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LIBERIA: Governance & the UN Presence Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG) Comments On The TRC Report A Press Release Issued by Transitional Justice Working Group As stated in the July 2nd, 2009 Press Conference of the Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG), we the members of TJWG of Liberia, a Coalition of Civil Society organizations working on various programs of Transitional Justice, commend the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Liberia for the completion and submission of its final report.
In Liberia public opinion is divided on the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, based on four years of investigations into violations of human rights and humanitarian law during the country’s civil conflict. US Based Liberian Group Issues Statement on the TRC Report President Sirleaf MeetsResidents of Tappita District Liberia: TRC Report Important but not Last Step A Press Release Issued By The International Center for Transitional Justice The Liberia Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s public release on July 2nd of its final report is an important, necessary step in Liberia’s efforts to confront the legacies of its 14-year civil conflict and highlights the need for additional measures to deal with Liberia’s difficult past, the International Center for Transitional Justice said today. LIBERIA: The Dynamics Of A Transforming Society By Francis W. Nyepon The vision to significantly transform the Liberian society must first deal with changing the behavior, attitude and mindset of people at the bottom of the social strata. Change can never come to Liberia with the majority of its people believing that public officials do not have their best interest at heart as a collective; or the majority of the people being stuck at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder. “Back To The Soil”: A Movement To Self Sufficiency, Or Another Political Lip Service To The Liberian People? President Sirleaf Supports Dual citizenship & Absentee Ballots A Political Crisis Is Looming Over The Delay In Enacting The Legislative Threshold And Other Related Electoral Bills By: Abraham L. James During the last few months many individuals at home and abroad have expressed special concerns about the Electoral Threshold Bill currently before the House of Representatives. Unless the bill is passed, in time, the presidential and legislative elections scheduled to be held in 2011 Corporations Paid $1 Trillion To Bribe; Does Firestone Bribe? Fighting Corruption in Liberia – Why I Think the Unity Party Led Government Lacks Genuine Political Will By J. Kerkula Foeday The culture of corruption and impunity in Liberia is unarguably entrenched and commonplace. It has, as the International Crisis Group succinctly noted in 2006 and referenced in my 2007 letter to members of the Liberia National Legislature through the House Speaker, helped spark and nurture the crises in Liberia. Liberian TRC: Reconciliation before the Truth? By Abdoulaye W. Dukule Like many people in the country, I was surprised by an announcement last week that the Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the institution set up by the Accra Peace Accord to investigate the Liberian civil war and foster national reconciliation, would organize a national reconciliation conference, at the Unity Conference Center, in Virginia, starting June 15, 2009. The New Kendeja, Symbol of a New Liberia Duport Road: Remembering Wartime Atrocities A Union Government will Complete Africa’s Struggle for Independence By: Joma Momolu Kaindii, Jr. After decades of so-called celebrated independence for Africa, the troubling question that continues to linger in the minds of critical thinkers is whether nations in Africa are truly independence in the truest sense of the word? According to the Webster New World College Dictionary, the word independent is defined as: “free from influence, control, or determination of another; free from the rule of another; controlling or governing one-self; relying only on one’s own ability and judgment; not depending on any person for financial support. President Sirleaf Makes New Appointments For Three Consecutive Years, Prosecution Wins More Cases Than Loses Under President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf By Tiawan S. Gongloe Solicitor General, R.L The Prosecution Department of the Ministry of Justice wishes to clarify the growing on public perception that the prosecution team of the Government of Liberia is weak and is not winning cases. The Prosecution Department says this perception is not supported by the facts. Since 2006, the government has obtained 286 convictions out of 357 cases tried. DOLLARIZATION OF THE LIBERIAN ECONOMY: Liberia struggles with balancing dual currency amidst global economic contraction Liberian Vice President, Boakai Said Cement Co. Is A Cartel; Are Other Companies Cartels Too? By J. Yanqui Zaza The Vice President of Liberia, Joseph N. Boakai, at the 19th Convention of the federation of Lofa Association in the Americas held on May 23, 2009, fought unsuccessfully to defend President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s efforts to reduce corruption, poverty, ignorance, etc. Smartly, he avoided prickly questions such as why does the government increase its cash reserves (US $144 million dollars, according a renowned economist and author of books, Dr. Byron Tarr-Frontpage Africa), but put development on hold, including the renovation of the Vionjama Multilateral High School. Questions of Post War Justice in Liberia By Abdoulaye W. Dukule My friend’s question about postwar justice, war crimes tribunal and so on made me to wander off in the depth of my mind to find an answer. I had thought about the issue many times, discussed the it with others in various forums but this was the first time that I was asked my personal opinion by a very close friend. I could not be evasive. We were having dinner at Rosie’s Restaurant, in Airfield, a real culinary experience. Bility-The Petrol Dollar Seeking Football Crown By Julu M. Johnson, Jr. The name Musa Bility rings a bell in the country, so the news spread like wildfire when it was announced that he is a likely contestant for the position of President of the Liberia Football Association (LFA). A very accomplished man indeed, Mr. Bility runs a petroleum company, Media Empire and heads the Mandingo Caucus. ‘Time and Political Environment Not on Your Side,’ Liberians on DED Warned President Sirleaf on the Road: Book Launching and Debt Slashing By Abdoulaye W. Dukulé According to a fact sheet distributed during the press conference held by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Mr. Robert Zoellick, President of the World Bank at the institution’s headquarters in Washington, DC, the foreign debt of Liberia in June 2007 stood at a staggering US $4, 892,900,000, or almost five billions dollars. As President Sirleaf prepares to return home, that amount is today less then two billions dollars, at $1,708, 700 000. Q & E with President Sirleaf on the Road By Abdoulaye W. Dukule The event took place at the University of California at Berkeley Human Rights Center, in Oakland, California. Although it was in the middle of spring break, the International House was full to capacity and many people had to watch the program on television monitors in adjacent rooms. After receiving the Berkeley Medal – the Chancellor of the University, Robert Birgeneau said Berkeley awards medals rather than honorary degrees Exposing The Auditor, Professor And Consultant That Exists Only in Liberia By Alfonso B. Nyepan In addition to Ernest Young’s renunciation of the snake oil salesman, “Auditor Sunny Nyemah”, let it be known also that Mr. Sunny Nyemah was never an auditor anywhere in the United States. He may be one of the many con academics that our country has been unfortunate to have as a consequence of our long-running fratricidal war.
By Abdoulaye W. Dukulé How did Liberia, a once perceived state and strong ally of the United States become a failed state after years of one of the most barbaric civil conflicts in modern times? How did a grandmother emerge to become the first elected president of that country and the African continent? How did that woman survive all the conflicts and confrontations of her time to become a national leader? The General Auditing Commission Completes Several Audits UL Professor’s Fraudulent Act Exposed, GEMAP Expert In Conflict of Interest
For Grand Breaking for the construction of a rubber processing plant for the Cavalla Rubber Corporation (CRC) has taken place in Gedetarbo, Pleebo District in Maryland County. Performing the ceremony Thursday in Pleebo, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, called on workers to cooperate with the management of the plantation for the mutual benefit of all parties. According to an Executive Mansion release, the President welcomed the steady progress announced by the company in the provision of social and other benefits for the workers and hoped the company will uphold its promise for better housing facilities for the workers. The plan, the Liberian leader said, is in line with Government's efforts to improve the welfare and living condition of the country’s workers By Abdoulaye W. Dukulé
Democracy as it is popularly known today is defined as the will of the majority with due regard to the rights of the minority. Its fundamental characteristics are the holding of regular free, fair and transparent elections, just rule of law and credible or impartial justice system and unconditional practice of good governance.
The Time Is Now To Abolish The Death Penalty In The Mano River Union Basin False Prophecies in Liberia: The Gods Are Not To Be Blamed George Boley Is Lying By William Yates It's amazing how the likes of Boley have not come to the realization that the Liberian people can no longer be misled. Especially in this information/internet age when everything can be fact checked. It would have well served him to say that he was not in control of the situation at the time. Yes we know and have come to accept the fact that Charles reached out to him in his hour of life or death and was let down. Global Witness & Green Advocate Laud the Liberian Government For Completion of HIPC Audit, -GAC Dispatches Supreme Auditors Economic Crimes, Corruption and the Conflict in Liberia: Policy Options for an Emerging Democracy and sustainable Peace By: Amara M. Konneh All political systems need to mediate the relationship between private wealth and public power. Those that fail to work on this risk a dysfunctional government captured by special and wealthy interests. This is exactly the challenge Liberia faced leading up to the period 1979 to 2003. Hello, President Sirleaf – which way are we headed?
By: Nyekeh Forkpa
Crime has gained an extraordinary pre-eminence among the social problems of our country, and preventing it in a sensible and responsible manner must become a priority for the Sirleaf government. The growing crime wave and other recent developments in our dear country are causing me immense consternation; and have left me wanting of some explanations and or clarifications about which way we are headed. Global Witness Testifies at the TRC on the role of national and international timber companies in fuelling Liberia’s civil war Rethinking the County Development Funding Program: A Memo to the President By: Ibrahim Al-bakri Nyei and Muhammad A. Kromah Education in the 21st century requires the usage of modern scientific technology and equipments to practically demonstrate theoretical and mathematical propositions in the classroom. The educational system in Liberia is crippling with systemic difficulties in the form of limited human resource capacity and acute unavailability of resources to support the process. A reflection on the ULAA Debacle By Nyekeh Forkpa For quite sometime I have refrained from commenting on the exchanges on this listserve regarding ULAA because more often than not, they have bordered on sheer recklessness. It has not been about ideas and visions. Far from that! CDC, LP and NPP Joint Response to the President’s Annual Report on the State of the Republic Student Group, Civil Society Bestow Honor on Auditor General Morlu Attack on Liberia's Auditor General Deserves Swift Retribution By: Theodore Hodge It has been widely reported that Mr. John Morlu, Liberia's popular, but controversial Auditor General, was verbally attacked in public after he attended an occasion to which he was officially invited by the President of the Republic of Liberia. With Eyes 2011, President Sirleaf Sees No Wrong With Investors' Bribery President Sirleaf Makes New Appointments The Chucky Taylor Trial: A Milestone For Justice, But A Call To Action By Alphonso Nyenuh The recent conviction and subsequent sentencing of Charles shucky” Taylor Jr., son of Liberian warlord and former president Charles Taylor in US Federal Court for abuses committed in Liberia during the brutal reign of his father is significant for two main reasons The Dunn Commission and Transparency in Liberia By Abdoulaye W. Dukulé When a stream of emails linking officials of the Liberian government to acts of corruption appeared in a Liberian web magazine, FrontpageAfrica.com, (FPA) in August 2008, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf appointed Dr. Elwood Dunn to head an investigative commission to ascertain the facts. Another round of disappointment By Sam K Zinnah In my personal opinion, the main objective for political governance in post-war Liberia should be to secure democracy by instilling checks and balances, which have been absent throughout Liberia's long history. Such political system “in a way” would limit or reduce the president or group of people’s power to no longer usurp so much power and wield such extraordinary influence over the fate of the majority... Obama Movement Versus Big Business In Liberia Tarponweh’s Antics Against Kofi Woods – A Rejoinder Beyond Internal Controls & Internal Audit: “A Need for a Holistic Approach to Curbing Corruption” Finally, a Structural Strategy to Combat Corruption Why is there no peace in our Liberian Community? Tackling Lingering Constitutional and Other Legal Issues Public Policy Development and Analysis Notes: For Legislators and Local Government Officials in Liberia The Palin Factor in US Elections 2008 Liberia’s Economic Reform: Worldbank Praises; Rodney Sieh Exposes Corruption By J. Yanqui Zaza Profiteers are once again attempting to re-institutionalize the accumulation of wealth, although short of selling the poorest Liberians into slavery for few dollars, which the Tipotehs, Matthews, Sawyers, Fahnbullehs exposed and uprooted. While the selling of strategic assets on the cheap in exchange of kickbacks (see Knuckles gate II by Rodney Sieh) might not include the physical transfer of Liberians onto the possession of slaveholders, its The TRC Struggles for Control Troubled Boundaries, in Liberia’s Past, and Suggestions toward their Resolution Statement at the Anti-Corruption commissioning ceremony Troubled Boundaries, in Liberia’s Past, and Suggestions toward their Resolution Remarks on “Overcoming Alienation and Building National Community In Liberia” at Thematic Hearings on Historical Review, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Dual Citizenship: Re-privileging the Newest Wave of Diasporic Liberians? Forgiveness and Human Development, Liberians, the Way Forward to Sustainable Peace and Harmony The University of Liberia President Search: One Citizen’s Insights By: Emmanuel Dolo, Ph. D. The University of Liberia has again launched a search for a new president. Clearly, the University of Liberia is emerging from under the same weight of leadership failure and resource scarcity that the Sirleaf administration is seeking to overcome. THE RISK OF INGRATITUDE: The Blind and Hurry (Political) Rejection of Liberia’s 1970s Era Progressives AFRICOM : Implications to our national security and national interest, if...
A conspicuous absence yet from this debate – on an issue of a vital importance to our national security and national interest - is the opinion of our major political leaders. And what do you expect, most of us still have families, homes, businesses and other attachments in the United States.
Proactive Approach and Constructive Criticism, not Rhetoric and Destructive Criticism Awards Must Translate Into Better Life For All Liberians AFRICOM and Liberia: A Case of Dashed Hopes
The White House has announced that Liberia’s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will receive America’s highest government honor awarded to civilians, the Presidential Medal of Freedom Bad Policies, the Lack of Policies, and Policies Inconsistencies are Undermining Development of Liberia Balancing between Beijing and Washington AFRICOM Has the Capacity to do Good in Liberia (By William E. Allen) I have followed the ongoing debate on whether Liberia should or should not be the headquarters of the United States new military’s command center for Africa, known as Africa Command (AFRICOM). Both supporters and opponents have raised important points about the respective benefits and disadvantages of this new United States military post.
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has participated in programs marking the formal presentation of the 2007 Freedom Award in Memphis, Tennessee, the United States. In accepting the Award Tuesday night at the Memphis Convention Center, the President said the Award signifies in the eyes of the world that Liberia has embarked on an irreversible journey to reclaim its place among those nations that uphold fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech as the foundation of their political discourse. The Life And Times Of Rev. Dr. William H. Lewis, Sr (By Henry Lewis) To journal the life of Rev. Dr. William Henry Varney Lewis, Sr., is to put into picture the story of a man on a quest beginning from his native country, Liberia to Africa and unto the rest of the world; for he did traveled half the world and in doing so, lend valid credence to the fact that luck occurs when preparation meets opportunity. Hurray! The Monrovia Stock Exchange Hits A New Milestone: Imagining the Possibilities (By Patrick Flomo) At dawn, I woke up to an astonishing business newscast — the Monrovia Stock Market is as hot today as cayenne pepper. Today is Friday, October 21, 2025, and the stock market has reached an all-time high in the last ten years. The flurry of market activity is the result of a meeting this morning between the five regional banks’ chairman and the central bank president. Building the Ideology of Reconciliation in Liberia (By: J. Momolu Kaindii, Jr) The Liberian society remains overly divided despite the 14 years’ catastrophic period of bloodletting, barbarism, mayhems, vandalisms and devastations of physical, social and economic infrastructures. Most worrisome of it all is the irreparable damage done to the moral psyche of the population, particularly the youths as future leaders. Promises of Debt Relief, AFRICOM and Awards mark Presidential US Visit
(By Abdoulaye W. Dukulé) The lack of safe drinking water in some parts of Monrovia has been one of the gravest consequences of the fourteen-year Liberian civil war that has left much of the national infrastructure, including the Monrovia water supply and distribution system, in total disrepair. Potable water is essential to health. From drinking to cooking and even flushing toilets, the shortage of pipe borne water is major cause of health hazard, aggravated by the absence of any sanitary sewage system. An entire generation of Liberian children has never seen water coming out of a faucet in their homes. President Sirleaf Meets US President Bush Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has held talks in Washington with United States President, George W. Bush. The meeting which last more than half and hour, was held at the oval office of the White House. Introduction of kpelle as a National Language Liberia Receives Support for Senior Executive Service (Press Release) Remarks By President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf At The 2007 AFRICARE Bishop Walker Dinner
President Sirleaf And World Bank Pay Super-Salaries, Layoff Poor Workers, Give Liberia's Resources To Profiteers. Why? President Sirleaf ‘s Burden: Projecting a Positive Image of Liberia Issues about Land, Energy, Minerals and Government Policies An interview with Minister Eugene Shannon (By Abdoulaye W. Dukulé) A former official of the African Development Bank, the U.S. Geological Service, and environmentalist, Dr. Eugene Shannon, returned to Liberia after the election of the Unity Party’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, to head one the most important multi-departments of the government. As minister of Lands, Mines and Energy, he oversees four areas critical to the recovery, both social and economic, of the nation. While in the U.S. to attend the series of symposia organized by the Embassy of Liberia in Washington, D.C., Minister Shannon discussed with us policies and strategies in four sectors of his ministry. Vacancies For Seven Lucrative Positions in Liberia These include: 1) Senior Transport Economist, Ministry of Public Works , 2) Senior Bridge Engineer, Ministry of Public Works, 3) Road Construction Equipment Maintenance Specialist, Ministry of Public works, 4) National Land Reform Program Coordinator, Land Administrative Reform Program Unit, Division of Operation, Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy, 5) Legal Counselor, Ministry of Justice, 6) Lawyer, Ministry of Justice, 7) Legal Counselor, Ministry of Commerce and Industry Liberia: “Open for Business” (By Siahyonkron Nyanseor) On Saturday, October 6, 2007, Ambassador Charles A. Minor and the Liberian Embassy in the United States collaborated with the Liberian American Partnership Initiative, headed by Mr. Wilfred T. Harris and a host committee comprising of Americans and Liberians in the persons of R. Gledegbem Garguah, Jonathan J. Geegbae, I, Mabel Jaryeneh Green, Wilfred T. Harris, Cynthia Blandford Nash, T. Nelson Williams, II, Sue Yancy Williams, President of the Liberian Association of Metropolitan (LAMA, Inc.), and the Hon. Walter Young in a Private Sector Investment Symposium. AFRICOM is Bad News for Africa and Liberia and Here’s Why The Liberian Legislature: Disposable Political Accessories of the Executive Branch? Technology Widens Rich-Poor Gap Nyanseor unfolds his heart and mind in a ‘heart to heart’ Conversation with his son as he turned 60 AFRICOM: Examining the Issues (By: Theodore T. Hodge) Over the last several months in the Liberian press, both at home and in the Diaspora, there have been several debates on the issue of Africom: To accept it or reject it. I have read quite a few opinions supporting the initiative. On the other hand, there have been a number of scathing opinions. Closing the Gender Gap: Recruiting and Retaining Female Students at Higher Education Institutions in Liberia Marylanders in the USA Elect New Leadership Another Liberia Private Sector Investment Symposium For Atlanta Georgia As part of an ongoing effort to attract private-sector investors to post-conflict Liberia, The Embassy of Liberia in partnership with The Liberian American Partnership Initiative (LAPI) has selected Atlanta as one of four host sites for a series of U.S. investment forums. Resolution from the people of Maryland County to their Legislators at the Consultative Meeting Angie Brooks: Pioneer Liberian Woman Diplomat Remembered (By D. Elwood Dunn) Angie Brooks' entry into the Liberian diplomatic service was unorthodox. It was the result of a determined, in deed courageous personal struggle to seek higher education abroad. She succeeded admirably, returning home to Liberia from the U.S. in 1953 with undergraduate and advanced degrees, including a law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Vacancy for Executive Vice President/Comptroller at a Major Financial Institution in Liberia - Ad A major financial institution in the Republic of Liberia, West Africa is expanding its scope of services with the view of maintaining and enhancing its market presence and requires the services of an experienced financial manager. An attractive compensation package inclusive of retirement benefits is offered The General Auditing Commission (GAC) and Political Interference Us Military Command (Africom): Liberia’s Strategic Balance Opponents Of Africom Are Playing A Dangerous Game Understanding the Case for Reparations and Other Claims (By Theodore T. Hodge) I want to thank Comrade J. Yanqui Zaza for many of his past articles presented in this forum and elsewhere. Many of his writings have been thought-provoking, forcing many of us to view issues through a different set of lenses. That is good for those of us who advocate for pluralism and inclusiveness in the new Liberia. However, in his latest article on reparations, Mr. Zaza raises more questions than he answers. Africom: Wrong for Liberia, Disastrous for Africa (By Ezekiel Pajibo) February 2007, just 2 months after U.S. aerial bombardments began in Somalia, the Bush Administration solidified its militaristic engagement with Africa when the Department of Defense (DoD) announced the creation of a new U.S. Africa Command infrastructure, code name AFRICOM, to coordinate all U.S. military and security interests throughout the continent”. AFRICOM: A New Paradigm in US-Africa Relations
(By Abdoulaye W. Dukulé) The first of a series of symposia organized by the government through the Embassy in Washington was held in Bloomington, Minnesota over the weekend and drew in an unexpected number of businesses, both Liberian and foreigners to discuss trade and investment possibilities in Liberia. Reparations: Should Liberia Pay Siblings Of True Whig Party Officials Executed On April 22, 1980? (By J. Yanqui Zaza) The demand for reparations by some siblings of former and current members of the True Whip Party has gone beyond the corridors of power in Liberia into the offices of Liberia’s international partners. Their desire has leapt from the call for an apology (The Perspective, April 5, 2005) to the call for reparations from Liberians What good is a Biometric System without a good National IT Infrastructure in place? (By: Scott A. Mandeh) The article is of interest because of the soon to be used technology, the Biometric scan. The article quoted Dr. William Allen, the Civil Service Agency Director-General that Civil Servants will soon begin scanning their fingerprints, eyes and faces. Let me commend Dr. Allen for a good start Sustainable Peace Depends on Viable Private Sector – Ambassador Charles Minor More on Liberian Local Elections and the Challenges of Building Democracy (By Theodore T. Hodge) My colleague Abdoulaye Dukule must be commended for his last article addressing the issue of mayoral and chieftain elections. It belongs in the category, “Food for thought”. I hope the movers and shakers of the political arena of Liberia will give his ideas some consideration. G. Baccus Matthews : A Man I Got To Know  G. Baccus, A Member of My Generation that Could not “Leave the People’s Thing Alone(By Siahyonkron Nyanseor) Unlike the Roman politician and general, Marcus Antonius, I come to honor G. Baccus not to bury him; because of the struggle he championed, there is no need to dwell on his mistakes at this time. In fact, who among us here - is without any faults? Since there is none, I will take this time to pay tribute to my friend and brother in the struggle.
A Reality Check to: The Re-emergence of the Americo-liberian Hegemony (By: Theodore T. Hodge) Mr. Dolleh is correct: Americo-Liberians became the ruling class upon Liberia’s independence. But being a very small portion of the general population, they had to boost their standings by forming a coalition of a privileged class --- this elite class extended far beyond the actual Americo-Liberian clan. Vacancy for Senior Positions at the University of Liberia - AD The University of Liberia, Liberia’s National University, is accepting applications for Four positions as follows: 1. Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs, 2. Vice President for Administration, 3. Comptroller and 4. Dean of Student Services Liberia Local Elections & the Challenges of Building Democracy (By Abdoulaye W. Dukulé) Not too long ago, Liberia had the capacity to organize elections on its own, without going out, looking for aid and advises. However, that was before “democracy” and before electoral processes turned into an industry, with the coterie of international observers, the network of computers, a bureaucracy called “Elections Commission” and thousands of paid workers to tabulate votes. Liberia’s Security Dilemma: Addressing the Root Causes Rather than the Symptoms LIBERIA: The Nucleus to Reducing Poverty Tackling Trade and Investment: The Government reaches out to the Diaspora (By Abdoulaye W. Dukule’) Whether they decide to return home or stay in exile, Liberians in the Diaspora will play an important role in the reconstruction of the war-devastated country they left behind. Over the years, as governments stopped providing the basic necessities Liberians in the Diaspora somehow managed to keep the country going, through remittances and sometimes, through small economic ventures.
(By Francis K. Zazay) I see that some writers in the Diaspora and Lofians in particular are discontent about the immediate dismissal of Mr. John S. Morlu. This has led some to begin to question the appointments of the President, to the extent that some are evaluating surnames to justify nepotism. Maryland and Bong Counties Sign Bilateral Agreements with the State of Maryland, USA (Reported by Roberta Brown and J. Nan Larsah) On Monday August 27, 2007 the counties of Bong and Maryland signed bilateral agreements with the state of Maryland, USA for a Sister State-County relationship. Meeting at State House in Annapolis, MD a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed. Signing for the State of Maryland was Governor Martin O’Malley, while County Superintendents Ranney Jackson and Sie-Teba Neufville signed... “RIDDLE of PATRIOTISMS” (By Sonkarley T. Beaie) For about a month in a town or village, the people there had no source of protein, particularly, meat to cook soup, and were searching everywhere to buy, no matter how much the cost would be. Surprisingly, one afternoon, a hunter returned with three pigeons, and people rushed there to buy. An Open Letter to the Budget Bureau of the Republic of Liberia (From J. Kerkula Foeday) I am writing to point out a discrepancy discovered in a referral made by the Budget Director of Liberia and at the same time call on the Budget Bureau not only to correct the discrepancy, but also to ensure that the 2007/2008 budget is published on the Ministry of Finance website, the Executive Mansion website, or the Budget Bureau website The Truman Doctrine: Europe Benefited, While the Rest of the World Including Liberia Endured Hardship - Part I Africom: Is President Sirleaf Ignoring The Lessons Of Hstory? (By J. Yanqui Zaza) Concerned Liberians, predictably, argue that the U.S. military headquarters (Africom), if located in Liberia, would pose more risk to Liberia as compared to the rosy economic benefits President Sirleaf has projected. They assert that their reasoning is supported by the comments made by Herman Cohen, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs from 1989-1991 in an interview, (Global Connections), the U.S. duplicity in its foreign policies and the influence...
(Editorial) People who have being following the political life of Mrs. Johnson-Sirleaf concluded that, if elected she would have not only penned her name into the annals of history as Africa’s first female president, but also as one of the best leaders the African continent has ever had. So they overwhelmingly voted for her. She has been in action as president of Liberia for a little over a year and a half! COUP PLOT N° 1 : Mere Speculation, Manipulation or Real? (By James Thomas-Queh) As the nation celebrated its 160th Anniversary with fireworks, an alleged coup plot has been foiled. And needless to mention the near tragedy of the joyous celebrations of July 26, 2006, went the Executive Mansion went up in flames. True, there may be no link between both incidents, but it must be extremely worrying for a government whose mandate extends to 2012, and most troubling also for our national security. Vacancies For A Senior Accountant & Two Staff Accountants - Ad A Successful multi-mill ion-dollar national company with headquarters in Monrovia is searching for an experienced and motivated Senior Accountant and 2 Staff Accountants. Candidate will be part of a great working environment, supportive team, and receive opportunity for advancement. Passing: A Classic Case of Shame and Tragedy By Siahyonkron Nyanseor "Passing: A Classic Case of Shame and Tragedy”, is a fictional story about a unique place called the Afrikan Republic of Dukor, whose citizens were somehow confused about their identity. The events narrated here took place throughout the 1960s and up to the 1990s, Liberia: Why a Terrorist Command Post Is a Bad Idea (By Jefferson F Cooper) President Ellen Sirleaf of Liberia invited the United States to build its Africa’s terrorist command center in Liberia to deter alleged terrorist organizations from operating in Africa. The Foiled Plot (By Patrick Flomo) It has been three weeks since the foiled conspiracy to subvert the government of Liberia by armed force became public knowledge. The Liberian government has formally charged George Koukou and Charles Julu, two of the alleged conspirators, with treason. Cease the culture of violence "Exploring the U.S. Africa Command and a New Strategic Relationship with Africa."
In some parts of the world, like Iraq and Afghanistan, the face of US foreign policy is clearly a military one. In Africa, the DoD appears to be putting a civilian mask on the face of a combatant command, with its marketing pitch for AFRICOM. This disingenuous strategy is not working. The veneer of the mask is simply too thin, and attempts to patch the holes that have emerged—by telling us “what AFRICOM is not about” and re-emphasizing a humanitarian and developmental role for the US military in Africa—simply make the face of US foreign policy much shadier.
AFRICAN ACCOUNTABILITY: A Dichotomy: The Hidden Reasons for Africa's Reluctance to Host The Most Revolutionary Concept to Hit The Continent, Since Independence Exploring the U.S. Africa Command and a New Strategic Relationship with Africa "Africa Command: Opportunity for Enhanced Engagement or the Militarization of U.S. -Africa Relations?" (A Presentation By: Wafula Okumu) Dr. Wafula Okumu is the head of the African Security Analysis Programme, Institute for Security Studies, Pretoria, South Africa. "Africa Command: Opportunity for Enhanced Engagement or the Militarization of U.S. -Africa Relations?" is his testimony he delivered on August 2, 2007 to the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health. Dr. Wafula is an associate of The Perspective. Perceptions and Beliefs about Interpersonal Violence (By George Kronnisanyon Werner) I was born in Liberia, West Africa. My Perceptions and beliefs about interpersonal violence were formed by my mother’s complex love story with my father, by my living through a decade of civil war, and by the many young people with whom I have worked over the past fifteen years. Should Liberia Host Africom, The Would-Be Headquarters Of The War On Terrorism (World War Iv)?
Should Liberia host AFRICOM, the supposedly would be headquarters for fighting terrorism, the undeclared World War IV according to Rudolph Guiliani, former Mayor of New York City and a Republican candidate for the U.S. presidency in 2008? (NY Times Magazine, 7/22/07). Should Liberia, with zero infrastructure, with porous borders, and with significant section of its population uneducated, uninformed, unemployed, etc become a target by terrorists or become the Iraq, Pakistan, or Afghanistan in West Africa?
Several Lucrative Positions Available At Mittal Steel Walking The Fine Line - Are “Young” Liberians Ready Or Not? President Sirleaf did not only Violate the Longstanding Procedure of Courtesy (By Fillmore S. Hney) In all honesty, Mr. Zaza has a right to know anything he wishes with regard to what goes on in Liberia. It is always said that in the court of public opinion, everybody has a right to express him/herself. So, no one has a right to accuse the gentleman for speaking his mind. TPS Extended for Liberians JOB VACANCY At A Multi-Million Dollar Company in Liberia Overcoming Threats Our Past Poses to the Present and Future Bonus at LPRC: An Outrage By William E. Allen It has been nearly two weeks since I read the story about the bonus that the Board of Directors of the Liberian Petroleum Refining Corporation awarded Managing Director Harry Greaves and itself (FrontPageAfrica, 07/11/07). My immediate reaction was to write this article Open Letter to Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Correlation does not mean causation: A response to Jerome Pajibo’s letter of July 23, 2007 TPS Liberians Behind Alleged Coup Plot? Tom Woewiyu's Memo: A Plot to overthrow the Liberian Government by Force of Arms
It is with a heart laden with unbridled grief and deepest regrets that I inform the Government of Liberia and other interested stakeholders about a ‘plot’ to overthrow the Government of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf by force of arms. I am acutely aware of the danger this revelation will place on my life.
Ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: A Compelling Urgency Allied/Auxiliary Healthcare Workforce Shortage: Scrutiny and Strategies President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Government: image problems and the need for corruption cleanup (By Amos Ziah Koukou) The ongoing debate between the Auditor General of Liberia, John Morlu II, on one hand, and the Liberian Government on the other, has helped to highlight the need for continued debate on the issue of corruption in Liberia. AFRICOM: GHANA, MOROCCO, AND OTHERS SAY NO TO US OFFICIALS. WHY PRESIDENT SIRLEAF WANTS AFRICOM BADLY? REGIME CHANGE: Target Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe The Auditor General And Budget Director Must Cooperate Is Fighting Corruption In Liberia The Business Of President Sirleaf Alone? TRC Trains Statement Takers In Ghana Rejoinder To: Commentary: AFRICOM: Ghana, Morocco, Others Say No to U.S. - Why Sirleaf Wants it Badly, written by J. Yanqui Zaza, and published by FrontPageAfrica Reexamining the Logic of Closing the University of Liberia (By: Emmanuel Dolo) An alumnus of the University of Liberia, nothing is more disheartening than to hear that my Alma Mata has been closed by the government. While a student at the University of Liberia, I experienced two closures of the university by the Doe government. Those abrupt closings of the university caused setbacks in my academic pursuit and my personal life... My Continued Disappointment with Politicians in Liberia Faulty Diplomacy Or Shameless Begging (By Gbe Sneh) I have been grappling with President Sirleaf’s recent visit to Equatorial Guinea. My mind has been tossed and turned every which way in an attempt to reconcile this move with CBS’ 60 Minutes clip on this small oil-rich, yet impoverished country off the coast of West Africa. Morlu certainly has a “fish to fry” in budget matters in Liberia The Budget Debate: Good Governance Means declaring all Sources of Government Revenue (By Phil George) Having read all the arguments in the ongoing budget debate, it is reasonable to conclude that AG Morlu makes some very compelling arguments. Foremost is the argument that all sources of government revenue should be reflected in the national budget, regardless of their financial disposition. In my opinion it’s simply a matter of accountability and transparency, not to mention good governance. Corruption Oils The Wheels Of Corrupt Business: Would President Sirleaf Undermine Her Allies' Interest? (By J. Yanqui Zaza) Do Liberians expect President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, or any other leader who is a beneficiary of contributions from corrupt investors, to institute policies that would reduce rewards, which necessitated a relationship in the first place? Or having executed three former presidents, starting with E. J. Roy and two more indicted, should we not focus on why and how Liberia ruling class uses corruption to perpetuate its hold on power? Budget Discussion and Analysis Presented to the Honorable House of Representatives By John S. Morlu, II President Sirleaf ‘Liberia’s US African Command Headquarters Initiative’, Full Speed Ahead (By Momolu V.O. Sirleaf) President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf recently expressed Liberia’s interest in hosting the United States Africa Command military operations, known as AFRICOM. US President George Bush created the new military command this year for Africa. AFRICOM is one of the long-standing hangovers from the cold war era-- Wannie Botoe And David Momoh, Football Legends Whose Time Has Come To Be Honoured, Too| (By Benedict N. Wisseh) We, who follow Liberian football, are often told of the stories of the sports’ modern legends. While the stories of Liberian professional players constitute an important part of the history of Liberian football (soccer), there are legends, such as Wannie Botoe, Gladstone Ofori, Mass Sarr, David Momoh, Garrison Sackor, George Sackor, Josiah Johnson, and many others, whose stories, perhaps, are not being told because they never played professionally in Europe. They are laughed at and disregarded by us. The Liberia Budget Process and the Role of the Auditor General’s Office (By Robert Llewellyn Kilby) While surfing the Internet, I read several articles concerning the Liberia Budget Process and the role and responsibilities of the office of the Audit General of Liberia. The articles were interesting, and therefore I decided to provide input from the Public Accounting perspective. Governing with Corruption in the Forefront: Challenges and Strategies (By Emmanuel Dolo) No leader can govern in the post-war era and claim political success without curbing corruption. Decrease in corruption is intricately linked to many indicators of social progress. When corruption increases, opportunity for socioeconomic development decreases. Corruption aggravates the cost of doing business and increases crimes. Crimes diminish investments. Floundering investments intensify poverty and ultimately corrode quality of life Telephony: Poor, Lonely LTC (Part I) Morlu Has “No Fish To Fry” In Budget Matters Liberian Traffic Police and Immigration Officers Harass Visitors for Money (By Phil George) If you plan to visit Monrovia and drive a car while you’re there, you need to be prepared to deal with corrupt traffic Police officers who will stop or pull you over and harass you for money. While driving in Monrovia recently, I was stopped three times, two of which was for no reason other than to demand money for which I refused. Liberia Lacks Architecture Culture (By Elijah Karnley)We hope that Liberia can strengthen its Architectural culture by institutionalizing the profession through an organized body and system that would appropriate the level of professionalism and the true meaning of architecture. Conflict and Fragile States: Some Contentious Issues Fighting the level of the customs bureaucracy in Liberia
Since she moved into the Executive Mansion on January 16, 2006, in Monrovia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf goes around with her small womanly steps to the four corners of the world. China, Japan, US, and recently again in France, Germany… To her colleagues who open their doors to her, she repeats, with the same pragmatism and the same smiling face that her country of three million people brought to its knees by 14 years of wars, need help. Her reputation of honesty, straight talk and her age-old militancy has something to do with it all. “Ma Ellen” as she is known to many of her compatriots in deference to her 68 years of age, inspires confidence. Corruption engulfs Sea and Airports in Liberia (By Sam K Zinnah) The Freeport of Monrovia and the Robert International Airport “two of Liberia’s gateway to its economy” has become mere hustle grounds. When President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf took oath on January 16, 2007, she overtly encouraged and invited Liberians in the Diaspora to return home and contribute to the reconstruction of their country that is recovering from more than decade of civil war. During several visits to the United States and other countries around the world, President Sirleaf continuously encouraged Liberians to return home and help with the reconstruction process but many Liberians who have attempted doing business in... The Auditor general’s Review of the Draft 2007/2008 Budget of the Republic of Liberia Sources close to the General Auditing Commission speak of a flurry of requests for copies of the Auditor General’s Review of the 2007/2008 budget of Liberia. Though we do not have access to a pdf version of the Draft Budget, click the link above for a pdf copy of AG's review of the draft budget. Liberia Receives $45 Million Dollars For Security From U.S. Congress |
