Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Liberia: Ivorian Government Delegation Presents Special Message to President Sirleaf
Source: All Africa
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has renewed Liberia's commitment to peaceful co-existence between Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire and within the sub-region. The President reiterated that Liberia will not allow its territory to be used for any insurgency against Cote d'Ivoire or any neighboring country. The President said Liberia will remain vigilant at its borders, ensuring that those who attempt to undermine the security of the sub-region will be dealt with under the laws of the country.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Liberia: Political Opposition Rally Against Referendum
Source: All africa
Opposition political parties in Liberia are currently rallying support to defeat the forth coming referendum that is expected to pave the way to smooth elections this year, said a press release issued by the Office of the Standard-Bearer of the New Deal Movement.
Briefing the press, the Standard Bearer of the New Deal Party, Amb Prof. Dew Tuan Wleh Mayson said the referendum does not only go against the letter and spirit of the Liberian constitution, but that it is also tailored to qualify President Sirleaf to run for a second term and to assist her party in winning seats in the National Legislature.
Opposition political parties in Liberia are currently rallying support to defeat the forth coming referendum that is expected to pave the way to smooth elections this year, said a press release issued by the Office of the Standard-Bearer of the New Deal Movement.
Briefing the press, the Standard Bearer of the New Deal Party, Amb Prof. Dew Tuan Wleh Mayson said the referendum does not only go against the letter and spirit of the Liberian constitution, but that it is also tailored to qualify President Sirleaf to run for a second term and to assist her party in winning seats in the National Legislature.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Liberia: Scrap the General Auditing Commission (GAC)
Source: All Africa
From the onset of its re-emergence, the reformed General Auditing Commission (GAC) has attracted controversy. The nature of its role and functions, as conceived by donors, amongst them the European Union, has placed it at the center of bitter duels with several government officials who see it as a meddling and reckless entity designed to ruin their careers and reputation. The substance of its work is lost in haranguing radio talk shows and stupefying polemics better suited for high school debating contests. The GACÃs worth in restructuring the countryÃs terrible financial management system, on which any country should rely if resources are to be accounted for the benefit of the population, is recognized largely by outsiders accustomed to dealing with issues of probity, as in the case of US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Bruce Wharton, who declared that:
"Although public financial management has improved, corruption remains prevalent and a significant threat to Liberian democracy. Liberia's Auditor General has aggressively and thoroughly tracked government revenue from practically every ministry, but the government follow-up has been very disappointing. Some crucial bills affecting key resources such as timber and maritime revenue have been passed without adequate attention to key details. Furthermore, the government must begin addressing a wide variety of issues affecting national reconciliation."
From the onset of its re-emergence, the reformed General Auditing Commission (GAC) has attracted controversy. The nature of its role and functions, as conceived by donors, amongst them the European Union, has placed it at the center of bitter duels with several government officials who see it as a meddling and reckless entity designed to ruin their careers and reputation. The substance of its work is lost in haranguing radio talk shows and stupefying polemics better suited for high school debating contests. The GACÃs worth in restructuring the countryÃs terrible financial management system, on which any country should rely if resources are to be accounted for the benefit of the population, is recognized largely by outsiders accustomed to dealing with issues of probity, as in the case of US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Bruce Wharton, who declared that:
"Although public financial management has improved, corruption remains prevalent and a significant threat to Liberian democracy. Liberia's Auditor General has aggressively and thoroughly tracked government revenue from practically every ministry, but the government follow-up has been very disappointing. Some crucial bills affecting key resources such as timber and maritime revenue have been passed without adequate attention to key details. Furthermore, the government must begin addressing a wide variety of issues affecting national reconciliation."
Liberia: Departing Justice Johnson Worried Over Millions Stolen For Foreign Banks
Source: All Africa
Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice K. Gladys Johnson says she leaves the bench 'saddened' by an avalanche of corruption charges against the Judiciary, adding that she, too, was subjected to bribery attempt involving a law firm she did not name.
Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice K. Gladys Johnson says she leaves the bench 'saddened' by an avalanche of corruption charges against the Judiciary, adding that she, too, was subjected to bribery attempt involving a law firm she did not name.
Liberia: Mercenary's 'Gift' for Fellow Inmates Lands Him to Prison
Source: All Africa
Correction officers at the Monrovia Central Prison Friday arrested an ex-NPFL fighter, Dust Utenzi, at the prison gate with narcotics drugs, which he admitted he was carrying as "gift" to some inmates.
Correction officers at the Monrovia Central Prison Friday arrested an ex-NPFL fighter, Dust Utenzi, at the prison gate with narcotics drugs, which he admitted he was carrying as "gift" to some inmates.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Liberia: Withering Roads and Security
A. Abbas Dulleh
Source: All Africa
It would have been far more convenient for falling on the mode of travel the ancestors had at their convenience--the hammock--through which 'lesser' men carried dignitaries on their heads from village to village. But for President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in this 21st Century, it must have been odd and unbelievable that Africa's oldest republic, independent since 1847, lacks basic roads on which its president can travel.
Source: All Africa
It would have been far more convenient for falling on the mode of travel the ancestors had at their convenience--the hammock--through which 'lesser' men carried dignitaries on their heads from village to village. But for President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in this 21st Century, it must have been odd and unbelievable that Africa's oldest republic, independent since 1847, lacks basic roads on which its president can travel.
Burkina Faso pres. names himself defense minister
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| President Blaise Compaore |
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso – Burkina Faso's president has named himself defense minister after a mutiny that threatened his 24-year rule in the impoverished country.
President Blaise Compaore announced late Thursday he will remain president but is now also a member of his 29-member cabinet.
Compaore tried to stem last week's unrest by dissolving the government and removing the country's security chiefs.
The mutiny began when members of the presidential guard began firing into the air, demanding unpaid housing allowances. By Monday, soldiers in several cities north, south, east and west of Ouagadougou joined in and students followed suit.
Experts say hostilities in the landlocked West African country have been simmering for a long time. Student uprisings began this year in February.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Ivorian liberation forces turn guns on each other
By MICHELLE FAUL, Associated Press
Source: Yahoo News
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast – Ivory Coast's new army turned its guns Tuesday on a former ally who helped liberate Abidjan and install the democratically elected president, military sources said of a major setback as the country was beginning to return to normal.
Residents said heavy machine-gun fire rocked the working-class suburb of Abobo about 12 p.m. EDT (1700 GMT) Wednesday around renegade warlord Ibrahim "IB" Coulibaly's headquarters. Residents scattered and ran to lock themselves into their homes. Coulibaly orchestrated two failed coup attempts in 1999 and 2002 before starting a rebellion.
Source: Yahoo News
 |
| Reuters – Ibrahim Coulibaly (C), head of the "Invisible Commandos", walks with his troops through the … |
Residents said heavy machine-gun fire rocked the working-class suburb of Abobo about 12 p.m. EDT (1700 GMT) Wednesday around renegade warlord Ibrahim "IB" Coulibaly's headquarters. Residents scattered and ran to lock themselves into their homes. Coulibaly orchestrated two failed coup attempts in 1999 and 2002 before starting a rebellion.
Liberia: Parties Split On Referendum
Source: All Africa
Boimah J. V. Boimah
About 90 days before campaign begins for the impending Referendum on 4 clauses on the proposed constitutional amendment ahead of the general and presidential elections, opposition political parties seem to be in disarray over a collective plan to oppose the vote.
Boimah J. V. Boimah
About 90 days before campaign begins for the impending Referendum on 4 clauses on the proposed constitutional amendment ahead of the general and presidential elections, opposition political parties seem to be in disarray over a collective plan to oppose the vote.
Liberia: U.S.2.5 Million '26 Audit Result Out Today
Source: All Africa
Preliminary results of an audit conducted by GAC to investigate how Independence Day celebration funds have been used over the last four years have been released, with the results indicating that huge sums purportedly spent cannot be accounted for.
An audit of the Independence Day celebrations began some months ago, with initial indications that an estimated US2.5m was hanging in money budgeted for Margibi, Grand Bassa, Bong and Nimba Counties.
Preliminary results of an audit conducted by GAC to investigate how Independence Day celebration funds have been used over the last four years have been released, with the results indicating that huge sums purportedly spent cannot be accounted for.
An audit of the Independence Day celebrations began some months ago, with initial indications that an estimated US2.5m was hanging in money budgeted for Margibi, Grand Bassa, Bong and Nimba Counties.
Liberia: U.S.Based Citizens Threaten Jobs Here
Source: All Africa
Amidst calls for Liberians in the Diaspora to return home and contribute to the nation's reconstruction process, UP Chairman, Cllr. Varney Sherman, has told Liberians living in the United States that they pose a serious threat to Liberians at home because of their skills and experience, coupled with their American accent which he described as "cerease."
Amidst calls for Liberians in the Diaspora to return home and contribute to the nation's reconstruction process, UP Chairman, Cllr. Varney Sherman, has told Liberians living in the United States that they pose a serious threat to Liberians at home because of their skills and experience, coupled with their American accent which he described as "cerease."
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Liberia: ICC Could Implement TRC Recommendations
Source: All Africa
The TRC Consolidated Report of November 2009 recommends prosecution for scores of former warlords and battlefront commanders believed to bear the greatest responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Liberia’s decade-long civil war. It also recommends the exclusion from political activities for 30 years, Liberians believed to have supported the war effort through financial donations. For several reasons, amongst which critics say is the lack of political will on the part of the Sirleaf Administration, the report is lying gathering dust – receiving only a token promise of a selective, phase-by-phase implementation. Now, former TRC Chairman Jerome Verdier says the International Criminal Court (ICC) could take jurisdiction of the recommendations. The Analyst, reports.
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| Former TRC Chairman Jerome Verdier |
Monday, April 18, 2011
Liberia: Don't Get Involved in Ivorian crisis - SRSG Urges Liberians
Source: All Africa
During a two-day visit to Zwedru the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), Ms. Ellen Margrethe Løj urged Paramount Chiefs and other local elders in the border towns of Grand Gedeh County to assist UNMIL in reporting any case that might pose a threat to the relevant security agencies.
In her interactions with the citizens of Grand Gedeh, Madame Løj called on them to ensure that people do not get involved in the Ivorian crisis. "We need peace established in Ivory Coast," she said, but stressed that "to maintain the hard-won peace in Liberia is a primary concern for UNMIL." Madam Løj added while speaking to people of Grand Gedeh, "We are looking forward to the pending elections and we urge all Liberians to focus on them."
 |
| Zwedru Grand Gedeh County |
In her interactions with the citizens of Grand Gedeh, Madame Løj called on them to ensure that people do not get involved in the Ivorian crisis. "We need peace established in Ivory Coast," she said, but stressed that "to maintain the hard-won peace in Liberia is a primary concern for UNMIL." Madam Løj added while speaking to people of Grand Gedeh, "We are looking forward to the pending elections and we urge all Liberians to focus on them."
Friday, April 15, 2011
Burkina Faso's Blaise Compaore sacks his government
Source: BBC News
Burkina Faso's president has dissolved his government after members of his presidential guard went on an overnight rampage in the capital Ouagadougou.
Blaise Compaore named a new army chief and fired the head of his presidential guard after the unrest - apparently in protest against unpaid allowances.
Mr Compaore, in power since 1987, had sought to calm soldiers earlier this month after similar complaints.
Burkina Faso has been affected by the turmoil in neighbouring Ivory Coast.
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| Analysts say President Blaise Compaore's grip on the army appears to be slipping |
Blaise Compaore named a new army chief and fired the head of his presidential guard after the unrest - apparently in protest against unpaid allowances.
Mr Compaore, in power since 1987, had sought to calm soldiers earlier this month after similar complaints.
Burkina Faso has been affected by the turmoil in neighbouring Ivory Coast.
Liberian President Son: "Shut up or Risk Court Action"
Source: allAfrica.com
There is no doubt that corruption is the "Public Enemy Number One" of the Sirleaf Administration. But by President Sirleaf's own admission, it has so far been unreceptive to conventional anti-corruption measures – strengthening of legal paradigms, relative increase in salary. Both government and critics agree therefore that much improvement needs to be made in the areas of identifying and prosecuting perpetrators of corruption. Mr. James Sirleaf agrees; but he says baseless slander for political gain – in the name of fighting corruption – is not the way to go, and he is warning against it. The Analyst, reports.
Mr. James Sirleaf, the son of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, says while he welcomes the productive criticism of the UP-led government, he will oppose legally, any attempt by unscrupulous individuals and political aspirants to drag the reputation of his family in the mud for their own political gains.
There is no doubt that corruption is the "Public Enemy Number One" of the Sirleaf Administration. But by President Sirleaf's own admission, it has so far been unreceptive to conventional anti-corruption measures – strengthening of legal paradigms, relative increase in salary. Both government and critics agree therefore that much improvement needs to be made in the areas of identifying and prosecuting perpetrators of corruption. Mr. James Sirleaf agrees; but he says baseless slander for political gain – in the name of fighting corruption – is not the way to go, and he is warning against it. The Analyst, reports.
Mr. James Sirleaf, the son of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, says while he welcomes the productive criticism of the UP-led government, he will oppose legally, any attempt by unscrupulous individuals and political aspirants to drag the reputation of his family in the mud for their own political gains.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Liberia: Police 'Brutalities' Documented
The US State Department has documented police corruption and brutalities in its 2010 Human Rights Report on Liberia. Source: allAfrica.com
"On October 9, the LNP director announced the implementation of complaint forms to be submitted by the public to report incidents of bribery or unethical practices.
In November an LNP officer was arrested for allegedly permitting his [acquaintances to use his police uniform to commit acts of armed robbery. He was released and returned to duty due to a lack of evidence.
"There were no developments in the September 2009 case of the former Monrovia chief of patrol indicted for looting the house of a private prosecutor.
"During the year the government continued to take steps to improve transparency."
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| President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf |
"Police corruption was a problem. During the year the LNP investigated reports of police misconduct or corruption, and authorities suspended or dismissed several LNP officers. For example, in August an LNP officer was charged with property theft and was awaiting trial at the end of the year.
"In June a senior LNP official was accused of assaulting an individual over a personal misunderstanding. The official was suspended and ordered to pay restitution; however, no restitution was made and he remained suspended by the end of the year.
"On October 9, the LNP director announced the implementation of complaint forms to be submitted by the public to report incidents of bribery or unethical practices.In November an LNP officer was arrested for allegedly permitting his [acquaintances to use his police uniform to commit acts of armed robbery. He was released and returned to duty due to a lack of evidence.
"There were no developments in the September 2009 case of the former Monrovia chief of patrol indicted for looting the house of a private prosecutor.
"During the year the government continued to take steps to improve transparency."
Liberia: Corruption ‘Exacerbated’
US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton with Pres. Sirleaf
Widespread & Systematic Throughout The Government’: US HR Report The State Department 2010 Human Rights Report on Liberia has repeated findings in the 2009 Report, saying ‘corruption is widespread and systematic in the Government.
Reacting to the State Department’s 2009 Report, the government disagreed, with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf announcing that she would send a protest letter to US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Côte d'Ivoire: Gbagbo camp accuses France of coup in Côte d'Ivoire
Reuters/Jacky Naegelen By RFI
A spokesperson for Laurent Gbagbo accused France of carrying out a coup d’état in Côte d’Ivoire by allegedly using its special forces to capture the former president. Paris denies the claims, and has announced a 400-million-euro aid package for its former colony.
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| Laurent Gbagbo's spokesperson, Alain Toussaint, in Paris. |
A spokesperson for Laurent Gbagbo accused France of carrying out a coup d’état in Côte d’Ivoire by allegedly using its special forces to capture the former president. Paris denies the claims, and has announced a 400-million-euro aid package for its former colony.
Liberia: Morlu Petitioned for President
Source: allAfrica.com
Outgoing Auditor General John Morlu has been petitioned by a US-based group to contest the 2011 presidency, with the widow of late General Thomas Quiwonkpa, Mrs. Tarloh Munah Quiwonkpa, at the forefront.
Outgoing Auditor General John Morlu has been petitioned by a US-based group to contest the 2011 presidency, with the widow of late General Thomas Quiwonkpa, Mrs. Tarloh Munah Quiwonkpa, at the forefront.
Cote d'Ivoire: Rebel Recruitment Ring Busted
Source: allAfrica.com
The National Security Agency is holding a former LURD fighter accused of recruiting for rebels loyal to Allassane Ouattara, the declared winner of Cote d'Ivoire's election now in war with incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo, according to court documents.
The National Security Agency is holding a former LURD fighter accused of recruiting for rebels loyal to Allassane Ouattara, the declared winner of Cote d'Ivoire's election now in war with incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo, according to court documents.
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