Source: allafrica.com
Former interim president Dr. Amos C. Sawyer, now head of the Governance Commission, questioning why Article 54 is not amongst constitutional provisions slated for referendum, has urged legislators to ensure the superintendents and other officials are elected in the process of decentralizing governance.
At a public hearing Friday, he said government's failure to include Article 54 (d) of the Constitution for current referendum will deny Liberians the opportunity to move forward with some of the critical aspect of having a local leadership structure that will be accountable to them.
Dr. Sawyer told legislators that, "failure to act now (to amend article 54d of the constitution), will deny Liberia the opportunity to move forward with some of the critical aspects of the preparation for the implementation of a system of local government for at least 6years..."
Article 54(d), which empowers the president to President to appoint superintendents and District Commissioners, states:
The President shall nominate and, with the consent of the Senate, appoint and commission-
d. Superintendents, other county officials and officials of other political sub-divisions;
Dr. Sawyer noted that given the cost of holding a national referendum, it will be important for the said amendment to be done in order to enable its inclusion into the just enacted Referendum Act so as to avoid the cost of holding separate referendums here.
He to the public hearing at the legislature, that the people are "desirous" of having a local government in which they can elect officials such as Superintendents and DCs who will be directly answerable to them as electorate
The GC chair reminded the legislators that the establishment of a local government is a long term program indicating; "we estimate that 5 years would be required before we begin to experience the establishment of the initial institutions under a new system of local governance."
"This is not an overnight process, it may well require 7or more years before we are able to elect our Superintendents, that is, if we pass this law at this time and so if we are to make some progress for the immediate future we have to pass this law now."
Thursday, August 26, 2010
LAP, UP, LUP Merger Certified by National Elections Commission in Liberia
- Nat Nyuan Bayjay
Source: FrontPage Africa
Monrovia -
Days pending the certification of the Unity Party (UP), the Liberia Action Party (LAP) and the Liberia Unification Party (LUP) merger were categorized by diverse public opinions, the most dominant of which was the concern that the merger points to the country’s possible re-slip into what many think will rekindle the past old dark days of a one party system.
The Chairman of the merger, after receiving the certification of the merger from the National Elections Commission (NEC), told a team of journalists at the party’s national headquarters in Monrovia that the
country has had what he called the extremes of both the one party system and the multi-party system.
In his attempt to dismiss the perception that the coming together of political parties as alliances and mergers means the reawakening of the country’s past one party system, Councilor Varney Sherman, while describing the one-party era as unfortunate, observed that the introduction of the multi-party system in the mid-1980’s also went to the extreme that led to the country’s proliferation of parties that numbered over 20.
He noted that it was unfortunate to have one party state at the time but the manner in which so many parties sprang out when multi-party democracy came was alarming which led to another extreme.
Sherman: “The experience is that we moved from one extreme to another extreme. One party state was one extreme. Then, when they said multi-party state, we moved to some 20 parties. That was another extreme.”
The True Whig Party (TWP) ruled supreme during the country’s first 133 years of independence until the bloody 1980 coupe. In the intervening years of 1980-1984, all political party activities were suspended by
the military junta.
The country’s return to anticipated civilian rule in 1985 saw the lifting of suspended political party activities. Multi-party democracy was first introduced which saw that year’s elections being contested
by four parties, the first of its kind in the country’s more than century old history.
Then military ruler, the late Samuel Kanyon Doe’s People’s Redemption Council (PRC) transformation to the National Democratic Party of Liberia (NDPL), the late Edward Beyan Kesselly’s Unity Party, the late
Jackson E. Doe’s Liberia Action Party and the late Gabriel Kpolleh’s Liberia Unification Party were the four parties that contested for the most contentious elections in Liberia’s electoral history.
The three deceased Liberian politicians, Doe, Kpolleh and Kessselly had envisioned the merging of the three political entities during the 1985 presidential elections that were believed to have been ragged by
former President Doe.
“It was a good thing that we had just four political parties contesting the 1985 elections. But that has burst into over 20 parties now”, Sherman stated.
“We are not going back to one party state. That was an unfortunate experience that we had”. He furthered that the multiple of political parties in the country signaled division. “It is an indication that we’re not united because it is not a good thing that a country of about 3.5 million people to have over 20 parties contesting for a single presidential seat.”
“Just take the 1985 platforms for all the political parties that contested. You’ll find that every one of them had the same platforms”, he added.
Comparing the United States’ two major political parties with over 300 million inhabitants which he thinks Liberia needs to emulate, he continued: “Our merger will not lead this country to one party rule. I will hope that the other 18 or more political parties will emulate our example.” Earlier, NEC’s Chairman James Fromayan during Wednesday’s certification ceremony urged the other parties to consider the possibility of forming mergers, coalitions and alliances that will enhance the country’s democratic process.
Fromayan: “Towards this end, we want to call on all political parties to emulate the example of the three political parties through the formation of mergers, alliances and coalitions in a more committed and
dedicated manner.”
Keen followers of Liberia’s political landscape have argued that opposition political parties continue to squander their chances of ascending to state power as the multi-party system has diminished their power to restrain the ruling party from usurping absolute power. They cite the 1985 general elections as a case in point because, according to them, the many parties that competed in the election resulted into the situation where there was no strong opposition party to the incumbent Doe.
The Special 1997 Elections were the first post-war general elections which was a replay of the ones held 12 years earlier-featuring a multiplicity of parties which Charles Taylor went on to win simply
because his rivalries failed to form any formidable coalition or alliance. Thirteen political parties contested.
The general elections of 2005 were again a replay of the 1997 general elections that featured a multiplicity of parties which ushered in President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf after 22 political parties contested
for a vacant presidential seat.
Political pundits are still arguing that there remains no viable opposition party to Sirleaf ahead of next year’s elections until a stronger and formidable coalition or alliance of leading opposition parties is consolidated other than the crack-prone newly formed Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) that comprises of football legend George Weah’s Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Councilor
Winston Tubman’s Liberia National Union (LINU), former President Taylor’s National Patriotic Party (NPP) and former warlord Sekou Damate Conneh’s Progressive Democratic Party (PRODEMP).
Source: FrontPage Africa
Monrovia -
Days pending the certification of the Unity Party (UP), the Liberia Action Party (LAP) and the Liberia Unification Party (LUP) merger were categorized by diverse public opinions, the most dominant of which was the concern that the merger points to the country’s possible re-slip into what many think will rekindle the past old dark days of a one party system.
The Chairman of the merger, after receiving the certification of the merger from the National Elections Commission (NEC), told a team of journalists at the party’s national headquarters in Monrovia that the
country has had what he called the extremes of both the one party system and the multi-party system.
In his attempt to dismiss the perception that the coming together of political parties as alliances and mergers means the reawakening of the country’s past one party system, Councilor Varney Sherman, while describing the one-party era as unfortunate, observed that the introduction of the multi-party system in the mid-1980’s also went to the extreme that led to the country’s proliferation of parties that numbered over 20.
He noted that it was unfortunate to have one party state at the time but the manner in which so many parties sprang out when multi-party democracy came was alarming which led to another extreme.
Sherman: “The experience is that we moved from one extreme to another extreme. One party state was one extreme. Then, when they said multi-party state, we moved to some 20 parties. That was another extreme.”
The True Whig Party (TWP) ruled supreme during the country’s first 133 years of independence until the bloody 1980 coupe. In the intervening years of 1980-1984, all political party activities were suspended by
the military junta.
The country’s return to anticipated civilian rule in 1985 saw the lifting of suspended political party activities. Multi-party democracy was first introduced which saw that year’s elections being contested
by four parties, the first of its kind in the country’s more than century old history.
Then military ruler, the late Samuel Kanyon Doe’s People’s Redemption Council (PRC) transformation to the National Democratic Party of Liberia (NDPL), the late Edward Beyan Kesselly’s Unity Party, the late
Jackson E. Doe’s Liberia Action Party and the late Gabriel Kpolleh’s Liberia Unification Party were the four parties that contested for the most contentious elections in Liberia’s electoral history.
The three deceased Liberian politicians, Doe, Kpolleh and Kessselly had envisioned the merging of the three political entities during the 1985 presidential elections that were believed to have been ragged by
former President Doe.
“It was a good thing that we had just four political parties contesting the 1985 elections. But that has burst into over 20 parties now”, Sherman stated.
“We are not going back to one party state. That was an unfortunate experience that we had”. He furthered that the multiple of political parties in the country signaled division. “It is an indication that we’re not united because it is not a good thing that a country of about 3.5 million people to have over 20 parties contesting for a single presidential seat.”
“Just take the 1985 platforms for all the political parties that contested. You’ll find that every one of them had the same platforms”, he added.
Comparing the United States’ two major political parties with over 300 million inhabitants which he thinks Liberia needs to emulate, he continued: “Our merger will not lead this country to one party rule. I will hope that the other 18 or more political parties will emulate our example.” Earlier, NEC’s Chairman James Fromayan during Wednesday’s certification ceremony urged the other parties to consider the possibility of forming mergers, coalitions and alliances that will enhance the country’s democratic process.
Fromayan: “Towards this end, we want to call on all political parties to emulate the example of the three political parties through the formation of mergers, alliances and coalitions in a more committed and
dedicated manner.”
Keen followers of Liberia’s political landscape have argued that opposition political parties continue to squander their chances of ascending to state power as the multi-party system has diminished their power to restrain the ruling party from usurping absolute power. They cite the 1985 general elections as a case in point because, according to them, the many parties that competed in the election resulted into the situation where there was no strong opposition party to the incumbent Doe.
The Special 1997 Elections were the first post-war general elections which was a replay of the ones held 12 years earlier-featuring a multiplicity of parties which Charles Taylor went on to win simply
because his rivalries failed to form any formidable coalition or alliance. Thirteen political parties contested.
The general elections of 2005 were again a replay of the 1997 general elections that featured a multiplicity of parties which ushered in President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf after 22 political parties contested
for a vacant presidential seat.
Political pundits are still arguing that there remains no viable opposition party to Sirleaf ahead of next year’s elections until a stronger and formidable coalition or alliance of leading opposition parties is consolidated other than the crack-prone newly formed Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) that comprises of football legend George Weah’s Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Councilor
Winston Tubman’s Liberia National Union (LINU), former President Taylor’s National Patriotic Party (NPP) and former warlord Sekou Damate Conneh’s Progressive Democratic Party (PRODEMP).
Two-year old girl burnt to death
Written by Gabriel Paul
Source: Star Radio Liberia
A two-year old girl has been burnt to death in the Kordua Community, Grand Bassa County.
Little Yvonne Joe died when fire gutted the five bed-room house in which she was sleeping.
The incident happened Wednesday afternoon.
The father of the deceased told Star Radio he left his daughter sleeping in the room and returned to work after his lunch break.
Mr. Anthony Joe said he was surprised to see his room ablaze minutes after he returned home for his eyeglasses.
Our correspondent says fire fighters from the Buchanan Renewable Energy intervened and managed put out the fire thus preventing it from spreading further.
Source: Star Radio Liberia
A two-year old girl has been burnt to death in the Kordua Community, Grand Bassa County.
Little Yvonne Joe died when fire gutted the five bed-room house in which she was sleeping.
The incident happened Wednesday afternoon.
The father of the deceased told Star Radio he left his daughter sleeping in the room and returned to work after his lunch break.
Mr. Anthony Joe said he was surprised to see his room ablaze minutes after he returned home for his eyeglasses.
Our correspondent says fire fighters from the Buchanan Renewable Energy intervened and managed put out the fire thus preventing it from spreading further.
UL professor wants pension scheme for ex-heads of state
Written by Vivian Gartyn
Source: Star Radio Liberia
University Professor Wilson Tarpeh has called on government to end its neglect of former heads of state.
Professor Tarpeh told Star Radio former heads of state who diligently served the country are often neglected.
The UL Professor described such treatment as discouraging, saying it does not augur well for Liberia.
Mr. Tarperh recalled how the late Council Chairman Professor David Kpormakpor lived in exile in what he called appalling condition till his death.
Professor Tarpeh also named former interim leader, Ruth Sando Perry, Moses Blah and others who are still experiencing serious neglect by government.
He wants government put in place an attractive pension scheme for people who honestly served the country and retired.
At the sametime, the UL Professor has called on government to ensure the body of the late Kpormakpor is brought home and given a burial befitting his status.
Source: Star Radio Liberia
University Professor Wilson Tarpeh has called on government to end its neglect of former heads of state.
Professor Tarpeh told Star Radio former heads of state who diligently served the country are often neglected.
The UL Professor described such treatment as discouraging, saying it does not augur well for Liberia.
Mr. Tarperh recalled how the late Council Chairman Professor David Kpormakpor lived in exile in what he called appalling condition till his death.
Professor Tarpeh also named former interim leader, Ruth Sando Perry, Moses Blah and others who are still experiencing serious neglect by government.
He wants government put in place an attractive pension scheme for people who honestly served the country and retired.
At the sametime, the UL Professor has called on government to ensure the body of the late Kpormakpor is brought home and given a burial befitting his status.
A White Plain Hydro project starts October
Written by Charles Gbollie
Source: Star Radio Liberia
The visiting delegation of the African Development Bank says its forty million US dollar water project for Liberia would begin this October.
ADB Principal Water and Sanitation Engineer, Tom Muyoya said the project will cover the rehabilitation of the damaged White Plain water facility of the LWSC.
LWSC is the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation.
According to Mr. Muyoya, the water project would also lead to the restoration of pipe-borne water to three regional cities including Buchanan, Zwedru and Kakata.
He disclosed the bank’s water project for Liberia is a result of government’s priority and indicated it would be completed by 2014.
The visiting ADB Principal Water and Sanitation Engineer spoke Thursday during the delegation’s visit to the LWSC’s White Plain water facility .
For his part, LWSC Managing Director Hun-bu Tulay said the visit was important because it gave the team opportunity to see where its money would be spent.
Mr. Tulay said the ADB project will increase the current water production capacity of the entity from three point five to sixteen million gallons per day.
According to him, the increase will ensure more residents of Monrovia and other parts have access to safe-drinking in the country.
The LWSC’s Managing Director disclosed portion of the ADB funding would be used to improve sanitary condition
of Monrovia and its environs amongst others.
Source: Star Radio Liberia
The visiting delegation of the African Development Bank says its forty million US dollar water project for Liberia would begin this October.
ADB Principal Water and Sanitation Engineer, Tom Muyoya said the project will cover the rehabilitation of the damaged White Plain water facility of the LWSC.
LWSC is the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation.
According to Mr. Muyoya, the water project would also lead to the restoration of pipe-borne water to three regional cities including Buchanan, Zwedru and Kakata.
He disclosed the bank’s water project for Liberia is a result of government’s priority and indicated it would be completed by 2014.
The visiting ADB Principal Water and Sanitation Engineer spoke Thursday during the delegation’s visit to the LWSC’s White Plain water facility .
For his part, LWSC Managing Director Hun-bu Tulay said the visit was important because it gave the team opportunity to see where its money would be spent.
Mr. Tulay said the ADB project will increase the current water production capacity of the entity from three point five to sixteen million gallons per day.
According to him, the increase will ensure more residents of Monrovia and other parts have access to safe-drinking in the country.
The LWSC’s Managing Director disclosed portion of the ADB funding would be used to improve sanitary condition
of Monrovia and its environs amongst others.
Why Punchu and Dempster’s nominations were withdrawn
Written by Julius Kanubah
Source: Star Radio Liberia
Details have emerged over what led to the withdrawal of two key nominees from the Independent National Human Rights Commission.
In a letter, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf said she withdrew the nominations of the INHRC chairperson-designate and another commissioner for two reasons.
According to her, Cllr. Punchu Leonard-Bernard’s nomination was withdrawn because she did not meet the strict requirement to head the Commission.
She said under the INHRC Act, the entity’s Chairperson must be a senior lawyer, something Cllr. Bernard fell short of.
Our reporter covering the Legislature says it was discovered that Madam Bernard was admitted into the bar early this month.
But when asked by Senators during her confirmation to state the actual date of her admittance into the bar, Cllr. Bernard fumbled and said she could not remember.
For Cllr. Dempster Brown, the President said it was brought to her attention that he acted without good judgment during his appearance for confirmation hearing.
According to President Sirleaf , Cllr. Brown disclosed certain information made available to him in confidence.
President Sirleaf feared that if confirmed by the Senate Cllr. Brown would act similarly in confidential matters that may come before the INHRC.
It can be recalled during the hearing Cllr. Brown spoke about a meeting between him and the President after the National Security Agency protested his nomination.
In her letter to the Senate, President Sirleaf meanwhile expressed regret over her action but said there was no other choice under the circumstances.
The Senate has noted the letter by the President.
Source: Star Radio Liberia
Details have emerged over what led to the withdrawal of two key nominees from the Independent National Human Rights Commission.
In a letter, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf said she withdrew the nominations of the INHRC chairperson-designate and another commissioner for two reasons.
According to her, Cllr. Punchu Leonard-Bernard’s nomination was withdrawn because she did not meet the strict requirement to head the Commission.
She said under the INHRC Act, the entity’s Chairperson must be a senior lawyer, something Cllr. Bernard fell short of.
Our reporter covering the Legislature says it was discovered that Madam Bernard was admitted into the bar early this month.
But when asked by Senators during her confirmation to state the actual date of her admittance into the bar, Cllr. Bernard fumbled and said she could not remember.
For Cllr. Dempster Brown, the President said it was brought to her attention that he acted without good judgment during his appearance for confirmation hearing.
According to President Sirleaf , Cllr. Brown disclosed certain information made available to him in confidence.
President Sirleaf feared that if confirmed by the Senate Cllr. Brown would act similarly in confidential matters that may come before the INHRC.
It can be recalled during the hearing Cllr. Brown spoke about a meeting between him and the President after the National Security Agency protested his nomination.
In her letter to the Senate, President Sirleaf meanwhile expressed regret over her action but said there was no other choice under the circumstances.
The Senate has noted the letter by the President.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Govt Ready for TRC Report
Source: allafrica.com
According to protocol, the TRC is to submit its Final Consolidated Reports released last November to the National Legislature, for only God knows what, and simultaneously submit it to the President for implementation by the Independent National Human Rights Commission of Liberia (INHRC).
The protocol allows no comparing notes. Ironically, the President is supposed to make "periodic report" to the Legislature, a co-receiver. The confusion over handling priority and responsibility, and perhaps plus public debate about the legitimacy of the TRC itself, caused the Sirleaf Administration sometime last year to adopt a review of the report. Now the review is completed. The Analyst, reports.
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is due, this week, to submit her first report to the National Legislature regarding the implementation of the Final Consolidated Report of the TRC.
Presidential Press Secretary Cyril W. Badio told a regular press briefing Monday that the President's reports contained the findings of civil society groups she constituted to review the TRC report.
Under the TRC protocol of implementation, the President is only supposed to report on what the INHRC has accomplished under a three-month period of activities. The protocol gives no room for any such thing as implementation review report.
Many say this restriction, more than anything else, raises questions about the President's pending report and sends skeptics braving for the déjá vu.
But a president's report to parliament based on the review of civil society groups about a controversial report that had been idle for nearly a year, analysts say, makes a good hearing for a society eager to put its past behind it.
Early uncertain
Mr. Badio did not name the civil society groups, nor did he say what the groups' specific mandates were or where it derived its authority – since the implementation protocol of the TRC provided for no such review groups.
But he recalled that the President set up the groups to review the report and suggest a way forward.
"The President is keen to ensure that a report to the National Legislature on the TRC report contains substantive issues for the lawmakers' consideration. Once the legislators receive the document, more details will be provided to the public," Mr. Badio at Monday's press briefing said.
Rising hope, controversies and denials, enduring questions
Until the press secretary's abrupt announcement Monday, pessimists had concluded that the TRC reports might never be implemented, given the barrages of ifs and ands and issues of legitimacy that greeted its first "unedited draft" in June 2009.
Observers however say the announcement has raised the hope of Liberians who believe that only punitive sanctions against those who deliberately exceeded the limits of war and committed crimes against humanity will heal the soul of Liberia.
The Transitional Administration of Charles Gyude Bryant set up the TRC in 2005 to find ways to bring the victims and perpetrators of Liberia's civil war together in a forum of purging confrontation to "tell the truth, seek forgiveness, and eventually reconcile".
But midway in its work, perhaps given the gruesomeness of the tales of death and mayhem it garnered from victims, the TRC decided that even though the "palava hut style" method of arbitration was helpful in certain circumstances, it was found wanting in most circumstances.
It was perhaps due to what the commission found that transformed its philosophy of reconciliation from the simple victim-driven resolution to retributive justice, clutching the fallacy that it is only punitive justice that begets peace.
Anxious to adopt what it saw as international disposition toward war crime and crime against humanity and to put Liberia on par, the commission failed to appreciate what possible enduring peace and reconciliation victim-dictated and driven peace resolutions would bring to the Liberian countryside outside the rigidity of international law.
"Liberia is a close-knit lineage society where vanity is frowned upon seriously and where the loss of social standing for infamy brings more gratification to society and victims than what any court system can bring. These warlords should have gone through the palava hut system and lose their social and political standings forever. The TRC should have known this," said one observer in a recent chat with this paper.
The controversy regarding whether it is traditional methods of justice or the legal system of justice that is suitable to Liberia's peace and reconciliation agenda following 14 years of mayhem, which produced no victor, remains on top of the question of what to do with the TRC report.
But it is not a new one. Back in 2003 and in the subsequent series of peace meetings across Ghana, Liberian peace stakeholders and their international mentors belabored the question and came away convinced that anything other than traditional justice would spark fresh hostilities in Liberia.
They opted for the TRC system, there and then resolving that Liberia would not subscribe to tribunal justice in addressing its peace and reconciliation questions.
The overwhelming view then was that since the war ended with the voluntary resolution of all Liberians to put hostilities behind them and handle their socio-economic and political questions through the ballot box and through the resolve never to learn war any more, no Liberian has the moral right to stand in judgment of the other.
"All have sinned and come short of the glory of the Lord", was the key convention biblical quote.
However, few still think that the then prevailing view for opting for a simple peace and reconciliation process remains relevant today and perhaps for a long time to come.
With the international community convinced that Liberia is still "fragile", besides being economically weak to support any drawn-out war crime trials of more than 500 suspected war crime perpetrators, some say the chances of implementing the TRC recommendations holistically remain slimmer.
This line of thought, though, triggers another question regarding what exactly the mainstay of President Sirleaf's report to the Legislature, this week, might be and whatever it is, how welcome it would be.
"Will it ask the Legislature to debate the implications of some of the controversial recommendations such as the 30-year political exclusion for individuals, including President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, suspected of 'supporting the war effort'?" observers say is the key question.
The Executive and the Legislature may decide between them what portion of the report the former, through INHRC can implement, and which one it cannot.
However, one of two things must happen in order for this to happen, according to analysts. The Supreme Court may first have to nullify what many see as the TRC's imposition on the peace process as unconstitutional, as former COTOL presidential contender now UP chairman Cllr. Varney Sherman has been pushing for, or the Legislature may have to repeal part of the TRC mandate.
Even that, observers say, raises a question of credibility. Would pro punitive justice advocates accept a "watered down" TRC report? Though legal, would such move be politically expedient?
What about the TRC and its international backers, who, it seems, are already doubtful about the government's willingness to implement the recommendations as Chairman Verdier confirmed in recent remarks during the closure of the commission's headquarters in Sinkor.
But what if President Sirleaf told the Legislature in this week's report that Liberia cannot afford the legal aspect of the TRC recommendations and that therefore she wants a resolution authorizing the implementation of the other recommendations?
Some say such a request would be granted, given that key members of the Legislature, mainly the Senate, comprises individuals who directed the war and oversaw most of the atrocities.
These House members are a minority, but peer solidarity may be a factor, said one observer.
That is not the only anomaly in the TRC recommendations that may lend ground to lawmakers wanting to weigh in, in order to protect their political futures, on the side of those who want an unencumbered peace and reconciliation process void of drawn-out legal battles.
By itself also, the exclusion of politicians in and out of government from the political process for 30 years without due process in violation of the Constitution of Liberia creates conditions for solidarity within parliament – war crimes suspects forming cohorts with those who stand to be excluded, "illegally", from politics.
Article 20 says neither the government of Liberia nor any quasi judicial group must deprive any person of life, liberty, security of the person, property, privilege, or another rights except through due process of law, how ever overwhelming is the supposed evidence of guilt or how weighty is public opinion against the accused.
This raises a number of other enduring questions: Did the TRC conduct an investigation to convict those slated for political exclusion? Could it have conducted an investigation? Did it have the legal standing to do so? If did, why didn't it try the war crime suspects as well and hand down legal verdicts but rather recommended the setting up of a special court? Does the obvious double dealing say something about the nature of the TRC and how the move from a palava hut style of justice to heavily leaning on punitive justice create the problem of implementation? Can the TRC afford to use illegal means to obtain justice vis-à-vis the issue political exclusion?
Observers say these and other questions continue to confront the nation as the President sets to inform the people's representatives of what her administration and civil society groups have discovered about the TRC report.
How she says what she will say or will not say to the people's representatives – and not basically what she will say – analysts say will go a long way in setting the tune for the debate or implementation of the TRC report piecemeal or holistically.
Until then, they say, Liberians have only to continue twiddling their thumbs as they wait.
According to protocol, the TRC is to submit its Final Consolidated Reports released last November to the National Legislature, for only God knows what, and simultaneously submit it to the President for implementation by the Independent National Human Rights Commission of Liberia (INHRC).
The protocol allows no comparing notes. Ironically, the President is supposed to make "periodic report" to the Legislature, a co-receiver. The confusion over handling priority and responsibility, and perhaps plus public debate about the legitimacy of the TRC itself, caused the Sirleaf Administration sometime last year to adopt a review of the report. Now the review is completed. The Analyst, reports.
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is due, this week, to submit her first report to the National Legislature regarding the implementation of the Final Consolidated Report of the TRC.
Presidential Press Secretary Cyril W. Badio told a regular press briefing Monday that the President's reports contained the findings of civil society groups she constituted to review the TRC report.
Under the TRC protocol of implementation, the President is only supposed to report on what the INHRC has accomplished under a three-month period of activities. The protocol gives no room for any such thing as implementation review report.
Many say this restriction, more than anything else, raises questions about the President's pending report and sends skeptics braving for the déjá vu.
But a president's report to parliament based on the review of civil society groups about a controversial report that had been idle for nearly a year, analysts say, makes a good hearing for a society eager to put its past behind it.
Early uncertain
Mr. Badio did not name the civil society groups, nor did he say what the groups' specific mandates were or where it derived its authority – since the implementation protocol of the TRC provided for no such review groups.
But he recalled that the President set up the groups to review the report and suggest a way forward.
"The President is keen to ensure that a report to the National Legislature on the TRC report contains substantive issues for the lawmakers' consideration. Once the legislators receive the document, more details will be provided to the public," Mr. Badio at Monday's press briefing said.
Rising hope, controversies and denials, enduring questions
Until the press secretary's abrupt announcement Monday, pessimists had concluded that the TRC reports might never be implemented, given the barrages of ifs and ands and issues of legitimacy that greeted its first "unedited draft" in June 2009.
Observers however say the announcement has raised the hope of Liberians who believe that only punitive sanctions against those who deliberately exceeded the limits of war and committed crimes against humanity will heal the soul of Liberia.
The Transitional Administration of Charles Gyude Bryant set up the TRC in 2005 to find ways to bring the victims and perpetrators of Liberia's civil war together in a forum of purging confrontation to "tell the truth, seek forgiveness, and eventually reconcile".
But midway in its work, perhaps given the gruesomeness of the tales of death and mayhem it garnered from victims, the TRC decided that even though the "palava hut style" method of arbitration was helpful in certain circumstances, it was found wanting in most circumstances.
It was perhaps due to what the commission found that transformed its philosophy of reconciliation from the simple victim-driven resolution to retributive justice, clutching the fallacy that it is only punitive justice that begets peace.
Anxious to adopt what it saw as international disposition toward war crime and crime against humanity and to put Liberia on par, the commission failed to appreciate what possible enduring peace and reconciliation victim-dictated and driven peace resolutions would bring to the Liberian countryside outside the rigidity of international law.
"Liberia is a close-knit lineage society where vanity is frowned upon seriously and where the loss of social standing for infamy brings more gratification to society and victims than what any court system can bring. These warlords should have gone through the palava hut system and lose their social and political standings forever. The TRC should have known this," said one observer in a recent chat with this paper.
The controversy regarding whether it is traditional methods of justice or the legal system of justice that is suitable to Liberia's peace and reconciliation agenda following 14 years of mayhem, which produced no victor, remains on top of the question of what to do with the TRC report.
But it is not a new one. Back in 2003 and in the subsequent series of peace meetings across Ghana, Liberian peace stakeholders and their international mentors belabored the question and came away convinced that anything other than traditional justice would spark fresh hostilities in Liberia.
They opted for the TRC system, there and then resolving that Liberia would not subscribe to tribunal justice in addressing its peace and reconciliation questions.
The overwhelming view then was that since the war ended with the voluntary resolution of all Liberians to put hostilities behind them and handle their socio-economic and political questions through the ballot box and through the resolve never to learn war any more, no Liberian has the moral right to stand in judgment of the other.
"All have sinned and come short of the glory of the Lord", was the key convention biblical quote.
However, few still think that the then prevailing view for opting for a simple peace and reconciliation process remains relevant today and perhaps for a long time to come.
With the international community convinced that Liberia is still "fragile", besides being economically weak to support any drawn-out war crime trials of more than 500 suspected war crime perpetrators, some say the chances of implementing the TRC recommendations holistically remain slimmer.
This line of thought, though, triggers another question regarding what exactly the mainstay of President Sirleaf's report to the Legislature, this week, might be and whatever it is, how welcome it would be.
"Will it ask the Legislature to debate the implications of some of the controversial recommendations such as the 30-year political exclusion for individuals, including President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, suspected of 'supporting the war effort'?" observers say is the key question.
The Executive and the Legislature may decide between them what portion of the report the former, through INHRC can implement, and which one it cannot.
However, one of two things must happen in order for this to happen, according to analysts. The Supreme Court may first have to nullify what many see as the TRC's imposition on the peace process as unconstitutional, as former COTOL presidential contender now UP chairman Cllr. Varney Sherman has been pushing for, or the Legislature may have to repeal part of the TRC mandate.
Even that, observers say, raises a question of credibility. Would pro punitive justice advocates accept a "watered down" TRC report? Though legal, would such move be politically expedient?
What about the TRC and its international backers, who, it seems, are already doubtful about the government's willingness to implement the recommendations as Chairman Verdier confirmed in recent remarks during the closure of the commission's headquarters in Sinkor.
But what if President Sirleaf told the Legislature in this week's report that Liberia cannot afford the legal aspect of the TRC recommendations and that therefore she wants a resolution authorizing the implementation of the other recommendations?
Some say such a request would be granted, given that key members of the Legislature, mainly the Senate, comprises individuals who directed the war and oversaw most of the atrocities.
These House members are a minority, but peer solidarity may be a factor, said one observer.
That is not the only anomaly in the TRC recommendations that may lend ground to lawmakers wanting to weigh in, in order to protect their political futures, on the side of those who want an unencumbered peace and reconciliation process void of drawn-out legal battles.
By itself also, the exclusion of politicians in and out of government from the political process for 30 years without due process in violation of the Constitution of Liberia creates conditions for solidarity within parliament – war crimes suspects forming cohorts with those who stand to be excluded, "illegally", from politics.
Article 20 says neither the government of Liberia nor any quasi judicial group must deprive any person of life, liberty, security of the person, property, privilege, or another rights except through due process of law, how ever overwhelming is the supposed evidence of guilt or how weighty is public opinion against the accused.
This raises a number of other enduring questions: Did the TRC conduct an investigation to convict those slated for political exclusion? Could it have conducted an investigation? Did it have the legal standing to do so? If did, why didn't it try the war crime suspects as well and hand down legal verdicts but rather recommended the setting up of a special court? Does the obvious double dealing say something about the nature of the TRC and how the move from a palava hut style of justice to heavily leaning on punitive justice create the problem of implementation? Can the TRC afford to use illegal means to obtain justice vis-à-vis the issue political exclusion?
Observers say these and other questions continue to confront the nation as the President sets to inform the people's representatives of what her administration and civil society groups have discovered about the TRC report.
How she says what she will say or will not say to the people's representatives – and not basically what she will say – analysts say will go a long way in setting the tune for the debate or implementation of the TRC report piecemeal or holistically.
Until then, they say, Liberians have only to continue twiddling their thumbs as they wait.
A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: ‘Homeland’ Liberia Does Not Belong To Richard Tolbert
- Rodney D. Sieh
Source: FrontPage Africa
Dear Readers,
RICHARD TOLBERT, the head of the National Investment Commission in Liberia has always taken the personal route in responses to investigative stories undertaken by FrontPageAfrica. His latest, in response to our Thursday, August 19, 2010 Cover story entitled: Selling of Liberia - Billions For Less: Investors Get Resources For Cheap?
A CASE in point: When FPA sought, in 2008 to investigate assets and wealth pile up of officials two years after President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf declared that all officials in her administration would be required to declare their assets, Mr. Tolbert took offense to FPA inquiry asking him to address the issue.
SAID TOLBERT: “I FIND your stories and questions by and large trivial, unprofessional, and based on false rumors , lies , gossip and nothing but negative. While some of us are doing everything possible to rebuild our beloved homeland people like you seem to take pleasure in throwing stones from a distance and tearing down everything others are trying to rebuild. Thank goodness the majority of Liberians back home are basically good people who understand, support and appreciate the work we are doing. Try coming home one day to gather facts instead of just writing nonsense and printing every vicious lie someone writes to you. Even better, try putting down your poison pen and come home and pick up a tool to do some rebuilding or farming. - Richard Tolbert
TOLBERT, the son of Frank Tolbert, former President Pro Tempore of the Senate, who was one of thirteen officials of the William R. Tolbert government, executed on April 12, 1980, went to great length in dismissing FPA’s quest for answers about his assets.
SAID TOLBERT: “It's none of your business, but I did get a $50,000 mortgage from IB Bank in Liberia to buy my own home despite having deeds for over 20 pieces of property in my Late Father's name.......the same bank called International Trust Company in 1980 that some idiots went into and "confiscated in the cause of the struggle" $650,000 of my 70 year old father's hard earned life savings before executing him in cold blood . If I did not build a house some of you would be writing as some of your colleagues have already falsely written that those of us who returned home are just here for the short term and are not concerned with the welfare of our people over the long-term because we have no vested interest here. Well I can tell you one thing, I for one am here for the duration. I hope that satisfies your morbid curiousity.
IN FACT, since Mr. Tolbert threw his challenge to FrontPageAfrica, we have made a successful transition from a well-read online news organ to a print edition while keeping our web base components in tact.
SINCE THE LAUNCH of its print edition last November, it has sought to continue its investigative trend in raising issues and stories affecting the lives of ordinary Liberians.
THUS, OUR LATEST INVESTIGATIVE analysis, “Billions for Less”, sought to highlight some of the problems associated with numerous investment pronouncements by Mr. Tolbert especially in the wake of the ongoing debate and discussion regarding yet another concession agreement that promises to provide at least 35,000 direct jobs for Liberians. The BHP Biliton deal follows China Union's US$2.6 billion he signing of the ArcelorMittal's US$1.6billion, Buchanan Renewable's US$140 million and the Sime Darby's US$800 million deals which also promised to provide jobs and improve the lives of Liberians.
THE STORY sought to decipher many of the hidden flaws associated with investments and investors and the recurring issue regarding the lack of background checks and vetting of potential investors in Liberia, raising a number of unanswered questions ranging from what is the initial investments of these firms to how many jobs will be created right away.
IN HIS RESPONSE, Dr. Tolbert fails to explain or offer evidence over his claims of thousands of jobs created as a result of his investment initiatives when he states the following:
“Fortunately for some of us our work can be measured in concrete terms of dollars, jobs, mines, factories, plantations, schools, housing, hospitals, roads, ports, infrastructure etc and the vast majority of Liberian people on the ground tell us every day they appreciate what we are doing as they are the ones who will reap the benefits for generations to come . I could go on and on about the $ 10 - $ 15 billion of investment we have attracted to Liberia over the past 5 years including China Union, Arcelor Mittal, Putu Severstal, BHP Billiton, Vale, Buchanan Renewables, SIFCA, Bob Johnson, Sime Darby, Golden Veroleum, APM Meask, etc etc which will create not only tens of thousands of desperately needed jobs and income but also bring health, education, housing, electricity, sanitation, roads, ports, rails, infrastructure etc etc but I doubt anything we say will make any difference. Please Rodney Shine your eyes.” This is after all still your homeland.”
FOR THOUSANDS of Liberians, interpretations of investment pronouncements have been difficult to decipher and in most cases tough to understand.
FOR EXAMPLE, The riddle that comes resolved is while Mr. Tolbert shows off the size of the investment, most knowledgeable experts question the sheer magnitude due to Liberia’s lack of absorptive capacity, meaning the country’s economy cannot adequately accommodate the investment because it lacks the skills training, economic infrastructure and supportive environment. But even more, it is the disingenuity and dishonesty inherent in remarks which say that a company will invest billions over the “life” of the project. The statement does not indicate the initial investment size, and how many jobs will be created from it. If a company initially invests 50 million dollars in a project and reinvests its profits over 30 years into the same project, which are billions of dollars, then the underlying assumption that a 50 million dollar investment raking in billions over time should reap more benefits for the country which gave out the concession in the first place. If the company will use free cash flows from the project to reinvest without additional equity contribution, you cannot say company X will invest billions. That is a bold faced lie and intended only to score political points.
FRONTPAGEAFRICA WISHES to inform Mr. Tolbert that it welcomes positive efforts the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf administration is making and has gone to great lengths to highlight those development efforts in and around Liberia.
WE ASSURE MR. TOLBERT, that whatever “spate of good news” on the investment front coming out of Liberia over the past few days”, would be a welcome relief for the people of Liberia. Tolbert’s task now is to explain how it trickles down to those at the bottom of the economic ladder.
MR. TOLBERT would also do himself well to research and understand that there are problems with many of the investments he has heralded. Amlib, for example is currently at odds with villagers over the fact that it has not delivered on its community outreach to the areas it now mines, Buchanan Renewables which had to be bailed out by John Mc Bain and Opic is still far off its delivery date to provide sustainable bio-electricity at less than half of the current cost 40 cent – 50 cent per kilowatt hour for diesel fuel which Liberia currently imports.
ONLY A FEW months ago, Amlib came under scrutiny after being accused of conducting exploration in Kokoya for over seven years without applying for mining license, AmLib entered into agreement with the Liberian government for additional two mining areas in Grand Gedeh and Rivercess, while the citizens of Kokoya still crying foul over the operation of the company in their communities.
OVER THE PAST few years, a number of conflict of interest issues have also dogged Tolbert since he accepted a post in the Sirleaf administration. When FrontPageAfrica sought inquiry from Tolbert in November 2008 regarding his purported interest in the Buchanan Renewable Energies, Tolbert flatly denied that he had any shares or interest in BRE.
Said Tolbert:
“BRE has not given $100,000 to any Charity of mine nor do I have any share in BRE.BRE made a loan of $100k to the Loan Star Mobilization Committee of the National Football Team when they did not have money to travel to Senegal for a match (which was well publicized in the local papers). In fact, they have only got back half of the money. BRE made a paltry contribution of $1,500 to the Clara Tay Foundation, a charity I founded almost 10 years ago which has this year paid the school fees of almost 100 refugee children who returned to Liberia from the Buduburam Refugee Camp in Ghana.
Tolbert continued: “And finally, NO I do not have any share in BRE....but I can tell you frankly I wish I did. This is one of the most innovative investments we have attracted to Liberia which in addition to creating hundreds of jobs in a very short period of time is revolutionizing our rubber sector by creating a whole new business out of exporting waste rubber wood chips. And now , we are in the process of concluding a separate $150 million deal with them by which this company could be producing 35 megawatts of power to electrify the entire environs of Monrovia at LESS THAN HALF THE CURRENT COST OF ELECTRICITY BY 2010!.”
Tolbert said at the time that Liberians need to have an equity stake in some of these ventures that are coming to Liberia and furthered that although it is not required for Liberians to own shares in any foreign business in Liberia, the National Investment Commission do encourage foreign companies to look at including Liberians not only in the management but also in ownership of these businesses for the mutual long term benefit of both the investors and the country. “Under the charter creating the Investment Commission, I am not barred from owning shares in businesses but would have to disclose my ownership in any business that came before the Commission for incentives and recued myself from any deliberations concerning that business.”
That was two years ago. More recently, new revelations have surfaced that Tolbert was a major shareholder in Mano Resources Corporation, an exploration company on the Toronto Stock Exchange whose firm African Aura own 30 percent of the Putu Mining deal in Liberia.
Tolbert recently told FrontPageAfrica that he has recused himself from all dealings regarding the Mano deal in Liberia. “I should as a Liberian have a share but I do not have any now but I still maintain relations with the company. Tolbert said in keeping with the charter of the NIC he disclosed his ties to Mano before he took on the post. “I have recused myself from the proceedings. Advisor to the company, I had options.”
Tolbert said he was very proud that to be associated with Mano and Putu and was instrumental in keeping them in Liberia even after war and destruction.
“They’re not only involved in minerals but also gold and I feel very proud to have a multi-million dollar company doing business in Grand Gedeh which will help to bring jobs and other benefits to Liberia.” Tolbert added that he will work to make sure that Liberia reaps all of the financial benefits it deserves from the Mano-Putu operations.
FrontPageAfrica had earlier gathered that both Tolbert and House Speaker Alex Tyler had been heavily involved in pushing the interests and ratification of the Putu mining deal and were spotted in Russia recently discussing a deal with some investment firms. Tolbert admitted that he was in Russia but was there to attend an investment forum while Speaker Tyler was attending a parliamentarian forum.
THE IRONY of it all remains why does Liberia have a law in place that allows the chairman of an investment commission to have shares in a company or companies investing in Liberia? The ties that bind no doubt suggests that the interest of Liberia is second to that of Mr. Tolbert. Whether Mr. Tolbert is a former shareholder or a present shareholder is difficult for anyone to understand but, according to Mr. Tolbert, he is protected by the laws and guidelines of the National Investment Commission which makes his shares or interest right, as long as he declared prior to accepting the position as Chairman of the NIC. The question becomes: Who is protecting the average Liberian residing at the bottom of the economic barrel?
CONTRARY TO WHAT Mr. Tolbert believes, investment initiative – from any source would make a world of difference if they were explained and deciphered properly. FrontPageAfrica is not against the policies of the Sirleaf administration but as a member of the Fourth Estate, we are obligated to raise issues, analyze and scrutinize concession deals, contracts and anything that doesn’t make sense for the average eye or the millions of our readers who rely on us for objective news, information and analysis. We hold these truths to be self evident that public officials are accountable to the people of Liberia and no one is above reproach or questions especially when it involves issues affecting people’s lives and livelihoods.
Liberia, after all, Mr. Tolbert, is FrontPageAfrica’s “homeland” too.
Source: FrontPage Africa
Dear Readers,
RICHARD TOLBERT, the head of the National Investment Commission in Liberia has always taken the personal route in responses to investigative stories undertaken by FrontPageAfrica. His latest, in response to our Thursday, August 19, 2010 Cover story entitled: Selling of Liberia - Billions For Less: Investors Get Resources For Cheap?
A CASE in point: When FPA sought, in 2008 to investigate assets and wealth pile up of officials two years after President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf declared that all officials in her administration would be required to declare their assets, Mr. Tolbert took offense to FPA inquiry asking him to address the issue.
SAID TOLBERT: “I FIND your stories and questions by and large trivial, unprofessional, and based on false rumors , lies , gossip and nothing but negative. While some of us are doing everything possible to rebuild our beloved homeland people like you seem to take pleasure in throwing stones from a distance and tearing down everything others are trying to rebuild. Thank goodness the majority of Liberians back home are basically good people who understand, support and appreciate the work we are doing. Try coming home one day to gather facts instead of just writing nonsense and printing every vicious lie someone writes to you. Even better, try putting down your poison pen and come home and pick up a tool to do some rebuilding or farming. - Richard Tolbert
TOLBERT, the son of Frank Tolbert, former President Pro Tempore of the Senate, who was one of thirteen officials of the William R. Tolbert government, executed on April 12, 1980, went to great length in dismissing FPA’s quest for answers about his assets.
SAID TOLBERT: “It's none of your business, but I did get a $50,000 mortgage from IB Bank in Liberia to buy my own home despite having deeds for over 20 pieces of property in my Late Father's name.......the same bank called International Trust Company in 1980 that some idiots went into and "confiscated in the cause of the struggle" $650,000 of my 70 year old father's hard earned life savings before executing him in cold blood . If I did not build a house some of you would be writing as some of your colleagues have already falsely written that those of us who returned home are just here for the short term and are not concerned with the welfare of our people over the long-term because we have no vested interest here. Well I can tell you one thing, I for one am here for the duration. I hope that satisfies your morbid curiousity.
IN FACT, since Mr. Tolbert threw his challenge to FrontPageAfrica, we have made a successful transition from a well-read online news organ to a print edition while keeping our web base components in tact.
SINCE THE LAUNCH of its print edition last November, it has sought to continue its investigative trend in raising issues and stories affecting the lives of ordinary Liberians.
THUS, OUR LATEST INVESTIGATIVE analysis, “Billions for Less”, sought to highlight some of the problems associated with numerous investment pronouncements by Mr. Tolbert especially in the wake of the ongoing debate and discussion regarding yet another concession agreement that promises to provide at least 35,000 direct jobs for Liberians. The BHP Biliton deal follows China Union's US$2.6 billion he signing of the ArcelorMittal's US$1.6billion, Buchanan Renewable's US$140 million and the Sime Darby's US$800 million deals which also promised to provide jobs and improve the lives of Liberians.
THE STORY sought to decipher many of the hidden flaws associated with investments and investors and the recurring issue regarding the lack of background checks and vetting of potential investors in Liberia, raising a number of unanswered questions ranging from what is the initial investments of these firms to how many jobs will be created right away.
IN HIS RESPONSE, Dr. Tolbert fails to explain or offer evidence over his claims of thousands of jobs created as a result of his investment initiatives when he states the following:
“Fortunately for some of us our work can be measured in concrete terms of dollars, jobs, mines, factories, plantations, schools, housing, hospitals, roads, ports, infrastructure etc and the vast majority of Liberian people on the ground tell us every day they appreciate what we are doing as they are the ones who will reap the benefits for generations to come . I could go on and on about the $ 10 - $ 15 billion of investment we have attracted to Liberia over the past 5 years including China Union, Arcelor Mittal, Putu Severstal, BHP Billiton, Vale, Buchanan Renewables, SIFCA, Bob Johnson, Sime Darby, Golden Veroleum, APM Meask, etc etc which will create not only tens of thousands of desperately needed jobs and income but also bring health, education, housing, electricity, sanitation, roads, ports, rails, infrastructure etc etc but I doubt anything we say will make any difference. Please Rodney Shine your eyes.” This is after all still your homeland.”
FOR THOUSANDS of Liberians, interpretations of investment pronouncements have been difficult to decipher and in most cases tough to understand.
FOR EXAMPLE, The riddle that comes resolved is while Mr. Tolbert shows off the size of the investment, most knowledgeable experts question the sheer magnitude due to Liberia’s lack of absorptive capacity, meaning the country’s economy cannot adequately accommodate the investment because it lacks the skills training, economic infrastructure and supportive environment. But even more, it is the disingenuity and dishonesty inherent in remarks which say that a company will invest billions over the “life” of the project. The statement does not indicate the initial investment size, and how many jobs will be created from it. If a company initially invests 50 million dollars in a project and reinvests its profits over 30 years into the same project, which are billions of dollars, then the underlying assumption that a 50 million dollar investment raking in billions over time should reap more benefits for the country which gave out the concession in the first place. If the company will use free cash flows from the project to reinvest without additional equity contribution, you cannot say company X will invest billions. That is a bold faced lie and intended only to score political points.
FRONTPAGEAFRICA WISHES to inform Mr. Tolbert that it welcomes positive efforts the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf administration is making and has gone to great lengths to highlight those development efforts in and around Liberia.
WE ASSURE MR. TOLBERT, that whatever “spate of good news” on the investment front coming out of Liberia over the past few days”, would be a welcome relief for the people of Liberia. Tolbert’s task now is to explain how it trickles down to those at the bottom of the economic ladder.
MR. TOLBERT would also do himself well to research and understand that there are problems with many of the investments he has heralded. Amlib, for example is currently at odds with villagers over the fact that it has not delivered on its community outreach to the areas it now mines, Buchanan Renewables which had to be bailed out by John Mc Bain and Opic is still far off its delivery date to provide sustainable bio-electricity at less than half of the current cost 40 cent – 50 cent per kilowatt hour for diesel fuel which Liberia currently imports.
ONLY A FEW months ago, Amlib came under scrutiny after being accused of conducting exploration in Kokoya for over seven years without applying for mining license, AmLib entered into agreement with the Liberian government for additional two mining areas in Grand Gedeh and Rivercess, while the citizens of Kokoya still crying foul over the operation of the company in their communities.
OVER THE PAST few years, a number of conflict of interest issues have also dogged Tolbert since he accepted a post in the Sirleaf administration. When FrontPageAfrica sought inquiry from Tolbert in November 2008 regarding his purported interest in the Buchanan Renewable Energies, Tolbert flatly denied that he had any shares or interest in BRE.
Said Tolbert:
“BRE has not given $100,000 to any Charity of mine nor do I have any share in BRE.BRE made a loan of $100k to the Loan Star Mobilization Committee of the National Football Team when they did not have money to travel to Senegal for a match (which was well publicized in the local papers). In fact, they have only got back half of the money. BRE made a paltry contribution of $1,500 to the Clara Tay Foundation, a charity I founded almost 10 years ago which has this year paid the school fees of almost 100 refugee children who returned to Liberia from the Buduburam Refugee Camp in Ghana.
Tolbert continued: “And finally, NO I do not have any share in BRE....but I can tell you frankly I wish I did. This is one of the most innovative investments we have attracted to Liberia which in addition to creating hundreds of jobs in a very short period of time is revolutionizing our rubber sector by creating a whole new business out of exporting waste rubber wood chips. And now , we are in the process of concluding a separate $150 million deal with them by which this company could be producing 35 megawatts of power to electrify the entire environs of Monrovia at LESS THAN HALF THE CURRENT COST OF ELECTRICITY BY 2010!.”
Tolbert said at the time that Liberians need to have an equity stake in some of these ventures that are coming to Liberia and furthered that although it is not required for Liberians to own shares in any foreign business in Liberia, the National Investment Commission do encourage foreign companies to look at including Liberians not only in the management but also in ownership of these businesses for the mutual long term benefit of both the investors and the country. “Under the charter creating the Investment Commission, I am not barred from owning shares in businesses but would have to disclose my ownership in any business that came before the Commission for incentives and recued myself from any deliberations concerning that business.”
That was two years ago. More recently, new revelations have surfaced that Tolbert was a major shareholder in Mano Resources Corporation, an exploration company on the Toronto Stock Exchange whose firm African Aura own 30 percent of the Putu Mining deal in Liberia.
Tolbert recently told FrontPageAfrica that he has recused himself from all dealings regarding the Mano deal in Liberia. “I should as a Liberian have a share but I do not have any now but I still maintain relations with the company. Tolbert said in keeping with the charter of the NIC he disclosed his ties to Mano before he took on the post. “I have recused myself from the proceedings. Advisor to the company, I had options.”
Tolbert said he was very proud that to be associated with Mano and Putu and was instrumental in keeping them in Liberia even after war and destruction.
“They’re not only involved in minerals but also gold and I feel very proud to have a multi-million dollar company doing business in Grand Gedeh which will help to bring jobs and other benefits to Liberia.” Tolbert added that he will work to make sure that Liberia reaps all of the financial benefits it deserves from the Mano-Putu operations.
FrontPageAfrica had earlier gathered that both Tolbert and House Speaker Alex Tyler had been heavily involved in pushing the interests and ratification of the Putu mining deal and were spotted in Russia recently discussing a deal with some investment firms. Tolbert admitted that he was in Russia but was there to attend an investment forum while Speaker Tyler was attending a parliamentarian forum.
THE IRONY of it all remains why does Liberia have a law in place that allows the chairman of an investment commission to have shares in a company or companies investing in Liberia? The ties that bind no doubt suggests that the interest of Liberia is second to that of Mr. Tolbert. Whether Mr. Tolbert is a former shareholder or a present shareholder is difficult for anyone to understand but, according to Mr. Tolbert, he is protected by the laws and guidelines of the National Investment Commission which makes his shares or interest right, as long as he declared prior to accepting the position as Chairman of the NIC. The question becomes: Who is protecting the average Liberian residing at the bottom of the economic barrel?
CONTRARY TO WHAT Mr. Tolbert believes, investment initiative – from any source would make a world of difference if they were explained and deciphered properly. FrontPageAfrica is not against the policies of the Sirleaf administration but as a member of the Fourth Estate, we are obligated to raise issues, analyze and scrutinize concession deals, contracts and anything that doesn’t make sense for the average eye or the millions of our readers who rely on us for objective news, information and analysis. We hold these truths to be self evident that public officials are accountable to the people of Liberia and no one is above reproach or questions especially when it involves issues affecting people’s lives and livelihoods.
Liberia, after all, Mr. Tolbert, is FrontPageAfrica’s “homeland” too.
Representative Neufville wants alley map published
Written by Julius Kanubah
Source: Star Radio Liberia
A Montserrado Representative has called on government to publish the map of Monrovia reflecting areas considered as alleys.
Representative Rufus Neufville believes the publication of the Monrovia map will enlighten the public about targeted areas to be demolished by Government.
He told STAR Radio it was important to know places government considers as alleys to avoid segregation in the ongoing demolition exercise in Monrovia.
Representative Neufville also called on government to set aside special funds to compensate those being affected by the alley clearing exercise.
According to him, it was wrong for anyone to have the notion that development comes with pains.
Representative Neufville stressed in all instances development comes with opportunities to improve the living condition of people and not making them homeless.
The Montserrado District-two lawmaker said government must always take into consideration the plight of the people whenever undertaking development.
Source: Star Radio Liberia
A Montserrado Representative has called on government to publish the map of Monrovia reflecting areas considered as alleys.
Representative Rufus Neufville believes the publication of the Monrovia map will enlighten the public about targeted areas to be demolished by Government.
He told STAR Radio it was important to know places government considers as alleys to avoid segregation in the ongoing demolition exercise in Monrovia.
Representative Neufville also called on government to set aside special funds to compensate those being affected by the alley clearing exercise.
According to him, it was wrong for anyone to have the notion that development comes with pains.
Representative Neufville stressed in all instances development comes with opportunities to improve the living condition of people and not making them homeless.
The Montserrado District-two lawmaker said government must always take into consideration the plight of the people whenever undertaking development.
Man, 20 arrested in Voinjama for making Single-barrel guns
Written by Bruce Boweh
Source: Star Radio Liberia
There are reports of the arrest of a man in Voinjama, Lofa County for making single barrel guns.
According to police sources, 20-year-old Amadu Kromah was arrested Sunday following a tip-off.
Our sources said police have been keeping surveillance on Amadu for months now.
It is believed he made some of the guns used during the February Voinjama saga which left four people dead and dozens of property destroyed.
Amadu Kromah is said to be undergoing investigation in Voinjama.
The story is yet to be independently confirmed by Star Radio.
Source: Star Radio Liberia
There are reports of the arrest of a man in Voinjama, Lofa County for making single barrel guns.
According to police sources, 20-year-old Amadu Kromah was arrested Sunday following a tip-off.
Our sources said police have been keeping surveillance on Amadu for months now.
It is believed he made some of the guns used during the February Voinjama saga which left four people dead and dozens of property destroyed.
Amadu Kromah is said to be undergoing investigation in Voinjama.
The story is yet to be independently confirmed by Star Radio.
Charles Taylor Did Not Know About Benjamin Yeaten's Friendship With RUF Commander Sam Bockarie, Liberian Radio Operator Says
- Alpha Sesay
Source: allafrica.com
Former Liberian president Charles Taylor had no knowledge that his Director of Special Security Services had a close friendship with a Sierra Leonean rebel commander in 1998, a Liberian national testifying on behalf of Mr. Taylor told the Special Court for Sierra Leone judges in The Hague today.
The witness, who worked as a radio operator in the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) rebel group and later in Mr. Taylor's Executive Mansion under the Special Security Services (SSS) division, is testifying with partial protective measures and is only identified by the pseudonym DCT-008.
Today, he told the court about the communications that took place between the radio station installed at the residence of Benjamin Yeaten, who was Director of the SSS, and Revolutionary United Front (RUF) commander Sam Bockarie's radio station installed at the RUF headquarters in Buedu, eastern Sierra Leone. The witness told the court that Mr. Taylor did not know about the contact and friendship that existed between Mr. Yeaten and Mr. Bockarie.
Several prosecution witnesses, including former RUF radio operators, have testified about radio communications between Mr. Bockarie and Mr. Yeaten. These communications were facilitated through Mr. Bockarie's radio operator called Sellay and a radio operator named Sunlight, who operated a radio at Mr. Yeaten's residence in Liberia, prosecution witnesses have said.
They further told the court that Mr. Taylor had knowledge of these contacts, and it was through Mr. Yeaten that Mr. Taylor facilitated most of his communications and assistance to RUF commanders. Today, the witness, a former radio operator in Liberia, said this was not the case.
Explaining the nature of the radio contact that took place between Mr. Yeaten and the RUF, the witness told the court that "while Sunlight was operating the radio at the SSS Director's residence...one day, Samson came along with...Daniel Tamba, also called Jungle."
"Samson introduced Daniel Tamba to Sunlight saying the Chief [Yeaten] said I should bring this fellow to you so he can call Sierra Leone. He is a member of the RUF and he is one of [RUF leader Foday] Sankoh's boys...Jungle gave a piece of paper to Sunlight with a call sign for the RUF operator Sellay."
Samson, the witness said, was a former NPFL fighter, who was also one of the officers working under Mr. Yeaten in the SSS.
According to DCT-008, "[Samson] also said he had taken Jungle to the Executive Mansion for Jungle to communicate with the RUF in Sierra Leone."
He said that Samson had been working with another radio operator at the Executive Mansion called William Jimmy, who helped them communicate secretly with the RUF in Sierra Leone.
"Samson said they were hiding it and the [Liberian] government did not know about it, not even the president," the witness said.
When Sunlight discussed this with Mr. Yeaten, the SSS Director gave his consent to the contact with the RUF, telling Sunlight that nobody knew of such relationship that he had with the RUF.
"After the communication, when Benjamin Yeaten came home that evening, Sunlight told Benjamin Yeaten that Samson brought Jungle here so that Sunlight will connect him to Sierra Leone, and then Benjamin Yeaten told Sunlight that I have a friend in Sierra Leone and you should allow him to communicate with Sierra Leone anytime they come here," the witness explained.
"Later, I got to know that [the friend] was Sam Bockarie," he added.
When asked whether "Charles Taylor [was] aware of this," the witness said, "No."
"Charles Taylor did not know because Benjamin Yeaten told Sunlight that what I have told you should be kept to yourself and you must not share it with any other government radio operator...because this relationship between Sam Bockarie and myself, the president does not know about it and you should keep it to yourself," the witness explained.
The witness said Mr. Yeaten added in his discussion with Sunlight that "if this information gets to anyone and the president knows about it, he will deal with me and I'll be finished."
"That's how I came to know that the president did not know about it," he said.
When asked about the nature of the friendship that existed between Mr. Yeaten and Mr. Bockarie, the witness said, "The friendship was so cordial, they were very close.
In response to allegations that RUF commanders, including Mr. Bockarie, made regular trips to Liberia and returned with arms and ammunition to Sierra Leone and that members of Mr. Taylor's security apparatus had close links with RUF commanders, Mr. Taylor has told the court that as president of Liberia, he could not have known all the things that members of his security forces or his government did. These men could have had independent relationships or arms trade with the RUF without his knowledge, Mr. Taylor has stated.
Today, the witness corroborated Mr. Taylor's account when he told the court that Mr. Taylor did not know about the relationship that existed between the RUF members and Liberian security forces, including Mr. Yeaten and Samson.
Today's witness was interposed in place of Issa Hassan Sesay, the former interim leader of the RUF, who has been testifying on behalf of Mr. Taylor for the past several weeks. Mr. Sesay could not be in court today because he had a dentist appointment. If Mr. Sesay is available tomorrow, then prosecutors will continue his cross-examination. If he is absent, DCT-008 will continue his testimony for the defense.
Source: allafrica.com
Former Liberian president Charles Taylor had no knowledge that his Director of Special Security Services had a close friendship with a Sierra Leonean rebel commander in 1998, a Liberian national testifying on behalf of Mr. Taylor told the Special Court for Sierra Leone judges in The Hague today.
The witness, who worked as a radio operator in the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) rebel group and later in Mr. Taylor's Executive Mansion under the Special Security Services (SSS) division, is testifying with partial protective measures and is only identified by the pseudonym DCT-008.
Today, he told the court about the communications that took place between the radio station installed at the residence of Benjamin Yeaten, who was Director of the SSS, and Revolutionary United Front (RUF) commander Sam Bockarie's radio station installed at the RUF headquarters in Buedu, eastern Sierra Leone. The witness told the court that Mr. Taylor did not know about the contact and friendship that existed between Mr. Yeaten and Mr. Bockarie.
Several prosecution witnesses, including former RUF radio operators, have testified about radio communications between Mr. Bockarie and Mr. Yeaten. These communications were facilitated through Mr. Bockarie's radio operator called Sellay and a radio operator named Sunlight, who operated a radio at Mr. Yeaten's residence in Liberia, prosecution witnesses have said.
They further told the court that Mr. Taylor had knowledge of these contacts, and it was through Mr. Yeaten that Mr. Taylor facilitated most of his communications and assistance to RUF commanders. Today, the witness, a former radio operator in Liberia, said this was not the case.
Explaining the nature of the radio contact that took place between Mr. Yeaten and the RUF, the witness told the court that "while Sunlight was operating the radio at the SSS Director's residence...one day, Samson came along with...Daniel Tamba, also called Jungle."
"Samson introduced Daniel Tamba to Sunlight saying the Chief [Yeaten] said I should bring this fellow to you so he can call Sierra Leone. He is a member of the RUF and he is one of [RUF leader Foday] Sankoh's boys...Jungle gave a piece of paper to Sunlight with a call sign for the RUF operator Sellay."
Samson, the witness said, was a former NPFL fighter, who was also one of the officers working under Mr. Yeaten in the SSS.
According to DCT-008, "[Samson] also said he had taken Jungle to the Executive Mansion for Jungle to communicate with the RUF in Sierra Leone."
He said that Samson had been working with another radio operator at the Executive Mansion called William Jimmy, who helped them communicate secretly with the RUF in Sierra Leone.
"Samson said they were hiding it and the [Liberian] government did not know about it, not even the president," the witness said.
When Sunlight discussed this with Mr. Yeaten, the SSS Director gave his consent to the contact with the RUF, telling Sunlight that nobody knew of such relationship that he had with the RUF.
"After the communication, when Benjamin Yeaten came home that evening, Sunlight told Benjamin Yeaten that Samson brought Jungle here so that Sunlight will connect him to Sierra Leone, and then Benjamin Yeaten told Sunlight that I have a friend in Sierra Leone and you should allow him to communicate with Sierra Leone anytime they come here," the witness explained.
"Later, I got to know that [the friend] was Sam Bockarie," he added.
When asked whether "Charles Taylor [was] aware of this," the witness said, "No."
"Charles Taylor did not know because Benjamin Yeaten told Sunlight that what I have told you should be kept to yourself and you must not share it with any other government radio operator...because this relationship between Sam Bockarie and myself, the president does not know about it and you should keep it to yourself," the witness explained.
The witness said Mr. Yeaten added in his discussion with Sunlight that "if this information gets to anyone and the president knows about it, he will deal with me and I'll be finished."
"That's how I came to know that the president did not know about it," he said.
When asked about the nature of the friendship that existed between Mr. Yeaten and Mr. Bockarie, the witness said, "The friendship was so cordial, they were very close.
In response to allegations that RUF commanders, including Mr. Bockarie, made regular trips to Liberia and returned with arms and ammunition to Sierra Leone and that members of Mr. Taylor's security apparatus had close links with RUF commanders, Mr. Taylor has told the court that as president of Liberia, he could not have known all the things that members of his security forces or his government did. These men could have had independent relationships or arms trade with the RUF without his knowledge, Mr. Taylor has stated.
Today, the witness corroborated Mr. Taylor's account when he told the court that Mr. Taylor did not know about the relationship that existed between the RUF members and Liberian security forces, including Mr. Yeaten and Samson.
Today's witness was interposed in place of Issa Hassan Sesay, the former interim leader of the RUF, who has been testifying on behalf of Mr. Taylor for the past several weeks. Mr. Sesay could not be in court today because he had a dentist appointment. If Mr. Sesay is available tomorrow, then prosecutors will continue his cross-examination. If he is absent, DCT-008 will continue his testimony for the defense.
The AU and the ICC Still not the Best of Friends
By Nompumelelo Sibalukhulu and Antoinette Louw
Source: allafrica.com
ANALYSIS
The recently concluded 15th African Union (AU) summit which took place in Kampala from 25-27 July 2010 made it clear that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has not yet succeeded in winning the hearts and minds of African leaders.
The summit reiterated its previous decision that AU member states should not cooperate with the ICC in the arrest and surrender of President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir of Sudan. The summit also delayed the opening of an ICC liaison office in Addis, censured the ICC prosecutor, and urged African states not to forget their obligations to the AU when considering cooperation with the court.
The AU has had a frosty relationship with the ICC ever since it issued the arrest warrant for Bashir on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in March 2009. The relationship grew colder when the court added the charge of genocide in July this year.
The most significant aspect of the recent AU summit decision is that it restates the agreement reached at the AU’s 13th summit in Sirte, Libya, in July 2009 in which member states decided that because the AU’s request to the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the deferral of ICC proceedings against Bashir had not been acted upon, member states would not cooperate in the arrest and surrender of the Sudanese president.
The 13th summit decision was widely attributed to the influence of the AU chairperson at the time, Libyan leader Muamar Ghadafi. With Malawi’s president, Bingu Wa Mutharika, now in the chair, the 15th summit decision was an unanticipated turn of events. But the main reason for the initial optimism about the course of Africa-ICC relations was the markedly more positive position taken towards the ICC at the AU’s 14th summit in January 2010 in Addis Ababa: member states were silent on the call for non-cooperation with the ICC in the Bashir matter, and encouraged constructive engagement by African states at the ICC review conference.
The outcomes of the review conference provided further reasons for optimism: the conference was successfully held in Kampala, on African soil, and the majority of African ICC states parties sent high level delegations who pledged their commitment to the Rome Statute system.
Indeed, it was on the sidelines of the review conference that African states parties prepared a letter to the chairperson of the AU Commission supporting the opening of the ICC-AU liaison office in Addis Ababa. In further efforts to establish this office, ICC president Judge Sang-Hyun Song met in Addis Ababa with Dr Jean Ping, chairperson of the AU Commission on 9 July 2010 to discuss AU-ICC relations and the establishment of the liaison office. Taken together, all these events were surely a sign of better things to come for the ICC in Africa.
Against this backdrop, the 15th AU summit decision is disappointing for those who support the Rome Statute system as a central mechanism for tackling impunity for grave crimes. Nevertheless the decision confirms that AU concerns with the ICC are deep-seated and largely revolve around the Bashir indictment. It is this indictment that sparked AU concerns about the role of the UN Security Council in the work of the ICC; brought debates about the timing of peace and justice to the fore; and raised the thorny issue of prosecuting a sitting head of state.
These concerns motivated the AU to request the UN Security Council, in 2009, to defer the proceedings against Bashir for a year under Article 16 of the Rome Statute. When the UNSC failed to issue a formal response, the AU not only withdrew cooperation with the ICC in the arrest of Bashir, but also proposed that Article 16 be amended to transfer the power of deferral to the UN General Assembly should the Security Council fail to respond to a request for deferral within a period of six months. This proposed amendment is up for discussion at the 9th ICC Assembly of States Parties meeting in New York in December 2010.
How far African states parties will go in supporting the AU on the amendment of Article 16, or indeed the organisation’s other decisions on the ICC, remains to be seen however. When the amendment proposal was tabled at the 8th ASP in November 2009 by South Africa, only two other African states parties supported it. And since the AU first decided not to cooperate with the ICC on the Bashir matter, several African governments have confirmed their intention to fulfil their treaty (and in the case of South Africa, domestic) legal obligations to arrest the Sudanese president should he arrive on their territory.
The fact that individual African states parties do not clearly support AU decisions on the ICC has not escaped the intergovernmental organisation. The recent 15th summit decision called on member states ‘to speak with one voice to ensure that the proposed amendment to Article 16 of the Rome Statute [is acted upon],’ and more significantly, the decision ‘Requests Member States to balance, where applicable, their obligations to the AU with their obligations to the ICC’.
Tensions between states parties and the AU on the matter however persist, with the Sudan Tribune reporting on 17 August 2010 that Botswana Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Phandu Skelemani told reporters, in response to these clauses in the 15th AU summit decision: ‘We have not surrendered the sovereignty of this country to the AU’ adding that ‘the International Criminal Court (ICC) Rome Statute is signed by a Country not AU. Botswana does not fear being isolated by other African countries since they [Botswana] are implementing the international protocols they have signed’.
These latest developments suggest that much still needs to be done to foster, let alone build, confidence in the ICC at the level of the AU. Until the Bashir matter is resolved – one way or another – it seems unlikely that relations will improve dramatically. Given this, African states parties must be relied upon to take up the responsibility of ensuring that the Rome Statute system they signed up to works in the interests of African victims of mass atrocities.
Nompumelelo Sibalukhulu is a junior researcher in the International Crime in Africa Programme and Antoinette Louw a senior research fellow in the International Crime in Africa Programme of the Institute for Security Studies.
Source: allafrica.com
ANALYSIS
The recently concluded 15th African Union (AU) summit which took place in Kampala from 25-27 July 2010 made it clear that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has not yet succeeded in winning the hearts and minds of African leaders.
The summit reiterated its previous decision that AU member states should not cooperate with the ICC in the arrest and surrender of President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir of Sudan. The summit also delayed the opening of an ICC liaison office in Addis, censured the ICC prosecutor, and urged African states not to forget their obligations to the AU when considering cooperation with the court.
The AU has had a frosty relationship with the ICC ever since it issued the arrest warrant for Bashir on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in March 2009. The relationship grew colder when the court added the charge of genocide in July this year.
The most significant aspect of the recent AU summit decision is that it restates the agreement reached at the AU’s 13th summit in Sirte, Libya, in July 2009 in which member states decided that because the AU’s request to the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the deferral of ICC proceedings against Bashir had not been acted upon, member states would not cooperate in the arrest and surrender of the Sudanese president.
The 13th summit decision was widely attributed to the influence of the AU chairperson at the time, Libyan leader Muamar Ghadafi. With Malawi’s president, Bingu Wa Mutharika, now in the chair, the 15th summit decision was an unanticipated turn of events. But the main reason for the initial optimism about the course of Africa-ICC relations was the markedly more positive position taken towards the ICC at the AU’s 14th summit in January 2010 in Addis Ababa: member states were silent on the call for non-cooperation with the ICC in the Bashir matter, and encouraged constructive engagement by African states at the ICC review conference.
The outcomes of the review conference provided further reasons for optimism: the conference was successfully held in Kampala, on African soil, and the majority of African ICC states parties sent high level delegations who pledged their commitment to the Rome Statute system.
Indeed, it was on the sidelines of the review conference that African states parties prepared a letter to the chairperson of the AU Commission supporting the opening of the ICC-AU liaison office in Addis Ababa. In further efforts to establish this office, ICC president Judge Sang-Hyun Song met in Addis Ababa with Dr Jean Ping, chairperson of the AU Commission on 9 July 2010 to discuss AU-ICC relations and the establishment of the liaison office. Taken together, all these events were surely a sign of better things to come for the ICC in Africa.
Against this backdrop, the 15th AU summit decision is disappointing for those who support the Rome Statute system as a central mechanism for tackling impunity for grave crimes. Nevertheless the decision confirms that AU concerns with the ICC are deep-seated and largely revolve around the Bashir indictment. It is this indictment that sparked AU concerns about the role of the UN Security Council in the work of the ICC; brought debates about the timing of peace and justice to the fore; and raised the thorny issue of prosecuting a sitting head of state.
These concerns motivated the AU to request the UN Security Council, in 2009, to defer the proceedings against Bashir for a year under Article 16 of the Rome Statute. When the UNSC failed to issue a formal response, the AU not only withdrew cooperation with the ICC in the arrest of Bashir, but also proposed that Article 16 be amended to transfer the power of deferral to the UN General Assembly should the Security Council fail to respond to a request for deferral within a period of six months. This proposed amendment is up for discussion at the 9th ICC Assembly of States Parties meeting in New York in December 2010.
How far African states parties will go in supporting the AU on the amendment of Article 16, or indeed the organisation’s other decisions on the ICC, remains to be seen however. When the amendment proposal was tabled at the 8th ASP in November 2009 by South Africa, only two other African states parties supported it. And since the AU first decided not to cooperate with the ICC on the Bashir matter, several African governments have confirmed their intention to fulfil their treaty (and in the case of South Africa, domestic) legal obligations to arrest the Sudanese president should he arrive on their territory.
The fact that individual African states parties do not clearly support AU decisions on the ICC has not escaped the intergovernmental organisation. The recent 15th summit decision called on member states ‘to speak with one voice to ensure that the proposed amendment to Article 16 of the Rome Statute [is acted upon],’ and more significantly, the decision ‘Requests Member States to balance, where applicable, their obligations to the AU with their obligations to the ICC’.
Tensions between states parties and the AU on the matter however persist, with the Sudan Tribune reporting on 17 August 2010 that Botswana Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Phandu Skelemani told reporters, in response to these clauses in the 15th AU summit decision: ‘We have not surrendered the sovereignty of this country to the AU’ adding that ‘the International Criminal Court (ICC) Rome Statute is signed by a Country not AU. Botswana does not fear being isolated by other African countries since they [Botswana] are implementing the international protocols they have signed’.
These latest developments suggest that much still needs to be done to foster, let alone build, confidence in the ICC at the level of the AU. Until the Bashir matter is resolved – one way or another – it seems unlikely that relations will improve dramatically. Given this, African states parties must be relied upon to take up the responsibility of ensuring that the Rome Statute system they signed up to works in the interests of African victims of mass atrocities.
Nompumelelo Sibalukhulu is a junior researcher in the International Crime in Africa Programme and Antoinette Louw a senior research fellow in the International Crime in Africa Programme of the Institute for Security Studies.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
BONDING WITH QUIWONKPA: 25 Years Later, Ellen Faces Slain General’s Widow
- Rodney D. Sieh
Source: FrontPage Africa
Monrovia -
The last time Tarloh Quiwonkpa saw her late husband, Thomas, was some 26 years ago. He had just walked out of the family’s Silver Spring, Maryland home in America, along with an old friend, Harry Yuan. It was 1985, the year Samuel Doe officially turned in his military fatigues for a civilian line of clothing in his quest to make the transition from a military man to a democratically-elected head of state.
Hidden agenda behind niceties
It was Yuan, who suggested that Larmah Quiwonkpa (Thomas’s sister), Yormie, and Tarloh relocate to Minneapolis, Minn. and reside with Miss Joanne Toweh. But Tarloh would later come to the reality that the niceties and kind gestures were a prelude to something bigger, something tragic and what has now become one of the major events in Liberia’s history.
As a key member of the Samuel Doe-led People’s Redemption Council, Quiwonkpa was one of the popular of the bunch of new rulers, which enjoyed early support from a large number of indigenous Liberian tribes who had been excluded from power since the founding of the country in 1847 by freed American slaves. But as paranoia sunk in, Doe soon began to clear his circle of those deemed as possible threats. One of those happened to be Quiwonkpa. Doe promised a return to civilian rule, but the 1985 election that saw a narrow victory for Doe was widely condemned as fraudulent by international monitors. It was in the aftermath of those elections that Quiwonkpa, the former Commanding General of the Armed Forces of Liberia who Doe had demoted and forced to flee the country, attempted to overthrow Doe's regime from neighboring Sierra Leone. The coup-attempt failed though and Quiwonkpa was killed. Doe’s anger turned on Quiwonkpa’s homeland and large scale crackdowns followed in Nimba County in the north of the country against the Gio and Mano tribes where the majority of the coup plotters came from. The mistreatment of the Gio and Mano tribes fueled ethnic tensions in Liberia, which had already been rising due to Doe's preferential treatment of his own group, the Krahn.
Prior to the Quiwonkpa-led invasion, Tarloh would tell FrontPageAfrica years later that the gesture of Yuan and others to she and her family was a prelude to the 1985 invasion.
“Harry Yuan used the fraudulent 1985 presidential election in which Samuel Doe was declared winner, and the incident in which Doe ordered the beating of Thomas’s mother to convince him that he should over throw the Doe regime,” Tarloh told FrontPageAfrica in a 2006 interview.
‘Will bring final closure’
Tarloh says it was after Yuan’s explanation to Thomas about the manner in which “Samuel Doe ordered his soldiers to beat Ma Mango” (Thomas’ mother), Thomas was convinced that it was necessary to remove Samuel Doe from power. “Yes, Thomas Quiwonkpa was independent and capable of making his own decisions, but let us remember that persuasion is a powerful tool, particularly when the persuasion is coming from a confidant and best friend. I was hesitant to let my husband leave our residence but Harry Yuan looked at me and said “Tarloh, I will be your eyes, your ears, and your nose and I will do exactly what you will like to see as though you were there in Sierra Leone.” Since the death of my husband in 1985, Harry Yuan has avoided me for 20 years. I need answers to these critical questions from Harry Yuan or anyone that was connected to this trip that led to my husband’s gruesome death. Answers to these questions will be helpful for his children understanding, and perhaps enable them to accept and deal with the circumstances surrounding their father’s death. Equally so, it will bring final closure of his death to me as well as the rest of the Quiwonkpa family.”
Over the years, Mrs. Quiwonkpa’s anger was clearly visible in her writings and rare interviews and interaction with FrontPageAfrica. The widow laid the blame on her husband’s long-time friend and one of the minds behind the ’85 quest to rid Liberia of Samuel Doe, Ellen Sirleaf, now President of Liberia.
Now decades later, it appears the late general’s widow is ready to make peace and reconcile with Sirleaf. This week, Sirleaf made sure to hit home the point in her first meeting in more than two decades with Mrs. Quiwonkpa, assuring the generals widow in a meeting at the Executive Mansion, that national reconciliation remains a priority item on her national development agenda.
According to Sirleaf, infrastructural development can be meaningful and sustainable if it is built on the foundation of freedom, peace, and unity.
Sirleaf says a series of violent events in Liberia’s recent past challenge all Liberians to forgive each other and work together in unity if the prevailing peace in the country must be sustained and national reconstruction must be accelerated. She said peace-building will remain the pillow of her Administration so that Liberians, foreign investors, and our foreign partners will continue to maintain confidence in the country and contribute their quotas to the reconstruction of the country.
The Liberian leader encouraged Mrs. Quiwonkpa, who is based in Minnesota, the United States, and other professional Liberians in the Diaspora to consider returning home to contribute their quotas towards national healing, economic empowerment, and infrastructural development.
Widow ‘Willing to campaign for Ellen’
Earlier, Mrs. Quiwonkpa, who is in the country for the first time since the death of her husband in November of 1985, thanked the Liberian leader for what she referred to as her “many humanitarian contributions to the Quiwonkpa family over the years,” especially since the death of the General.
Mrs. Quiwonkpa, who arrived in the country recently at the invitation of President Sirleaf, informed the Liberian Chief Executive that she has visited several areas of Monrovia and its environs, and intends to visit as many counties as possible before returning to the United States. She expressed satisfaction over what she called the marvelous infrastructural development projects the President has undertaken in a short period. Mrs. Quiwonkpa also welcomed the President’s decision to run for a second term, and expressed her willingness to return home during the 2011 elections to help mobilize votes for the President’s re-election.
Their husbands were close friends unfortunately torn apart by selfish advisers and political circumstances beyond their own understanding and control. Doe killed Quiwonkpa, and a revenge war killed Doe. They are both gone, but they left widows and children that need to put the past behind them and move on. Because the conflict between these two former friends eventually led Liberia into a protracted war, I believe national reconciliation should begin with the surviving families of Doe and Quiwonkpa. Knowing the details of the conflict between Tom and Sam, I do not believe their immediate families had any role in it. What happens between these families now will surely reverberate across the entire country. They started their war, and they must end it. I believe their followers will be happy to see them together. Your role as leader and mother of the country challenges you to try your utmost best to make this happen.
Reconciliation a boost for 2011
Ahead of the 2011 elections, Sirleaf’s reconcile with Quiwonkpa’s widow is expected to boost her reelection chances in vote-rich Nimba County.
It remains to be seen whether other efforts to reach out to other friends-turned-foes Thomas Woewiyu and Dr. Byron Tarr would be successful.
Relationship between the pair is said to be irreparable although there have been attempts in recent months to put the angst between the pair under the bridge. In 2007, Sirleaf sued the former NPFL second in command, claiming five million U.S. dollars for alleged damages to her character. Woewiyu, during the 2005 presidential elections campaign, published an open letter to Madam Sirleaf who was Standard Bearer of the Unity Party. The letter outlined what Mr. Woewiyu considered the role Madam Sirleaf allegedly played in destabilizing Liberia. Said Woewiyu: As I stated in my 2005 open letter to Madam Sirleaf, she played a very important role in the first version of the NPFL led by the late General Thomas Quiwonkpa during his failed coupe in 1985. I said, she asked me to see Quiwonkpa in order to give him my blessing for the mission which he was about to embark upon. I told her that I did not want to have anything to do with Quiwonkpa and such a mission. She sent him anyway. He asked Madam Sirleaf to apologize to the people of Liberia. Sirleaf’s lawsuit was later dropped after a meeting between the pair.
UP next: Tarr, Woewiyu? Not so easy
Despite the recent merger between the ruling Unity Party, the Liberian Action Party and the Liberian Unification Party(LUP), Sirleaf has struggled to receive the full blessings of Dr. Byron Tarr, one of her long-time friends who in recent years have been on opposites sides of the friendship line. Sirleaf and Dr. Tarr, according to senior government sources have met twice in recent years and the President has reportedly encouraged government ministries and agencies to seek Tarr’s advice and tap into his knowledge on economic issues. At least one ministry, the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs has reportedly followed on the President’s directive.
Tarr, a macroeconomist specialized in public finance, has held three Cabinet positions in as many Liberian administrations and has co-author of two books. His writings have appeared in professional journals and as chapters in books. Dr. Tarr is an international consultant, specializing in political and economic governance.
Tah recently helped the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs draft the Liberia Macroeconomic Policy Analysis Capacity Building Project (LIMPAC) and his recommendations are now said to implement by the Ministry. But Tarr, now a member of opposition Liberty Party has not hidden his views on the merger of LAP with the ruling party. “My understanding of merger is the party ceases to exist, I am not active in politics nowadays, but I am not happy with the future of the party, it is not committed to the founding principles, fighting corruption, elitism, elite rule. Once elites rule, when anything happens to people that are not amongst the elites, nothing happens. This is not why we founded LAP to do. LAPP has failed miserably”, Tarr said in a 2009 FrontPageAfrica interview.
In 1988 Tarr published an article in which he said that as Founding Secretary General who had gone to jail after the 1985 failed Quiwonkpwa coup, he was the voice of LAP. “I said that on reflection that it is better that LAP did not win the 1985 election because it would have performed as badly as Doe or even worse than President Samuel K. Doe did. LAP was not ready to lead because it could not change things, this is evident by performance of people who left LAP and went to other political parties, they are today doing the worse things, so we were not prepared, we would have done worse, I can only regret and sincerely regret and it reminds me of a question two of my friends asked me at that time, one alive and one is dead. They asked me Winston Tubman and the late Emmanuel Wureh both prominent lawyers in our society. They invited me to a lunch and asked me. Do you know the people you are working with to take leadership, my answer to them was yes, I know them. But from what I have seen, I now regret my interactions with those people.”
Source: FrontPage Africa
Monrovia -
The last time Tarloh Quiwonkpa saw her late husband, Thomas, was some 26 years ago. He had just walked out of the family’s Silver Spring, Maryland home in America, along with an old friend, Harry Yuan. It was 1985, the year Samuel Doe officially turned in his military fatigues for a civilian line of clothing in his quest to make the transition from a military man to a democratically-elected head of state.
Hidden agenda behind niceties
It was Yuan, who suggested that Larmah Quiwonkpa (Thomas’s sister), Yormie, and Tarloh relocate to Minneapolis, Minn. and reside with Miss Joanne Toweh. But Tarloh would later come to the reality that the niceties and kind gestures were a prelude to something bigger, something tragic and what has now become one of the major events in Liberia’s history.
As a key member of the Samuel Doe-led People’s Redemption Council, Quiwonkpa was one of the popular of the bunch of new rulers, which enjoyed early support from a large number of indigenous Liberian tribes who had been excluded from power since the founding of the country in 1847 by freed American slaves. But as paranoia sunk in, Doe soon began to clear his circle of those deemed as possible threats. One of those happened to be Quiwonkpa. Doe promised a return to civilian rule, but the 1985 election that saw a narrow victory for Doe was widely condemned as fraudulent by international monitors. It was in the aftermath of those elections that Quiwonkpa, the former Commanding General of the Armed Forces of Liberia who Doe had demoted and forced to flee the country, attempted to overthrow Doe's regime from neighboring Sierra Leone. The coup-attempt failed though and Quiwonkpa was killed. Doe’s anger turned on Quiwonkpa’s homeland and large scale crackdowns followed in Nimba County in the north of the country against the Gio and Mano tribes where the majority of the coup plotters came from. The mistreatment of the Gio and Mano tribes fueled ethnic tensions in Liberia, which had already been rising due to Doe's preferential treatment of his own group, the Krahn.
Prior to the Quiwonkpa-led invasion, Tarloh would tell FrontPageAfrica years later that the gesture of Yuan and others to she and her family was a prelude to the 1985 invasion.
“Harry Yuan used the fraudulent 1985 presidential election in which Samuel Doe was declared winner, and the incident in which Doe ordered the beating of Thomas’s mother to convince him that he should over throw the Doe regime,” Tarloh told FrontPageAfrica in a 2006 interview.
‘Will bring final closure’
Tarloh says it was after Yuan’s explanation to Thomas about the manner in which “Samuel Doe ordered his soldiers to beat Ma Mango” (Thomas’ mother), Thomas was convinced that it was necessary to remove Samuel Doe from power. “Yes, Thomas Quiwonkpa was independent and capable of making his own decisions, but let us remember that persuasion is a powerful tool, particularly when the persuasion is coming from a confidant and best friend. I was hesitant to let my husband leave our residence but Harry Yuan looked at me and said “Tarloh, I will be your eyes, your ears, and your nose and I will do exactly what you will like to see as though you were there in Sierra Leone.” Since the death of my husband in 1985, Harry Yuan has avoided me for 20 years. I need answers to these critical questions from Harry Yuan or anyone that was connected to this trip that led to my husband’s gruesome death. Answers to these questions will be helpful for his children understanding, and perhaps enable them to accept and deal with the circumstances surrounding their father’s death. Equally so, it will bring final closure of his death to me as well as the rest of the Quiwonkpa family.”
Over the years, Mrs. Quiwonkpa’s anger was clearly visible in her writings and rare interviews and interaction with FrontPageAfrica. The widow laid the blame on her husband’s long-time friend and one of the minds behind the ’85 quest to rid Liberia of Samuel Doe, Ellen Sirleaf, now President of Liberia.
Now decades later, it appears the late general’s widow is ready to make peace and reconcile with Sirleaf. This week, Sirleaf made sure to hit home the point in her first meeting in more than two decades with Mrs. Quiwonkpa, assuring the generals widow in a meeting at the Executive Mansion, that national reconciliation remains a priority item on her national development agenda.
According to Sirleaf, infrastructural development can be meaningful and sustainable if it is built on the foundation of freedom, peace, and unity.
Sirleaf says a series of violent events in Liberia’s recent past challenge all Liberians to forgive each other and work together in unity if the prevailing peace in the country must be sustained and national reconstruction must be accelerated. She said peace-building will remain the pillow of her Administration so that Liberians, foreign investors, and our foreign partners will continue to maintain confidence in the country and contribute their quotas to the reconstruction of the country.
The Liberian leader encouraged Mrs. Quiwonkpa, who is based in Minnesota, the United States, and other professional Liberians in the Diaspora to consider returning home to contribute their quotas towards national healing, economic empowerment, and infrastructural development.
Widow ‘Willing to campaign for Ellen’
Earlier, Mrs. Quiwonkpa, who is in the country for the first time since the death of her husband in November of 1985, thanked the Liberian leader for what she referred to as her “many humanitarian contributions to the Quiwonkpa family over the years,” especially since the death of the General.
Mrs. Quiwonkpa, who arrived in the country recently at the invitation of President Sirleaf, informed the Liberian Chief Executive that she has visited several areas of Monrovia and its environs, and intends to visit as many counties as possible before returning to the United States. She expressed satisfaction over what she called the marvelous infrastructural development projects the President has undertaken in a short period. Mrs. Quiwonkpa also welcomed the President’s decision to run for a second term, and expressed her willingness to return home during the 2011 elections to help mobilize votes for the President’s re-election.
Their husbands were close friends unfortunately torn apart by selfish advisers and political circumstances beyond their own understanding and control. Doe killed Quiwonkpa, and a revenge war killed Doe. They are both gone, but they left widows and children that need to put the past behind them and move on. Because the conflict between these two former friends eventually led Liberia into a protracted war, I believe national reconciliation should begin with the surviving families of Doe and Quiwonkpa. Knowing the details of the conflict between Tom and Sam, I do not believe their immediate families had any role in it. What happens between these families now will surely reverberate across the entire country. They started their war, and they must end it. I believe their followers will be happy to see them together. Your role as leader and mother of the country challenges you to try your utmost best to make this happen.
Reconciliation a boost for 2011
Ahead of the 2011 elections, Sirleaf’s reconcile with Quiwonkpa’s widow is expected to boost her reelection chances in vote-rich Nimba County.
It remains to be seen whether other efforts to reach out to other friends-turned-foes Thomas Woewiyu and Dr. Byron Tarr would be successful.
Relationship between the pair is said to be irreparable although there have been attempts in recent months to put the angst between the pair under the bridge. In 2007, Sirleaf sued the former NPFL second in command, claiming five million U.S. dollars for alleged damages to her character. Woewiyu, during the 2005 presidential elections campaign, published an open letter to Madam Sirleaf who was Standard Bearer of the Unity Party. The letter outlined what Mr. Woewiyu considered the role Madam Sirleaf allegedly played in destabilizing Liberia. Said Woewiyu: As I stated in my 2005 open letter to Madam Sirleaf, she played a very important role in the first version of the NPFL led by the late General Thomas Quiwonkpa during his failed coupe in 1985. I said, she asked me to see Quiwonkpa in order to give him my blessing for the mission which he was about to embark upon. I told her that I did not want to have anything to do with Quiwonkpa and such a mission. She sent him anyway. He asked Madam Sirleaf to apologize to the people of Liberia. Sirleaf’s lawsuit was later dropped after a meeting between the pair.
UP next: Tarr, Woewiyu? Not so easy
Despite the recent merger between the ruling Unity Party, the Liberian Action Party and the Liberian Unification Party(LUP), Sirleaf has struggled to receive the full blessings of Dr. Byron Tarr, one of her long-time friends who in recent years have been on opposites sides of the friendship line. Sirleaf and Dr. Tarr, according to senior government sources have met twice in recent years and the President has reportedly encouraged government ministries and agencies to seek Tarr’s advice and tap into his knowledge on economic issues. At least one ministry, the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs has reportedly followed on the President’s directive.
Tarr, a macroeconomist specialized in public finance, has held three Cabinet positions in as many Liberian administrations and has co-author of two books. His writings have appeared in professional journals and as chapters in books. Dr. Tarr is an international consultant, specializing in political and economic governance.
Tah recently helped the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs draft the Liberia Macroeconomic Policy Analysis Capacity Building Project (LIMPAC) and his recommendations are now said to implement by the Ministry. But Tarr, now a member of opposition Liberty Party has not hidden his views on the merger of LAP with the ruling party. “My understanding of merger is the party ceases to exist, I am not active in politics nowadays, but I am not happy with the future of the party, it is not committed to the founding principles, fighting corruption, elitism, elite rule. Once elites rule, when anything happens to people that are not amongst the elites, nothing happens. This is not why we founded LAP to do. LAPP has failed miserably”, Tarr said in a 2009 FrontPageAfrica interview.
In 1988 Tarr published an article in which he said that as Founding Secretary General who had gone to jail after the 1985 failed Quiwonkpwa coup, he was the voice of LAP. “I said that on reflection that it is better that LAP did not win the 1985 election because it would have performed as badly as Doe or even worse than President Samuel K. Doe did. LAP was not ready to lead because it could not change things, this is evident by performance of people who left LAP and went to other political parties, they are today doing the worse things, so we were not prepared, we would have done worse, I can only regret and sincerely regret and it reminds me of a question two of my friends asked me at that time, one alive and one is dead. They asked me Winston Tubman and the late Emmanuel Wureh both prominent lawyers in our society. They invited me to a lunch and asked me. Do you know the people you are working with to take leadership, my answer to them was yes, I know them. But from what I have seen, I now regret my interactions with those people.”
Suspected armed robber set free for lack of evidence
Written by Bruce Boweh
Source: Star Radio Liberia
Criminal Court D has set free a man accused of armed robbery for lack of evidence to convict, nine months after his detention.
Peter Dahn was acquitted Monday after the principal defendant confessed linking him to the crime.
Morris Seith told the court he lied on Peter Dahn, his former schoolmate, because of police brutality.
After his arrest, Morris said he called Peter to take a letter to his mother to inform her about his detention.
He told the court police officers arrested his friend while talking with him at the depot, accusing him of being a part of the armed robbery.
During his testimony, Morris said one Varney Brown who is still at large is his only accomplice in the December 2009 armed robbery in Paynesville.
Judge Peter Gbeneweleh's decision followed an acquittal application defense lawyers made after the testimony of the principal defendant.
Source: Star Radio Liberia
Criminal Court D has set free a man accused of armed robbery for lack of evidence to convict, nine months after his detention.
Peter Dahn was acquitted Monday after the principal defendant confessed linking him to the crime.
Morris Seith told the court he lied on Peter Dahn, his former schoolmate, because of police brutality.
After his arrest, Morris said he called Peter to take a letter to his mother to inform her about his detention.
He told the court police officers arrested his friend while talking with him at the depot, accusing him of being a part of the armed robbery.
During his testimony, Morris said one Varney Brown who is still at large is his only accomplice in the December 2009 armed robbery in Paynesville.
Judge Peter Gbeneweleh's decision followed an acquittal application defense lawyers made after the testimony of the principal defendant.
Two Chinese murder suspects plea not guilty
Written by Bruce Boweh
Source: Star Radio Liberia
Two Chinese men accused of murdering a South African in Monrovia have pleaded not guilty to the crime.
Their plea came Monday when the indictment was read to them in Criminal Court B.
Their court appearance followed the hiring of three Liberian interpreters, to translate the trial in Chinese and English.
The lack of interpreters stalled the case for more than a week, when the Chinese signaled to the court they could not speak and understand English.
Lawyers representing them have asked for jury trial as a means of adequately defending their interest.
Judge Blamo Dixon has written Chief Justice Johnnie Lewis on the matter.
Li Ma and Mang Wang have been in detention for nearly a year.
Police say they were arrested while trying to sell a laptop they allegedly stole from the home of the victim.
Source: Star Radio Liberia
Two Chinese men accused of murdering a South African in Monrovia have pleaded not guilty to the crime.
Their plea came Monday when the indictment was read to them in Criminal Court B.
Their court appearance followed the hiring of three Liberian interpreters, to translate the trial in Chinese and English.
The lack of interpreters stalled the case for more than a week, when the Chinese signaled to the court they could not speak and understand English.
Lawyers representing them have asked for jury trial as a means of adequately defending their interest.
Judge Blamo Dixon has written Chief Justice Johnnie Lewis on the matter.
Li Ma and Mang Wang have been in detention for nearly a year.
Police say they were arrested while trying to sell a laptop they allegedly stole from the home of the victim.
Written by Matthias Daffah & Julius Kanubah
Source: Star Radio Liberia
A citizens’ group based in Monrovia has issued a statement calling for the prosecution of Maryland Representative Bhofal Chambers.
The Maryland Youth Developemnt Association says it wants Representative Chambers prosecuted for allegedly inciting the local population against SIFCA.
SIFCA is an agro-company that won the bid to operate the former Decoris, Oil Palm plantation in Pleeboo Maryland County.
The statement signed by the group’s Executive Director Theophilus Yancy accused Mr. Chambers of inciting Marylanders to boycott work.
The citizens’ group said it was also worried over reports that lawmaker Chambers’action was leading to the departure of SIFCA at the Decoris plantation .
According to the group, the solution to the economic problem facing the people of Maryland cannot be reached by political incitement.
Also a former student leader of the University of Liberia who hails from Maryland called on President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf to personally intervene in the situation.
Mr. Benedict Williams believes if the company legally won the bid, it should be allowed to operate.
‘Representative Chambers answers his accusers’
Meanwhile, Maryland Representative Bhofal Chambers says those calling for his arrest and prosecution do not understand economic developments in the county.
Representative Chambers said those behind the call are also not thinking of their future.
Representative Chambers told STAR Radio it is his prayer that God will forgive those calling for his arrest and prosecution.
The Pleeblo Sodoken District Representative questioned the legitimacy and credibility of the group calling for government to take action against him.
He repeated that the people of Maryland will not allowed any company with less opportunities to invest in Pleeblo Sodooken district.
Representative Chambers said any company taking over the Decoris oil palm and Cavalla Rubber Plantation must have social benefits for the people.
At the same time, citizens of Pleebo-Sodoken District want government revisit the bidding process which gave SIFCA the right to operate the Decoris Oil Palm Plantation.
The Citizens believe Bakrie Sumatera Plantation has comparatively offered more in term of employment opportunities, social services and rehabilitation than SIFCA.
The citizens said they have no intention to stand in the way of development but would love to see Marylanders benefit from their Natural Resources.
A citizens’ group based in Monrovia has issued a statement calling for the prosecution of Maryland Representative Bhofal Chambers.
The Maryland Youth Developemnt Association says it wants Representative Chambers prosecuted for allegedly inciting the local population against SIFCA.
SIFCA is an agro-company that won the bid to operate the former Decoris, Oil Palm plantation in Pleeboo Maryland County.
The statement signed by the group’s Executive Director Theophilus Yancy accused Mr. Chambers of inciting Marylanders to boycott work.
The citizens’ group said it was also worried over reports that lawmaker Chambers’action was leading to the departure of SIFCA at the Decoris plantation .
According to the group, the solution to the economic problem facing the people of Maryland cannot be reached by political incitement.
Also a former student leader of the University of Liberia who hails from Maryland called on President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf to personally intervene in the situation.
Mr. Benedict Williams believes if the company legally won the bid, it should be allowed to operate.
‘Representative Chambers answers his accusers’
Meanwhile, Maryland Representative Bhofal Chambers says those calling for his arrest and prosecution do not understand economic developments in the county.
Representative Chambers said those behind the call are also not thinking of their future.
Representative Chambers told STAR Radio it is his prayer that God will forgive those calling for his arrest and prosecution.
The Pleeblo Sodoken District Representative questioned the legitimacy and credibility of the group calling for government to take action against him.
He repeated that the people of Maryland will not allowed any company with less opportunities to invest in Pleeblo Sodooken district.
Representative Chambers said any company taking over the Decoris oil palm and Cavalla Rubber Plantation must have social benefits for the people.
At the same time, citizens of Pleebo-Sodoken District want government revisit the bidding process which gave SIFCA the right to operate the Decoris Oil Palm Plantation.
The Citizens believe Bakrie Sumatera Plantation has comparatively offered more in term of employment opportunities, social services and rehabilitation than SIFCA.
The citizens said they have no intention to stand in the way of development but would love to see Marylanders benefit from their Natural Resources.
Liberia’s recalled ambassador Nathaniel Barnes finally returns
Written by Julius Kanubah
Source: Star Radio Liberia
Report says Liberia’s recalled ambassador to the US Nathaniel Barnes has returned to the Country.
According to the report, Ambassador Barnes arrived in the country Monday.
Ambassador Barnes was nearly two weeks ago recalled as Liberia’s chief envoy to the US by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.
The Executive Mansion said he was recalled for consultations, but the Information Ministry said many options awaited him including reassignment or dismissal.
Earlier, reports suggested that Ambassador Barnes could not have returned to Liberia for a number of unspecified reasons.
Prior to his assignment as Ambassador to the US, Mr. Barnes contested the 2005 elections as a Presidential candidate on the ticket of his Liberia Destiny Party.
Last week, the Executive Mansion announced that Deputy Foreign Minister William Bull has been assigned as temporarily Ambassador to the US.
With the appointment of a temporary ambassador to the United Sates it is highly unlikely that Ambassador Barnes will return to his previous portfolio.
Source: Star Radio Liberia
Report says Liberia’s recalled ambassador to the US Nathaniel Barnes has returned to the Country.
According to the report, Ambassador Barnes arrived in the country Monday.
Ambassador Barnes was nearly two weeks ago recalled as Liberia’s chief envoy to the US by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.
The Executive Mansion said he was recalled for consultations, but the Information Ministry said many options awaited him including reassignment or dismissal.
Earlier, reports suggested that Ambassador Barnes could not have returned to Liberia for a number of unspecified reasons.
Prior to his assignment as Ambassador to the US, Mr. Barnes contested the 2005 elections as a Presidential candidate on the ticket of his Liberia Destiny Party.
Last week, the Executive Mansion announced that Deputy Foreign Minister William Bull has been assigned as temporarily Ambassador to the US.
With the appointment of a temporary ambassador to the United Sates it is highly unlikely that Ambassador Barnes will return to his previous portfolio.
Dr. Sawyer on lost Constitutional opportunity
Written by Julius Kanubah
Source: Star Radio Liberia
Former Interim President Amos Sawyer says the failure of the Legislature to pass the bill to amend Article 54 of the Constitution will be a lost opportunity.
Dr. Sawyer said without amending article 54 the issue of decentralization of government will be affected for at least six years.
Article 54 gives the President the power to appoint County Superintendents and other local officials.
However, the Governance Commission is seeking an amendment of the provision to ensure the election of County Superintendents and district commissioners.
Dr. Sawyer said the passage of the bill will lead to the decentralization of government with people’s participation in the governance process.
He made the statement Monday at a public hearing on the proposed constitutional amendment resolution.
Other speakers including Cecil Brandy of the Land Commission and Peter Kamei of the Internal Affairs Ministry supported the passage of the bill.
Also, Dan Saryee of the Liberia Democratic Institute and the lawyer of the National Elections Commission Cllr. Joseph Blidii urged the Legislature to approve the bill.
Source: Star Radio Liberia
Former Interim President Amos Sawyer says the failure of the Legislature to pass the bill to amend Article 54 of the Constitution will be a lost opportunity.
Dr. Sawyer said without amending article 54 the issue of decentralization of government will be affected for at least six years.
Article 54 gives the President the power to appoint County Superintendents and other local officials.
However, the Governance Commission is seeking an amendment of the provision to ensure the election of County Superintendents and district commissioners.
Dr. Sawyer said the passage of the bill will lead to the decentralization of government with people’s participation in the governance process.
He made the statement Monday at a public hearing on the proposed constitutional amendment resolution.
Other speakers including Cecil Brandy of the Land Commission and Peter Kamei of the Internal Affairs Ministry supported the passage of the bill.
Also, Dan Saryee of the Liberia Democratic Institute and the lawyer of the National Elections Commission Cllr. Joseph Blidii urged the Legislature to approve the bill.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Executive Mansion On TRC Report Issues
Source: The Inquirer News Liberia
TRC Former Chairman Cllr. Jerome Verdier
The Executive Mansion has provided some clarification on claims by the former Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) that it has failed to implement its assigned duties as enshrined in the act leading to the formation of the commission. Responding to claims by the commission that the Executive Mansion has reneged to make a report within a period of three months relative to the implementation of its duties to fully have the TRC report implemented as well as settle payments to members of the commission. The Executive Mansion said contrary to these claims, the Executive Mansion will do exactly what the law says regarding the TRC report when the time reaches.
Presidential Press Secretary Cyrus Wleh Badio says when the time reaches as it relates to the President exercising her share of the TRC report, she wIll go ahead to do that according to what the law says. He said the President is fully on course to meet the timing of fulfilling her duties to have the TRC reports implemented contrary to what is being said in some quarters. For some time now, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission through its Chairman Cllr. Jerome Verdier has repeatedly expressed fear over the sincerity of the Executive Mansion to implement the final report of the commission as required by law.
The commission claimed that even since it completed its work and submitted its final reports it is yet to receive a dime from the government alleging that its budget has been sliced by the government. It has even been alleged that the government is dragging its feet to have the final report of the commission implemented because the report has indicted senior officials of the government and has barred President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf from contesting political office for 30 years.
TRC Former Chairman Cllr. Jerome Verdier
Presidential Press Secretary Cyrus Wleh Badio says when the time reaches as it relates to the President exercising her share of the TRC report, she wIll go ahead to do that according to what the law says. He said the President is fully on course to meet the timing of fulfilling her duties to have the TRC reports implemented contrary to what is being said in some quarters. For some time now, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission through its Chairman Cllr. Jerome Verdier has repeatedly expressed fear over the sincerity of the Executive Mansion to implement the final report of the commission as required by law.
The commission claimed that even since it completed its work and submitted its final reports it is yet to receive a dime from the government alleging that its budget has been sliced by the government. It has even been alleged that the government is dragging its feet to have the final report of the commission implemented because the report has indicted senior officials of the government and has barred President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf from contesting political office for 30 years.
ULAA welcomes voting rights for Liberians in the Diaspora
 |
| Anthony V.Kesselly |
Source: Running Africa
The Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA) says it welcomes any and all efforts geared towards getting all Liberians including those in the Diaspora to participate in the economic and political decision making process of the country. "We see this as a very welcome move and ULAA will apply whatever weight is needed."
The statement was made over the weekend by the President of ULAA Mr. Anthony V.Kesselly when he spoke in an exclusive interview with WRAR-96 Internet Radio/Running Africa from his headquarters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Kesselly was responding to a legislative endeavor by Lofa County and the opposition Liberty Party's Representative Eugene Fallah Kparkar aimed at affording Liberians in the Diaspora an opportunity to vote in the upcoming General and Presidential elections in 2011.
Representative Kparkar argues that Liberians in the Diaspora are making significant contribution to the development of Liberia and cites Article 77-B of the Liberian Constitution as the basis for his proposed bill..
"All elections shall be by secret ballot as may be determined by the Elections Commission, and every Liberian citizen not less than 18 years of age, shall have the right to be registered as a voter and to vote in public elections and referenda under this Constitution..."
However, in the Liberian lawmaker has not specifically addressed reconciling the prior Article 77-B with Article 80c of the Constitution which states that "Every Liberian citizen shall have the right to be registered in a constituency of either his Liberian origin or residence, and have the right to vote in public elections only in the constituency where registered, either in person or by absentee ballot; provided that such citizen shall have a right to change his voting constituency only once in every ten years and must have been a resident in the constituency not less than one year."
Elections scholars argue about the intent of this clause of the Liberia Constitution indicating that in order to address this "vagary" a Constitutional Amendment may be needed.
The Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA) says it welcomes any and all efforts geared towards getting all Liberians including those in the Diaspora to participate in the economic and political decision making process of the country. "We see this as a very welcome move and ULAA will apply whatever weight is needed."
The statement was made over the weekend by the President of ULAA Mr. Anthony V.Kesselly when he spoke in an exclusive interview with WRAR-96 Internet Radio/Running Africa from his headquarters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Kesselly was responding to a legislative endeavor by Lofa County and the opposition Liberty Party's Representative Eugene Fallah Kparkar aimed at affording Liberians in the Diaspora an opportunity to vote in the upcoming General and Presidential elections in 2011.
Representative Kparkar argues that Liberians in the Diaspora are making significant contribution to the development of Liberia and cites Article 77-B of the Liberian Constitution as the basis for his proposed bill..
"All elections shall be by secret ballot as may be determined by the Elections Commission, and every Liberian citizen not less than 18 years of age, shall have the right to be registered as a voter and to vote in public elections and referenda under this Constitution..."
However, in the Liberian lawmaker has not specifically addressed reconciling the prior Article 77-B with Article 80c of the Constitution which states that "Every Liberian citizen shall have the right to be registered in a constituency of either his Liberian origin or residence, and have the right to vote in public elections only in the constituency where registered, either in person or by absentee ballot; provided that such citizen shall have a right to change his voting constituency only once in every ten years and must have been a resident in the constituency not less than one year."
Elections scholars argue about the intent of this clause of the Liberia Constitution indicating that in order to address this "vagary" a Constitutional Amendment may be needed.
The ULAA boss says his leadership has articulated their support for the proposed bill for a while now including their stated position at an All Liberian Conference held in 2005 in the USA, adding, "since prior to the 2005 General and Presidential elections in Liberia, that featured prominently on the agenda."
As part of his visit to Liberia in June, 2009 Mr. Kesselly disclosed that he lobbied for support for such a proposed bill to "enfranchise" Liberians in the Diaspora vote along with the twin issue of dual citizenship for Liberians.
ULAA is the umbrella organization of various Liberian Associations in the US, Canada and Europe and is a voluntary, non-profit and non-governmental organization formed on July 4,1974 in Philadelphia, PA USA. The mission of ULAA is to advance the just causes of Liberians at home and abroad.
Asked about the level of support of member organizations of ULAA for this initiative. Mr. Kesselly said at the last General Assembly of the ULAA in Atlanta, GA , member organizations including delegates from Conference of Liberian Organizations in the Southwestern US (COLUSUS), Canada and Europe embraced the idea. "The Union is unanimous on this issue. Right now, Liberians in the Diaspora only participate in the life of the country by sending money through Western Union," he said.
On the issue of dual citizenship which is before the Liberian Senate's Judiciary Committee for public hearing, Mr. Kesselly who referred to the initiative as the "twin sister" said ULAA is also seriously supporting the passage of such a bill.
As part of its support for dual citizenship, he disclosed that his leadership has been working with international partners including successive meetings with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and others. 'We want to involve international partners and organizations that will help us with their ideas" he further asserted.
He, however, admitted that ULAA is aware of the various issues involved with the passage of dual citizenship but said the umbrella organization is working to conscientize and educate Liberians on the benefit of passing such an initiative.
Asked about what the current Liberian Administration is asking of ULAA, given the sometimes acrimonious and tense relationship the organization has had with prior Administrations in the last thirty years, Mr. Kesselly defended the "approaches" undertaken by prior ULAA administrations with reference to its advocacy for, accountability, democratic rule, press freedom and protection of human rights in Liberia.
" But several years ago, given the demographic changes occasioned by the civil war, the dramatic change in the.quantity and quality of Liberians who are present in the Diaspora, specifically the United States, ULAA started moving towards balancing its approach between advocacy and service delivery. And since then, with the holding of democratic free and fair elections of a government that is accountable to the people, ULAA had to reshape itself to be able to be participatory."
The ULAA President says his organization and the Government are Liberia are exploring ways in which they can both work constructively in the Diaspora and Liberia itself in a frank manner.
Mr. Kesselly said that ULAA is generally satisfied with preparations for the upcoming General and Presidential elections in Liberia but said there is room for improvement adding, "we are generally following the course of preparation and we know that its is not a perfect situation."
Given the view held in some quarters that ULAA which was one headed by indicted by insurgent leader, ex-Liberia President and indicted war criminal Charles Taylor that the U.S. based organization was "responsible for the war in Liberia", Mr. Kesselly went to length to disabuse such views and added that "ULAA has been very cautious in accommodating incremental progress in Liberia; not to agitate too much such that we go back to the position that leads the country back to chaos and ULAA is again blamed."
The ULAA leadership has meanwhile expressed its appreciation to Representative Eugene Kparkar for his initiative to "enfranchise:' Liberians in the Diaspora to vote the next Presidential and General Elections.
By Emmanuel Abalo
Philadelphia, PA
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Another Charles Taylor international associate faces extradition
By Emmanuel Abalo and International Wire Services
Source: Runningafrica.com
Another international associate and black market arms dealer of former Liberian President Charles Taylor is facing extradition to answer an indictment which charges that he tried to buy airplanes from US companies to transport illegal arms to conflict spots around the world. Viktor Bout was indicted on February 17, 2010 by U.S Prosecutors.
An appeals court in Thailand on Friday granted a request made by the U.S. Government for the extradition of Mr. Viktor Bout. As the verdict of his extradition was read, Mr. Bout hung his head and cried. Known as the "Merchant of Death" the high profile arms dealer and Russian native is accused by US prosecutor of selling and brokering arms deal which exacerbated wars and conflicts and supported regimes in Afghanistan, Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Sudan.
Mr.. Bout is on the United Nations list of individuals sanctioned for his direct support to former Liberian President Charles Taylor's whose regime in West Africa is alleged to have supported rebels in neighboring Sierra Leone between 1991 - 2001. The war claimed the lives of nearly 250,000 people and dislocated another 1 million others in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Mr. Bout has denied US prosecutors charges against him saying he was infact a legitimate arms dealer.
Mr.. Taylor is facing war crimes trial in the Hague before the Special Court for Sierra Leone.
Lauren Rozen, a foreign policy report for the online website Politico charges that " Bout became linked to Charles Taylor through Sanjivan Ruprah, a Kenyan, in 2000. Ruprah was a biz partner of Bout's, and has two Liberian passports. Bout and Ruprah got some diamond mines in exchange for their services. Bout was happy to take diamonds in payment for his lethal loads to Liberia, Congo and Angola. He had even tried to set up a diamond export business in the Congo..."
Ruprah remains at large and is believed to be back in business in somewhere in parts of Africa supplying arms to various groups.
The former Taylor associate Mr. Bout is said to have made millions in the illicit black-market arms market
A U.S Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets statement details that the arms dealer Mr. Bout as owns several bank accounts, air cargo firms and shell companies under various names. Authorities believe Mr. Bout used these various assets to evade international tracking of his business ventures in arms deliveries to nefarious and shady individuals and insurgent groups across the globe.
In a letter dated October 26, 2001 from the Chairman of the UN Security Council Committee established pursuant to the resolution 1343 of 2001 concerning Liberia addressed to the President of the Security Council, it was noted that the " the main company behind many of the arms shipments was San Air, in the United Arab Emirates. San Air is an agent for Centrafrican Airlines, the main company of Viktor Bout, and the owner of many of the arms trafficking planes involved. San Air's bank accounts were used for many payments for arms deliveries to Liberia and the money trail is described in the section on government expenditures"
The UN Panel at the time recommended that an arms embargo be extended on Liberia, that all UN member states abstain from supplying weans to the Mano River Countries and an arms embargo be imposed on the armed non-state actors in the three Mano River Union countries (namely the LURD and ULIMO factions, the RUF and Guinean armed dissident groups).
In its report, the UN Panel in its analysis of the aviation network involved in arms supplies to Liberia under the regime of ex-Liberian President Charles Taylor cited "evidence of involvement of Sergui Denissenko, Alexander Islamov, Papel Popov and Sanjivan Ruprah. All these individuals are directly connected to Viktor Bout and the operations of his aircraft..."
In section 23 of the Executive Summary of the UN Panel's Report, the Panel documented how the "Singapore-based mother company of the Oriental Timber Company, a company with significant timber operations in Liberia arranged a $500,000 USD payment for arms shipment in August, 1999; how the Bureau of Maritime Affairs in Liberia headed at the time by another Taylor Associate Mr. Benoni Urey assisted violation of the arms embargo and paid directly to Victor Bout's San Air's bank account and how Sanjivan Ruprah, a diamond dealer and partner of Viktor Bout had taken residence in Liberia, at the end of the arms pipeline".
International wire reports say "U.S DEA agents posed as Colombian guerrillas and lured the elusive Mr. Bout on tape promising to sell the crew 700 to 800 surface-to-air missiles, enough ammo for a small war, cargo planes and even "how-to" classes to use the weapons."
Mr. Bout's lawyers have served notice that they intend to file an appeal against the decision to extradite him to the US for prosecution.
On his "official" website VictorBout.com, Mr. Bout states that..."Venturing into Africa was a matter of necessity rather than choice. "
Source: Runningafrica.com
Another international associate and black market arms dealer of former Liberian President Charles Taylor is facing extradition to answer an indictment which charges that he tried to buy airplanes from US companies to transport illegal arms to conflict spots around the world. Viktor Bout was indicted on February 17, 2010 by U.S Prosecutors.
 |
| Mr. Viktor Bout |
Mr.. Bout is on the United Nations list of individuals sanctioned for his direct support to former Liberian President Charles Taylor's whose regime in West Africa is alleged to have supported rebels in neighboring Sierra Leone between 1991 - 2001. The war claimed the lives of nearly 250,000 people and dislocated another 1 million others in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Mr. Bout has denied US prosecutors charges against him saying he was infact a legitimate arms dealer.
Mr.. Taylor is facing war crimes trial in the Hague before the Special Court for Sierra Leone.
Lauren Rozen, a foreign policy report for the online website Politico charges that " Bout became linked to Charles Taylor through Sanjivan Ruprah, a Kenyan, in 2000. Ruprah was a biz partner of Bout's, and has two Liberian passports. Bout and Ruprah got some diamond mines in exchange for their services. Bout was happy to take diamonds in payment for his lethal loads to Liberia, Congo and Angola. He had even tried to set up a diamond export business in the Congo..."
Ruprah remains at large and is believed to be back in business in somewhere in parts of Africa supplying arms to various groups.
The former Taylor associate Mr. Bout is said to have made millions in the illicit black-market arms market
A U.S Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets statement details that the arms dealer Mr. Bout as owns several bank accounts, air cargo firms and shell companies under various names. Authorities believe Mr. Bout used these various assets to evade international tracking of his business ventures in arms deliveries to nefarious and shady individuals and insurgent groups across the globe.
In a letter dated October 26, 2001 from the Chairman of the UN Security Council Committee established pursuant to the resolution 1343 of 2001 concerning Liberia addressed to the President of the Security Council, it was noted that the " the main company behind many of the arms shipments was San Air, in the United Arab Emirates. San Air is an agent for Centrafrican Airlines, the main company of Viktor Bout, and the owner of many of the arms trafficking planes involved. San Air's bank accounts were used for many payments for arms deliveries to Liberia and the money trail is described in the section on government expenditures"
The UN Panel at the time recommended that an arms embargo be extended on Liberia, that all UN member states abstain from supplying weans to the Mano River Countries and an arms embargo be imposed on the armed non-state actors in the three Mano River Union countries (namely the LURD and ULIMO factions, the RUF and Guinean armed dissident groups).
In its report, the UN Panel in its analysis of the aviation network involved in arms supplies to Liberia under the regime of ex-Liberian President Charles Taylor cited "evidence of involvement of Sergui Denissenko, Alexander Islamov, Papel Popov and Sanjivan Ruprah. All these individuals are directly connected to Viktor Bout and the operations of his aircraft..."
In section 23 of the Executive Summary of the UN Panel's Report, the Panel documented how the "Singapore-based mother company of the Oriental Timber Company, a company with significant timber operations in Liberia arranged a $500,000 USD payment for arms shipment in August, 1999; how the Bureau of Maritime Affairs in Liberia headed at the time by another Taylor Associate Mr. Benoni Urey assisted violation of the arms embargo and paid directly to Victor Bout's San Air's bank account and how Sanjivan Ruprah, a diamond dealer and partner of Viktor Bout had taken residence in Liberia, at the end of the arms pipeline".
International wire reports say "U.S DEA agents posed as Colombian guerrillas and lured the elusive Mr. Bout on tape promising to sell the crew 700 to 800 surface-to-air missiles, enough ammo for a small war, cargo planes and even "how-to" classes to use the weapons."
Mr. Bout's lawyers have served notice that they intend to file an appeal against the decision to extradite him to the US for prosecution.
On his "official" website VictorBout.com, Mr. Bout states that..."Venturing into Africa was a matter of necessity rather than choice. "
Saturday, August 21, 2010
TRC indictees may go free … reputable lawyer warns
Written by Julius Kanubah
Source: Star Radio Liberia
Six of the seven nominees of the Independent National Human Rights Commission say they are not responsible to implement recommendations of the TRC report.
The INHCR nominees however said they are only tasked to ensure the full implementation of the TRC recommendations.
They made the statement Friday at a confirmation hearing before the Senate’s Committee on Judiciary, Claims, Human Rights and Petition.
The INHCR Chairperson-designate Cllr. Punchu Leonard Bernard said it is the responsibility of government to implement recommendations of the TRC.
During the hearing, Cllr. Bernard described herself as a senior lawyer, a reference to protest by a citizen that she was not qualified to head the INHCR as per its Act.
Cllr. Bernard however failed to say which Month of 2010 she was admitted into the Supreme Court as counselor-at-law, saying she has forgotten.
One of the nominees, reputatble Human Rights lawyer Cllr. Dempster Brown said it will be difficult to prosecute individuals listed in the TRC report because the Act was meant for reconciliation.
According to Cllr. Brown, there are no laws in Liberia to prosecute people indicted in the TRC report of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
He warned unless legislations are passed by the Legislature to establish a special war crimes court in Liberia, war crimes indictees cannot be prosecuted under Liberian laws.
Other nominees who appeared for confirmation include James Torh, Thomas Bureh, Ms. Macdilla Howard and Ruby Johnson-Morris.
The other nominee Boakai Dukuly did not appear because he is said to be out of the Country.
Source: Star Radio Liberia
Six of the seven nominees of the Independent National Human Rights Commission say they are not responsible to implement recommendations of the TRC report.
The INHCR nominees however said they are only tasked to ensure the full implementation of the TRC recommendations.
They made the statement Friday at a confirmation hearing before the Senate’s Committee on Judiciary, Claims, Human Rights and Petition.
The INHCR Chairperson-designate Cllr. Punchu Leonard Bernard said it is the responsibility of government to implement recommendations of the TRC.
During the hearing, Cllr. Bernard described herself as a senior lawyer, a reference to protest by a citizen that she was not qualified to head the INHCR as per its Act.
Cllr. Bernard however failed to say which Month of 2010 she was admitted into the Supreme Court as counselor-at-law, saying she has forgotten.
One of the nominees, reputatble Human Rights lawyer Cllr. Dempster Brown said it will be difficult to prosecute individuals listed in the TRC report because the Act was meant for reconciliation.
According to Cllr. Brown, there are no laws in Liberia to prosecute people indicted in the TRC report of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
He warned unless legislations are passed by the Legislature to establish a special war crimes court in Liberia, war crimes indictees cannot be prosecuted under Liberian laws.
Other nominees who appeared for confirmation include James Torh, Thomas Bureh, Ms. Macdilla Howard and Ruby Johnson-Morris.
The other nominee Boakai Dukuly did not appear because he is said to be out of the Country.
NEC announces timetable for 2011
Written by Moses Wenyou
Source: Star Radio Liberia
The National Elections Commission has announced the official timetable for the conduct of the 2011 General elections.
The Chairman of NEC however said the comprehensive activity schedule would be published next week in local dailies and on the commission’s website.
Mr. James Fromayan told a news conference Friday the key electoral dates would be subject to change based on prevailing circumstances at a given time.
According to Mr. Fromayan, the NEC has put in place the necessary mechanism for the delimitation of electoral districts in line with the joint resolution.
The NEC Chairman clarified the delimitation process would now commence after the entire voters’ registration exercise which is expected to begin January 10, 2011.
He said the distribution of the nine additional seats as provided by the joint resolution would be based on percentage of seats currently occupied by the six most populated counties in the House.
Mr. Fromayan said Montserrado with existing fourteen seats will have additional three seats while Nimba with seven seats will have two additional seats.
He said Bong County’s six existing seats will be increased by one while Grand Bassa, Margibi and Lofa counties will also have their four seats increased by one.
Mr. Fromayan assured international best practices which requires consultations with locals would be used by the NEC to carry out the delimitation exercise.
Source: Star Radio Liberia
The National Elections Commission has announced the official timetable for the conduct of the 2011 General elections.
The Chairman of NEC however said the comprehensive activity schedule would be published next week in local dailies and on the commission’s website.
Mr. James Fromayan told a news conference Friday the key electoral dates would be subject to change based on prevailing circumstances at a given time.
According to Mr. Fromayan, the NEC has put in place the necessary mechanism for the delimitation of electoral districts in line with the joint resolution.
The NEC Chairman clarified the delimitation process would now commence after the entire voters’ registration exercise which is expected to begin January 10, 2011.
He said the distribution of the nine additional seats as provided by the joint resolution would be based on percentage of seats currently occupied by the six most populated counties in the House.
Mr. Fromayan said Montserrado with existing fourteen seats will have additional three seats while Nimba with seven seats will have two additional seats.
He said Bong County’s six existing seats will be increased by one while Grand Bassa, Margibi and Lofa counties will also have their four seats increased by one.
Mr. Fromayan assured international best practices which requires consultations with locals would be used by the NEC to carry out the delimitation exercise.
Sen. Momo declares Pres. Sirleaf as politically unfriendly
Written by Mack Rogers
Source: Star Radio Liberia
Senator James Momo of Grand Cape Mount County has described President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf as a politically unfriendly person.
Senator Momo said President Sirleaf’s visit to Grand Cape Mount without prior notice to the county’s legislative caucus proves her political unfriendliness.
He said the legislative caucuses of Grand Cape Mount and other counties should be served prior notices before the president can visit their counties.
His statement comes a day after President Johnson-Sirleaf visited Bamballa at the invitation of the residents themselves.
Meanwhile government has described Senator Momo’s claim as a contradiction saying the Senator was part of the president’s activities in the county.
Deputy Information for Public Affairs Jerolimik Piah told Star Radio the president’s visit was announced several weeks and was not hidden.
Source: Star Radio Liberia
Senator James Momo of Grand Cape Mount County has described President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf as a politically unfriendly person.
Senator Momo said President Sirleaf’s visit to Grand Cape Mount without prior notice to the county’s legislative caucus proves her political unfriendliness.
He said the legislative caucuses of Grand Cape Mount and other counties should be served prior notices before the president can visit their counties.
His statement comes a day after President Johnson-Sirleaf visited Bamballa at the invitation of the residents themselves.
Meanwhile government has described Senator Momo’s claim as a contradiction saying the Senator was part of the president’s activities in the county.
Deputy Information for Public Affairs Jerolimik Piah told Star Radio the president’s visit was announced several weeks and was not hidden.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Political, Social Divides Threaten Strides in Shoring Up Peace, Says Ban
Source: allAfrica.com
Although Liberia continues to make considerable progress in consolidating peace and security, enduring political and social divides, among other factors, could roll back the strides made so far, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon cautions in a new report.
He also warns that limited gains on national reconciliation and the far-reaching perception of the prevalence of impunity are also obstacles to progress in his most recent report to the Security Council on the UN peacekeeping mission in Liberia, known as UNMIL.
While the West African nation's overall security situation is stable, it is fragile due to ethnic and communal tensions, disputes over access to land and a lack of confidence in the criminal justice system, the report notes.
Rape, armed robbery and other forms of serious criminal activity, it says, continue to be prevalent, expressing concern that more than 70 per cent of reported rapes between February and August have involved victims under the age of 16.
"Relatively minor disputes continued to rapidly escalate into major destabilizing incidents," Mr. Ban writes.
He points to the example of widespread violence in Lofa County in northern Liberia between the predominantly Christian Lorma and Muslim Mandingo communities triggered by allegations of a ritual killing and aggravated existing tensions.
Armed with cutlasses, shotguns and other weapons, the two sides attacked each other and property, including places of worship, resulting in four people being killed, 18 others sustaining injuries, and many churches, mosques and homes being destroyed.
UNMIL, along with the Emergency Response Unit of the Liberian National Police, stepped in to restore order.
In Maryland country in Liberia's southeast, UNMIL and the national police prevented violence in April when a witch doctor identified those allegedly behind a ritual killing, leading to the arrest of 18 people - including influential figures in the area - and sparking a community protest.
"As events in Lofa and Maryland counties demonstrate, low public confidence in the State's capacity to deliver justice frequently leads to rapid flare-ups, threatening overall law and order," the Secretary-General notes.
He also says that although security institutions are continuing to make progress, they have yet to reach the capacity to respond independently of UNMIL, especially outside the capital, Monrovia.
"It is crucial that the development of the security sector becomes a main priority for the Government and the international community so that those institutions become independently operational, and are fully resourced," Mr. Ban writes.
He stresses that next year's elections will be a "critical milestone" for Liberia, testing the capacity of national institutions, and urges the Government and others to create a plan on how to take the recommendations made by the Truth and Reconciliation Committee forward.
UNMIL was set up in 2003 to bolster a ceasefire agreement ending a war that killed almost 150,000 Liberians, mostly civilians, and sent 850,000 others fleeing to neighbouring countries.
In this report, the Secretary-General says that he is pleased that the Government and its international partners have started planning for the eventual handover of security responsibilities from UNMIL to national authorities.
The mission has entered that its third stage in its drawdown, with the repatriation of more than 2,000 troops and dozens of armoured personnel carriers and three attack helicopters.
The police component has maintained its authorized strength of 1,375, and Mr. Ban recommends that UNMIL's current military and police levels be maintained until after the 2011 elections, "a core benchmark for UNMIL drawdown and withdrawal."
He also called on the Council to extend the mission's mandate for an additional year until 30 September 2011.
Although Liberia continues to make considerable progress in consolidating peace and security, enduring political and social divides, among other factors, could roll back the strides made so far, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon cautions in a new report.
He also warns that limited gains on national reconciliation and the far-reaching perception of the prevalence of impunity are also obstacles to progress in his most recent report to the Security Council on the UN peacekeeping mission in Liberia, known as UNMIL.
While the West African nation's overall security situation is stable, it is fragile due to ethnic and communal tensions, disputes over access to land and a lack of confidence in the criminal justice system, the report notes.
Rape, armed robbery and other forms of serious criminal activity, it says, continue to be prevalent, expressing concern that more than 70 per cent of reported rapes between February and August have involved victims under the age of 16.
"Relatively minor disputes continued to rapidly escalate into major destabilizing incidents," Mr. Ban writes.
He points to the example of widespread violence in Lofa County in northern Liberia between the predominantly Christian Lorma and Muslim Mandingo communities triggered by allegations of a ritual killing and aggravated existing tensions.
Armed with cutlasses, shotguns and other weapons, the two sides attacked each other and property, including places of worship, resulting in four people being killed, 18 others sustaining injuries, and many churches, mosques and homes being destroyed.
UNMIL, along with the Emergency Response Unit of the Liberian National Police, stepped in to restore order.
In Maryland country in Liberia's southeast, UNMIL and the national police prevented violence in April when a witch doctor identified those allegedly behind a ritual killing, leading to the arrest of 18 people - including influential figures in the area - and sparking a community protest.
"As events in Lofa and Maryland counties demonstrate, low public confidence in the State's capacity to deliver justice frequently leads to rapid flare-ups, threatening overall law and order," the Secretary-General notes.
He also says that although security institutions are continuing to make progress, they have yet to reach the capacity to respond independently of UNMIL, especially outside the capital, Monrovia.
"It is crucial that the development of the security sector becomes a main priority for the Government and the international community so that those institutions become independently operational, and are fully resourced," Mr. Ban writes.
He stresses that next year's elections will be a "critical milestone" for Liberia, testing the capacity of national institutions, and urges the Government and others to create a plan on how to take the recommendations made by the Truth and Reconciliation Committee forward.
UNMIL was set up in 2003 to bolster a ceasefire agreement ending a war that killed almost 150,000 Liberians, mostly civilians, and sent 850,000 others fleeing to neighbouring countries.
In this report, the Secretary-General says that he is pleased that the Government and its international partners have started planning for the eventual handover of security responsibilities from UNMIL to national authorities.
The mission has entered that its third stage in its drawdown, with the repatriation of more than 2,000 troops and dozens of armoured personnel carriers and three attack helicopters.
The police component has maintained its authorized strength of 1,375, and Mr. Ban recommends that UNMIL's current military and police levels be maintained until after the 2011 elections, "a core benchmark for UNMIL drawdown and withdrawal."
He also called on the Council to extend the mission's mandate for an additional year until 30 September 2011.
2011 Elections Calendar Out Today
Source: allAfrica.com
All is set and at about noon time, Liberians and the political leaders, some of whom are desirous of contesting various positions next year, will know how the process will proceed and what they need to be doing.
The essence of this is that the National Elections Commission (NEC), the body in charge of electoral activities in Liberia, has announced that it would today Friday, August 20, 2010, make public the electoral calendar for the conduct of the 2011 presidential and legislative elections.
By this, the commission will be saying when registration of political parties will begin, when registration of interested candidates will begin, when campaign will get under way and the rest of the activities that certify the process.
Before reaching to this important bridge, the NEC has been involved with pre-electoral activities such as voter registration education, consultations with major stakeholders such women groups, political parties leaders, the media, in an attempt to discuss how the process could be handled to avoid confusion and other disingenuous activities.
More besides, the Commission has, in its own weak way, succeeded in carrying on boundary harmonization and that it was only waiting for the threshold to proceed with the aspect of constituency demarcation.
As it was holding these consultations across the country, the commission was also sounding warnings to all and sunders that the delay by the Legislature was not in the interest of holding a free and fair elections as so many things pertaining to holding the elections were tied to threshold bill.
The release which did not provide much details on other activities that will precede the announcement of the electoral calendar, also quoted the Commission as saying that it will use the time to announce its official position on the Joint Resolution passed by the National Legislature for the apportioning of representative seats in the House of Representatives.
What that position will be is a mere conjecture, but it is clear that this is the area of interest to most Liberians, even members of the national legislature and president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf who wasted no time in signing the document.
More besides, it is likely to be a mere professionally critical analysis of the pros and cons of the Resolution, as the commission itself does not have the teeth to bite, in terms of rejecting it. Whatever the case may be, all eyes are now set to the NEC and whatever it will say could be judged for or against it.
All is set and at about noon time, Liberians and the political leaders, some of whom are desirous of contesting various positions next year, will know how the process will proceed and what they need to be doing.
The essence of this is that the National Elections Commission (NEC), the body in charge of electoral activities in Liberia, has announced that it would today Friday, August 20, 2010, make public the electoral calendar for the conduct of the 2011 presidential and legislative elections.
By this, the commission will be saying when registration of political parties will begin, when registration of interested candidates will begin, when campaign will get under way and the rest of the activities that certify the process.
Before reaching to this important bridge, the NEC has been involved with pre-electoral activities such as voter registration education, consultations with major stakeholders such women groups, political parties leaders, the media, in an attempt to discuss how the process could be handled to avoid confusion and other disingenuous activities.
More besides, the Commission has, in its own weak way, succeeded in carrying on boundary harmonization and that it was only waiting for the threshold to proceed with the aspect of constituency demarcation.
As it was holding these consultations across the country, the commission was also sounding warnings to all and sunders that the delay by the Legislature was not in the interest of holding a free and fair elections as so many things pertaining to holding the elections were tied to threshold bill.
The release which did not provide much details on other activities that will precede the announcement of the electoral calendar, also quoted the Commission as saying that it will use the time to announce its official position on the Joint Resolution passed by the National Legislature for the apportioning of representative seats in the House of Representatives.
What that position will be is a mere conjecture, but it is clear that this is the area of interest to most Liberians, even members of the national legislature and president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf who wasted no time in signing the document.
More besides, it is likely to be a mere professionally critical analysis of the pros and cons of the Resolution, as the commission itself does not have the teeth to bite, in terms of rejecting it. Whatever the case may be, all eyes are now set to the NEC and whatever it will say could be judged for or against it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
News Headline
