Civil Society
Organizations of Liberia Launch a Three-Month Campaign Against Impunity
in Liberia
At one hundred and fifty seven years today since the independence
of Liberia, one would draw the logical conclusion that Liberia is
amongst the world's civilized nations bearing the touch light
of democracy propelled by the rule of law. But this is unfortunately
to the contrary. Since our nation's birth, its history has mostly
been characterized by corruption, misrule, gross human rights violations,
and all the vices that underscore the meaning of bad governance and
the criminalization of the state. In the past few decades, these excessive
misdeeds by previous governments and their agents of dictatorship
have entrenched the culture of impunity.
 |
|
Suspects
|
Police
in Pursuit of Two Prime Suspects Linked to Murder of US Citizen
(
By Josephus Moses Gray)
In a joint operation, the Liberia National Police and the international
police force under the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) are
vigorously pursuing two prime suspects linked to the killing of a high
profile member of the U.S. Military Assessment Mission to Liberia. The
prime suspects were identified as Emmanuel Mulbah (Boye T. Moore), and
Charles Thomas.
Occupation:
Candidate For the Presidency of Liberia
(By Abdoulaye W. Dukulé)
It was one of those big social events where Liberians from all walks
of life meet and reminiscent about the lost country, drink beer, stout,
and eat pounds of potato greens, cassava leaves, palm butter and other
great culinary inventions of our foremothers. I was at the second
serving of potato greens – I once ate potato greens for an entire
week, from breakfast cold bowl to late night snacks without desire
for any other food! - When he walked to me and slightly touched me
on the shoulder. I was so focused on this hot plate that I almost
ignored him.
"The
Power of Free Will and Our Freedom to Choose"
On Friday, May 21, 2004, at 7:30 P.M., Ms. Sankan Worhwinn Nyanseor,
youngest daughter of Mr. Siahyonkron Nyanseor, Chairman of the Liberian
Democratic Future, publisher of The Perspective, graduated with honors
and distinctions from Tri-Cities High School in Georgia. She was the
recipient of several honors and awards: Honor Graduate (88 average
and above); National Honor Society; Beta Club; VPA Magnet; TAG (Talented
and Gifted); Senior of Distinction; Outstanding Senior Science Award,
Pepsi Cola Academic Award, Star Achievement of Excellence Award and
Old National Merchants Association Award (monetary award given annually
to Salutatorians and Valedictorians of high school students in the
South Fulton Community), PPG Industrial Foundation Community Scholarship,
Governor's Scholarship and Georgia's HOPE Grant.
Unknown
Person Kills Member of U.S. Military Assessment Mission to Liberia
(
By Josephus Moses Gray)
The Liberia National Police in conjunction with the International Police
of the United Nations Military Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) is investigating
circumstances surrounding the killing of a top brass of the American
military assessment mission currently visiting Liberia.
Malaria
and Tuberculosis: Forgotten Diseases
( By Chinua Akukwe)
I have written extensively in the print and electronic media
about the unfolding HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa and the far-reaching
development implications of a lack- luster remedial effort. In writing
or making presentations on HIV/AIDS in Africa, I am not unmindful
of the deadly consequences of two "forgotten diseases" in
Africa and other developing regions, Malaria and Tuberculosis (TB).
Speaker
George S. Dweh says the International Community has failed in Liberia….
The speaker of the National Transitional Government of Liberia,
Mr. George Dweh says the international has failed in Liberia. Mr.
Dweh whose warring faction, Liberians United for Reconciliation and
Democracy (LURD) is party to the Accra Accord that ended the Liberian
civil war, was speaking in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire where he met with
the President of the National Assembly of that country, Mr. Mamadou
Coulibaly. Mr. Coulibaly is a member of President Laurent Gbagbo's
party the FPI. The government of Gabgbo is said to be a major sponsor
of the other Liberian faction, MODEL, a splinter-group from LURD.
Mr. Dweh accuses the international community for failing to provide
incentives for the fighters in order to entice them to disarm.
Over 33,600
Ex-combatants Disarmed To UN Peacekeepers In Liberia
(
By Josephus Moses Gray)
Despite the United Nations Mission in Liberia or UNMIL's failure
to extend its authority across the 15 political sub-divisions of Liberia,
a West African nation devastated by 14-year of bloody war, the high
command of the UN mission has revealed that it has so far disarmed over
33,600 ex-combatants.
Civilian
With U.S. Forces Dead in Liberia (AP)
An American civilian employee of the U.S. European Command
was found dead Monday, apparently a homicide victim, in a Liberian
hotel room, the military said
Ex-combatants
Stage Violence Protest On Monrovia-Gbarnga Highway
(By Josephus Moses Gray)
Several ex-combatants from two belligerents groups including former
Government of Liberia (GOL) and the Liberians United for Reconciliation
and Democracy (LURD) on 22 May went on a rampage in Totota and its
environs, on the Monrovia-Gbarnga highway demanding their DDRR benefits.
EU Provides
US$36,000 Essential Drugs to NDS
(The Inquirer)
The European Union (EU) through its Monrovia office has provided a
consignment of essential pharmaceuticals worth about US$360,000 to
the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare essential drugs program
(EDP).
China
Warns About "Dollar Diplomacy"
(The Inquirer)
The Chinese Government through its ambassador accredited to Liberia,
Lin Songtian has warned Liberian government and people about Taiwan's
"Dollar Diplomacy." Amb. Songtian foresees the Taiwanese
authorities supporting Liberian political parties financially in the
forthcoming 2005 general and presidential elections.
UNHCR
Repatriates 600 Sierra Leonean Refugees
(The Inquirer)
As part of its effort to repatriate Sierra Leonean refugees in Liberia,
the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees last Friday repatriated
over 600 refugees.
Immigration
Bureau launches Search for Smuggler
(The Inquirer)
The security division of the Bureau of Immigration & Naturalization
(BIN) has launched a massive search for a Lebanese/Sierra Leonean
who attempted to smuggle 11 truck-loads of assorted merchandise into
the country from neighboring Sierra Leone.
FAWE/UNICEF
Launch Girls' Magazine
(The Inquirer)
The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), in collaboration
with UNICEF, has for the first time in Liberia, launched a Girls'
Voices Magazine project; as Morrison O.G. Sayon reports.
 |
|
Dr. Amos Sawyer
|
Dr. Sawyer
Declines Appointment on the Commission on Good Governance
In a letter addressed to Chairman Gyude Bryant and dated April 28, 2004 and copy of which was obtained by this publication, Dr. Amos C. Sawyer, former President of the Interim Government of National Unity (1990 – 1994), said that he could not take part in the Governance Reform Commission (GRC).
Two
Liberian Female Journalists Receive Master's Degree
(By Alex Redd)
As the old adage would clearly put it, "education is the bedrock of a nation" and, indeed, education is also the sole guarantor of human development and progress for both an individual and society at large. With statistical upsurge of illiteracy rate in Liberia, many Liberians who left the country due to an unending political conflict, are rolling up their sleeves to enhance their lives through quality education in the U.S.
Elections
in Liberia without Census Would Be Unconstitutional
(By Tiawan S. Gongloe)
Recently the National Elections Commission (NEC) announced that the
pending Liberian elections would be held without a census. According
to an article captioned: "No Census For 2005 Elections....Says
Elections Commission, But..." published in The
Inquirer
newspaper and distributed by
The Perspective website on May 7,
2004, "The National Elections Commission (NEC) through its Chairman
Cllr. Frances Johnson-Morris, says there will be no census in the country
before the conduct of the 2005 General and presidential elections."
French
army rescues Liberian refugees (AP)
French troops rescued hundreds of Liberian refugees stranded aboard
a broken-down ship off the West African coast on Thursday, delivering
food and water to them and towing the vessel back to shore.
Minister
Nagbe Exposes Prof. Willie Belleh, Accuses Lone Star Mobile Company
of Being a De facto Monopoly
(
By Josephus Moses Gray)
Addressing a major news conference on wide range of national and international
issues on 18 May 2004, the Minister of Post and Telecommunication, Eugene
Lenn Nagbe accused Professor Willie Belleh, chief of Staff to the office
of Chairman Charles Gyude Bryant, of perpetuating the de facto monopoly
being enjoyed by the Lone Star Communication Company at the expense
of free enterprise, equality and competitive services and the reduction
of prices.
Tubman's
Son "Catching" Hard-time
(The Inquirer)
One of the sons of former Liberian president William V. S. Tubman
says his life has been plagued with complete hardship due to his neglect
and denial by some members of the family to properties and funds belonging
to the late former president; as Patrick K. Wrokpoh reports.
LICECUF
Welcomes PRC's Contributions to GOL
(The Inquirer)
The entire membership and the National Executive Committee of the
Liberia-China Educational and Cultural Foundation (LICECUF), Inc.
has congratulated the Government and great people of the People's
Republic of China, a prominent and active member of the United Nations
Security Council for the grant of US$11 million to the Government
of Liberia for reconstruction of the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex
Lonestar
Enjoying Monopoly? (The
Inquirer)
Is the LoneStar Communication Corporation enjoying monopoly within
the nation's telecommunication sector? Or some forces are ensuring
a de-facto monopoly? Liberia's Post and Telecommunication Minister
Lenn Eugene Nagbe has been making some revelations
Aisha
Conneh Denies Transporting Heavy Weapons
(The Inquirer)
The ‘Iron Lady' of the Liberians United for Reconciliation
and Democracy (LURD), Mrs. Aicha Keita Conneh has vehemently denied
recent news report that LURD was transporting heavy war-making weaponry
across the border into Guinea.
German Doctors Threaten To Withdraw
From Bong Mines Hospital (The
Inquirer)
Cap Anamur (German Emergency Doctors), currently running the Bong
Mines Hospital has threatened to withdraw her team from the Fuamah
District, Bong County.
Two killed, Several Arrested
(The Inquirer)
At least two persons got killed and over 10 were arrested
during a violent protest by disgruntled former Government of Liberia
militiamen.
For
Wrongful Dismissal: Labor Rules Against Firestone (The
Inquirer)
The Labor Ministry has brought the Firestone Plantation Company(FPC)
down guilty for wrongfully dismissing two employees and awarded the
said employees US$48,620.00; as Timothy T. Seaklon reports.
Commerce
Warns Against price Hiking (The Inquirer)
The Ministry of Commerce is earnestly warning stakeholders within
the commerce of Liberia to desist from arbitrarily increasing prices
of basic commodities and product or risk facing the full weight of
the law.
The Free Democratic Party Calls for Investigation
(The Inquirer)
The Free Democratic Party (FDP) is calling on the National Transitional
Legislative Assembly (NTLA) to investigate Speaker George Dweh for
his alleged involvement in the squabble about the replacement of Finance
Minister Lusine Kamara.
LURD REVERSES "Non-Cooperation"
Action (The Inquirer)
The Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy has reversed
its recent pronouncement that it will not disarm and cooperate with
the National Transitional Government of Liberia(NTGL); as Patrick
K. Wrokpoh reports.
LIBERIA:
One person killed in riot by former combatants (IRIN)
One person was killed and three or four others were injured during a
riot by 500 former combatants in the Liberian capital Monrovia on Monday,
according to Mark Kroeker, the head of the UN international police force
in Liberia.
Riots
meet U.N. disarmament plan in Liberia (AP)
U.N. peacekeepers fired tear gas to quell a deadly riot by Liberian
fighters on Monday in the latest violence stemming from a U.N. disarmament
program meant to rid the ruined west African nation of guns from its
ruinous civil war.
 |
|
Gyude Bryant
|
Chairman
Bryant Says he Will Not Dismiss Finance Minister
(By Abdoulaye W. Dukulé)
Back in January 2004, we published an article about LURD leader Sekou
Damateh Conneh and a few supporters trying to remove LNTG Chairman
Gyude Bryant from power. The main reason was that they "felt
left-out" in a government where they control the Ministries
of Justice, Finance and the Office of Speaker. The rebel movement
was divided in the attempt, with the line clearly drawn between those
who followed Aisha and those behind Sekou, the couple at the head
of LURD. The attempt died because many in LURD thought that it was
not a realistic goal to even consider.
Give
Financial Rewards to Citizens Who Give Tips on Hidden Arms
(By Paul O. Smith)
"I guess we will stay here until the last combatants come and
wait until they decide to close the camp. We expected 5,000 and based
this cantonment site on those estimates. The arms are not coming."
This statement of frustration and gloom was made recently by a representative
at the cantonment site in Buchanan set up to disarm MODEL fighters.
Why
Did Mr. Jenkins K.Z.B. Scott Wait for Three Consecutive Years Before
Responding to Mr. Winsley's article?
(E. Sumo Jones, Sr.)
In your issue of May 3, 2004, I read an article under the caption,
" A Rejoinder to the Misguided Taylor's Apologist" written
by Jenkins K. Z. B. Scott who argues about the title of Legal Counsel
to former President Taylor with Mr. James A. A. Pierre, Jr., Legal
Advisor to President Charles Taylor as his boss, he were not an employee
of the Liberian Government despite his occupying of a desk at the
Executive Mansion and receiving monthly paychecks from the Liberian
Government instead of personal checks from Mr. Taylor.
Bryant
rejects LURD's Request (The
Inquirer)
The head of the National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL),
Chairman Charles Gyude Bryant has rejected a call for the replacement
of Finance Minister Lusinee Kamara; as Timothy T. Seaklon reports.
Speaker
Dweh's Position Questioned (The
Inquirer)
The on-going internal squabble within the LURD group and recent outbursts
of NTLA Speaker George Dweh have begun to raise questions about the
intentions and role of Speaker George Dweh in the search for lasting
peace by Liberians and the international community.
NEC Worried
Over Lack of Logistics
(The Inquirer)
The National Elections Commission of Liberia(NEC), says it is lack
of funds and basic logistics to carry out its work for the conduct
of the 2005 General and Presidential elections, as Patrick K Wrokpoh
reports
Sierra
Leone DDRR Experts Make Recommendations (The
Inquirer)
Sierra Leonean experts on DDRR have advanced several recommendations
to NTGL Chairman C. Gyude Bryant, aimed at building relevant institutions
in the country to consolidate peace after the ultimate departure of
UNMIL from Liberia; as Charles Crawford reports.
Liberian
Elections: "For Once Let's Do It Right This Time"
(
By Leon Q. Ledlum)
This topic came about when I read the very eloquent and historically
charged piece of article posted on April 30th., 2004 at www.theperspective.org
with the caption:
"Inaugural Address
Delivered by Cllr. Frances Johnson-Morris, Chair of the National Elections
Commission (NEC) of Liberia".
Liberian
Rebels Suspend Cooperation with Govt
(Reuters)
Liberia's biggest rebel faction said late on Friday it would stop
cooperating with the government because of a spat over a key ministerial
position, casting a pall over the country's revamped disarmament process.
Eye On The
Ballot Box
(
By Gbe Sneh)
The recent installation of the new National Election Commission (NEC)
is a welcome sigh of relief for all advocates of a free and fair electoral
process. The acceptance speech by the chair, Cllr. Morris, reaffirmed
the upward mobility of a reborn nation. Her resolve to a system reformation,
and the insistence on compliance with elections laws by all parties
is a welcome posture. However, Cllr. Morris' apparent resistance
to the limited role of the NEC as per Accra Comprehensive Peace Accord
needs to be eased upon.
Charting
A New Direction for A Traumatized Liberia
(By
Syrulwa Somah)
Back in the mid -19th century,
British historian Lord Thomas Babington McCaulay showed endearing
concerns for his cultural heritage when he said, "a people who
take no pride in the noble achievements of remote ancestors will never
achieve anything worthy to be remembered with pride by remote descendants."
Lord McCaulay lived at a different period in history and his remarks
were directed at the British people, but the essence of the message
of his remarks is as real and forceful as ever in Liberian society
today.
Now that Saleeby
is Gone, Who's Next?
(By Paul O. Smith)
At long last, Elie Saleeby, the Lebanese-Liberian who has been at
the center-stage of corruption allegations at the Central Bank of
Liberia, has caved in to pressure and resigned the post of Executive
Governor of the nation's monetary agency. On the face of it,
this seems to be a positive development because whether or not the
allegations against him are solid or spurious, the mere allegations
had put a dent in his character, thereby undermining his ability to
earn the respect and support of the international community, especially
such institutions as the IMF, the World Bank, and the EU, whose respect
and support are very critical to the effective operation of the Central
Bank of Liberia.
LURD
Gives Bryant Ultimatum
The High command of LURD has written Chairman Bryant calling for the
replacement of the finance Minister. The movement gave the Chairman
24- hour to act or they will stop their fighters from disarming. But
UNMIL held a news conference which and during the conference UNMIL
said it will use force to disarm any group that might refuse to be
disarmed.
LURD
Still Wants Finance Minister Replaced (The
Inquirer)
The LURD Executive Committee reiterated that within 24 hours time,
they expect NTGL Chairman Charles G. Bryant to have replaced incumbent
Finance Minister Lusine Kamara with their new nominee, Mr. Soko V.
Sackor.
Chairman
Bryant Wants Journalists To Support Efforts For Lasting Peace In Liberia
(By Josephus Moses Gray)
Chairman Charles Gyude Bryant of Liberia's power sharing transitional
government is appealing to Liberian journalists both at home and abroad
as well as other Liberians of good will to support international efforts
aimed at restoring lasting peace to the tiny west African state devastated
by 14 years of bloody war.
UNMIL Declares
Many Areas Safe (The Inquirer)
United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), has declared several areas
in the country reasonably safe for civil administration and for humanitarian
organizations to go in to carry out their operations.
UNICEF
Ends Capacity Building Workshop (The
Inquirer)
A one-day workshop organized by UNICEF/Liberia to build up the monitoring
and evaluation capacities of its implementing partners has ended in
Monrovia. The workshop which was held at the Monrovia City Hall on
Wednesday, brought together 29 participants from GOL, INGOs, and NGOs.
Over
25,000 Ex-Combatants Disarm, …Humanitarian crisis hits Lofa
(The Inquirer)
The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) says over 25,000 ex-combatants
from the three warring factions (LURD, MODEL & ex-GOL), have so
far disarmed since the commencement of the DDRR program in the country.
REP.
Sheriff Welcome De-Politicization of medical Centers
(The Inquirer)
The Chairman of the NTLA standing committee on Health and Social Welfare
has expressed that recent statements made by senior veteran Liberian
surgeons requesting the de-politicization of tertiary teaching hospitals
in Liberia is commendable.
Saleeby
Resigns (The Inquirer)
The Chairman of the National Transitional Government of Liberia, Charles
Gyude Bryant, yesterday received and accepted the resignation of the
Executive Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia, Mr. Elie Saleeby,
with immediate effect.
Finally, Elie
E. Sealeeby is Gone
 |
|
Elie E. Saleeby, Governor of CBL and Chairman of CBL Board
|
One of the most controversial persons of the transitional
government, Mr. Elie E. Sealeeby, the Governor of the Central Bank has
finally exited the political scene by abruptly resigning on May 11,
2004. Since the induction of the Bryant administration and
the
publication of documents by
The Perspective highlighting
corruption at the bank, many have been calling for the resignation of
the Governor. Mr. Bryant resisted, arguing that not only the Accra Accord
did not cover the Central Bank but also that the Governor had a business
contract with the government. Responding to a related question at a
meeting with editors on his 100th day in office, Chairman Bryant said
that he did not want to "politicize" the financial sector.
Some observers opine that in addition to the corruption allegations
made against Mr. Saleeby and the members of the Board of Directors of
the bank, the pending audit of government's agencies may have
something to do with his resignation. It was reported just few days
ago that the Central Bank recently printed US$47 million dollars, but
the amount disappeared overnight.
Liberia's
Central Bank Governor Resigned Under Pressure, Asked Not To Leave
Liberia
(By Josephus Moses Gray)
Amidst mounting pressure, the Executive Governor of the Central Bank
of Liberia, Elie Saleeby has resigned from the lucrative position.
Mr. Saleeby, a close associate of the deposed Liberian President Charles
Taylor and the first Minister of Finance of the Taylor regime, on
11 May submitted his resignation to the office of the Chairman of
the transitional government of Liberia.
University Of
Liberia Students Barricade Meeting Room
(
By Josephus Moses Gray)
Several disgruntled students of the nation's highest institution
of learning - the University of Liberia, on 6 May held members of the
Trustee Board of the university hostage for several hours but the quick
intervention of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) helped
to save the day.
Yes to Census
Before 2005 Elections
(
By W. Topor & N. Wiah)
Liberian People, what is this? Is Liberia returning to square one? According
to the United Nations (UN), this peace that is holding, is Liberia's
‘last chance.' Equally so, the very UN should help in facilitating
all democratic mechanisms.
NCDDRR Lauds
Women's Role in DDRR Resumption (The Inquirer)
Liberian women under the banner of the Women in Peace-building Network
(WIPNET), have been lauded for their constructive pressure and ceaseless
advocacy for the resumption of the DDRR program.
US Defense
Dept. Dedicates Several Clinics in Liberia (The
Inquirer)
In its strive to help rebuild Liberia, the United States Department
of Defense has begun dedicating several clinics constructed under
its humanitarian assistance project in the country.
Liberian
Women Discuss (The
Inquirer)
The women of Liberia having been victimized for the past 14 years
as a result of the civil conflict, have now resolved to chart a new
course which they believe will end the violation of their basic rights
and the deprivation of women from the political process.
Payment of
salary areas Begin July (The Inquirer)
In a major move intended to address the issue of civil servants'
salary arrears, the Chairman of the National Transitional Government
of Liberia (NTGL), C. Gyude Bryant has instructed the Director of
the Budget Bureau to program the payment of salary arrears, commencing
July 1, 2004, on a pro rata basis, as part of the 2004-2005 fiscal
budget.
The Accra
Peace Agreement Calls for International Supervision of the 2005 Elections
in Liberia
(
By Winsley S. Nanka)
Enshrined in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement for the restoration of
peace and stability in Liberia is a provision for the United Nations,
the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, and
other international organizations to jointly supervise and conduct the
proposed Liberian elections in October 2005. The well thought out decision
to include this important provision was no accident. Liberians have
had bitter experiences with rigged elections and disastrous electoral
irregularities, over the years.
Sexual
Coincidences and the Attacks on Liberian Womanhood
(Ezekiel Pajibo)
Liberian journalists have been busy of late trying to get exoneration
for plausible charges of breaching obscenity regulations. Meanwhile,
in South Africa, a group of Africans met at a conference to discuss
"Sexual Health and Rights." The conference addressed issues
about sexuality in Africa and the use of sex as a weapon of war. The
sexual coincidences here include the fact that Liberia, coming out
of a vicious civil war, is now beginning to grapple with the breakdown
in social morality, especially those related to sex and sexuality,
while Africans are generally now beginning to confront the issues
of sexuality, violence and power.
Elections
Boss not Happy (The Inquirer)
National Election Commission Chairman Cllr. Frances Johnson Morris
says she sees no reason why the current Commission should be maintained
when the CPA has mandated some international groups such as the ICGL
to supervise and monitor the 2005 General and Presidential Elections;
as Patrick K. Wrokpoh reports.
U.S.
Based Liberian Journalist Wants International Community Strengthen
Liberian Media
(By Josephus Moses Gray)
In the face of global efforts for the restoration of listen peace
and stability in this tiny West African state of Liberia, a Liberian
journalist and author based in the United State of America, has called
on governments within the international community to help develop
and strengthen the Liberian media outlets.
Let's
Abide By Accra Peace Accord
(The Inquirer)
In August last year, following a marathon and painstaking peace talks
in Accra, Ghana, the parties to the Liberian conflict signed what
is now referred to as the Comprehensive Peace Accord(CPA) to end years
of conflict in the country. The talks were held under the auspices
of ECOWAS and others to bring relief to the Liberian peace.
Oil
Exploration to Start Soon (The Inquirer)
The National Oil Company of Liberia(NOCAL) has concluded negotiations
with two companies for oil exploration rights in the country.
Shipping/Stevedoring
Association Seeks Justice Ministry's Intervention (The
Inquirer)
The Shipping & Stevedoring Association of Liberia is calling on
the Justice Ministry to provide protection for its members who are
being threatened by certain individuals who he said are claiming to
be members of the association.
Speaker
Dweh Against Re-Naming Of Police
(The Inquirer)
The Speaker of the National Transitional Legislative Assembly(NTLA)
says, "the United Nations Mission in Liberia lacks the authority
to change the name "Liberia National Police" as the name
of the police force of Liberia.
PACA's
Exec. C'ttee Dissociates From Statement
(The Inquirer)
Following an emergency meeting of the Board of Incorporators, Counties,
Communities, Zonal and Agencies Coordinators, the Patriotic Consciousness
Association of Liberia (PACA) wishes to inform the Government of Liberia
(NTGL) has disassociated itself from a statement made against the
NTGL and Chairman Charles Gyude Bryant by Mr. E. Frederick Baye on
Tuesday at his house and which was published in the Forum Newspaper,
Vol. 2 No. 47.
Social Rebel
(Ezekiel Pajibo)
On February 11, 2004 the BBC ran a story on rebellion and a number of
very intelligent people came on the airwave and spoke about rebel, rebellion
and revolution. I like the part that said: our role as thinking people
is to challenge and question the status quo and work to bring about
non-violent social transformation. The presenters argued that we should
be "clear" and "focus" and seek to tell the
truths. We may not always speak the truth but our lives are committed
to seeking the truth and to work for social justice.
Liberia's
Mining Minister Threatens to Resign Over Bribery Allegation If Proven
Guilty
(By Josephus Moses Gray)
Mr. Jonathan Mason, Minister of Lands, Mines and Energy in the Liberian
transitional government has threatened to resign his post in the Liberian
transitional government if proven guilty that he bribed MODEl to occupy
the ministerial position.
Lands
& Mines Rebut Reports of Concession Agreement
(The Inquirer)
Lands, Mines & Energy Minister Jonathan Mason has clarified that
the Government of Liberia has not entered into any concession agreement
with any company in recent times as was insinuated in a media report.
Vacancies At
RIMCO
Following the successful Liberia Reconstruction Conference, which
was held in New York on February 5-6, the National Transitional Government
of Liberia (NTGL) in conjunction with its development partners has
established a monitoring mechanism for the effective and transparent
implementation of the Results Focus Transitional Framework,
(RFTF). The Mechanism
is known as the RFTF Implementation and Monitoring Committee (RIMCO),
which is chaired by the Chairman of the NTGL with members drawn
from the NTGL, the international Community and other relevant stakeholders.
"No
Census For 2005 Elections" ...Says Elections Commission, But..
(The Inquirer).
The National Elections Commission(NEC) through its Chairman Cllr.
Frances Johnson-Morris, says there will be no census in the country
before the conduct of the 2005 General and Presidential elections;
as Patrick K. Wrokpoh reports.
Presidential
Candidates to Debate Liberia's Future
(By Alex Redd)
The United Nations is striving to restore genuine peace and decency
to Liberia's political future while potential Liberians, seemingly
capable of taking charge of the country's political future, are devising
ways and means to democratically stabilize the country as the October
2005 timetable for national democratic elections draw nearer.
Editorial
Beware of "Investors!"
(The Inquirer)
ON TUESDAY, A statement emanated from the office of NTLA Speaker George
S. Dweh expressing grave concern over the number of licenses granted
to GSM companies without careful assessment and scrutiny.
Several
Top Police Officers To Lose Jobs
(The Inquirer)
Several high-ranking officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP)
may not form part of the incoming Liberia Police Service (LPS) expected
to replace the former which is believed to be ‘polluted'
with unqualified individuals.
NRP Backs Election
Commission's Recent Position
(The Inquirer)
The National Reformation Party(NRP) says it welcomes with profound
joy and utmost satisfaction recent pronouncement by the National Elections
Commission (NEC) imposing a ban on premature political campaign activities
which in fact has sometime now been unfolding in the country.
Who's Undermining
FDA (The
Inquirer)
Wonder will never cease. Despite cogent efforts by the Forestry Development
Authority (FDA) in its reforms programs, credible reports say there
are frantic moves within the international corridor of power to hijack
the role and function of the Forestry Development Authority(FDA) and
replace same with another organization, Liberia Forest Initiative.
Ex-GOL
Fighters Ready to Disarm
(The Inquirer)
Ahead of the formal launching of the DDRR program in Nimba County,
ex-GOL militiamen in the county are in high gear to "totally"
disarm from their "hearts" to UNMIL.
Proximity
to Power
(Ezekiel Pajibo)
In the scheme of things, particularly
the prevailing social hierarchy, I am not doing that bad, but
it gets embarrassingly depressing at times. Imagine, you are almost
always in the political and social circles of individuals whose
worth or lack thereof you are fully aware of and at times appreciate.
You can afford to hang out at the same gigs, eat in the same restaurants/cookshop,
attend governmental functions of the high level variety, get invited
to the same parties, and maybe even keep the company of the same
ladies. At times, many times in fact, one is obliged to engage
in conversations and yet you can not help but say something that
you believe in and stand for and all of a sudden you feel like,
you don't belong.
NTLA
Continues Hearing On "Printing Of Money"
…Chea
Cheapoo, Justice Minister Appear (The
Inquirer)
Two Liberian legal minds yesterday appeared before the National
Transitional Legislative Assembly to throw some light on the issue
of who has the authority to print and mint banknotes and coins
in the country.
Elections
Commission Taken Aback by LAP's Statement (The
Inquirer)
"The attention of the National Elections Commission (NEC)
has been drawn to a Special Press Release by the Liberia Action
Party (LAP) dated April 2, 2004 and published in the May 3, 2004
edition of The INQUIRER (Vol. 14 No. 73) categorically denouncing
and vehemently rejecting what it (LAP) considers as an attempt
by the National Elections Commission (NEC) to circumvent and dishonor
the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) relative to what the Party
(LAP) says is a rejection by the NEC of the Co-partnership role
of the international community in the planning, organizing and
conduct of the 2005 elections.
Election
Commission Cautions employees (The
Inquirer)
The Chairman of the National Elections Commission, Cllr. Frances
Johnson-Morris has called on employees of the Commission who are
either members or sympathizers of political parties to resign
from such parties immediately or reconsider themselves as committing
electoral offense.
UNHCR
Boss Fears Renewed Violence in sub-Region
(The Inquirer)
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Rudd Lubbers
says there is still the risk of renewed violence around the corner
in the MRU basin and the sub-region at large; Patrick K. Wrokpoh
& I. Solo Kelgbeh report.
Let
the Momentum Continue
(The Inquirer)
On April 15, the disarmament exercise which started in December
7 but was discontinued due to some problems, resumed in Gbarnga,
Bong County with several ex-combatants of the Liberians United
for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) disarming to UNMIL peacekeepers.
The exercise has since been extended to Buchanan where several
ex-fighters of the Movement for Democracy in Liberia (MODEL) are
cooperating. Likewise, it has also been extended to Tubmanburg,
a former stronghold of LURD.
UNHCR
Boss Impressed (The
Inquirer)
Mr. Ruud Lubbers, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
(UNHCR) says the security situation in the country is far better
than what it was a year ago.
"Democratization,
Good Governance Not Achievable Now" (The
Inquirer)
Liberia National Bar Association's former president, Cllr.
J. Emmanuel Wureh says from his observation, democratization and
the practice of good governance in the country are not achievable
in the near future.
Appointment
in Police Sparks Concern (The
Inquirer)
Credible reports speak of uneasiness within the Criminal Investigation
Division(CID) of the Liberia National Police over recent appointments
made to that department by the NTGL Chairman Charles Gyude Bryant.
Recruitment
for new Police begins (The
Inquirer)
As Liberia moves away from the 14-year old devastating civil conflict
which ravaged every fabric of the society, the need for a new
security apparatus has been of paramount concern to well-meaning
Liberians as well as the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).
Liberia
Gains VOA TV Affiliate (The Inquirer)
During an elaborate program April 24, Soccer Star George Weah,
owner of the twin radio/TV station, switched on the VOA receiver
to formally declare his station a VOA affiliate. Mr. Weah performed
the ceremony in the presence of international media, representatives
of the Liberian Government, UNICEF and the Public Affairs Section
of the U. S. Embassy.
Denial,
Deception and Crimes Against Humanity: A Rejoinder to "The
Misguided Taylor's Apologist: A Rejoinder"
(
By R. Wesley Harmon)
Reference is herewith made to
"The
Misguided Taylor's Apologist: A Rejoinder" by
Jenkins K. Z. B. Scott, published on May 3, 2004, in your widely
read media. "O what a tangled web we weave when first we
learn to deceive". Lies, deception and denial have been
a staple of Liberian society for so long that sometimes we are
prone to believe our own spin of a given event or of a story that
may or may not have happened. In his rejoinder, the learned Counselor
Scott went on a diatribe about his association with that grandmaster
of evil, Charles Taylor. In my opinion, his attempt at denial
of being a legal adviser to Mr. Taylor was very disconcerting,
to say the least, because there is ample evidence to the contrary.
UN Peacekeepers
Unearth Hidden Arms at Charles Taylor General's Home
(By Josephus Moses Gray)
In its drive to make Monrovia and its environs arms free and stable,
the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) on April 30 discovered
several hidden arms and weapons from the Duport Road residence of
General Matthew Chiplay. General Chiplay is a former commander of
the disbanded Wild Geese, one of the dreaded armed groups of the deposed
regime of Mr. Taylor.
All Liberians
Must Have the Choice to Vote in the 2005 Elections
(By Winsley S. Nanka)
Mr. Harry A. Greaves, Jr., the Economic Affairs Adviser to Interim
Liberian Head of State Gyude Bryant, stated that Liberians of dual-citizenship
may not participate in the 2005 national elections in Liberia because
"our constitution (the constitution of Liberia) does not allow
dual-citizenship," disregards the constitutional reality in
Liberia. Mr. Greaves made the statement in an interview with the Perspective
Magazine. Mr. Greaves' statement, if implemented, will exclude
some of the presidential aspirants because they posses dual-citizenship.
New
call for Taylor to face trial (BBC)
The UN-backed war crimes tribunal in Sierra Leone has welcomed a new
call for the prosecution of former Liberian President Charles Taylor.
The Guinea and Ivory Coast presidents have called for Mr Taylor to
be tried for supporting rebels in Sierra Leone.
"Questions
for those Seeking the Liberian Presidency"
(
By Pianapue K. Early)
From the numerous lists of political parties and interest groups in
post-war Liberia, one can easily say that anyone who desires the presidency
of Liberia must be very ambitious. This ambition should also take the
shape of providing answers to concerns raised by Liberians at home and
abroad.
A
Rejoinder to "The Misguided Taylor's Apologist"
(By Jenkins K.Z.B. Scott)
In reference to the article " The Misguided Taylor's Apologist"
by Winsley S. Nanka, dated November 12, 2001, I am now convinced as
to how the United Nations and the world was misinformed by some individuals
which led to the placement of my name on the UN sanction list.