst, reports.

Former TRC Chairman Jerome Verdier says executive tyranny and dictatorship and the timidity of the legislative and judicial branches of government were slowly overwhelming the rule of law in Liberia thereby, amongst other negatives, sending corruption through the roof.

Unless Liberians invest in democracy, utilizing the ten blocks for democracy building that he has developed, he says, Liberia is likely to go further downhill.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Bin Laden died in house near Pakistan's capital

By NAHAL TOOSI, Associated Press


Source: Yahoo News

Osama bin Laden
ISLAMABAD – Osama bin Laden was holed up in a two-story house 100 yards from a Pakistani military academy when four helicopters carrying U.S. anti-terror forces swooped in the early morning hours of Monday and killed him.

Flames rose Monday from the building that was the apparent target of the raid as it was confirmed that the world's most wanted fugitive died not in a cave, but in a town best known as a garrison for the Pakistani military. A U.S. official said one of bin Laden's sons was also killed in the raid alone with three others, but the official did not name the son or the others killed.

Pakistani officials and a witness said bin Laden's guards opened fire from the roof of the building, and one of the choppers crashed. The sound of at least two explosions rocked the small northwestern town of Abbottabad where the al-Qaida chief made his last stand. The U.S. said no Americans were harmed in the raid.

Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden dead - Barack Obama

Source: BBC News

Bin Laden was top of the US "most wanted" list
Al-Qaeda founder and leader Osama Bin Laden has been killed by US forces in Pakistan, President Obama has said.

The al-Qaeda leader was killed in a ground operation outside Islamabad based on US intelligence, the first lead for which emerged last August.

News Headline

Inside Liberia with Bernard Gbayee Goah

Everyone is a genius

Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. – A Einstein

Drawing the line in Liberia

Crimes sponsored, committed, or masterminded by handful of individuals cannot be blamed upon an entire nationality. In this case, Liberians! The need for post-war justice is a step toward lasting peace, stability and prosperity for Liberia. Liberia needs a war crimes tribunal or some credible legal forum that is capable of dealing with atrocities perpetrated against defenseless men, women and children during the country's brutal war. Without justice, peace shall remain elusive and investment in Liberia will not produce the intended results. - Bernard Gbayee Goah



Men with unhealthy characters should not champion any noble cause

They pretend to advocate the cause of the people when their deeds in the dark mirror nothing else but EVIL!!
When evil and corrupt men try to champion a cause that is so noble … such cause, how noble it may be, becomes meaningless in the eyes of the people - Bernard Gbayee Goah.

If Liberia must move forward ...

If Liberia must move forward in order to claim its place as a civilized nation amongst world community of nations, come 2017 elections, Liberians must critically review the events of the past with honesty and objectivity. They must make a new commitment to seek lasting solutions. The track records of those who are presenting themselves as candidates for the position of "President of the Republic of Liberia" must be well examined. Liberians must be fair to themselves because results from the 2011 elections will determine the future of Liberia’s unborn generations to come - Bernard Gbayee Goah

Liberia's greatest problem!

While it is true that an individual may be held responsible for corruption and mismanagement of funds in government, the lack of proper system to work with may as well impede the process of ethical, managerial, and financial accountability - Bernard Gbayee Goah

What do I think should be done?

The situation in Liberia is Compound Complex and cannot be fixed unless the entire system of government is reinvented.
Liberia needs a workable but uncompromising system that will make the country an asylum free from abuse, and other forms of corruption.
Any attempt to institute the system mentioned above in the absence of rule of law is meaningless, and more detrimental to Liberia as a whole - Bernard Gbayee Goah

Liberia's Natural Resources
Besides land water and few other resources, most of Liberia’s dependable natural resources are not infinite, they are finite and therefore can be depleted.
Liberia’s gold, diamond, and other natural resources will not always be an available source of revenue generation for its people and its government. The need to invent a system in government that focuses on an alternative income generation method cannot be over emphasized at this point - Bernard Gbayee Goah

Liberia needs a proper system
If Liberians refuse to erect a proper system in place that promotes the minimization of corruption and mismanagement of public funds by government institutions, and individuals, there will come a time when the value of the entire country will be seen as a large valueless land suited on the west coast of Africa with some polluted bodies of waters and nothing else. To have no system in place in any country is to have no respect for rule of law. To have no respect for rule of law is to believe in lawlessness. And where there is lawlessness, there is always corruption - Bernard Gbayee Goah

Solving problems in the absence of war talks

As political instability continues to increase in Africa, it has become abundantly clear that military intervention as a primary remedy to peace is not a durable solution. Such intervention only increases insecurity and massive economic hardship. An existing example which could be a valuable lesson for Liberia is Great Britain, and the US war on terror for the purpose of global security. The use of arms whether in peace keeping, occupation, or invasion as a primary means of solving problem has yield only little results. Military intervention by any country as the only solution to problem solving will result into massive military spending, economic hardship, more fear, and animosity as well as increase insecurity. The alternative is learning how to solve problems in the absence of war talks. The objective of such alternative must be to provide real sustainable human security which cannot be achieved through military arm intervention, or aggression. In order to achieve results that will make the peaceful coexistence of all mankind possible, there must be a common ground for the stories of all sides to be heard. I believe there are always three sides to every story: Their side of the story, Our side of the story, and The truthBernard Gbayee Goah

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