Source: eNotes.com
Jul, 2010
"Liberia."
The beginnings of Liberia as a modern state are rooted in American circumstances that led to a back-to-Africa movement among a relatively small number of African-Americans, and which was supported by white American sponsors. With multiple motives, some far from charitable, the American Colonization Society launched the Liberian experiment in the early years of the nineteenth century. Liberia's initial purpose was to serve as a beachhead for the redemption of Africa from its perceived state of degradation. The agencies of this redeeming work were to be, in order of importance, the white man, the westernized black man, and then at the bottom of the heap, the non-westernized African peoples. Much of what became public policy in early Liberia rested on this hierarchical vision of human civilization. Liberia labored under this vision through the rest of the nineteenth century and into the early decades of the twentieth century.
The Rise of President Doe
A paradigm shift occurred at the end of World War II, when Liberia's supporters and its citizens moved from a commitment to their founding mission of civilizing and Christianizing the peoples of Africa and adopted in its place a philosophy of natural rights and its offshoot of democratic governance and respect for fundamental human rights. In a real sense Liberia was in the throes of this shift when the coup d'état of 1980 occurred.
Immediately prior to the coup, during the administration of President William R. Tolbert (1971–1980), a national reform movement was initiated. Tolbert had clear reformist proclivities, but he was not a strong political leader. Challenging Tolbert were several politically progressive groups, notably the Progressive Alliance of Liberia (PAL) and the Movement for Justice in Africa (MOJA). They were perceived as legitimate alternatives to the regime then in power.
There were many confrontations between advocates of change and those who wished to preserve the status quo before the fateful challenge occurred. Then the government announced the possibility of an increase in the price of rice, the country's staple food. The PAL demanded that the price of rice be left unchanged and signaled that, unless the government acceded to its demands, it would call for a mass rally to press its case. When the government replied that the price increase was only under discussion, and refused to grant PAL the necessary demonstration permit, PAL defiantly called for the rally anyway.
An unprecedented clash ensued between a throng of demonstrators and the government's security forces on April 14, 1979. Many of the demonstrators were killed, scores were maimed, and millions of dollars worth of property was destroyed or damaged. The demonstrators were expressing widespread disgust and anger with the entire political system, and voiced their dissatisfaction with the president, who symbolized that system.
The government attempted to put down the dissidents, but its efforts failed because the society was perilously divided, especially within the nation's security forces. The police were prepared to carry out government orders, but military personnel refused to fire into the demonstrators, pointing out that their own children and kinsmen might be in the crowd. Abandoned and insecure, the Tolbert administration sought and received military assistance from President Sekou Touré of Guinea. When Guinean military forces arrived in Liberia, the Liberian military and a great many Liberian civilians were deeply offended.
On April 12, 1980, seventeen enlisted men in the Liberian Army led an attack on the President's mansion under the leadership of Master Sergeant Samuel K. Doe. They assassinated President Tolbert and overthrew his government, creating a new governing body, the People's Redemption Council (PRC), and Doe assumed the interim presidency.
The coupmakers' declaration of intent upon seizing power convinced most observers that the new government would implement progressive policies. They released all political prisoners and invited key figures in the opposition to help them form a new government. A progressive political agenda was announced, and it appeared that Doe and his followers were about to impose significant changes on the country by fiat. Accompanying the expression of intent, however, was a pattern of behavior that belied the stated progressive aims. Military personnel and other regime figures quickly adopted opulent lifestyles, lording it over their subordinates. More ominous still, the new regime began singling out individuals and families that they deemed associates of the deposed Tolbert administration. This development became clearer when, in the weeks following the coup, the PRC suddenly and publicly executed thirteen senior officials of the old regime. The executions touched off an international chorus of outrage and condemnation for this gross violation of rights, as did the apparent targeting of dissident Liberians for execution or persecution.
Regardless of internal and international outcries, these persecutions and secret executions continued. Soon, deadly conflicts sprang up within the PRC itself, as personality differences led to political purges. Several senior PRC members were executed on President Doe's orders. Eventually, Doe found himself in conflict with Commanding General Thomas Quiwonkpa, a popular soldier and a senior member of the PRC. After several bloody encounters between the Doe and Quiwonkpa factions, Quiwonkpa was forced to flee the country.
Fall of the Doe Regime
In 1985 two major events transpired. The first was a purported democratic election. When the people voted against Doe's military regime, the government illegally intervened in the process and reversed the outcome, declaring Doe the winner. The second event was Quiwonkpa's reappearence in Monrovia on November 12, 1985. Upon his return to Liberia, he attempted to lead a coup against Doe and install the candidate who was popularly believed to have won the election. Quiwonkpa's coup attempt failed. Incensed, President Doe carried out a rash of retaliatory killings. Estimates as to the number executed during this period range from 500 to as many as 3,000. The victims were largely drawn from the police, military, and security personnel of Nimba county, which was the home region of Quiwonkpa. The many who were killed were buried in mass graves in Nimba.
The Western media soon created a shorthand for understanding the gathering conflict, blaming the violence as arising from an ethnicity-based conflict between the Krahn (Doe's people) and his Mandingo supporters versus the Dhan and Mano peoples of Nimba County. This was only partially true, however. Doe was in fact lashing out at all opponents, real and imagined, regardless of their ethnic background. As a result, his presidency devolved into a reign of terror.
Doe was inaugurated President of Liberia in January 1986. He soon found it difficult to rule, however. The violence that followed the elections, coupled, in a curious way, with the events that immediately followed his own coup of 1980, engendered covert protest that eventually became open acts of rebellion. By the start of 1989, Liberia became increasingly unsafe.
A fallout in Africa at the end of the cold war was the emergence of the warlord insurgencies threatening to destabilize national governments. On Christmas Eve of 1989, the insurgent leader, Charles Taylor, announced to the Liberian and international media that he was heading an insurgency under the banner of the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL). His goal was to bring down the Doe regime and end the reign of terror. He set himself the goal of completing the unfinished work of Thomas Quiwonkpa.
Taylor's rebels advanced from the border between Liberia and neighboring Ivory Coast. As they penetrated Nimba County, Doe responded by initiating a scorched earth policy, sending his soldiers to raze whole villages and kill everything that moved. This tactic quickly galvanized the people, first in Nimba County, then in the nation as a whole. As the insurgency gathered momentum, the brutality on both sides was unparalleled in the history of Liberia. The violence was not limited to a clash between armies; tens of thousands of civilians died, and countless others were maimed or otherwise injured by the war.
The extreme violence early in the civil war was a consequence of problems at three levels. First was the inter-ethnic hostility that existed between Doe's Krahn and Mandingo supporters and the remnants of Quiwonkpa's Dahn and Mano followers, who now rallied behind Charles Taylor. Second, the Liberian population was, and is, comprised of a great many other ethnicities, distinguished by language and culture, so no true sense of shared national identity could be called upon to mitigate the violence. Finally, Liberia suffered from international neglect after the Cold War ended and Africa ceased to be viewed as strategically important to the United States, its traditional ally. The result for the Liberian people was that more than 200,000 of Liberia's 2.6 million people were killed, another 800,000 became internally displaced persons, and more than 700,000 fled abroad to live as refugees.
As the rebel groups approached Monrovia in early 1990 and engaged Doe's Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), the slaughter increased. Some 2,000 Dhan and Mano, mostly women and children, sought refuge at the International Red Cross station in the main Lutheran Church compound in Monrovia. Although the Red Cross insignia were clearly visible, AFL death squads invaded the refuge on the night of July 29, 1990, and massacred the more than 600 people who sheltered there. In the days that followed, the death squads roamed the streets of Monrovia and its environs, attacking any civilians suspected of being sympathetic to the rebels or lukewarm toward Doe's regime.
By mid-1990 Doe's control of the country was limited to the area around the presidential palace. Prince Johnson, leader of the breakaway Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPF), risked a meeting with Doe at the Barclay Training Center (a military barracks) in Monrovia on August 18, 1990. Doe suggested that Johnson join him in a "native solidarity" alliance against Taylor, who was accused of representing "settler" interests (meaning the interests of descendents of the African Americans who came to the region in the nineteenth century). Johnson declined the offer of alliance and returned to his base on the outskirts of Monrovia.
A few days after this meeting, Doe led a foray into territory held by Johnson's forces in order to visit the leaders of the Economic Community Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), a peacekeeping force that the economic community of West African states (ECOWAS) has created in an effort to help resolve African conflicts. During this foray, however, Doe's entourage was attacked, most were killed, and Doe himself was captured. Badly injured and bleeding from serious leg wounds, he was taken to Prince Johnson's compound. There he was tortured and then left to bleed to death, the whole gruesome episode captured by Johnson's video camera. On September 10, 1990, he died and his naked body was placed on public display.
Taylor's Rise to Power
With Doe's death, the struggle for power intensified. The rival factions headed by Taylor and Johnson now faced a third challenger: a civilian Interim Government of National Unity (IGNU). This entity was the creation of an ECOWAS-sponsored summit meeting held in the Gambia, where the leaders of Liberia's neighbors in West Africa sought ways to end the conflict. Professor Amos Sawyer, a Liberian national, was chosen the head of the IGNU by a representative body of Liberian political and civil leaders.
Two years later, the conflict still raged on. Taylor attempted to seize Monrovia, in October 1992. His self-styled "Operation Octopus" was a bloody military showdown in which he pitted an army of children (their ages ranged from 8 to 15) against the professional soldiers of ECOMOG. Thousands were slain, including five American nuns serving homeless Liberian children. Taylor's coup attempt failed.
By 1996 a coalition government composed of former rebel leaders and civilians had been put in place, but endemic distrust led to a second showdown in Monrovia. Three members of the ruling Council of State, Charles Taylor of the NPFL, Alhaji Kromah of the United Liberation Movement of Liberia, and Wilton Sankawolo, the civilian chair of the Council, attempted to arrest another government minister, Roosevelt Johnson, for allegations of murder. Seven weeks of fighting ensued and, once again, thousands of Liberians—mostly civilians—were killed. This phase of the civil war ended when regional and international peace facilitators decided to hold new elections, in which warlords were permitted to participate. Taylor, according to some observers, won the vote, but other election observers have suggested that many who voted for him did so only out of fear. Taylor promised peace, but he was unable to establish legitimacy for his presidency at either the domestic or international level.
In fact, just as Liberia appeared to be settling down, neighboring Sierra Leone erupted into war, with the May 25, 1997, overthrow of that country's elected government. Taylor had undergone guerilla insurgency training in Libya in the late 1980s alongside Foday Sankoh and other West African dissidents. An informal pact was made between Taylor and Sankoh that they would remain in solidarity as they embarked upon violently changing the political order in the subregion. Sankoh fought with Taylor's NPFL, and when in 1991 Sankoh's RUF appeared on the Sierra Leone scene, a close relationship characterized their leaders. Thus, when the 1997 coup brought Sankoh's Revolutionary United Front (RUF) into power, however briefly, Taylor was prepared to recognize Sankoh's claim to legitimacy and assist his Sierra Leonian ally.
The destabilizing effects of Taylor's support of the RUF were not only felt in Sierra Leone, but throughout much of West Africa. This led the United Nations to order an investigation. The resulting UN Security Council Panel of Experts Report implicated the President of Liberia in the exploitation of Sierra Leone's diamond mines through his ties with the RUF, and of using a portion of the proceeds to keep the RUF supplied with arms. The charges were clearly documented, but Taylor stoutly denied them. Despite his denials, in May 2001 the UN Security Council imposed punitive sanctions on Liberia.
The End of Taylor's Regime
In 2002 the war in Sierra Leone was largely contained, due to massive international intervention, and democratic elections were held. Sankoh's RUF, now transformed into the Revolutionary United Party (RUP), was roundly defeated. For his part in supporting the RUF, Taylor's government in Liberia was now internationally viewed as a pariah regime. Taylor's troubles, however, had begun three years earlier, when a group of Liberians formed a rebel group called Liberians United For Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD). LURD's stated objective was Taylor's removal from power because of his atrocious human rights record and the impunity that generally characterized his leadership.
LURD stepped up its attacks in early 2003, and a new rebel group, the Movement for Democracy in Liberia (MODEL), made its appearance in March. MODEL quickly gained ascendancy in the southern part of the country, whereas LURD's power was concentrated in the north. In March, LURD's forces opened several fronts, advancing to within a few miles of Monrovia. Tens of thousands of civilians were displaced during the fighting. On June 4 of the same year, Taylor was indicted by the UN sponsored Special Court in Sierra Leone for his complicity in war crimes and crimes against humanity arising from his activities in that country. U.S. President George W. Bush publicly called on Taylor to resign and leave the country, thus increasing the pressure on Taylor's regime.
On July 17, a LURD offensive into the capital resulted in hundreds more killed and displaced persons. International intervention finally produced a respite, as international facilitators set up peace talks in Ghana. Taylor bowed to the pressures on August 11, when he handed power over to his vice president and accepted exile in Nigeria. The peace talks concluded on August 18, and on August 21 a new leader, Gyude Bryant, was chosen to chair an interim government. To maintain the peace, the UN Security Council sent 15,000 peacekeeping troops and set up a rescue operation to help deal with the aftermath of two decades of bloody civil wars.
SEE ALSO Peacekeeping; Sierra Leone
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Adebajo, Adekeye (2002). Building Peace In West Africa: Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea-Bissau. Boulder, Colo.: Lynne Rienner Publishers.
Adebajo, Adekeye (2002). Liberia's Civil War, Nigeria, ECOMOG, and Regional Security in West Africa. Boulder, Colo.: Lynne Rienner Publishers.
Dunn, D. Elwood (1999). "The Civil War in Liberia." In Civil Wars In Africa: Roots and Resolution, ed. A. Taisier and R. Matthews. Montreal: McGill-Queen's University Press.
International Crisis Group (2003). "Tackling Liberia: The Eye of the Regional Storm." Africa Report (April 30) 62: p. 49.
Lawyers Committee for Human Rights (1986). Liberia, A Promise Betrayed: A Report on Human Rights. New York: The Lawyers Committee.
Reno, William (2001). Warlord Politics and African States. Boulder, Colo.: Lynne Rienner Publishers.
Daniel Elwood Dunn
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Accused of War Crimes, and Living With Perks
A standard cell in the detention unit of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in the Hague, the Netherlands.
Source: The New York Times Europe
By DOREEN CARVAJAL
Published: June 3, 2010THE HAGUE — Since the days after World War II when people accused as Nazi criminals awaited their fates in the grimness of Nuremberg Prison, reformers have dramatically reshaped the standards under which suspects accused of the vilest war crimes are being held.
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| The communal area of the detention unit of the International Criminal Court. |
Three warlords whose cases are before the International Criminal Court are also receiving free legal aid at a monthly cost of about €35,000, or $43,000. They are classified as indigent, one of them despite assets that include €500,000 in investments, €150,000 in savings, €300,000 in paintings and jewelry, three automobiles and four properties.
But an additional benefit — travel subsidies of tens of thousands of euros for family visits from distant African countries — is stirring an emotional debate among the court’s donor nations about whether the entitlements at the cluster of international courts meeting here have reached their limits.
Each court was intended, in part, to provide a model of humane, civilized detention that contrasts starkly with the horrific nature of the crimes the inmates are accused of. But how much is too much?
A group including France, Italy and smaller states is arguing that the nations financing the courts should not be covering benefits that they do not provide in their own prisons — and do not want to. What precedent might be set, they ask, if they contribute to these provisions here?
“We’re not treating them as equals to the rest of detainees in national prisons,” said Francisco José Aguilar Urbina, the Costa Rican ambassador to the Netherlands. “A guy who steals a chicken to feed his family will not be paid by the states for family visits.”
The visits make up a small part of the budget of the International Criminal Court, which authorized the travel subsidies and spends about €102 million yearly for court costs, staff and investigators along with housing and prosecuting four men. But the dispute is scratching at bigger concerns about costly legal processes that have dragged on, yielded no convictions and put a lot of focus on the benefits at the detention facilities, which some critics mock as the Hague Hilton.
“Behind this issue is a tug of war,” said William Schabas, director of the Irish Center for Human Rights in Galway, Ireland — one between the court’s judges, who have generally supported broad prisoner rights, and many of the countries that are paying the bills. “They are wondering what they are getting for their money. This is a court that has existed for seven years and hasn’t finished one trial.”
Diplomats from more than 100 nations are gathered in Kampala, Uganda, to take stock of the court, though the dispute over family travel is moving toward a resolution this autumn. The court was created almost eight years ago as a permanent tribunal to prosecute genocide and war crimes. Its 12-cell detention center houses five prisoners: four from Congo and Charles G. Taylor, the deposed president of Liberia, who has two cells, one where he lives and one where he keeps his documents.
They share the gym with 36 defendants, including the Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic, who are before a sister court dealing exclusively with Balkan war crimes and who are housed separately. That court does not provide travel benefits, but many of the prisoners’ home nations do, albeit far more modestly than the International Criminal Court.
Defending the International Criminal Court’s policy, Marc Dubuisson, its director of court services, said: “I’m not here to judge whether a person is worse than another. We have an obligation to show the world what is good management. Why would you want to sentence the children not to see their own parent?”
Thanks to conjugal visits, several detainees became new fathers, including a Serbian general and Mr. Taylor, 62, whose baby girl was born in February.
Liberia urged to choose between logging and future climate revenue
Desperate need for income makes pressure on timber resources hard to resist for rising population
Source:Guardian.co.uk
Laurence Caramel
Liberia's rainforests are being primed as a lucrative and legal industry. Electronic tags allow consumers to trace the end-product right back to the stump. Photograph: Glenna Gordon/AFP/Getty Images
Trucks loaded with undressed timber are on the move again around Buchanan in River Cess county, south-east Liberia. The dust recalls the not-so-distant time when the timber trade was synonymous with war. For 14 years, from 1989 to 2003, destruction of the forest paid for one of Africa's worst conflicts, subsequently filling the coffers of President Charles Taylor, now on trial at The Hague for crimes against humanity.
At the end of April the first ship loaded with azobe and niangon, two highly prized species of timber, left the port of Buchanan, the United Nations having lifted the embargo it imposed in 2003-6 to deprive the armed militia of their main source of revenue.
Logging in Liberia is gradually gathering speed, but the country is still on its knees. The pitiful state of much of its infrastructure is probably the forest's best friend, making parts of it inaccessible. Work is starting from scratch as all the pre-2006 concessions having been scrapped. Only a few companies have been allowed to launch forestry operations and new, stricter regulations apply. Trees felled for export must all bear a barcode to track their progress as far as the port of departure.
In a country still patrolled by 10,000 UN peacekeepers, timber is as closely watched as the diamond and iron ore mines. Last year the government registered only $2m in forestry income, according to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative established in 2007. In Taylor's time the trade was worth tens of millions of dollars.
How long can this respite last? "Look at what happened in Ghana and Ivory Coast. The forest vanished in 20 years. There is no reason why that shouldn't happen in Liberia," said Jessica Donovan of Conservation International (CI).
Liberia has almost half of the last forest in west Africa, which once reached from Guinea to Togo and is home to most of the surviving wildlife too. But pressure on the forest is growing. Driven by rising population, villagers are extending their clearings to grow more crops and collect firewood. "If the government fails to take the right decisions it will soon be too late," said Donovan. CI is calling for a two-year ban on new logging concessions.
Until recently conservationists had few arguments to persuade developing countries to protect their timber resources. Now efforts to limit climate change and tropical forests' part in CO2 capture have changed the picture. "We can say: 'Protecting nature will not cost you any money. It may even earn some'," Donovan added.
This is based on the hope that industrialised countries will soon compensate countries for not cutting down their forests, either by allocating part of development aid to combating deforestation or by setting up a market for forestry carbon credits, open to western firms.
No one can foresee the outcome of the climate negotiations but the prospect of this reward, titled Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (Redd), has raised such hopes that none of the rainforest nations can afford to miss out.
In Liberia, CI is lobbying the government directly, with access to expert advice and funds. "Redd is our priority. It represents the future for building a development model less predatory on natural resources," said Donovan.
To neutralise the main forces driving deforestation, CI recommends slowing down forestry and boosting the creation of natural parks, which would become forest-carbon concessions. Farming should move on from slash-and-burn to more intensive techniques. Each tonne of sequestered carbon is worth an average of $5, so such policies could earn the exchequer an estimated $40m a year, about a tenth of current income.
Some weeks ago the CI report was submitted to Christopher Neyor, the Liberian president's energy adviser. He is still undecided: "Until now our economy has always been linked to exploitation of the forest. I'm not saying it's the right strategy, but when your concern is surviving from one day to the next, you do not see climate change as a priority."
Time is short and Liberia cannot afford to wait. Conservationists need to show on the ground that Redd is not just idle talk. Otherwise the chainsaws will have the last word.
Source:Guardian.co.uk
Laurence Caramel
Trucks loaded with undressed timber are on the move again around Buchanan in River Cess county, south-east Liberia. The dust recalls the not-so-distant time when the timber trade was synonymous with war. For 14 years, from 1989 to 2003, destruction of the forest paid for one of Africa's worst conflicts, subsequently filling the coffers of President Charles Taylor, now on trial at The Hague for crimes against humanity.
At the end of April the first ship loaded with azobe and niangon, two highly prized species of timber, left the port of Buchanan, the United Nations having lifted the embargo it imposed in 2003-6 to deprive the armed militia of their main source of revenue.
Logging in Liberia is gradually gathering speed, but the country is still on its knees. The pitiful state of much of its infrastructure is probably the forest's best friend, making parts of it inaccessible. Work is starting from scratch as all the pre-2006 concessions having been scrapped. Only a few companies have been allowed to launch forestry operations and new, stricter regulations apply. Trees felled for export must all bear a barcode to track their progress as far as the port of departure.
In a country still patrolled by 10,000 UN peacekeepers, timber is as closely watched as the diamond and iron ore mines. Last year the government registered only $2m in forestry income, according to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative established in 2007. In Taylor's time the trade was worth tens of millions of dollars.
How long can this respite last? "Look at what happened in Ghana and Ivory Coast. The forest vanished in 20 years. There is no reason why that shouldn't happen in Liberia," said Jessica Donovan of Conservation International (CI).
Liberia has almost half of the last forest in west Africa, which once reached from Guinea to Togo and is home to most of the surviving wildlife too. But pressure on the forest is growing. Driven by rising population, villagers are extending their clearings to grow more crops and collect firewood. "If the government fails to take the right decisions it will soon be too late," said Donovan. CI is calling for a two-year ban on new logging concessions.
Until recently conservationists had few arguments to persuade developing countries to protect their timber resources. Now efforts to limit climate change and tropical forests' part in CO2 capture have changed the picture. "We can say: 'Protecting nature will not cost you any money. It may even earn some'," Donovan added.
This is based on the hope that industrialised countries will soon compensate countries for not cutting down their forests, either by allocating part of development aid to combating deforestation or by setting up a market for forestry carbon credits, open to western firms.
No one can foresee the outcome of the climate negotiations but the prospect of this reward, titled Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (Redd), has raised such hopes that none of the rainforest nations can afford to miss out.
In Liberia, CI is lobbying the government directly, with access to expert advice and funds. "Redd is our priority. It represents the future for building a development model less predatory on natural resources," said Donovan.
To neutralise the main forces driving deforestation, CI recommends slowing down forestry and boosting the creation of natural parks, which would become forest-carbon concessions. Farming should move on from slash-and-burn to more intensive techniques. Each tonne of sequestered carbon is worth an average of $5, so such policies could earn the exchequer an estimated $40m a year, about a tenth of current income.
Some weeks ago the CI report was submitted to Christopher Neyor, the Liberian president's energy adviser. He is still undecided: "Until now our economy has always been linked to exploitation of the forest. I'm not saying it's the right strategy, but when your concern is surviving from one day to the next, you do not see climate change as a priority."
Time is short and Liberia cannot afford to wait. Conservationists need to show on the ground that Redd is not just idle talk. Otherwise the chainsaws will have the last word.
CDC Justifies Flogging of Brutalized Policeman as U.S. Condemns Assault
NOT ABOVE THE LAW: "I would like to use this opportunity to emphasize that no private citizen or official is above the law and entitled to act with impunity against law enforcement officials who are trying to promote public safety and respect for the rule of law”.
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, in a statement issued in Monrovia Monday. At right, CDC's Acarous Gray addresses the controversy at a news conference Monday.
Monrovia - In the aftermath of the flogging police patrolman Lexington Beh unmercifully on Saturday night at the Zone Eight Depot CheckPoint along the Monrovia-Robertsfield Highway, the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) of football legend George Weah has justifiably provided reasons for the allegedly beating carried out by ‘thugs’ reportedly hired by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tokpah Mulbah (Bong County).
Patrolman Beh receiving care at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Monrovia.
The home of the Deputy Speaker was besieged for over 12 hours Sunday by members of the Liberia National Police (LNP) as they attempted to arrest him for his alleged brutalizing of Patrolman Beh who remained unconscious up to the press time Sunday evening.
At a press briefing held at the party’s headquarters Monday, the CDC’s Acting Secretary-General, Acarous Gray, defended the actions of Deputy Speaker Mulbah on the grounds that officer Beh used his uniform as a shield and insulted the lawmaker by throwing him (Mulbah) on the ground.
‘CDCian’ Gray told journalists that the Deputy Speaker, not prepared to abandon the official of government to the brutality and disadvantage of the office he described as a drunken police and two occupants of the impounded truck who he did not name, reportedly rushed to Deputy Speaker Mulbah’s defense, restraining and subduing the aggression of the man in uniform against the Deputy House Speaker.
Gray said with the reliable details emanating from the testaments of those he referred to as independent eyewitness, the CDC is ‘disheartened’ at the subjective face-saving and damage-control method employed by the Liberia National police (LNP), which he said has resulted to the arbitrary use of excessive force, illegal entry and orchestrated act of wreckage against the premises of Deputy Speaker Mulbah and family members.
However, the United States Embassy accredited here has called on the government to conduct an investigation into the flogging of Beh.
US Ambassador Linda-Thomas Greenfield has described the incident as a sad turn of events.
“I would like to use this opportunity to emphasize that no private citizen or official is above the law and entitled to act with impunity against law enforcement officials who are trying to promote public safety and respect for the rule of law”, Ambassador Greenfield said in a press release issued Monday.
The U.S. envoy said she was appalled to learn that Beh, an officer of the Liberia National Police, was beaten and hospitalized after a July 10 incident reportedly involving employees and supporters of Deputy House Speaker Togba Mulbah. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Patrolman Beh and members of his family. The U.S. Embassy wishes him a speedy recovery."
The Congressman's Prophesy on Liberia
By Tom Kamara
July 2010
Source: allafrica.com
His remarks, as incisive and relevant as they are, have sent loyalists of Mr. Charles Taylor in steaming anger. There are real reasons. Just when they are attempting to re-stamp their political relevance in readiness for 2011, a significant voice from afar is passing a verdict on everything they represent as evil and dangerous.
US Congressman Patrick Kennedy, here as a member of a US Congressional delegation, warned Liberians that should, in any event, Mr. Taylor return home as a political figure ("God willing I'll be back'), there will be a renewal of the destruction spree that he initiated on 24 December 1989, ending in 2003 with his reluctant exist after opposition rebels quarantined the capital and dislodged from many other parts of the country.
He said: "People might like the guy (Taylor) but that doesn't mean he is a good person in terms of what he represents in this politics. If he ever is able to make it back to this country as a political figure, he will destroy the credibility of Liberia in the international community, where they will look at his return here."
"President Sirleaf has secured Liberia's future in terms of the international reputation of Liberia. The fact is that the international community has done a lot to support Liberia's economic development and I think it will damage Liberia's integrity and its ability to develop the credibility internationally if Charles Taylor will get any credibility by returning to Liberia."
The he gave a hint that perhaps not many people caught. Anyone like Taylor will take the country down with him or her. And there are many Taylors in the race for 2011, those, like Mr. George Weah, who see him as having produced "a great party" and "great people":
"If we see that someone like him will still have the kind of support, It will undermine the support that people will have for Liberia if that kind of support was given to the likes of Taylor who led this country to a civil war situation."
He further sounded a note against the kind of politics, he added, that Mr. Taylor represents.
"I think people's expectation is that everything will improve and this is a process that takes time. I think Liberia has exceeded many expectations.
"I think people need to understand that progress comes over times. Liberia has made strides that everyone could imagine but people need to understand that these things come through collective effort.
"And the reason I say that I am worried that some kind of demigod will come along and say democracy doesn't work. And I think Liberians certainly know what that means. That means the lack of protection and safety and it will return to a very unstable world."
Following the American's remarks, one of Mr. Taylor's ardent loyalists, Mr. Cyril Allen, took the airwaves in rebuttal, warning Congressman Kennedy to mind his own business and stay off Liberian affairs.
But for what it is worth, examining the politico-economic terrain that prevailed under Mr. Taylor, even for supporters, dismissing the fact that destruction was the order, with political clampdowns common, can be expected but not denied with evidence.
The country was littered with internally displaced camps, operating on an US80m budget with international pariah status decreed, and absolutely no economic blue print for recovery. It was free for all with dangerous prescriptions for the future.
On a visit here during this period, Mr. Ruud Lubers, then the UNHCR High Commissioner, was appalled, as he openly questioning the sane nature of Taylor's leadership while members of the regime denounced him. "Liberia is not for sale", they declared.
Whatever the immense personal benefits of this period for a select few, the void, in terms of creating political and economic structures and space to woo much-needed international financial backing, therefore putting the economy into gear to benefit "above all else the people", (Mr. Taylor's celebrated slogan), is one of the after-effects of Taylor's rule that the Congressman is talking about.
Refugee International, in a 2004 report, "Peacekeeping in West Africa: A Regional Report", observed:
"The conflicts in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire have their roots in regional political and economic instability. The effects of those conflicts have spilled over their individual borders to regional neighbours as people have sought refuge also in Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea. It stands to reason, therefore, that the cessation of conflict and the re-building of these countries must be based on country-specific remedies, but also on the regional factors that affect long-term stability in West Africa.
"The fates of these countries are linked to each other because their individual conflicts are the result of regional tensions and factors. Their porous borders have allowed wars to spill over into neighbouring countries for more than a decade, as Liberian fighters, for example, entered Sierra Leone in support of rebels there. Those same borders allow arms smuggling and theft of resources to support regional conflict. And as conflicts rage, they drive civilian populations--mostly women, children and the elderly--from their homes and frequently across borders to neighbouring states, which are in turn impacted economically as they provide for the needs of refugees and also protect themselves from possible armed soldiers crossing borders with legitimate refugees. There are Sierra Leonean refugees in Liberia, Guinea and other states..."
With the absence of large and significant numbers of the actors from the political scene in the affected countries, Liberia remains the only country in which these actors remain politically relevant. Moreover, with their significant financial position as a result of the war economy they ran and owned, these actors, in an underdeveloped and poverty-dominated political setting, still command following, although less so now than when Taylor in command and control.
Despite this following, the only glue capable of holding his political outfit together is the persona of Charles Taylor, primarily because the political machine to which they remain loyal, and from which they accumulated their fortunes, was his creating from the onset and his creation only. All those who sight belonging to it had to pay homage to him and accept his unquestioned supremacy in all spheres.
Certain truths are hard to accept. It had to take an American with nothing to lose to blow the horn of truth that no Liberian politician would have attempted.
When Mr. George Weah described Taylor's political outfit, the National Patriotic Party, as being "great" for producing "great people", he his tong was different from Congressman Kennedy's. But the American has prophesized: the fangs of danger are not yet defeated, for they appear in many forms. Taylor's return, he tells us, will be accompanied by doom and despair that is if he returns at all.
July 2010
Source: allafrica.com
His remarks, as incisive and relevant as they are, have sent loyalists of Mr. Charles Taylor in steaming anger. There are real reasons. Just when they are attempting to re-stamp their political relevance in readiness for 2011, a significant voice from afar is passing a verdict on everything they represent as evil and dangerous.
US Congressman Patrick Kennedy, here as a member of a US Congressional delegation, warned Liberians that should, in any event, Mr. Taylor return home as a political figure ("God willing I'll be back'), there will be a renewal of the destruction spree that he initiated on 24 December 1989, ending in 2003 with his reluctant exist after opposition rebels quarantined the capital and dislodged from many other parts of the country.
He said: "People might like the guy (Taylor) but that doesn't mean he is a good person in terms of what he represents in this politics. If he ever is able to make it back to this country as a political figure, he will destroy the credibility of Liberia in the international community, where they will look at his return here."
"President Sirleaf has secured Liberia's future in terms of the international reputation of Liberia. The fact is that the international community has done a lot to support Liberia's economic development and I think it will damage Liberia's integrity and its ability to develop the credibility internationally if Charles Taylor will get any credibility by returning to Liberia."
The he gave a hint that perhaps not many people caught. Anyone like Taylor will take the country down with him or her. And there are many Taylors in the race for 2011, those, like Mr. George Weah, who see him as having produced "a great party" and "great people":
"If we see that someone like him will still have the kind of support, It will undermine the support that people will have for Liberia if that kind of support was given to the likes of Taylor who led this country to a civil war situation."
He further sounded a note against the kind of politics, he added, that Mr. Taylor represents.
"I think people's expectation is that everything will improve and this is a process that takes time. I think Liberia has exceeded many expectations.
"I think people need to understand that progress comes over times. Liberia has made strides that everyone could imagine but people need to understand that these things come through collective effort.
"And the reason I say that I am worried that some kind of demigod will come along and say democracy doesn't work. And I think Liberians certainly know what that means. That means the lack of protection and safety and it will return to a very unstable world."
Following the American's remarks, one of Mr. Taylor's ardent loyalists, Mr. Cyril Allen, took the airwaves in rebuttal, warning Congressman Kennedy to mind his own business and stay off Liberian affairs.
But for what it is worth, examining the politico-economic terrain that prevailed under Mr. Taylor, even for supporters, dismissing the fact that destruction was the order, with political clampdowns common, can be expected but not denied with evidence.
The country was littered with internally displaced camps, operating on an US80m budget with international pariah status decreed, and absolutely no economic blue print for recovery. It was free for all with dangerous prescriptions for the future.
On a visit here during this period, Mr. Ruud Lubers, then the UNHCR High Commissioner, was appalled, as he openly questioning the sane nature of Taylor's leadership while members of the regime denounced him. "Liberia is not for sale", they declared.
Whatever the immense personal benefits of this period for a select few, the void, in terms of creating political and economic structures and space to woo much-needed international financial backing, therefore putting the economy into gear to benefit "above all else the people", (Mr. Taylor's celebrated slogan), is one of the after-effects of Taylor's rule that the Congressman is talking about.
Refugee International, in a 2004 report, "Peacekeeping in West Africa: A Regional Report", observed:
"The conflicts in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire have their roots in regional political and economic instability. The effects of those conflicts have spilled over their individual borders to regional neighbours as people have sought refuge also in Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea. It stands to reason, therefore, that the cessation of conflict and the re-building of these countries must be based on country-specific remedies, but also on the regional factors that affect long-term stability in West Africa.
"The fates of these countries are linked to each other because their individual conflicts are the result of regional tensions and factors. Their porous borders have allowed wars to spill over into neighbouring countries for more than a decade, as Liberian fighters, for example, entered Sierra Leone in support of rebels there. Those same borders allow arms smuggling and theft of resources to support regional conflict. And as conflicts rage, they drive civilian populations--mostly women, children and the elderly--from their homes and frequently across borders to neighbouring states, which are in turn impacted economically as they provide for the needs of refugees and also protect themselves from possible armed soldiers crossing borders with legitimate refugees. There are Sierra Leonean refugees in Liberia, Guinea and other states..."
With the absence of large and significant numbers of the actors from the political scene in the affected countries, Liberia remains the only country in which these actors remain politically relevant. Moreover, with their significant financial position as a result of the war economy they ran and owned, these actors, in an underdeveloped and poverty-dominated political setting, still command following, although less so now than when Taylor in command and control.
Despite this following, the only glue capable of holding his political outfit together is the persona of Charles Taylor, primarily because the political machine to which they remain loyal, and from which they accumulated their fortunes, was his creating from the onset and his creation only. All those who sight belonging to it had to pay homage to him and accept his unquestioned supremacy in all spheres.
Certain truths are hard to accept. It had to take an American with nothing to lose to blow the horn of truth that no Liberian politician would have attempted.
When Mr. George Weah described Taylor's political outfit, the National Patriotic Party, as being "great" for producing "great people", he his tong was different from Congressman Kennedy's. But the American has prophesized: the fangs of danger are not yet defeated, for they appear in many forms. Taylor's return, he tells us, will be accompanied by doom and despair that is if he returns at all.
FBI says: HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATORS - No Safe Haven in the U.S.
Source: FBI
07/13/10
As the commander of a paramilitary security force in the West African nation of Liberia, he led a reign of terror from 1999 to 2003. Along with his associates, he tortured a series of victims in the most horrific ways: burning them with cigarettes, scalding water, candle wax, and an iron…severely beating them with firearms…cutting and stabbing them…and shocking them with an electric device.
Roy Belfast, Jr., aka Chuckie Taylor, was brought to justice for his human rights crimes…in a federal court in Miami, where he was sentenced to 97 years in prison.
How did he end up in an American courtroom? Because U.S. law says that if human rights violators are U.S. nationals, commit offenses against U.S. citizens, or are present in this country, they can be charged here. In Taylor’s case, he was born in America, and he was arrested in 2006 while trying to enter the country illegally.
The FBI takes the lead in investigating human rights violations falling under U.S. law enforcement jurisdiction, but we work closely with our partner agencies, in particular Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Justice’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section.
Since 1988, Congress has enacted laws that have expanded our authority over human rights violations—genocide, torture, war crimes, and the recruitment or use of child soldiers.
Our primary mission today? To identify violators in the U.S. and bring them to justice for crimes committed within or outside this nation. We investigate individuals for both specific humans right violations—like in Chuckie Taylor’s case—and more traditional crimes—like the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl in Iraq and the murder of both the girl and her family, which led to the conviction of an American soldier.
Human Rights Offenses Program. Recently, with additional funding from Congress, we expanded our efforts in the area of human rights enforcement. As part of our new program, we use four key strategies:
Continue to investigate priority human rights cases with our domestic and international law enforcement partners;
Training our own personnel and those of our foreign counterparts to ensure that human rights investigations are conducted with the “rule of law” principles;
Collecting domestic and international intelligence on human rights violators and violations through our field offices, our legal attaché offices overseas, our network of sources inside and outside the country, and our relationships with domestic and international law enforcement partners; and
In response to requests from international and foreign investigative bodies, providing training and other assistance to their personnel.
Domestic prosecution of serious human rights violations committed abroad is a critical way to ensure that our country doesn’t serve as a safe haven to those who commit these crimes. But even when domestic prosecutions aren’t possible, there are other avenues to pursue—such as extraditing a criminal subject to stand trial in another country, offering U.S. assistance to an international tribunal, or deporting a suspect.
A footnote to the Chuckie Taylor case: the apple apparently didn’t fall far from the tree—his father is former Liberian dictator Charles Taylor, currently standing trial for human rights crimes in an international court at The Hague.
Resources:
- FBI testimony on human rights enforcement
- DOJ Human Rights/Special Prosecutions Section
Monday, July 12, 2010
LEAD Organizing For Liberia
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE LIBERIAN NATIONAL LEGISLATURE
Dear Senators and Representatives
Republic of Liberia
Today in Liberia, LEAD Liberia applauds the National Elections Commission efforts to educate the Liberian’s people on the electoral process despite the hurdles placed on its way by the Liberian National Legislature. The Liberian National Legislature sees no reasons to pass the Threshold Bill thereby playing politics with our future and the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia). But we the people have one message for our elected officials, which is “Do the right thing” and stop playing politics with our future and the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia) by passing the Threshold Bill.
We believe failure to do so will result in Liberia not having a smooth transfer of power from one democratic form of government to another. We believe failure to do so will result in the Liberian’s State being at risk. We believe failure to do so will result in Liberia’s future (The youth) being at risk. We believe failure to do so will result in the communities and our seniors being at risk. We believe the time for playing politics is over and now is the time to do the right thing. Today in Liberia, we demand respect, accountability and transparency from our elected officials. Our elected officials must listen to the people and champion the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia). Our leaders should abandon the politics of partisan division, personal greed and fine creative solutions to promote the common good of Liberia.
To our elected officials, if you will stand with the people and the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia)—we will not only support you but we will make sure that you get re-elected to your positions. We will champion your campaigns in the communities. We will champion your campaigns by using the media to promote your re-election. However, if you stand against the people and the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia). We will campaign against your re-election with the theme “THE DO NOTHING PARLIAMENT” Liberia will be a great nation and a better place to live not because of its perfection, but the belief that working in the interest of the masses and investing in our children—the youth and the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia); the belief that Liberians who love this country can change it. People who had the audacity to believe that Liberia could be a better place and the courage to make it works for all, so help us God.
Sincerely,
LEAD Organizing For Liberia
Abraham Hoff, Chief Community Organizer
077384990 leadliberia@yahoo.com
Dear Senators and Representatives
Republic of Liberia
Today in Liberia, LEAD Liberia applauds the National Elections Commission efforts to educate the Liberian’s people on the electoral process despite the hurdles placed on its way by the Liberian National Legislature. The Liberian National Legislature sees no reasons to pass the Threshold Bill thereby playing politics with our future and the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia). But we the people have one message for our elected officials, which is “Do the right thing” and stop playing politics with our future and the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia) by passing the Threshold Bill.
We believe failure to do so will result in Liberia not having a smooth transfer of power from one democratic form of government to another. We believe failure to do so will result in the Liberian’s State being at risk. We believe failure to do so will result in Liberia’s future (The youth) being at risk. We believe failure to do so will result in the communities and our seniors being at risk. We believe the time for playing politics is over and now is the time to do the right thing. Today in Liberia, we demand respect, accountability and transparency from our elected officials. Our elected officials must listen to the people and champion the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia). Our leaders should abandon the politics of partisan division, personal greed and fine creative solutions to promote the common good of Liberia.
To our elected officials, if you will stand with the people and the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia)—we will not only support you but we will make sure that you get re-elected to your positions. We will champion your campaigns in the communities. We will champion your campaigns by using the media to promote your re-election. However, if you stand against the people and the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia). We will campaign against your re-election with the theme “THE DO NOTHING PARLIAMENT” Liberia will be a great nation and a better place to live not because of its perfection, but the belief that working in the interest of the masses and investing in our children—the youth and the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia); the belief that Liberians who love this country can change it. People who had the audacity to believe that Liberia could be a better place and the courage to make it works for all, so help us God.
Sincerely,
LEAD Organizing For Liberia
Abraham Hoff, Chief Community Organizer
077384990 leadliberia@yahoo.com
Darfur warrant for Sudan's Bashir: ICC adds genocide........ how about genocide commited in Liberia???
Over 250,000 Liberians plus 5 Americans, some Nigerians, Ghanaians, as well as civilians from other countries, were killed in Liberia over 15 years ago.
While innocent women and children were been killed in Liberia, President Bush of the USA insisted that the Liberian President Charles Taylor must leave the country before US personnel arrived. President George W. Bush used only words to arrest the situation in Liberia.
President Taylor stepped down from the presidency and left the country as President Bush demanded.
Charles Taylor appeared before a UN court in Sierra Leone and was charged with crimes against humanity in Sierra Leone not Liberia.
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and others were accused by the Liberian people as well as opposition party Leaders in Liberia for supporting the killings of over 250,000 people in Liberia. The Liberian President admitted before the TRC of Liberia that whiles it is true that she supported Charles Taylor NPFL rebels that were killing innocent people; she was fooled by Charles Taylor. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is the Current President of Liberia. She has no interest in bringing herself to book for the role she played in Liberia. The International community is playing death ears on the Liberia situation.
The current US President could mirror exactly what George W. Bush did to arrest the situation in Liberia by only saying few words like "Liberia needs a form of world crime court". Only mere words are required to help the defenseless Liberian population. While Liberians cry up to the international community specially the US, Evil doers and agents of death continue to hold key positions in the Liberian government. These agents of death continue to hold the entire country hostage while the world watches reluctantly.
The International Criminal Court has issued a second arrest warrant for Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir - this time for charges of genocide while Charles Taylor, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and others have not been charged for crimes they committed in Liberia.
Bernard Gbayee Goah
See below
____________________________________________________________________________________
Darfur warrant for Sudan's Bashir: ICC adds genocide
Source: BBC Africa
Monday, 12 July 2010
Omar al-Bashir denies arming pro-government militias in Darfur
The International Criminal Court has issued a second arrest warrant for Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir - this time for charges of genocide.
He already faces charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, which he denies.
The ICC first indicted him in March 2009, but he has not been arrested.
A member of Mr Bashir's political party labelled the new warrant "ridiculous", but rebels in Sudan's western Darfur region hailed it as "a victory".
President Bashir is accused over the conflict in Darfur, where some 300,000 people are said to have died in seven years of fighting.
'No concern'
The ICC had initially declined to add genocide to the indictment but this has been overturned on appeal, with the judges finding "there are reasonable grounds to believe him responsible for three counts of genocide".
Pro-government Arab militias are accused of ethnic cleansing against civilians from the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa communities after rebels took up arms in Darfur in 2003.
Mr Bashir has denied that his government armed the militias, known as the Janjaweed.
Some 2.5 million people have been driven from their homes.
Sudan's leader has been unable to visit several countries for fear of being arrested since the first warrant was issued.
Many African and Arab countries have lobbied for the UN Security Council to postpone the prosecution, but this request has been rejected by countries such as the US and the UK.
Mr Bashir is accused of "genocide by killing, genocide by causing serious bodily or mental harm and genocide by deliberately inflicting on each target group conditions of life calculated to bring about the group's physical destruction", said a statement from the ICC.
"This second arrest warrant does not replace or revoke in any respect the first warrant of arrest," The Hague-based court said.
A senior member of the ruling National Congress Party, Rabie Abdelatie, called the move "ridiculous" and said the ICC was targeting not just Mr Bashir but the Sudanese people.
Sudanese Information Minister Kamal Obeid said in a statement: "The adding of the genocide accusation confirms that the ICC is a political court. The ICC decision is of no concern to us."
But Ahmad Hussein, a spokesman for Darfuri rebel group the Justice and Equality Movement, told AFP news agency the development was "a victory for the people of Darfur and the entire humanity".
Despite the charges against him, Mr Bashir was overwhelmingly re-elected as president in landmark elections in April.
The opposition, however, accused him and his supporters of rigging the poll and some major groups boycotted the elections.
Mr Bashir has always said the problems in Darfur were being exaggerated for political reasons.
According to the joint UN-African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur, Unamid, 221 people were killed in Darfur in June.
This is a sharp fall since May, when some 600 people were killed - the deadliest month since January 2008, when the UN took joint control of the peace force.
Fighting intensified in May after the Justice and Equality Movement pulled out of peace talks.
While innocent women and children were been killed in Liberia, President Bush of the USA insisted that the Liberian President Charles Taylor must leave the country before US personnel arrived. President George W. Bush used only words to arrest the situation in Liberia.
President Taylor stepped down from the presidency and left the country as President Bush demanded.
Charles Taylor appeared before a UN court in Sierra Leone and was charged with crimes against humanity in Sierra Leone not Liberia.
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and others were accused by the Liberian people as well as opposition party Leaders in Liberia for supporting the killings of over 250,000 people in Liberia. The Liberian President admitted before the TRC of Liberia that whiles it is true that she supported Charles Taylor NPFL rebels that were killing innocent people; she was fooled by Charles Taylor. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is the Current President of Liberia. She has no interest in bringing herself to book for the role she played in Liberia. The International community is playing death ears on the Liberia situation.
The current US President could mirror exactly what George W. Bush did to arrest the situation in Liberia by only saying few words like "Liberia needs a form of world crime court". Only mere words are required to help the defenseless Liberian population. While Liberians cry up to the international community specially the US, Evil doers and agents of death continue to hold key positions in the Liberian government. These agents of death continue to hold the entire country hostage while the world watches reluctantly.
The International Criminal Court has issued a second arrest warrant for Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir - this time for charges of genocide while Charles Taylor, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and others have not been charged for crimes they committed in Liberia.
Bernard Gbayee Goah
See below
____________________________________________________________________________________
Darfur warrant for Sudan's Bashir: ICC adds genocide
Source: BBC Africa
Monday, 12 July 2010
Omar al-Bashir denies arming pro-government militias in Darfur
The International Criminal Court has issued a second arrest warrant for Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir - this time for charges of genocide.
He already faces charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, which he denies.
The ICC first indicted him in March 2009, but he has not been arrested.
A member of Mr Bashir's political party labelled the new warrant "ridiculous", but rebels in Sudan's western Darfur region hailed it as "a victory".
President Bashir is accused over the conflict in Darfur, where some 300,000 people are said to have died in seven years of fighting.
'No concern'
The ICC had initially declined to add genocide to the indictment but this has been overturned on appeal, with the judges finding "there are reasonable grounds to believe him responsible for three counts of genocide".
Pro-government Arab militias are accused of ethnic cleansing against civilians from the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa communities after rebels took up arms in Darfur in 2003.
Mr Bashir has denied that his government armed the militias, known as the Janjaweed.
Some 2.5 million people have been driven from their homes.
Sudan's leader has been unable to visit several countries for fear of being arrested since the first warrant was issued.
Many African and Arab countries have lobbied for the UN Security Council to postpone the prosecution, but this request has been rejected by countries such as the US and the UK.
Mr Bashir is accused of "genocide by killing, genocide by causing serious bodily or mental harm and genocide by deliberately inflicting on each target group conditions of life calculated to bring about the group's physical destruction", said a statement from the ICC.
"This second arrest warrant does not replace or revoke in any respect the first warrant of arrest," The Hague-based court said.
A senior member of the ruling National Congress Party, Rabie Abdelatie, called the move "ridiculous" and said the ICC was targeting not just Mr Bashir but the Sudanese people.
Sudanese Information Minister Kamal Obeid said in a statement: "The adding of the genocide accusation confirms that the ICC is a political court. The ICC decision is of no concern to us."
But Ahmad Hussein, a spokesman for Darfuri rebel group the Justice and Equality Movement, told AFP news agency the development was "a victory for the people of Darfur and the entire humanity".
Despite the charges against him, Mr Bashir was overwhelmingly re-elected as president in landmark elections in April.
The opposition, however, accused him and his supporters of rigging the poll and some major groups boycotted the elections.
Mr Bashir has always said the problems in Darfur were being exaggerated for political reasons.
According to the joint UN-African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur, Unamid, 221 people were killed in Darfur in June.
This is a sharp fall since May, when some 600 people were killed - the deadliest month since January 2008, when the UN took joint control of the peace force.
Fighting intensified in May after the Justice and Equality Movement pulled out of peace talks.
'Unconstitutional': Suit In U.S. Challenges Automatic Loss Of Liberian Citizenship
 |
| Cllr. Alvin T. Jalloh |
 |
| Named in suit: Nathaniel Barnes, Liberia's Ambassador to the U.S. |
 |
| Named in suit: Foreign Minister Banke King Akerele |
 |
| Named in suit: Justice Minister Cristiana Tah |
UNCONSTITUTIONAL: “The lawsuit also challenges as unconstitutional several provisions of the Aliens and Nationality Law of Liberia (provisions), which seek to deprive a Liberian of his or her Liberian citizenship without due process of law. The lawsuit does not ask the Liberian government to recognize dual citizenship, nor does it ask the government to recognize my American citizenship. The lawsuit does, however, require the Liberian government to respect all of my rights as a natural-born citizen of Liberia, including but not limited to my constitutional right to due process of law.”
At the height of the Liberian civil war many fled their homeland to seek refugee and a safe haven away from the guns of war. With peace now returned and post-war democracy in full swing, many of those in the Diaspora appears to have lost out on the happenings back home. Several nominees to appointed positions have been either rejected or turned down for positions in the post-war government simply because they chose to take up citizenship in a foreign land. Now, one Liberian lawyer based in the United States of America has had enough and is taking his homeland to court – in the United States.
Named in suit: Nathaniel Barnes, Liberia's Ambassador to the U.S.
Teage’s lawsuit comes in the wake of the rejection of several Diaspora-based Liberians seeking jobs in post-war Liberia. In 2009, the Senate Committee on Judiciary failed to conduct confirmation hearings on Sam Russ, Deputy Minister for Economic Affairs-designate of the Ministry of Justice. Following this reply, Sinoe County Senior Senator Nyenpan asked the nominee whether he had an American passport in his possession since he (nominee) had spent a long period of time in the USA. “Yes, I do have an American passport in my possession as an American citizen,” came Mr. Russ's reply.
After noticing that some members of the Committee appeared disturbed by his answer, Russ told the Committee that he would denounce his American citizenship when confirmed by the Liberian Senate. Russ was then asked whether he had been admitted into the Liberian Bar Association that is responsible for admitting Liberians lawyers to practice law in the country.
Weeks after Russ’ surrendered his U.S. citizenship, another nominee, Samuel Momolu Lynch was also denied nomination for the post of Commandant of the Liberia National Coast Guard by the Security Committee of the Senate. During Lynch’s hearing, Lynch confirmed serving the American Army especially that Country’s Coast Guard for thirteen years. Despite his pledged of allegiance to the United States, he told the Senate Security Committee he remains a citizen of Liberia. However, Senators Mobutu Nyepan, Blamo Nelson and Sumo Kupee said it was against Liberian laws to confirm anyone who pledged their allegiance to another country. Others who have also fallen prey to the nationality dilemma are former Minister of Public Works Luseni Dunzo and Deputy Defense Minister Dionysius Sebwe among others.
Named in suit: Foreign Minister Banke King Akerele
Now, Attorney Alvin Teage Jalloh, represented by Counsel Jerome G. Korkoya on Monday, July 12, 2010 filed a petition with the Supreme Court of the Republic of Liberia, challenging what he says is the Liberian government’s erroneous and unconstitutional assumption that a Liberian automatically loses his or her Liberian citizenship when that Liberian becomes a naturalized citizen of a foreign country, votes in a foreign election, or serves in a foreign armed forces without prior approval from the President of Liberia.
According to Teage, the lawsuit challenges as unconstitutional the arbitrary visa demand by the Liberian government, which only requires certain Liberian citizens to obtain nonimmigrant visas before they maybe permitted to enter Liberia.
Says Teage: “The lawsuit also challenges as unconstitutional several provisions of the Aliens and Nationality Law of Liberia (provisions), which seek to deprive a Liberian of his or her Liberian citizenship without due process of law. The lawsuit does not ask the Liberian government to recognize dual citizenship, nor does it ask the government to recognize my American citizenship. The lawsuit does, however, require the Liberian government to respect all of my rights as a natural-born citizen of Liberia, including but not limited to my constitutional right to due process of law.”
Named in suit: Justice Minister Cristiana Tah
Teage further notes that Article 20(a) of the Liberian Constitution is one of our most important protections against arbitrary rule. “It prohibits all levels of the Liberian government, including the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary from depriving any person of life, liberty, property, privilege, or any other right without a hearing and a judgment consistent with due process of law.”
Ignoring this clear prohibition, Teage asserts that the government continues to use the challenged provisions, which lack any semblance of due process, as reasons to deprive me and tens of thousands of similarly situated Liberian citizens of our constitutional rights. “The government has gone as far as to require several of its natural-born citizens to become “naturalized” Liberians, on the erroneous assumption they lost their statuses as natural-born Liberian citizens.”
Such actions, Teage laments, have a chilling effect that inhibits the exercise of constitutionally protected rights, especially among Liberians who lack the financial means or willingness to challenge them. Moreover, Teage says, calling something a “law,” that clearly does not have the force of law, will not advance respect for the rule of law. The challenged provisions cannot withstand constitutional scrutiny.
Any first-year law student can tell you the challenged provisions, by their expressed terms, violate the due process clause of the Liberian Constitution. The only question here is whether the Liberian government, which advertises itself as a government of laws and not of men, can enforce provisions the Constitution does not recognize as law. I believe, and the Constitution tells us, the answer is no.
Teage’s lawsuit in the U.S. comes as a a network of Liberians in the Diaspora have been intensifying campaign for the passage of a dual citizenship bill in Liberia. Recently, a delegation of the European Federation of Liberian Associations visited Monrovia to prevail on Lawmakers to push the bill through. The President of the group said it was important to pass the dual citizenship bill to allow Liberians with dual nationalities to help develop their native Country. Mr. John Nimly Brownell said the dual citizenship bill will also pave the way for Liberians in other parts of the world to bring investment into their Country. He argued that Liberia belongs to all Liberians who were born here but because of the war they naturalized in other Countries.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Massacre is a Crime all over the world, except in Liberia
250,000 people including 5 American citizens were killed for nothing in Liberia.
Those who planned and master minded the killings are in Liberia holding big positions in government.
There is enough evident to show that the current President of Liberia is one of the architects behind the entire Liberian war that killed so many innocent people.
Up to now, the US as well as the rest of the international community have not stopped supporting the current Liberian government. The US has not come out with a public statement to demand justice for the 250,000 plus 5 US citizens killed in Liberia.
Amidst all of this, while the situation of Liberia is down played, US President Barack Obama demands justice 15 years after the Srebrenica massacre.
Barack Obama described the Srebrenica massacre as "a stain on our collective conscience" as hundreds of victims of the 1995 atrocity were buried. But more than 15 years have passed since 250,000 or more innocent women and children were intentionally killed in Liberia.
Bernard Goah
Click here to read other related stories
Please read below:
_____________________________________________________________________________
More than 7,000 Muslim men and boys were killed by Bosnian Serb troops.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/10593799.stm
Sunday, 11 July 2010
Barack Obama demands justice 15 years after Srebrenica
Barack Obama described the Srebrenica massacre as "a stain on our collective conscience" as hundreds of victims of the 1995 atrocity were buried.
In a statement read for him in the Bosnian town, the US president admitted the failure of the international community to protect the enclave, and said those responsible must be pursued.
More than 7,000 Muslim men and boys were killed by Bosnian Serb troops.
The massacre was the worst atrocity in Europe since the Second World War.
Hundreds of victims of the massacre were buried at a ceremony outside the town on Sunday.
The 775 coffins with the remains of newly identified victims from mass graves were laid to rest at the Potocari cemetery near Srebrenica.
European leaders and the presidents of all former Yugoslav republics who had gathered for the ceremony heard Mr Obama's words that "there can be no lasting peace without justice".
Mr Obama urged "the prosecution and arrest of those that carried out the genocide", and added: "This includes Ratko Mladic who presided over the killings and remains at large."
Serbian President Boris Tadic attended the ceremony, in what was seen as a significant gesture.
For years Belgrade denied the scale of the slaughter, but in March Serbia's parliament passed a landmark resolution apologising for the massacre.
It said Belgrade should have done more to prevent the tragedy.
Mr Tadic repeated his government's vow to track down the fugitive general.
Speaking on Sunday, he said: "As the president of Serbia I will not give up the search for remaining culprits, and by this I first of all mean for Ratko Mladic."
The former Bosnian Serb general has been in hiding for almost 15 years and is believed to be in Serbia.
Segregated townHe has been indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia (ICTY) for genocide and crimes against humanity for his role in the grimmest episode in the break-up of Yugoslavia in the 1990s.
Srebrenica had been declared a UN safe zone, to which thousands of Bosnian Muslims (Bosniaks) had fled during the 1992-95 Bosnian war.
But the Bosnian Serb army easily overran the lightly-armed Dutch force there in July 1995.
The massacre is the only episode of the conflict to have been deemed a genocide by the UN tribunal.
Thousands of people attended the ceremony at the Potocari cemetery - the biggest Srebrenica funeral so far.
New rows have been made for the burial of 775 victims, who will join nearly 4,000 already there.
Mourners mingled among the coffins, looking for the names of loved ones.
Bosnian Security Minister Sadik Ahmetovic told the crowd the international community should help bring fugitive Bosnian Serb wartime military commander Radko Mladic - "the man who brought us our suffering" - to justice.
Speaking at the commemoration, Bosnian Grand Mufti Mustafa Ceric called on European politicians to bring about the Bosnian Muslims' desire to have a "state in Europe that will protect us from the next genocide".
"Civilisation does not begin with the burial of a Bosniak. Civilisation begins with a birth of a Bosniak [not] afraid of the next genocide."
Hasan and Suhra Mahic, both in their 80s, were finally burying their sons Fuad and Suad.
"I would have preferred that all of us have been killed together, then we would not have had to live through this," Hasan told the AFP news agency.
Ramiza Gurdic was burying her son Mehrudin, alongside her husband and another son already in the cemetery.
"How can you forget, how can you forgive? I think about them every day. I go to bed with the pain and I wake up with the sadness."
But many Serbs in the region reject the established narrative of July 1995, the BBC's Mark Lowen in Srebrenica reports.
"The Serb people are portrayed in the media as committing genocide, but it isn't so," Mladen Grujicic, who works for a local association helping the families of Serb victims of the war, told the BBC.
"No Serbs contest that a crime happened in Srebrenica, but they're insulted when the numbers are manipulated," Mr Grujicic says, adding that Serb victims of the war have been forgotten.
Despite attempts to lay the past to rest, Srebrenica remains segregated 15 years after the tragic events, our correspondent says.
UK Prime Minister David Cameron said the atrocity was "a crime that shamed Europe".
Those who planned and master minded the killings are in Liberia holding big positions in government.
There is enough evident to show that the current President of Liberia is one of the architects behind the entire Liberian war that killed so many innocent people.
Up to now, the US as well as the rest of the international community have not stopped supporting the current Liberian government. The US has not come out with a public statement to demand justice for the 250,000 plus 5 US citizens killed in Liberia.
Amidst all of this, while the situation of Liberia is down played, US President Barack Obama demands justice 15 years after the Srebrenica massacre.
Barack Obama described the Srebrenica massacre as "a stain on our collective conscience" as hundreds of victims of the 1995 atrocity were buried. But more than 15 years have passed since 250,000 or more innocent women and children were intentionally killed in Liberia.
Bernard Goah
Click here to read other related stories
Please read below:
_____________________________________________________________________________
More than 7,000 Muslim men and boys were killed by Bosnian Serb troops.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/10593799.stm
Sunday, 11 July 2010
Barack Obama demands justice 15 years after Srebrenica
Barack Obama described the Srebrenica massacre as "a stain on our collective conscience" as hundreds of victims of the 1995 atrocity were buried.
In a statement read for him in the Bosnian town, the US president admitted the failure of the international community to protect the enclave, and said those responsible must be pursued.
More than 7,000 Muslim men and boys were killed by Bosnian Serb troops.
The massacre was the worst atrocity in Europe since the Second World War.
Hundreds of victims of the massacre were buried at a ceremony outside the town on Sunday.
The 775 coffins with the remains of newly identified victims from mass graves were laid to rest at the Potocari cemetery near Srebrenica.
European leaders and the presidents of all former Yugoslav republics who had gathered for the ceremony heard Mr Obama's words that "there can be no lasting peace without justice".
Mr Obama urged "the prosecution and arrest of those that carried out the genocide", and added: "This includes Ratko Mladic who presided over the killings and remains at large."
Serbian President Boris Tadic attended the ceremony, in what was seen as a significant gesture.
For years Belgrade denied the scale of the slaughter, but in March Serbia's parliament passed a landmark resolution apologising for the massacre.
It said Belgrade should have done more to prevent the tragedy.
Mr Tadic repeated his government's vow to track down the fugitive general.
Speaking on Sunday, he said: "As the president of Serbia I will not give up the search for remaining culprits, and by this I first of all mean for Ratko Mladic."
The former Bosnian Serb general has been in hiding for almost 15 years and is believed to be in Serbia.
Segregated townHe has been indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia (ICTY) for genocide and crimes against humanity for his role in the grimmest episode in the break-up of Yugoslavia in the 1990s.
Srebrenica had been declared a UN safe zone, to which thousands of Bosnian Muslims (Bosniaks) had fled during the 1992-95 Bosnian war.
But the Bosnian Serb army easily overran the lightly-armed Dutch force there in July 1995.
The massacre is the only episode of the conflict to have been deemed a genocide by the UN tribunal.
Thousands of people attended the ceremony at the Potocari cemetery - the biggest Srebrenica funeral so far.
New rows have been made for the burial of 775 victims, who will join nearly 4,000 already there.
Mourners mingled among the coffins, looking for the names of loved ones.
Bosnian Security Minister Sadik Ahmetovic told the crowd the international community should help bring fugitive Bosnian Serb wartime military commander Radko Mladic - "the man who brought us our suffering" - to justice.
Speaking at the commemoration, Bosnian Grand Mufti Mustafa Ceric called on European politicians to bring about the Bosnian Muslims' desire to have a "state in Europe that will protect us from the next genocide".
"Civilisation does not begin with the burial of a Bosniak. Civilisation begins with a birth of a Bosniak [not] afraid of the next genocide."
Hasan and Suhra Mahic, both in their 80s, were finally burying their sons Fuad and Suad.
"I would have preferred that all of us have been killed together, then we would not have had to live through this," Hasan told the AFP news agency.
Ramiza Gurdic was burying her son Mehrudin, alongside her husband and another son already in the cemetery.
"How can you forget, how can you forgive? I think about them every day. I go to bed with the pain and I wake up with the sadness."
But many Serbs in the region reject the established narrative of July 1995, the BBC's Mark Lowen in Srebrenica reports.
"The Serb people are portrayed in the media as committing genocide, but it isn't so," Mladen Grujicic, who works for a local association helping the families of Serb victims of the war, told the BBC.
"No Serbs contest that a crime happened in Srebrenica, but they're insulted when the numbers are manipulated," Mr Grujicic says, adding that Serb victims of the war have been forgotten.
Despite attempts to lay the past to rest, Srebrenica remains segregated 15 years after the tragic events, our correspondent says.
UK Prime Minister David Cameron said the atrocity was "a crime that shamed Europe".
Sawyer, Gongloe Laud AG Morlu
Written by General Auditing Commission (GAC)
Source: Liberian Forum
Sunday, 11 July 2010
Republic of Liberia
General Auditing Commission (GAC)
Old Executive Mansion
Office of the Director of Communications
MONROVIA, LIBERIA, JULY 9, 2010: The chairperson of the Governance Commission (GC) Dr.Amos C. Sawyer has lauded the farsighted effort of the Auditor General John S. Morlu, II for carving the idea and vision for the establishment of the National Integrity Forum (NIF).
Speaking Thursday, July 8, 2010 at the launch of the Forum, Dr.Sawyer said the positive initiative taken by AG Morlu was in the right direction to garner consolidated effort from cross section of state and non-state actors in the fight against corruption.
The GC chairperson expounded further that the problems of integrity and corruption is an old-aged problem that can be fought and quashed will robust and combine forces of major stakeholders via intense oneness of advocacy and demonstrable and practical action.
“Without an effort to fight corruption you cannot build integrity,”Dr.Sawyer noted adding that corruption has the propensity to undermine peace and development and it takes the collective and joint effort of all to combat this menace.
Adding his voice of admiring comment to AG Morlu was Labor Minister Cllr.Tiawon S. Gongloe. He said AG Morlu continues to demonstrate his dogged commitment of fighting corruption for the Government as further attested by the AG developing such valuable idea like the Integrity Forum.
Cllr.Gongloe then indentified the problem of conflict of interest as major hurdle of Liberia’s growth and development.
He said it is not a right thing to have government officials owning businesses and using those businesses to defray the government and Liberians’ taxpayers of millions.
‘“This is a major problem that has existed for century and this must stop,Cllr.Gongloe averred.
Most of the over 600 GAC audit findings and recommendations bring to limelight the issues of bribery and conflict of interest.
The program was also graced by several distinguished personalities, including the US Ambassador to Liberia, Madam Linda Thomas Greenfield
Ambassador Greenfield expressed discontentment that there is opposition to reforms by those who placed self-interest and gain instead of the interest of the country.
Greenfield: “As we all know, no one can fight corruption alone, everyone from the president, to the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to Civil Society Organizations, to ministries of Government and to every business and to average person to track and eliminate corruption. But there are few opposition to reforms from persons who placed personal gains ahead of their country’s interest.”
The ambassador called on members of the National Legislature to ensure that audit findings and recommendations are implemented for the good of the public and the country. She also called on the National Legislature to pass the Code of Conduct Act that has been sleeping at the Legislature and that full support should be provided the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to ensure that government officials declare their assets.
“When audit reports are released and calling for simple internal control mechanism, institutions and individuals are made to carry out these mandate and when the Liberian extractive Industries transparency Initiative release a report on tax discrepancies that those recommendations are also implemented to the letter.
The Ambassador then admonished members of the Forum not to limit their advocacies on “empty talk shop” but rather more vigorous, strong and coordinated approach that will yield meaningful impact in the fight against corruption.
“This is a right step at the right time in the fight against corruption”, the Ambassador maintained.
Also speaking at the program is the National Coordinator of Open Society Initiative (OSIWA) to Liberia, Joe Pemagbi. He called on members of the Forum to use this body is a pivotal force taking the corruption and integrity fight to another level of fight for all.
Pemagbi expressed disappointment that his organization spent more than US$5m for educational support to the Government of Liberia but after a year,there was not a cent spent on the targeted project areas.
Msgr. Robert Tikpor attended the program. He summed the issue of integrity as “let your yes be yes and let your no be no.”
Dr.Emmet A Dennis, University of Liberia President gave the key note statement. He said integrity is a virtue that must practice and entirely apply by all Liberians. To protect Liberia’s nascent democracy, he stressed depends greatly on the issue of integrity and corruption.
IMF Resident Representative, Yuri Sobolev and LACC boss Frances Johnson-Morris attended.
The National Integrity Forum (NIF) collaborating institutions are the General Auditing Commission (GAC), Governance Commission (GC), the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC),the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission(PPCC) and the Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative(LEITI).
Others are the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL),the Liberia Chamber of Commerce(LCC),the Press Union of Liberia(PUL),the Catholic Justice of Peace Commi9ssion(JPC),the Corporate Responsibility Forum(CRF),the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Labor.
Also included are the Civil Service Agency (CSA), the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs (MPEA), the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) and the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY).
The Forum is headed by LACC chairperson Frances Johnson Morris. It objectives zeroed-on providing a platform that promotes integrity standards in the public and private sectors through effective collaboration and coordination; periodically reviewing progress made towards the promotion of integrity standards; supporting the fight against corruption in a holistic systematic and sustainable manner and recommending effective policy promulgation coordination and implementation mechanisms to advance good governance.
________________________________________________________
For Further Information, Please Contact Ernest S. Maximore
Director of Communications, GAC: Tel:06578796/04949926
E-mail: esmaximore1@gacliberia.
Source: Liberian Forum
Sunday, 11 July 2010
Republic of Liberia
General Auditing Commission (GAC)
Old Executive Mansion
Office of the Director of Communications
MONROVIA, LIBERIA, JULY 9, 2010: The chairperson of the Governance Commission (GC) Dr.Amos C. Sawyer has lauded the farsighted effort of the Auditor General John S. Morlu, II for carving the idea and vision for the establishment of the National Integrity Forum (NIF).
Speaking Thursday, July 8, 2010 at the launch of the Forum, Dr.Sawyer said the positive initiative taken by AG Morlu was in the right direction to garner consolidated effort from cross section of state and non-state actors in the fight against corruption.
The GC chairperson expounded further that the problems of integrity and corruption is an old-aged problem that can be fought and quashed will robust and combine forces of major stakeholders via intense oneness of advocacy and demonstrable and practical action.
“Without an effort to fight corruption you cannot build integrity,”Dr.Sawyer noted adding that corruption has the propensity to undermine peace and development and it takes the collective and joint effort of all to combat this menace.
Adding his voice of admiring comment to AG Morlu was Labor Minister Cllr.Tiawon S. Gongloe. He said AG Morlu continues to demonstrate his dogged commitment of fighting corruption for the Government as further attested by the AG developing such valuable idea like the Integrity Forum.
Cllr.Gongloe then indentified the problem of conflict of interest as major hurdle of Liberia’s growth and development.
He said it is not a right thing to have government officials owning businesses and using those businesses to defray the government and Liberians’ taxpayers of millions.
‘“This is a major problem that has existed for century and this must stop,Cllr.Gongloe averred.
Most of the over 600 GAC audit findings and recommendations bring to limelight the issues of bribery and conflict of interest.
The program was also graced by several distinguished personalities, including the US Ambassador to Liberia, Madam Linda Thomas Greenfield
Ambassador Greenfield expressed discontentment that there is opposition to reforms by those who placed self-interest and gain instead of the interest of the country.
Greenfield: “As we all know, no one can fight corruption alone, everyone from the president, to the General Auditing Commission (GAC) to Civil Society Organizations, to ministries of Government and to every business and to average person to track and eliminate corruption. But there are few opposition to reforms from persons who placed personal gains ahead of their country’s interest.”
The ambassador called on members of the National Legislature to ensure that audit findings and recommendations are implemented for the good of the public and the country. She also called on the National Legislature to pass the Code of Conduct Act that has been sleeping at the Legislature and that full support should be provided the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to ensure that government officials declare their assets.
“When audit reports are released and calling for simple internal control mechanism, institutions and individuals are made to carry out these mandate and when the Liberian extractive Industries transparency Initiative release a report on tax discrepancies that those recommendations are also implemented to the letter.
The Ambassador then admonished members of the Forum not to limit their advocacies on “empty talk shop” but rather more vigorous, strong and coordinated approach that will yield meaningful impact in the fight against corruption.
“This is a right step at the right time in the fight against corruption”, the Ambassador maintained.
Also speaking at the program is the National Coordinator of Open Society Initiative (OSIWA) to Liberia, Joe Pemagbi. He called on members of the Forum to use this body is a pivotal force taking the corruption and integrity fight to another level of fight for all.
Pemagbi expressed disappointment that his organization spent more than US$5m for educational support to the Government of Liberia but after a year,there was not a cent spent on the targeted project areas.
Msgr. Robert Tikpor attended the program. He summed the issue of integrity as “let your yes be yes and let your no be no.”
Dr.Emmet A Dennis, University of Liberia President gave the key note statement. He said integrity is a virtue that must practice and entirely apply by all Liberians. To protect Liberia’s nascent democracy, he stressed depends greatly on the issue of integrity and corruption.
IMF Resident Representative, Yuri Sobolev and LACC boss Frances Johnson-Morris attended.
The National Integrity Forum (NIF) collaborating institutions are the General Auditing Commission (GAC), Governance Commission (GC), the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC),the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission(PPCC) and the Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative(LEITI).
Others are the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL),the Liberia Chamber of Commerce(LCC),the Press Union of Liberia(PUL),the Catholic Justice of Peace Commi9ssion(JPC),the Corporate Responsibility Forum(CRF),the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Labor.
Also included are the Civil Service Agency (CSA), the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs (MPEA), the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) and the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY).
The Forum is headed by LACC chairperson Frances Johnson Morris. It objectives zeroed-on providing a platform that promotes integrity standards in the public and private sectors through effective collaboration and coordination; periodically reviewing progress made towards the promotion of integrity standards; supporting the fight against corruption in a holistic systematic and sustainable manner and recommending effective policy promulgation coordination and implementation mechanisms to advance good governance.
________________________________________________________
For Further Information, Please Contact Ernest S. Maximore
Director of Communications, GAC: Tel:06578796/04949926
E-mail: esmaximore1@gacliberia.
Naomi Campbell to testify at Charles Taylor trial
Source: BBC News Africa
E-mail this to a friendPrintable version Naomi Campbell is scheduled to appear on 29 July Supermodel Naomi Campbell has confirmed she will give evidence at the war crimes trial of the former Liberia President Charles Taylor.
Mr Taylor is on trial at the UN-backed tribunal in The Hague accused of using diamonds to fuel a conflict in Sierra Leone that killed tens of thousands.
Prosecutors had summoned Ms Campbell to testify over reports that she received diamonds from Mr Taylor in 1997.
Ms Campbell is scheduled to appear on 29 July.
Mandela reception
Ms Campbell's public relations company, Outside Organisation, announced late on Friday that she would attend.
A spokeswoman said: "She is a witness who has been asked to help clarify events in 1997. Miss Campbell has made it clear that she is willing to help the due process of law.
CHARLES TAYLOR
Continue reading the main story
E-mail this to a friendPrintable version Naomi Campbell is scheduled to appear on 29 July Supermodel Naomi Campbell has confirmed she will give evidence at the war crimes trial of the former Liberia President Charles Taylor.
Mr Taylor is on trial at the UN-backed tribunal in The Hague accused of using diamonds to fuel a conflict in Sierra Leone that killed tens of thousands.
Prosecutors had summoned Ms Campbell to testify over reports that she received diamonds from Mr Taylor in 1997.
Ms Campbell is scheduled to appear on 29 July.
Mandela reception
Ms Campbell's public relations company, Outside Organisation, announced late on Friday that she would attend.
A spokeswoman said: "She is a witness who has been asked to help clarify events in 1997. Miss Campbell has made it clear that she is willing to help the due process of law.
CHARLES TAYLOR
Continue reading the main story
1997: Elected Liberian president
2003: Arrest warrant issued, steps down, goes into exile in Nigeria
2006: Arrested, sent to Sierra Leone
2007: Trial opens in The Hague
Profile: Charles Taylor
 |
| Charles Taylor |
Q&A: Trying Charles Taylor
"For avoidance of doubt, she is not being accused of any wrongdoing and is not on trial."
Prosecutors want to know whether Ms Campbell received diamonds from Mr Taylor at a reception hosted by Nelson Mandela in South Africa in 1997.
A spokesman for the special court for Sierra Leone previously said Ms Campbell had denied receiving the gems and refused to talk to prosecutors.
In an interview on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Ms Campbell neither confirmed nor denied that she received gems, instead saying: "I don't want to be involved in this man's case. He has done some terrible things, and I don't want to put my family in danger."
US actress Mia Farrow, who Ms Campbell allegedly told about the gift, may also testify.
Mr Taylor has pleaded not guilty to 11 charges at the UN-backed tribunal.
It has spent more than two years hearing the case.
Mr Taylor, 62, is suspected of selling diamonds and buying weapons for Sierra Leone's RUF rebels, who were notorious for hacking off the hands and legs of civilians during the 1991-2001 civil war.
Tens of thousands of people died in the interlinked conflicts in Sierra Leone and Liberia.
Liberia deputy speaker freed after 'police beating'
Sunday, 11 July 2010
E-mail this to a friendPrintable version Liberia's deputy parliamentary speaker has been freed after briefly being held under house arrest for allegedly ordering the beating of a policeman.
Police left Togba Mulbah's home in the Liberian capital, Monrovia, after he wrote an account of what happened.
Police said earlier the officer was beaten unconscious after he tried to impound one of Mr Mulbah's vehicles.
Mr Mulbah has not been charged. Police officials said it was the third time he had ordered attacks on police.
But Mr Mulbah, a member of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change, denies the allegations. He told the BBC police had raided his house and taken away five people, including his son.
Details of Saturday's incident in the capital remain sketchy.
Letter to New Breed Liberian Patriots - Prince Joseph Tomoonh-Garlodeyh Gbaba, Sr., Ed. D.
 |
| Prince Joseph Tomoonh-Garlodeyh Gbaba, Sr., Ed. D. |
Thank you very kindly for your financial and moral support during my 36th Anniversary. I am also grateful to all of you who participated in the play as well as those of you who attended and participated in the festivity. Your presence showed you not only love me but above all you love Liberia and you wish that Liberia may return to normalcy as soon as possible.
Statistics taken during the event showed that attendees and participants mostly came from the following political counties in Liberia: Maryland, Grand Gedeh, Sinoe, Grand Kru, Grand Bassa, Lofa, Grand Cape Mount, Nimba, Montserrado, and Bong--ten out of thirteen counties. We congratulate Liberians from these counties for their deep sense of patriotism and we encourage other Liberians whose counties were not present during the 36th Anniversary to turn out in numbers to represent their counties whenever the New Breed Liberian Patriots are having a function.
The purpose of the 36th Anniversary was twofold: (1) to celebrate my 36th Anniversary as a playwright and poet-laureate of Liberia; and (2) to formally launch the New Breed Liberian Patriots (NBLP), a movement devoted to the rule of law and transparent justice in post-war Liberia. During the celebration Chairman Charles Boimah Blake presented a statement of appreciation to the honoree and then launched the NBLP. There was a moment of silence for the quarter million people who died in the Liberian Civil War and petition forms were passed out to obtain signatures of those who support the TRC recommendations and prosecution of Liberian terrorist warlords and their supporters. We will be taking the production on the road very shortly and we ask that you turn out to support a worthy cause to free Liberia of violence and lawlessness.
Thank you once again for your support. Due to technical difficulties the whole article attached to this e-mail could not be sent because it can only be sent piecemeal because of its length. However, I hope you enjoy reading the article because it was prepared especially for your entertainment and education. Therefore, please feel free to send use feedback at: gbaba5@aol.com. The continuation of this article will soon be posted on my website: www.tomoondeyh.com. So, please be patient.
Respectfully yours,
Your Humble Servant,
Prince Joseph Tomoonh-Garlodeyh Gbaba, Sr., Ed. D.
Friday, July 9, 2010
BLOODY WEDNESDAY at the University of Liberia campus
Student Politics Leads to Chaos, Confusion at UL
Source: FrontPageAfrica
Source: FrontPageAfrica
07/08/2010 - Moses V. Kowo
Monrovia –
Another chapter turned in the history of the University of Liberia on Wednesday when students of the state-owned institution turned to each other’s throat as they inched closer to holding another election later this week.
One of the contending parties, the Student Coalition for Change said it will not allow the debate to go ahead unless the administration clears its candidate for the post of Student Representative to the University Council, Gabriel Saydee.
The Elections Commission had disqualified Mr. Saydee on grounds that he did not meet the necessary academic benchmarks to be a candidate in the ensuing student government elections. But Saydee supporters contend that members of the Student Unification Party must have manipulated the process leading to the denial of Saydee.
Saydee, a student of Geology said he is qualified for the process but said the administration had interest in the process.
The stalemate continued for most of Wednesday with the contending party holding on to the main auditorium where the debate should have taken place until members of the Student Unification party stormed the venue to in their words break the standoff which lasted more than four hours.
One student believed to be supporter of the Saydee was seen bleeding profusely after the stalemate had been broken and Mr. Saydee whisks away.
No official of the University of Liberia was prepared to speak on the matter as the Associate Vice President for UL Relations Dr. S. Momolu Gaytaweh said only that the University President Dr. Emmett Dennis could speak on the subject under discussion.
The University of Liberia since its formation in 1951 has been a major source of agitation in the country. Students are either at each other’s throat or engage in tussle with state authorities on the administration of the country. The latest incident will no doubt trigger intense debate as yet another student elections comes into play.
Students at the University had bitter engagement with the government of William Tolbert over the exclusion of some members of the population for the decision making process of the society.
When Samuel Doe took over in 1980, student again challenged the regime over corruption and dictatorship leading to the imprisonment of more than five student leaders at the notorious Belle Yalla prison and some students lost their lives in university politics including Momolu Lavela and Tonia Richardson.
Students suffered some of the worse form of attacks under administration of now detained war crime suspect Charles Taylor with more than 20 students fleeing into exile after persistent witch hunting on the part of the regime.
Monrovia –
Another chapter turned in the history of the University of Liberia on Wednesday when students of the state-owned institution turned to each other’s throat as they inched closer to holding another election later this week.
One of the contending parties, the Student Coalition for Change said it will not allow the debate to go ahead unless the administration clears its candidate for the post of Student Representative to the University Council, Gabriel Saydee.
The Elections Commission had disqualified Mr. Saydee on grounds that he did not meet the necessary academic benchmarks to be a candidate in the ensuing student government elections. But Saydee supporters contend that members of the Student Unification Party must have manipulated the process leading to the denial of Saydee.
Saydee, a student of Geology said he is qualified for the process but said the administration had interest in the process.
The stalemate continued for most of Wednesday with the contending party holding on to the main auditorium where the debate should have taken place until members of the Student Unification party stormed the venue to in their words break the standoff which lasted more than four hours.
One student believed to be supporter of the Saydee was seen bleeding profusely after the stalemate had been broken and Mr. Saydee whisks away.
No official of the University of Liberia was prepared to speak on the matter as the Associate Vice President for UL Relations Dr. S. Momolu Gaytaweh said only that the University President Dr. Emmett Dennis could speak on the subject under discussion.
The University of Liberia since its formation in 1951 has been a major source of agitation in the country. Students are either at each other’s throat or engage in tussle with state authorities on the administration of the country. The latest incident will no doubt trigger intense debate as yet another student elections comes into play.
Students at the University had bitter engagement with the government of William Tolbert over the exclusion of some members of the population for the decision making process of the society.
When Samuel Doe took over in 1980, student again challenged the regime over corruption and dictatorship leading to the imprisonment of more than five student leaders at the notorious Belle Yalla prison and some students lost their lives in university politics including Momolu Lavela and Tonia Richardson.
Students suffered some of the worse form of attacks under administration of now detained war crime suspect Charles Taylor with more than 20 students fleeing into exile after persistent witch hunting on the part of the regime.
Nothing Like Sammy Doe: Son of Late Liberian Prez Far From Father's Shoes
07/08/2010 - Danesius Marteh
Source: FrontPageAfrica
CARECA DOE, Son of the late Samuel Doe
Monrovia - Samuel Kanyon Doe (May 6, 1951 – September 9, 1990) was the 21st Liberian president from 1980 to 1990. His regime was characterized by ethnically-based dictatorship and the suppression of political opposition.
As a soldier, Doe led a military coup on April 12, 1980 that killed President William R. Tolbert, Jr. in the Executive Mansion, thus ending 133 years of Americo-Liberian political domination. As a politician, Doe had a new constitution approved by referendum in 1984 and went on to stage a presidential election on October 15, 1985, giving himself 51-percent of the vote.
FORGETTING HISTORY
“….My mother never told me all the story but I have decided not to be bothered with it. I am not even willing to hear any story about my dad. For me, that is past. I am thinking about peace, reconciliation and rebuilding the country and concentrating on the game [football] so that Liberia can be like Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon.
CARECA DOE, Son of the late Samuel Doe
The election was heavily rigged, as he took the ballots to a secret location and had 50 of his own handpicked staff count them, and prior to the election he had murdered more than 50 of his opponents.
It is also thought that Doe changed his official birth date from 1951 to 1950 in order to meet the new constitution's requirement that the president be at least 35 years old, some traits of politicians.
With that brief biography of the late president, one would be thinking that his children (particularly his sons) would be following his footstep by either joining the military or entering into politics.
But Careca Laryee Doe, the 20-year old son of Doe, wouldn’t dare to wear the shoes formerly worn by his father.
“No, no, no. I am not even thinking that way. I don’t even want to be a politician or soldier in the first place because not everybody is going to be a politician. I was born to become a star and I am going to be a footballer so other people can follow my footstep to develop the game,” Careca rejected emulating the simile ‘like father, like son’.
Doe may have prophesized the career of his son. According to Maime S. Cole (mother of Careca), the name “Careca” was given to her son by the late Doe, who wanted the boy to be like the former Brazilian international footballer.
Born on July 8, 1990, Careca grew-up in Gardnerville where he played for Club Africa Football Association for two years before relocating to the dusty Caldwell suburb of Monrovia.
There he plays for Caldwell United Sports Association but, he says his mother is a “pain in the neck to his career”.
“Actually, my mom doesn’t like to see me playing football because of the series of injuries [that I sustained]. So she decided to put stop to my football career but you know I love the game so I decided to do everything possible to convince my mom so that I can become a good player for the country,” Careca says.
And Maime’s decision to stop Careca intensified when he lost a tooth after an opponent elbowed him during a friendly match on July 6, 2007 in Gardnerville.
“We were playing against 3rd division side Manchester United and while trying to take the ball away from me, my opponent elbowed me in the mouth and I lost my tooth. She got so angry because the team could not do anything for me. She then sent me to Ghana for treatment,” Careca recalled.
Careca’s father was a president but his upbringing has been challenging to say the least.
As a son of a president, whether dead or alive, means being born with the silver spoon in your mouth but Careca was only two months and a day old when his father was captured by ex-INPFL faction leader Prince Johnson (now senior senator of Nimba County) in Monrovia on September 9, 1990 and tortured before being killed.
The spectacle, which was videotaped and seen on news reports around the world, shows Johnson sipping a Budweiser beer as Doe's ear is cut off.
NO SILVER SPOON
As a son of a president, whether dead or alive, means being born with the silver spoon in your mouth but Careca was only two months and a day old when his father was captured by ex-INPFL faction leader Prince Johnson (now senior senator of Nimba County) in Monrovia on September 9, 1990 and tortured before being killed.
Just like Senator Johnson, who vowed in a 2010 New Year resolution, never to talk about Doe’s death, so too, is Careca. And for him, the dead should bury the dead.
“….My mother never told me all the story but I have decided not to be bothered with it. I am not even willing to hear any story about my dad. For me, that is past. I am thinking about peace, reconciliation and rebuilding the country and concentrating on the game [football] so that Liberia can be like Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon,” Careca said in a rather soft tone, apparently, trying to hold back his tears.
Like many aspiring professionals would do, Careca has chosen Varmah Kpoto (who formerly played for the Lone Star) as his role model. This could be described as “perfect coincidence” since the duo (Careca & Kpoto) are defenders, playing mainly the right back position.
But that has not taken away his love for other past and present Lone Star players.
“I admired James Debbah, George Weah and Joe Nagbe. But there are other young guys like Chris Gbandi, Theo Weeks, Murphy Nagbe and Melvin King, who if given the chance, can make a difference,” he continued
Locally, Careca is a fan of IE and he believes he will one-day wear their blue and yellow colors.
“…I am a fan of Invincible Eleven (IE). From the day I heard the name IE, although my father was a [Mighty] Barrolle fan, but I really love IE. [I love] the way they play; IE is my dream team and I will one day play for them,” Careca concluded.
As a 10th-grader of the Caldwell Assembly of God Mission, the late president’s son can’t wait to complete high school studies so that he can fully concentrate on his football career.
With some helping hands from Robert Sirleaf (President’s Sirleaf son), Careca can focus on his studies as he also wants to play for Manchester United in England.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
LEAD Organizing For Liberia
General Policies:
All LEAD Organizing for Liberia activities are governed by LEAD Liberia. In addition, to local and international responsibilities, it is important that all volunteers, community organizers, advisors, staff and executive team members understand all of LEAD Organizing For Liberia’s general policies.
The policies listed below have been established to protect volunteers, community organizers, advisors, staff, and team members, LEAD Liberia and the communities that we serve. These policies safeguard the integrity and mission as set forth by the LEAD Liberia Executive Organizing Team and staff. Adherence to these policies is required of all LEAD Liberia’s volunteers, community organizers, advisors, executive team members and staff. On occasion, there may be unusual circumstances that require flexibility regarding a specific policy. These situations must be discussed with LEAD Liberia Executive Organizing Team before any exceptions to the policy can be made. If you have any questions about these policies, please do not hesitate to contact LEAD Liberia Executive Organizing Team.
LEAD Organizing For Liberia’s goal is to……..
• Engage, Educate, and Empower the people of Liberia
• Demand respect, accountability and transparency from our elected officials across Liberia.
• Build grassroots force for change through citizen participation in government across Liberia.
LEAD Organizing For Liberia is part of LEAD Liberia, a non—partisan political group that sends one message to our elected officials across Liberia, which is “Do the right thing” and stop playing politics with our future and the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia).
The LEAD Liberia Commitment:
LEAD Liberia is committed to providing all volunteers, community organizers, advisors, staff and team members access to LEAD Liberia resources. LEAD Liberia fiscal policies keep administrative costs to a minimum while maximizing our ability to provide support and assistance to all communities across Liberia.
Financial Management:
The headquarter of LEAD Liberia Camp Johnson Road, Liberia West Africa handled all financial transactions through a dedicated account in Liberia and subsequently handles all account expenditures and other activities. Publishers and other vendors should bill LEAD Liberia’s headquarter directly, where the necessary paperwork is reconciled. LEAD Liberia’s headquarter will provide LEAD Organizing For Liberia County Teams, West Africa with regular reports detailing deposits, project grant awards, vendors, and actual invoice costs. In addition, project grant awards, vendors, and other activities will not receive official approval until the LEAD Liberia’s headquarter approves.
Community and Media Outreach:
All press releases and related materials regarding LEAD Organizing For Liberia or LEAD Liberia’s activities must be approved by LEAD Liberia Executive Organizing Team prior to distribution. For pre-approved materials, please contact your LEAD Liberia Executive Organizing Team.
LEAD Organizing For Liberia’s volunteers, community organizers and advisors must obtain signed LEAD Liberia Media Release Forms prior to any event during which children and/or families participating in program that will be photographed or videotaped. This policy covers any photographs, voice recordings, videotapes, letters, or artwork that will be displayed or distributed for LEAD Liberia purposes. The purpose of media release forms is for the protection of Liberia’s vulnerable children and families.
Use of the LEAD Liberia Name and Logo:
The LEAD Organizing For Liberia name and logo are registered trademarks of LEAD Liberia. Use of the LEAD Liberia name and/or logo in any printed, audio, or visual materials not provided by LEAD Liberia, must be approved by LEAD Liberia’s Executive Organizing Team prior to release.
LEAD Liberia’s volunteers, community organizers, advisors, team members and staff must not use the name of LEAD Liberia and/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia to create any local or national political party in Liberia and/or outside of Liberia. LEAD Liberia’s volunteers, community organizers, advisors, team members and staff must not use the name of LEAD Liberia and/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia to bash anyone political parties in Liberia and/or outside of Liberia. However, LEAD Liberia and/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia shall shine a light on our elected officials and individuals within various political parties of Liberia who do not support the goal of engaging, educating and empowering the people of Liberia. LEAD Liberia and/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia shall shine a light on our elected officials and individuals within various political parties of Liberia who do not support the goal of respect, transparency and accountability in government. LEAD Liberia and/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia shall shine a light on government spending; the justice system, Capitol Hill and the Executive Mansion so that all Liberians would be empower to be a watchdog and a whistle blower.
The LEAD Liberia and/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia, a group of inclusion and one that respects differences of perspective and belief. When we disagree, we will work together for the common good and to move our beloved country in the right direction. This is the Liberia we dream off—we should not only say we love Liberia but we should show it in everything we do–by our deeds, our priorities, and the commitments we keep.
Discrimination Statement:
LEAD Liberia does not discriminate, nor do we support programs that discriminate against people on the basis of gender, race, religious, tribes, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
This political group shall be a non—partisan political group that sends one message to our elected officials across Liberia, which is “Do the right thing” and stop playing politics with our future and the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia). The LEAD Organizing For Liberia and/or LEAD Liberia shall support political candidate (s) that shared LEAD Liberia and/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia goal and vision for Liberia; shall issue endorsements, political campaigns, or boycotts any activity that does not support LEAD Liberia goal and vision for Liberia. This non—partisan political group shall by no means be turned into a partisan political group or political party in Liberia and/or outside of Liberia, so help us God.
The five-member of LEAD Liberia Executive Organizing Team shall continuously review particular projects, events, topics and bring to the attention of the entire membership any significant changes, events, topics, objections, and suggestions needed for the effective operation of LEAD Liberia. Unauthorized uses of LEAD Liberia and/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia projects, events, name, intellectual property and/or its outputs shall be reported by any members of LEAD Organizing For Liberia, to the five-member of LEAD Liberia Executive Organizing Team for referred to the entire membership of LEAD Liberia. The membership of LEAD Liberia shall review the findings of the five-member of LEAD Liberia Executive Organizing Team and take appropriate administrative or judicial action to ensure compliance with the General Policies of LEAD Liberia and/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia.
LEAD Liberia and/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia shall support political candidate (s) that had shown loved for Liberia through investing in the Liberian’s State and its people. LEAD Liberia and/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia shall support political candidate (s) that had made sacrifices for the betterment of Liberia and the people at large. The support of any political candidates, endorsements, political campaigns, or boycotts by LEAD Liberia and/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia must be approved by the entire five members of LEAD Liberia and/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia Executive Organizing Team—without which, LEAD Liberia And/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia’s Support, Name and Logo must not be used and/or given by anyone. Contact: LEAD Organizing For Liberia @ 077384990 and/or leadliberia@yahoo.com for more information.
Thank you and May God bless the Republic of Liberia.
Abraham Hoff, Chief Community Organizer
All LEAD Organizing for Liberia activities are governed by LEAD Liberia. In addition, to local and international responsibilities, it is important that all volunteers, community organizers, advisors, staff and executive team members understand all of LEAD Organizing For Liberia’s general policies.
The policies listed below have been established to protect volunteers, community organizers, advisors, staff, and team members, LEAD Liberia and the communities that we serve. These policies safeguard the integrity and mission as set forth by the LEAD Liberia Executive Organizing Team and staff. Adherence to these policies is required of all LEAD Liberia’s volunteers, community organizers, advisors, executive team members and staff. On occasion, there may be unusual circumstances that require flexibility regarding a specific policy. These situations must be discussed with LEAD Liberia Executive Organizing Team before any exceptions to the policy can be made. If you have any questions about these policies, please do not hesitate to contact LEAD Liberia Executive Organizing Team.
LEAD Organizing For Liberia’s goal is to……..
• Engage, Educate, and Empower the people of Liberia
• Demand respect, accountability and transparency from our elected officials across Liberia.
• Build grassroots force for change through citizen participation in government across Liberia.
LEAD Organizing For Liberia is part of LEAD Liberia, a non—partisan political group that sends one message to our elected officials across Liberia, which is “Do the right thing” and stop playing politics with our future and the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia).
The LEAD Liberia Commitment:
LEAD Liberia is committed to providing all volunteers, community organizers, advisors, staff and team members access to LEAD Liberia resources. LEAD Liberia fiscal policies keep administrative costs to a minimum while maximizing our ability to provide support and assistance to all communities across Liberia.
Financial Management:
The headquarter of LEAD Liberia Camp Johnson Road, Liberia West Africa handled all financial transactions through a dedicated account in Liberia and subsequently handles all account expenditures and other activities. Publishers and other vendors should bill LEAD Liberia’s headquarter directly, where the necessary paperwork is reconciled. LEAD Liberia’s headquarter will provide LEAD Organizing For Liberia County Teams, West Africa with regular reports detailing deposits, project grant awards, vendors, and actual invoice costs. In addition, project grant awards, vendors, and other activities will not receive official approval until the LEAD Liberia’s headquarter approves.
Community and Media Outreach:
All press releases and related materials regarding LEAD Organizing For Liberia or LEAD Liberia’s activities must be approved by LEAD Liberia Executive Organizing Team prior to distribution. For pre-approved materials, please contact your LEAD Liberia Executive Organizing Team.
LEAD Organizing For Liberia’s volunteers, community organizers and advisors must obtain signed LEAD Liberia Media Release Forms prior to any event during which children and/or families participating in program that will be photographed or videotaped. This policy covers any photographs, voice recordings, videotapes, letters, or artwork that will be displayed or distributed for LEAD Liberia purposes. The purpose of media release forms is for the protection of Liberia’s vulnerable children and families.
Use of the LEAD Liberia Name and Logo:
The LEAD Organizing For Liberia name and logo are registered trademarks of LEAD Liberia. Use of the LEAD Liberia name and/or logo in any printed, audio, or visual materials not provided by LEAD Liberia, must be approved by LEAD Liberia’s Executive Organizing Team prior to release.
LEAD Liberia’s volunteers, community organizers, advisors, team members and staff must not use the name of LEAD Liberia and/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia to create any local or national political party in Liberia and/or outside of Liberia. LEAD Liberia’s volunteers, community organizers, advisors, team members and staff must not use the name of LEAD Liberia and/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia to bash anyone political parties in Liberia and/or outside of Liberia. However, LEAD Liberia and/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia shall shine a light on our elected officials and individuals within various political parties of Liberia who do not support the goal of engaging, educating and empowering the people of Liberia. LEAD Liberia and/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia shall shine a light on our elected officials and individuals within various political parties of Liberia who do not support the goal of respect, transparency and accountability in government. LEAD Liberia and/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia shall shine a light on government spending; the justice system, Capitol Hill and the Executive Mansion so that all Liberians would be empower to be a watchdog and a whistle blower.
The LEAD Liberia and/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia, a group of inclusion and one that respects differences of perspective and belief. When we disagree, we will work together for the common good and to move our beloved country in the right direction. This is the Liberia we dream off—we should not only say we love Liberia but we should show it in everything we do–by our deeds, our priorities, and the commitments we keep.
Discrimination Statement:
LEAD Liberia does not discriminate, nor do we support programs that discriminate against people on the basis of gender, race, religious, tribes, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
This political group shall be a non—partisan political group that sends one message to our elected officials across Liberia, which is “Do the right thing” and stop playing politics with our future and the national interest of our beloved country (Liberia). The LEAD Organizing For Liberia and/or LEAD Liberia shall support political candidate (s) that shared LEAD Liberia and/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia goal and vision for Liberia; shall issue endorsements, political campaigns, or boycotts any activity that does not support LEAD Liberia goal and vision for Liberia. This non—partisan political group shall by no means be turned into a partisan political group or political party in Liberia and/or outside of Liberia, so help us God.
The five-member of LEAD Liberia Executive Organizing Team shall continuously review particular projects, events, topics and bring to the attention of the entire membership any significant changes, events, topics, objections, and suggestions needed for the effective operation of LEAD Liberia. Unauthorized uses of LEAD Liberia and/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia projects, events, name, intellectual property and/or its outputs shall be reported by any members of LEAD Organizing For Liberia, to the five-member of LEAD Liberia Executive Organizing Team for referred to the entire membership of LEAD Liberia. The membership of LEAD Liberia shall review the findings of the five-member of LEAD Liberia Executive Organizing Team and take appropriate administrative or judicial action to ensure compliance with the General Policies of LEAD Liberia and/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia.
LEAD Liberia and/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia shall support political candidate (s) that had shown loved for Liberia through investing in the Liberian’s State and its people. LEAD Liberia and/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia shall support political candidate (s) that had made sacrifices for the betterment of Liberia and the people at large. The support of any political candidates, endorsements, political campaigns, or boycotts by LEAD Liberia and/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia must be approved by the entire five members of LEAD Liberia and/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia Executive Organizing Team—without which, LEAD Liberia And/or LEAD Organizing For Liberia’s Support, Name and Logo must not be used and/or given by anyone. Contact: LEAD Organizing For Liberia @ 077384990 and/or leadliberia@yahoo.com for more information.
Thank you and May God bless the Republic of Liberia.
Abraham Hoff, Chief Community Organizer
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
NEC Continues Electoral Consultations
Source: allAfrica.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The National Elections Commission (NEC) is surely not giving up despite hurdles put in its way by the consistent dragging of key events which are germane to the process, such as the Threshold Bill which the National Legislature is yet to see reasons to pass.
So after holding series of successive and successful meetings with the media, political parties, women organizations and other civil society groupings, the Commission has turned its attention to holding similar meetings with youth and students organizations, also consider as major stakeholders in the electoral and democratic governance of the country.
A NEC issued Thursday quoted its communication office as saying that it is set to today, July 2, 2010, begin a two-day consultative forum with youth and students organizations in Gbarnga, Bong County.
The holding of the two-day forum out of Monrovia where the NEC is headquartered, according to analysts, is a show of its commitment to decentralizing its program.
The Consultative Forum which begins later on this morning, according to the statement, is intended to for youths and students to brainstorm on areas of collaboration in the electoral process in helping to reduce the level of voters' apathy in the lead-up to the 2011 elections.
The Commission stressed that youths and students are important stakeholders in the electoral process and their involvement is pivotal in the mobilization and engendering a greater participation of the Liberian electorate.
The two-day forum will further afford the youth and student organizations an opportunity to get acquainted with the procedures of constituency delimitation and voter registration, the Commission's statement said.
At the same time, despite the exuberant spirit being shown in the conduct of these consultative meetings, the NEC has alarmed that it's facing a serious strangulation due to the failure of the National Legislature to pass the threshold bill.
Acting NEC Chairman, Madam Elizabeth Nelson told a gathering of NEC staffers yesterday that everything seemed to be at a standstill because of the delay in passing the threshold bill, being that it is a constitutional requirement that is to set the stage for the commission to execute an integral component of the 2011 electoral process.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The National Elections Commission (NEC) is surely not giving up despite hurdles put in its way by the consistent dragging of key events which are germane to the process, such as the Threshold Bill which the National Legislature is yet to see reasons to pass.
So after holding series of successive and successful meetings with the media, political parties, women organizations and other civil society groupings, the Commission has turned its attention to holding similar meetings with youth and students organizations, also consider as major stakeholders in the electoral and democratic governance of the country.
A NEC issued Thursday quoted its communication office as saying that it is set to today, July 2, 2010, begin a two-day consultative forum with youth and students organizations in Gbarnga, Bong County.
The holding of the two-day forum out of Monrovia where the NEC is headquartered, according to analysts, is a show of its commitment to decentralizing its program.
The Consultative Forum which begins later on this morning, according to the statement, is intended to for youths and students to brainstorm on areas of collaboration in the electoral process in helping to reduce the level of voters' apathy in the lead-up to the 2011 elections.
The Commission stressed that youths and students are important stakeholders in the electoral process and their involvement is pivotal in the mobilization and engendering a greater participation of the Liberian electorate.
The two-day forum will further afford the youth and student organizations an opportunity to get acquainted with the procedures of constituency delimitation and voter registration, the Commission's statement said.
At the same time, despite the exuberant spirit being shown in the conduct of these consultative meetings, the NEC has alarmed that it's facing a serious strangulation due to the failure of the National Legislature to pass the threshold bill.
Acting NEC Chairman, Madam Elizabeth Nelson told a gathering of NEC staffers yesterday that everything seemed to be at a standstill because of the delay in passing the threshold bill, being that it is a constitutional requirement that is to set the stage for the commission to execute an integral component of the 2011 electoral process.
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