The Inquirer
Monrovia, Liberia

Distributed by

The Perspective
Atlanta, Georgia

Posted May 10, 2004

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.
The accord, among other things, called for the setting up of a transitional government involving the warring parties, political parties and the civil society. More importantly, it called for the disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration(DDRR) of former combatants, as well as the restructuring of the security apparatus of the country, the repatriation of Liberian refugees and the holding of free and fair elections next year.

Already, some of the provisions of the accord have been implemented, while others such as the DDRR and restructuring of the Liberian National Police have begun. The much-awaited induction of the National Elections Commission has taken place with the commission already holding consultations and discussions.

Thus far, we are happy over the provisions of the CPA, especially the DDRR which has generated much enthusiasm and momentum with former combatants of the warring factions disarming to UNMIL peacekeepers.

However, as those concerned implement provisions of the accord, we call on them to ensure that it is implemented to the letter. The implementers should ensure that nothing outside of the accord is entertained in the full implementation of the accord.

As we have said before, the accord might not be a perfect document, but it is what we have to work with as a people and nation to end the years of conflict. We believe, if the document is implemented to its fullest, total peace would be restored to this country after years of senseless war.

While it is true that the Liberian people want peace, they are not prepared to accept anything which contravenes the CPA. Additionally, while they appreciate the efforts of the international community to bring peace, they will vehemently reject deviation from the accord agreed upon by all the parties.

Indeed, such action would be necessary because anything outside of the CPA would definitely introduce new phenomena in the process, thereby, creating a setback, something which will be unhealthy for the nation and the international community. This is why we insist that the accord must be respected.

Again, we call on implementers of the CPA to go strictly by the accord, which also stresses that the Liberian constitution should be closely followed. Let the CPA be adhered to for the restoration of total pace and tranquility to this nation. Let the CPA remain the framework for peace.