The Inquirer
Monrovia, Liberia

Distributed by

The Perspective
Atlanta, Georgia

Posted June 1, 2004

The Liberian Women Media Action Committee (LIWOMAC) is imploring the National Transitional Government of Liberia LNTG and the United Nations Mission in Liberia UNMIL to secure the release of some 25 children subjected into slavery by Zig-zag Mazai, a notorious general of the Charles Taylor militia.

“LIWOMAC read with dismay, the May 27 2004 edition of the Vangard Newspaper that the Taylor militiaman is enslaving the children in deep forest between the towns of Senlay and Voiyanglay in northeastern Liberia.

“LIWOMAC read from the report that Zig-zag Mazai is noted for cannibalism and has subjected the children to force labor at present. The general is noted for eating at least a wife and a boy cook, and added that the failure by the NTGL and UNMIL to ensure the release of the children will be hazardous to their survival.

“Though the children, The Vanguard reported, are mainly Sierra Leoneans and Guineans, we believe that it is still the responsibility of the Liberian authorities with the backing of the international security force to protect everyone within the territorial confines of Liberia.

“LIWOMAC therefore urges the government and UNMIL not to renege on this responsibility or neglect it as doing so would reflect a negative image of Liberia which is striving to take her place within the comity of civilized nations.

“We at LIWOMAC like to note the gruesome killing of a member of a visiting american team to assess the Armed Forces of Liberia, John Auffrey just few days ago by men believed to be former fighters. Accordingly, the media women are calling for speedy investigation of this act of murder so as to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“The death of Mr. Auffrey LIWOMAC, insists, should not be a repeat of the Viktor Hanning case. The public is yet to know of the full account of findings of the death of Mr. Hanning, an American (Swiss) logger who was killed at his Congo Town residence”, a release from LIWOMAC said.