Liberia Needs Trusteeship Not Interim Government
By Joe Flomo Matthew
For one hundred and fifty six years, history has shown that Liberians lacked fundamental aptitude of good governance. Good governance based on the rule of law, and the basic notion that a leader is a servant of the people not their master. We have failed ourselves miserably, therefore should not squandered another opportunity by putting together another quick fix interim government which will not stand the test of time. Our history in this arena has been nothing but dismal. In the 1990's, we went through litany of interim governments lead by Sawyer, Kpomakpor, Sankawolo, Ruth Perry, and another one headed by Chief Tamba Taylor, in which each warlord considered himself President. The statuses of today's events in Liberia are consequences of those charades. We cannot afford such this time around. With these in minds, I propose the creation of an International Trusteeship Administration for Liberia.
Now, hold your fire you so-called nationalist. I know, as you read this article, many of you want to attack my position. Some of you will very well do just that. I welcome that as such will only open healthy debates for the future of our country. However, before you do, let me ask you this question: Who do you think could effectively lead an interim government in Liberia under the prevailing circumstances? I do not see one that can unite our fragile country. The problem is that almost all Liberians vying for political leadership today are stained with something heinous. As such, they do not trust one another, and the people do not trust them. They need time to reclaim themselves from the yoke of their misdeeds. They need time to rise above personal glorification and aggrandizement.
It is clear to me that Liberia is not ready for self-determination. Liberia has the human and intellectual capacities, but lacks individuals with the political wills to make tough political decisions in the service of the people. History shows that Liberians who ascend to positions in government tend to be the institutions such positions represent. For example, the institution of the Presidency in Liberia is an individual. He/she is above the law. He/she decides who lives and who dies. You know and I know these are fundamentally flawed. Therefore, selecting an interim government at this time in our history is a recipe for disaster. We are just not ready for the task of good governance.
Accordingly, it is my firm belief that Liberia needs an International Trusteeship Administration under the auspices of the United Nation. An American with Archbishop Michael Francis as principle deputy should head it. Liberians who are members of rebel groups, the Taylor’s administration, and those who participated in genocide against the Liberian people should be barred from serving in this administration. Ministers and Agency heads should be selected carefully to exclude any or supporters of the above.
Now, I do not want anyone fussing about Liberia’s sovereign rights, nor do I want to hear about the United States meddling in our internal affairs. As of today’s date, I have not heard any Liberian calling on Britain, Canada, Russia, France, Germany, Japan, or China or anyone else for that matter to come to our aid. All I have heard from Liberians are appeals to the United States to come to our rescue, and for good reasons. Like it or not, the United States is the only country on earth that can make a difference in Liberia. It is only appropriate to select one of them to rule our country during these turbulent times. Accordingly, here are my proposals for an International Trusteeship Administration for Liberia:
1. The International Trusteeship Administration of Liberia should administer the affairs of Liberia for a period of five years beginning immediately. During the five year period, it should do the following:
