Liberians hold referendum, election dry run

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

By JONATHAN PAYE-LAYLEH - Associated Press

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.

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.

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

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.

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. 

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.

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 LiberiaFellow 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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.