THE STAR NEWSPAPER

"Lessos Leearned From The 2006 Renegotiation of the MITTAL STEEL Mineral Development Agreement by GOL" NIC Boss Explains to Mineral Stakeholders

2007-06-22T04:19:00.000-07:00

The just ended USIAD sponsored workshop on "The Development of a National Mining Cadastre System and a Proposed Mineral Development Agreement" as been appriased by many Liberians as one of the best workshops in recent times given details information about the Liberian mineral sector.
One of those who presented his paper was the Chairman of the National Investment Commission (NIC), Dr. Richard V. Tolbert. His presentation highlighted on tough times the Liberian government went through during the 2006 renegotiation of the Mittal Steel Mineral Development Agreement.
This splendid presentation by the NIC boss at the workshop drew the attentive listening of both the participants and stakeholders who appriased it as one of the best during the 3-day workshop.
Below we bring you a full text of the NIC Chairman's paper delivered at the workshop:
LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE 2006 RENEGOTIATION OF THE MITTAL STEEL MINERAL DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BY GOL
1. INFRASTRUCTURE:
Explicitly clarified that GOL retains ownership rights to Buchanan Port and Yekepa to Buchanan railroad while concessionaire has first operational rights to those facilities. Furthermore, GOL has the right to grant access to those facilities to third party, provided such access does not nterfere

with concessionaire’s basic right of first access, and may request a third party to upgrade and operate facilities if GOL not satisfied with Mittal’s development of infrastructure for third party or alternate co-use. A new joint committee is also established under revised agreement to review decisions regarding third party access or upgrading of the infrastructure.
2. LIBERIANIZATION
Under the revised agreement Mittal is required to Liberianize top management according to a fixed schedule versus the vague obligation in the 2005 MDA: 25% top management must be Liberian within 5 years and 50% within 10 years. Top management is defined.
3. SCHOLARSHIPS:
Mittal is to provide $200,000 to fund overseas scholarships in addition to $50,000 to University of Liberian Geology Institute, versus only $50,000 in overseas scholarships and $50,000 to LU in the old agreement.
4. GOVERNING LAW:
The new agreement is to be governed by Liberian law as opposed to the old agreement which was governed by UK law. Important for the interpretation of desputes under international arbitration rules.
5. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
The Concessionaire must conduct an annual environmental audit and meet up with all Liberian environmental laws, including obligation to remedy and mitigate environmental damage.
6. “SIGNATURE BONUS”
Concessionaire agreed to pay a one time signing bonus of $15 million to GOL. Nothing to this effect was in old agreement every other concession agreement.7. LAND RENTAL:
The land rental of $200,000 for the first 2 years and $300,000 thereafter is indexed for inflation. In the new agreement as opposed to being fixed at $300,000 for the remaining 23 years of the agreement. This means that in 10 years, Mittal could be paying $500,000 - $600,000 a year in land rental versus just $300,000 at an inflation rate of 10% a year or $1.2 million in 15-20 years.8. ROYALTIES:
Mittal is to pay 4.5% royalties based on FOB price of iron ore at Buchanan under the revised agreement versus ex–mine head at Yekepa under the old MDA. This is huge for Government. For example if the price of iron ex Buchanan is just $23 per ton versus $20 per ton ex mine head in Yekepa, Mittal will now pay GOL $2 million a year more in royalties than under the previous agreement ($3 per ton transportation cost from Yekepa to Buchanan x 15 million tons per year x 4.5% = $2,025,000!!)
9. TRANSFER PRICING:
Another huge win for GOL. The price of iron ore upon which royalty will be based is now “fair market value … under international standards …. At arm’s length”…. Versus the vague subjective language of “invoiced sales price” in the old 2005 agreement.
In practical terms this could translate again into millions of dollars additional for GOL as “transfer pricing or under – invoicing especially in the case of a “captive mine” such as this for Mittal, is one of the classic ways in which multinational companies under-pay developing countries for natural resources and “transfer profits” out to their tax-haven parent holding company.
For example if by this new arm’s length pricing formula GOL will now get just $5 per ton FOB more in the calculation of iron ore selling price for royalty purposes, this translates into an additional $3 - $4 million per year in royalties for GOL (15 million tons x $5 = $75 million x 4.5% = $3,375,000).
10. TAX HOLIDAY:
Under the 2005 MDA, Mittal enjoyed a 5 year tax holiday on corporate taxes. Under the revised MDA, Mittal enjoys no tax holiday. Thus if Mittal starts making profits even from year 4 and 5 of operations, it will pay the full 30% in corporate taxes. So if Mittal Liberia makes only $10 million in profits in year 4 and 5, this will translate into another $3 million in corporate tax for GOL in each year.
11. WITHHOLDING TAXES:
The elimination of the general tax holiday in the revised MDA has tremendous implications in a number of fiscal areas. This is especially true in the area of withholding taxes on interest payments, dividends and payments to contractors. Under the old MDA, Mittal was exempted from withholding taxes in all of these areas. Under the revised MDA Mittal pays GOL a withholding tax of 9% on interest payments, and 6% on all payments to contractors.
The withholding tax on interest payments is once again a big win for Liberia. For assuming Mittal Liberia finances just $600 million of its $900 million capital expenditure program over the next 5 years and makes interest payments to its creditors of $48 million at 8%, GOL gets to withhold 9% of that or about $5 million.
This was one of the biggest achievements for GOL in the revised MDA. For assuming Mittal makes $700 million in payments to contractors over the next 5 years, Liberia will now realize withholding taxes of at least $42 million or 6% on these payments versus taxes being paid to some foreign jurisdiction.
12. CUSTOMS DUTIES:
Under the new agreement, Mittal pays 40% of normal customs duties on imports for years 6 – 10 of the agreement and 100% thereafter versus the 2005 agreement where Mittal merely pays a flat $400,000 a year in lieu of all customs duties for the life of the agreement.Furthermore, Mittal now pays 50% of the regular customs duty on diesel as well as gasoline versus the 2005 MDA where they were 100% exempt on diesel. And the exemption on fuel is now limited to 7 years versus 25 years in the old MDA, hereafter they pay 100% if the customs duties on all fuel.
13. ECOWAS TAX:
Mittal must pay the statutory 1% ECOWAS Tax for which it was exempted in the 2005 MDA.
14. GENERAL TAX LAWS:
Very significantly, Mittal is now subject to all laws of general applicability with respect to taxes unless otherwise exempted, versus in the 2005 MDA where Mittal was generally exempted from tax laws of general application unless specifically stated otherwise.
15. PARENT GUARANTY
Mittal Steel AG, the parent company of Mittal Steel Liberia, is now explicitly expressing a guarantor of the financial and environmental obligations of Mittal Steel Liberia. This provision did not exist at all in the old agreement.
16. DEBT TO EQUITY RATIO:
Mittal’s ability to leverage its Liberian operations is now limited to a maximum debt/equity ratio of 3:1. This is vitally important as the amount of debt a company takes on can seriously effect the amount of taxes it pays by reducing taxable income through excessive interest deductions. There was no such cap in the previous MDA.
(In fact not only is there a cap on the debt to equity ratio but under Liberian tax laws the deductibility of interest expense is limited to 50% of net taxable income)
17. EMINENT DOMAIN:In the previous MDA, GOL was obligated to seize private land by eminent domain for the concessionaire at concessionaire’s expense if requested to do so by Mittal. Under the new agreement, Mittal will have to negotiate its own land acquisition with private land owners, as eminent domain should only be used where private land is needed for public purpose, not for a private investor.
18. ARBITRATION AWARDS:
Should there be a dispute between GOL and Mittal for which Mittal is awarded a benefit, such arbitral award may now be taxed in Liberia whereas it was not subject to tax in Liberia before.
19. TURNOVER TAX:
Mittal is now subject to a 1% turnover tax as opposed to ½ % turnover tax in the old MDA. On every $100 million in gross revenue, GOL will now receive an extra $500,000 in turnover tax. Although this is an advance tax creditable against ordinary income taxes it will help the Government’s cash flow tremendously.
20. DISPOSITION OF ASSETS:
GOL may now buy moveable assets at the termination of the agreement at “net book value” versus ‘fair market value”. Important as most assets will probably be written down to zero at termination.
21. MARGIN OF PERFERENCE:
Under the new MDA the concessionaire is required to give preference to Liberia goods and services whenever they are available at comparable quality, price and delivery schedule.
22. TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP:
Under the new MDA, Mittal Steel does not have the right to transfer its equity to any non-related third party without the explicit authorization of the Government of Liberia. Under the old 2005 MDA, this was a one-sided restriction with only GOL not being allowed to transfer ownership without the other party’s consent.
23. LAWS OF GENERAL APPLICATION:
Finally, perhaps the greatest accomplishment of the revised MDA was the intent by the Government to begin to bring this concession agreement within the framework of a standardized agreement that conforms broadly to tax laws of general application rather than it being an ad-hoc, one-off, individual tax-regime that is subject to arbitrary negotiation each time a new investor comes into Liberia. For example just subjecting them to “Laws of General Application” means that Mittal will now pay all the normal Governmental Agency fees such as business registration fees, motor vehicle registration, work permits, visas, fire service inspection fees, police inspection fees, etc., etc. as opposed to special rates it had under the old MDA.
24. SOCIAL BENEFITS:
The language of all the social benefits such as housing, healthcare, education, water and sanitation was tightened so as to bring the concessionaire’s obligations up to ‘international standards” and “international best practices” as opposed to merely the standards of local Liberian laws and regulations.
25. FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
In my humble opinion, all of these changes will bring additional direct financial benefits of no less than $75 - $100 million to the Government and people of Liberia over the next 10 years.

For detail on this article email: bentol333@yahoo.com

Or call Dr. Richard V. Tolbert, Chairman NIC on this number: +231550560

TRIP TO BONG MINES PART TWO: Bong Mines Oldest Woman, 97 Wants Gov’t Prioritize Youth Empowerment

2007-06-18T04:42:00.000-07:00

As the mining of scraps by the entire citizenry of Bong Mines, Lower Bong County intensifies due to the lack of job opportunities, a senior citizen, considered by residents of the area as grand ma is calling on the Liberian government to help create job opportunities for the youth of the area.

Madam Bendu Fahnbulleh who was born 1910 is considered in the area as the oldest woman was speaking in an exclusive interview with a team of GNN reporters over the weekend in Verney’s town, Bong Mines urged the Liberian government to help come to the rescue of hundreds of youths in the area who are unemployed.

“Grand Ma “as she is affectionately called, speaking through an interpreter said if the country is to maintain its stability and flourish to the better, its youths must be given the opportunity to stand on their own through employment.

A mother of seven children (3 girls and 4 boys) with several dozens of grand and great grand children said she was delighted to be interview by the GNN, adding, “this is my very first time to be interview by a reporter; recording my voice and writing”, beeping with a smile Madam Bendu stressed.

Advising the younger generation of Liberia, “Grand Ma Bendu” called on today’s young people, mostly young women to not move too fast for material things, “they must not rush behind worldly things, but rather be committed to one thing. God must always be their guidance,” she warned.

Madam Fahnbulleh who described the Liberian leader as one of her daughters cautioned Liberians to do away with what she called, “division and unite for the growth of the country.”

Rural Farmers Chase Out by Wide Animals, As Chimpanzees Invade Nimba, Elephants Take on Lofa

2007-06-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

As rural dwellers in Liberia are seeking their livelihood through farming, wide animals including chimpanzees and elephants are said to be invading their farm lands, at some point taken away children.

Residents in Nimba County, specifically farmers who are constantly being victimized are calling on the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) to quickly move into their area to safe them from these dangerous animals.

The residents said chimpanzees on a daily basis attack them on their farms, making them to leave their farm abandoned, “we are in fear, because these animals are dangerous. One of them just last week killed a lady, Ma Zorley and her eight (8) months baby,” one of the ladies who was also beaten by one the chimpanzees in tears told our reporter at the Ganta Methodist Hospital.

As chimpanzees in Nimba continue to terrorize residents, another report emanating from Lofa County say elephants have allegedly invaded farms in that part of the country thus making local farmers to flee their farms for safely.

According to report from that northern part of the country, the situation is grave, saying if nothing is done by the Central Government to bring this to an end, farmers in these counties like Nimba and Lofa counties might experience severe hunger in the coming months.

Report say towns like Slaegar and Maleima are those major towns targeted by these wide animals; destroying farm crops and wounding farmers who persist to remain on their farms. As a result farmers in the area are said they can no longer go to their farms due the presence of these wide animals.

Speaking separately vie mobile phone to the GNN, both Superintendents of Nimba and Lofa Counties confirmed the information and said they were making an urgent “SOS” to the Central Government on the issue.

ANOTHER LIBERIAN JOURNALIST IN THE U.S. GRADUATES WITH HONOR

2007-06-10T11:00:00.000-07:00

Seven years ago, the name Moses D. Sandy was associated with objective and robust journalism in Liberia, West Africa. Because of dedicated and committed work, many Liberians including Mr. Sandy’s peers in the Liberian press corps adored him.
In the year 2000, Mr. Sandy’s active presence in the Liberian media came to a halt when he like most exiled Liberian journalists in fear of his life and personal well being fled Liberia and sought refuge in the United States. Since then he and his family have resided in Delaware.
Mr. Sandy recalled one of his admirers, Miss Fatu Browne, who now resides in, Minneapolis, Minnesota, “Was a principled and objective journalist in Liberia. The guy was tough but he did his job with humility.” He commenced his journalism career in 1989 as a cub reporter at the Ministry of Information Culture Affairs and Tourism (MICAT). In 1995, he joined the work force of the nation’s broadcast network, Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) as a reporter. At LBS, after few years of training coupled with the acquiring of a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Mass Communication with emphasis in broadcast journalism from the University of Liberia, Mr. Sandy gradually rose through the rank and file of the institution to the position of Editor-in-Chief, News and Public Affairs Department.
As Editor-in-Chief, many including his co-workers at LBS admired him for objectivity. Because of his objectivity, he on numerous occasions ran into trouble with some insiders of the former dictator Charles G. Taylor administration. On many occasions, he was labeled as “enemy of the government.”
On Thursday, May 17, 2007 after few years of dedicated schooling, Mr. Sandy was amongst more than six thousand students who received undergraduate, graduate, and other advanced degrees from Temple University based in Philadelphia. He earned a Master in Social Work (MSW) from the School of Social Administration.
“My decision to pursuit an advanced degree in Social Work was based on career change. Currently, I work with the Children’s Crisis Treatment Center’s (CcTC) West African Refugee Assistance Program-Tamaa in Philadelphia as Care Coordinator. From my work, I have seen the enormous acculturative issues, language and culture barriers, and punitive social policies that African immigrants including myself deal with routinely in this country,” noted Mr. Sandy when he spoke to a group of exiled Liberian journalists at his residence in Newcastle, Delaware.
“Our people, he maintained, need help in navigating the US social systems. They need help with advocacy, policies interpretations, and the accessibility of needed services. This is what I do for living, and I find gratification in helping people from the impoverished and underrepresented African immigrant community.”
Responding to a question on what he intends to do with his degree; the former LBS Editor-in-Chief noted, “ My degree is currently being utilized. I am a social worker serving African immigrant, refugee, and asylee children and families in Philadelphia. In the future, I intend to collaborate with other African social workers for the setting-up of social service programs that would serve exclusively African families and children. Our people in this country are in dire need of childcare, adult literacy, job skills development, and social service programs. And my colleagues and I have the education, experience, and the cultural competence needed for such ventures.”
Commenting on his academic journey at Temple, the soft-spoken Sandy claimed, “This was not an easy ride. It took tremendous amount of social and economic sacrifices to accomplish this mission. As a dad, community leader, and a full time employee, it was tough for my family and I. My wife and I for the past few years had no time for socialization. And sometimes I had to joggle with whether to do my school assignment or sit at the table with my kids to assist them with their take home assignments. Despite all of these challenges, I am happy to note that I earned my MSW with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.8”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA), Mr. Anthony Kesselly has commended Mr. Sandy on his achievement. Speaking a graduation party tendered by the former LBS Editor-in-Chief and his family at their Newcastle, Delaware residence on Saturday, May 19, 2007, Mr. Kessely said, “Despite the many social and economic odds that immigrants contend with in this country, It pleases me to see Africans like Mr. Sandy succeed academically.”
Mr. Kesselly, also holds an MSW from Temple University. He urged Mr. Sandy and other Liberian social workers to use their education in championing the cause of the African community. “Let’s use our education to help our people in this country and on the African continent. The people need us and we can‘t let them down,” he advised.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Coordinator of the CcTC’s Tamaa Program, Mr. Kwame Asante lauded the graduate for the achievement. Mr. Asante said, “This is commendable and I ‘am happy that Moses was able to do this.” Graduate school, he claimed, “Is tough but with commitment and dedication you can do it.”
Mr. Asante is a career social worker with MSW from Temple and many years of working experience. He described Mr. Sandy as a dedicated and committed staff. Mr. Sandy is one of the two Liberian employees with CcTC’s Tamaa that graduated on with MSWs on May 17th. The other graduate is, Mrs. Claudia Spiller-Jargbah. Mrs. Jargbah is Tamaa’s Lead Care Coordinator.
Mr. Sandy is the former Assistant Secretary General of the disbanded Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas (ALJA). He is also the current Acting Chairman of the Liberian Association in Delaware.
The May 19th graduation party was attended by scores of Liberians, relatives, friends, and well wishers.

Following the Lifting of Ban on Mineral Activities, Liberian Gov’t Commissions Hugh Diamond Sampling Plant in Western Liberia

2007-06-09T06:31:00.000-07:00

SEVERAL PHOTOS WERE TAKEN DURING THE CEREMONY; MANY WERE HAPPY AS THEY DANCED TO THE TONE OF TRADITIONAL SONGS

Following the lifting of Sanctions on Mining activities in the Country by the United Nations Security Council, the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy Friday officially commissioned a modern diamond sampling plant in the mining town of Weasua, Gbarpolu County.

Prior to the Commissioning of the sampling plant by the acting Minister of Lands, Mines and Energy, Hon. E.C.B. Jones also urged the citizens to tell their legislators to get involve in the process, saying, “you need to take control of the project and make it yours,” Minister Jones told the Weasua citizens.

During the ceremony hundreds of citizens, including chiefs, elders and local County officials in separate remarks praised the management of both the Mano River Resources, a London based Company and Transhex Group of South Africa for bringing life into their county.

The citizens in their jubilant mood, dancing to the tone of their traditional songs and cultural performances during the occasion, said they were happy for the reactivation of the mining town of Weasua to resume mining activities.

Expressing her feelings during the ceremony, Ms. Massa Gbono one of the daughters of the founder of Weasua, the late Old Man Gbono, called on the people of Gbarpolu to join hands with the investors for the growth and development of their county, adding, “we say big think you to the company ( Mano River Resources and Transhex ) for coming to our rescue. Our children and husband will now have jobs to feel us”, Ms. Gbono in her late 40s speaking to the GNN said.

Also expressing gratitude to both companies, the Clan Chief of the area, Momo Geba said he was happy to grace the occasion and urged the Gbarpolu County Legislative Caucus to lend their moral support to the company.

“We want to call on our people in Monrovia to also give their support to this company; we have suffered too long for jobs. The coming of this company in Weasua, I believe will help our children to find job”, Claim Chief with a serious look told the company.

Also speaking at the ceremony, former Deputy Minister of Lands, Mines and Energy, Mulbah Willie thanked both the management of Mano River Resources, Transhex and the people of Weasua for haven worked hard for the progress made thus far.

Former Minister Willie informed the gathering how in 1998 he was very instrumental to for an agreement to be signed for Mano River Resources to venture into Weasua for the sole purpose of looking for diamond, adding, “I am very proud today that I did something very good which made us to reach this far”, Mr. Willie who is the Chief Executive Office of a local engineering company stressed.

He urged the citizens of Weasua to pray hard so that the establishment of this company in their area would yell what he called “a fruitful result” for all of them to enjoy.

For his part the Deputy Minister for Mines at the Ministry, and also responsible for Kimberlite, Hon. A. Kpadell Fayah addressing the gathering warned those involve in illicy mining to desist, stressing, “if you are caught you will face the full weight of the law”.

Given an overview of the project the Company, the Project Manager, Mr. Philip Le Roux
Said the company which currently has in its employ 75 Liberians and 10 expatriates has spent over US$5.7 Million since its commencement.

He said up to date the company has not reap any source of income, adding, “our mission is to explore for diamonds using state of the art tools and principles for the benefit of the company’s shareholders, the employees, the nation and the local community in which we operate. Operating in an environmental friendly manner,” Mr. Roux stressed.

Despite the absence of the County’s Superintendent and members of the legislative caucus, citizens and elders during the program were excited happy of the step taken by both Mano River Resources and Transhex to commission its sampling plant.

The Commissioned Plant Being Viewed

LIBERIANS MUST LEARN TO APPRECIATE INVESTORS - THE CASE OF MANO RIVER RESOURCES

2007-06-09T03:47:00.000-07:00

ABOVE PHOTOS SHOW SOME OF THE ILLEGAL MININERS CHEATING GOVERNMNET OF NEEDED CASH INTAKE, ONE OF THEM ACCORDING TO OUR SOURCES, IS BUKU-MAN THE PHOTO ABOVE OF TEXAS INTERNATIONAL

As President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf tirelessly swings around the globe to seek for more support in order to fill the gap for Liberia’s reconstruction, the country’s foreign Partner-In-progress be encouraged by Liberians as they strive to invest in Liberia.
Liberia, a country coming out of nearly fifteen years of devastated civil war, with all of its infrastructural completely destroyed, including its human resource capacity is urgently seeking for assistance from all sectors of life in order for its citizens to jump-start their livelihood through the provision of job opportunities.
Thousands of Liberian job seekers are on a daily basis hunting for job opportunities a “safe belt” for the restarting of their livelihood to keep their families o to help restore their family dignity. who is sleeplessly hunting for credible investors for the speedy restoration of the dignity of jobless Liberians, a student of the University of Liberia and also citizen of Grand Cape Mount County, Faiweh A. Sherman is commending the Mano River Resources for its drive to adequately reduce the high rate of unemployment in the county through the identification of the county’s hidden mineral deposits through a systematic and scientific approach.
Speaking to the GNN in Monrovia yesterday, Mr. Sherman who also condemned recent media reports that certain group was pushing forward a petition at the House of Representatives to request the pull out of Mano River Resources from their county.
He said the allegation leveled against Mano River Resources, one of the pioneering mineral exploration companies in that part of the country by this group, has done nothing to bring about meaningful development in that county, and no iota of truth.
Speaking further he said, such statement should not be taken seriously by the vast majority of the people of Grand Cape Mount County.
in a serious and regrettable tone, Mr. Sherman said Liberians should learn to appreciate the effort of foreign investors, like in the case of Mano River Resources has over the past years worked hard through its exploration programs, to identify economy mineral.
These discoveries will in the long run bring smiles on the faces of the locals and the Cape Mountaineers themselves in general.
“Today a small group of people are persecuting Mano River Resources, because another “so-called Savior” has appeared, and putting more grease to their elbows in order to sing and dance to the tone of the “Johnny Just Come” newest investor,” Sherman with a serious look stressed.
The rhetorical question, one of those who spoke to the GNN also asked in a serious tone, “Who is this So- Called new investor who has brought in heavy machineries and has began extracting our minerals from the ground without taking into account the environmental impact?”
Recently a small group of people from the county a news conference in Monrovia that a petition to drive Mano River Resources from their County was in the making because, according to him it has failed to deliver positively, promises made to them.
He accused the company of engaging in diamond and gold exploitation instead of exploration, “thereby collecting bulk of the county’s mineral resources, but yet refused to provide those basic infrastructures such as roads, schools, health centers among others.
The Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy should be in the position to establish the fact here.

Digital Media Conference Takes Four Top Liberian Editors to South Africa

2007-06-07T03:16:00.000-07:00

Liberian Journalists attending the conference include, Managing Editor of the NEW VISION Newspaper, Josephus Moses Gray; Augustus Fallah, Chairperson, Liberia Editors Association; Robert Kpadeh , Publisher/Secretary General Publishers Association Of Liberia and Crispin Tulay, Program Officer/Senior Staff Writer Newspaper In Education Liberia.

Four top senior Liberian Newspaper Editors are in the South African city of Cape Town, attending the 60th World Newspaper Congress and 14th World Editors Forum, which brings together 1,600 senior editors, managers, executives and stakeholders.
The participants represent 105 countries from the seven continents while the Congress and Forum bring together each year publishers, editors, chief executives and managers from all levels of the newspaper industry.

The four Liberian editors include the Managing Editor of the NEW VISION Newspaper, Josephus Moses Gray; Augustus Fallah, Chairperson, Liberia Editors Association; Robert Kpadeh , Publisher/Secretary General Publishers Association Of Liberia and Crispin Tulay, Program Officer/Senior Staff Writer Newspaper In Education Liberia.

The theme of the 60th World Newspaper Congress is ‘Shaping the Future of the Newspaper’ and the theme of the 14th World Editors Forum is ‘Quality Journalism in the Digital Age’. The Congress and Forum bring together each year publishers, editors, chief executives and managers from all levels of the newspaper industry.

The Forum is organized by the World Editors Forum, the organization for editors-in-chief within the World Association of Newspapers, which organizes the Congress. Events from the Congress and the Forum are held separately in Cape Town but members are free to attend any events from both conferences.

A diverse series of roundtable seminars take place this week and features Bill Keller, the Executive Editor of The New York Times, Olav Mugass, the CEO of Aftenposten in Norway while a host of other newspaper leaders who are attending the World Newspaper Congress, World Editors Forum and Info Services Expo, will be present for the events.

The roundtables -- on digital media, press freedom and young reader strategies -- are a regular feature of the eve of the Congress, Forum and Expo, the annual meetings of the world’s press organised by the World Association of Newspapers.

The conference which formally opened on Monday, June 4 at the Cape Town National Conference Center, with a Chinese journalist serving a 10-year prison sentence for revealing his government’s orders to newspapers to censor their reporting of the Tiananmen Square massacre anniversary, has been awarded the 2007 Golden Pen of Freedom, the annual press freedom prize from the World Association of Newspapers.

The award to Shi Tao, who was imprisoned after the American search engine company Yahoo provided information to the Chinese authorities that led to his arrest, was made today, 4 June, the 18th anniversary of the massacre."Even today, most Chinese know nothing about what happened that day. The Communist regime continues to prevent the Chinese media from talking and writing about it openly and honestly and will go to great lengths to silence any such revelations and to severely punish those who make them," said George Brock, President of the World Editors Forum, who presented the award.

"Shi Tao, whom we are honouring here today, has learned this to his own great cost. He revealed what the state did not want known and he pays the price in prison today," he said.The award was accepted by the mother of the jailed journalist, Gao Qinsheng, who said her son was "a direct victim of the shackles of press freedom."

The Golden Pen Award "proves that my son is indeed innocent. He has only done what a courageous journalist should do. That is why he has got the support and the sympathy from his colleagues all over the world, who uphold justice, the colleagues who have been concerned about Shi Tao who has lost his freedom, been locked up in prison," she said. The Golden Pen Award was presented Monday during the opening ceremonies of the World Newspaper Congress and World Editors Forum, the global meetings of the world’s press, which drew more than 1,600 newspaper executives and editors from 105 countries to Cape Town, South Africa.

WAN also announced a campaign to win the release of Mr Shi and dozens of other journalists and cyber-dissidents in Chinese jails, to keep the cases in the forefront of news coverage in the run-up to the Beijing Olympics next year.

Mr Shi is serving a 10-year sentence on charges of "leaking state secrets" for writing an e-mail about media restrictions in the run-up to the 15th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre in 2004. The e-mail was picked up by several overseas internet portals -- and also by Chinese authorities, with the assistance of Yahoo. The internet service provider gave state security authorities information that allowed them to trace the message to a computer he used at the newspaper where he worked, the Dangdai Shang Bao (Contemporary Business News).

"How the Chinese authorities traced this e-mail, and discovered that Shi Tao was the author, is a cautionary tale with widespread implications for on-line privacy, and for the way that western communications companies do business in their understandably difficult dealings with repressive regimes," said Mr Brock.

"While those who do business around the globe must often deal with non-democratic countries, we believe that new media companies that provide more and more of the means for global communications have a special responsibility" he said. "They have an obligation to ensure that the basic human rights of their users will be protected, and they must carefully guard against becoming accomplices in repression."

Mr Shi distributed information that had been sent to his newspaper by the Chinese authorities, warning journalists of the dangers of "social destabilisation" and risks linked to the return of certain dissidents to China for the commemoration of the massacre, in which democracy supporters, mostly students, were brutally gunned down by Chinese troops on 4 June 1989.

Mr Shi, a poet as well as a journalist, had published numerous essays and political problems relating to social problems in China on pro-democracy web sites. He worked as a reporter, editor and division director at several newspapers, joining the Contemporary Business News in 2004 as an editorial director and assistant to its Chief Editor. He resigned from the paper in May 2004 to become a free-lance journalist and was arrested six months later.

He is one of dozens of journalists and cyber-dissidents in prison in China, the world’s largest jailer of journalists.The award to Shi Tao has already provoked the ire of the Chinese authorities. The official China Newspaper Association has demanded the award be withdraw because a Chinese court "handled the case according to law and made the appropriate sentence" and that China’s constitution protects press freedom.

"We are not impressed by this argument," said Mr Brock. "If the law makes it possible to send a journalist to jail in such a case, the law should be abolished immediately since it contradicts every conceivable international standard and convention on freedom of information and human rights.

"As for the claim that the Chinese constitution protects freedom of speech, this guarantee is nothing more than a mere fiction. Such freedoms simply do not exist in China. Indeed, if they did, Shi Tao would not be in prison today, nor would dozens of other journalists."

WAN, the global association of the newspaper industry, has awarded the Golden Pen annually since 1961. Past winners include Argentina’s Jacobo Timerman (1980), South Africa’s Anthony Head (1986), China’s Dai Qing (1992), Vietnam’s Doan Viet Hoat of Vietnam (1998), Zimbabwe’s Geoffrey Nyarota (2002), and Sudan’s Mahjoub Mohamed Salih (2005). Last year’s winner was Akbar Ganji of Iran.

The Paris-based WAN, the global organisation for the newspaper industry, defends and promotes press freedom world-wide. It represents 18,000 newspapers; its membership includes 77 national newspaper associations, newspaper companies and individual newspaper executives in 102 countries, 12 news agencies and 10 regional and world-wide press groups. Meanwhile, the absence of press freedom in many African nations is inhibiting development on the continent and depriving millions of Africans of their rights, the President of the World Association of Newspapers said Monday.

"In dozens of African nations, political transformation has been deeply flawed, if not stillborn, because of the failure to secure one of the absolutely fundamental conditions for full, living democracy and pluralism - I’m talking, of course, about freedom of the press, which continues to be violated on a daily basis across the length and breadth of this continent," said Gavin O’Reilly at the opening of the 60th World Newspaper Congress and 14th World Editors Forum in Cape Town, South Africa.

"This freedom, whose defence and promotion was set by the founding fathers of WAN as our first and over-riding mission, is not only a human right to which every African man and woman is entitled, but a pre-condition for the establishment of good governance and durable economic, political, social and cultural development," he said.

"It is also, I would contend, a powerful tool in the fight against corruption, famine, poverty, violent conflict, disease and lack of education - afflictions of which African people’s have much more than their fair share."

Addressing more than 1,600 senior newspaper executives from 109 countries, in the presence of South African President Thabo Mbeki, officials of the African Union, foreign ambassadors and nearly 400 African newspaper professionals from 43 countries, Mr O’Reilly said: "The daily persecution and harassment of the free press must cease. But press freedom must also be much higher on the agenda of African development proposals and programmes."

"This gives me the opportunity to pay homage to the men and women of the press in Africa and to express our deep admiration for their treasures of imagination, courage and resilience, that they demonstrate on a daily basis to bring out their publications, often under very difficult conditions, and so play their role in keeping democratic debate alive," he said.

It is the first time that WAN has organised the annual meetings of the world’s press in Africa, though the organisation has held numerous other events on the continent. It marked the occasion with the Declaration of Table Mountain, which calls on African states to recognize the indivisibility of press freedom and to respect their commitments to international and African protocols upholding this freedom and independence.

Mr O’Reilly noted that the text calls for the elimination of criminal defamation and "insult" laws, which outlaw criticism of politicians and those in authority. He called the laws "the greatest durable scourge of press freedom in Africa." Besides, Leaders of the world’s press, meeting in South Africa this week, have called on African governments "as a matter of urgency" to abolish all laws that restrict press freedom, and have pledged to increase "aggressive and persistent campaigning against press freedom violations and restrictions in Africa."

The Declaration of Table Mountain, approved on the eve of the World Newspaper Congress and World Editors Forum in Cape Town, calls on African governments to release jailed journalist, abolish draconian press laws and recognise the importance of press freedom for economic, political and social development.

"In country after country, the African press is crippled by a panoply of repressive measures, from jailing and persecution of journalists to the widespread scourge of ’insult’ laws and criminal defamation which are used, ruthlessly, by governments to prevent critical appraisal of their performances and to deprive the public from information about their misdemeanours," said the declaration. More than 1,600 newspaper publishers, chief editors, managing directors and other senior newspaper executives and their guests from 105 countries are meeting in Cape Town through Wednesday at the World Newspaper Congress and World Editors Forum, the global meetings of the world’s press organised by the World Association of Newspapers.

The Declaration of Table Mountain, named for the prominent landmark overlooking Cape Town, was endorsed by the boards of the Paris-based WAN and the WEF, which represent 18,000 newspapers world-wide.

The declaration: calls for African governments to abolish insult laws and all other laws that restrict press freedom "as a matter of urgency." calls for the immediate release of all jailed journalists and the return of journalists who have been forced into exile; condemns the repression of African media by censorship and "the use of other devices such as levying import duties on newsprint and printing materials and withholding advertising."

Also calls on governments to promote "the highest standards of press freedom" and to provide constitutional guarantees of freedom of the press; calls on the African Union immediately to include press freedom and independent media in the criteria for "good governance" in the African Peer Review Mechanism; calls on international institutions to promote progress in press freedom in Africa through such steps as assisting newspapers in legal defence, skills development and access to capital and equipment.

"WAN and WEF make this declaration from Table Mountain at the southern tip of Africa in an earnest appeal to all Africans to recognise that the political and economic progress they seek flourishes in a climate of freedom and where the press is free and independent of governmental, political or economic control."

The Declaration will be presented to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon with the request that it be presented to the General Assembly, to UNESCO Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura, with a request that it be placed before the General Conference, and to African Union Commission Chairperson Alpha Oumar Konare with a request that it be distributed to all members of the AU and endorsed by the organisation at its next summit meetings of heads of state.

The Paris-based WAN, the global organisation for the newspaper industry, defends and promotes press freedom world-wide. It represents 18,000 newspapers; its membership includes 77 national newspaper associations, newspaper companies and individual newspaper executives in 102 countries, 12 news agencies and 10 regional and world-wide press groups.

Newspaper circulations world-wide rose 2.3 percent in 2006 while newspaper advertising revenues showed substantial gains, the World Association of Newspapers announced today (Monday).

WAN said global newspaper sales were up +2.3 percent over the year, and had increased +9.48 percent over the past five years. Newspaper sales increased year-on-year in Asia, Europe, Africa, South America, with North America the sole continent to register a decline.

When free dailies are added to the paid newspaper circulation, global circulation increased +4.61 percent last year, and +14.76 percent over the past five years. Free dailies now account for nearly 8 percent percent of all global newspaper circulation and 31.94 percent in Europe alone.

Advertising revenues in paid dailies were up +3.77 percent last year from a year earlier, and up +15.77 percent over five years, WAN said. No figures were available for free daily advertising revenues.

"Newspapers in developing markets continue to increase circulation by leaps and bounds, and in mature markets are showing remarkable resilience against the onslaught of digital media. Even in many developed nations the industry is maintaining or even increasing sales," said Timothy Balding, Chief Executive Officer of the Paris-based WAN . "At the same time, newspapers are exploiting to the full all the new opportunities provided by the digital distribution channels to increase their audiences.

"As the digital tide gathers strength, it is remarkable that the press in print continues to be the media of preference for the majority of readers who want to remain informed."

Mr Balding added: "These results are even better than we expected from provisional data available a few months ago. .Once again we can see that far from being an industry in decline, as the ill-informed and short-sighted continue to contend, newspapers are alive and well and exhibiting enormous innovation and energy to maintain their place as the news media of preference for hundreds of millions of people daily".

The new data, from WAN’s annual survey of world press trends, was released to more than 1,600 publishers, editors and other senior newspaper executives from 109 countries attending the 60th World Newspaper Congress and 14th World Editors Forum in Cape Town, South Africa. The main figures showed that global circulations and advertising revenues are increasing world-wide. In addition, the free daily market is giving renewed impetus to newspaper reading, and newspaper web traffic continues high growth.

Spanish Gov't Gives 20 Buses to Liberia

2007-06-06T14:00:00.000-07:00

Barely a day after science students of the highest institution of learning in the country, the University of Liberia staged a one protest action in demand of buses to take them on their science college campus in Fendell, outside the campus, the Spanish Government today pledged 12 buses to help ease the country’s transport problem.

The pledge was made today by outgoing Spanish Ambassador to Liberia, Francisco Tejada, during a farewell visit to the Liberian leader, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

During his visit, Ambassador Tejada said the Spanish private sector and the Municipality of Barcelona are donating the buses in order to help the Liberian Government address the country’s transport problem.

Yesterday regular academic activities at the State owned University came to a halt yesterday after hundreds of students protested in demand of normal transportation facilities in order to allow them to attend classes on time at the Fendell campus.

The Fendell campus is an extended facility of the University of Liberia which is about 22 miles outside Monrovia mainly for students specializing in Science, Technology and Agriculture and Forestry.

The main campus of the University of Liberia where the student protest was launched is located directly opposite the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where the Liberian President is temporarily sitting and steering the affairs of the nation.

Following brief meeting with the Liberian leader, the protestors, according to Liberian Information Minister, Lawrence Bropleh announced the availability of additional buses to transport the student from the main campus of the University to the Fendell campus.

In U.S. V.P Boakai Urges More Investors To Come to Liberia

2007-06-06T13:14:00.000-07:00

PROVIDENCE — Liberia is literally turning on its lights, restoring power and water and repairing infrastructure destroyed by prolonged civil war. But the country still desperately needs help as it works toward a peaceful, productive future, its vice president said yesterday.
Vice President Joseph N. Boakai said that includes training a new work force, rebuilding schools, hospitals and banks, and harnessing the county’s rich natural resources that became the spoils of war.
During a national tour of Liberian diaspora communities that include Rhode Island, Boakai said his homeland is seeking private investment, such as a $1-billion agreement forged in 2005 with Mittal Steel for mining iron ore.
Training and education of the country’s youthful majority is also a major focus. And, said Boakai, one key will be to provide salaries that will draw people “from more comfortable circumstances” in other countries.
Liberia's Vice President -J. N. Boikai
“We need everything,” said Boakai. “We need vocational training. We have to train our young people — we need auto mechanics, electricians, nurses, doctors.” Future efforts will include development of tourism and high-tech industry, Boakai said.
Boakai visited Rhode Island during his tour of Liberian diaspora communities across the country. Rhode Island’s estimated 15,000 Liberians constitute the country’s largest Liberian population per capita.
The Liberian Community Association of Rhode Island, headed by Mator M.F. Kpangbai, hosted Boakai’s visit. It included his news conference at the Urban League of Rhode Island, after which he was scheduled to meet with Governor Carcieri and Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline, among others.
At the Urban League, Boakai expressed hope that Liberia will continue to work free of corruption that previously formed “the bedrock of our society,” and maintain the fragile peace established after the decades-long war ended in 2003.
He praised President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first female president in any African country, who ran on an anti-corruption platform. Johnson Sirleaf’s 2006 visit to Rhode Island drew thousands of people who cheered her speech on the steps of Providence City Hall.
“She is a great, great lady,” said Boakai.
He also expressed faith that the United States will continue offering temporary protected status to Liberians here who have been extended that status since they fled the civil war. Although some Liberians are returning, Boakai said the war’s devastation makes it impossible, for now, to support a wholesale return.
“We want to appeal to Americans to exercise patience. If you send [Liberians] back home, we don’t have anything for them to do,” he said.
And, he said, he has encouraged the peace and reconciliation process headed by a special committee.
“If and wherever there’s been corruption … if somebody’s been doing something wrong, we will prosecute anybody. We will not leave anyone out.”
As Boakai prepared to leave for his meetings with Cicilline and Carcieri, the audience of several dozen people was asked to observe protocol as the vice president made his exit.
“Do we get to shake his hand, man?” asked one man in the crowd, drawing laughs.
Boakai ignored his pressing schedule, and shook hands with everyone in the room.

Source: Rhode Island news

Charles Taylor Trial, Prosecution Opening Statement

2007-06-05T02:42:00.000-07:00

The war crimes trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor has opened amid dramatic scenes in The Hague, with the accused refusing to attend.

Charles Taylor Trial, Prosecution Opening Statement
PROSECUTION VS. CHARLES GANKAY TAYLOR
PROSECUTION OPENING STATEMENT
Stephen Rapp, The Prosecutor
Mohamed Bangura, Trial Attorney
PART 1: GLOBAL OVER VIEW
MR. RAPP
A. INTRODUCTION
Your Honours, I rise to begin the Opening Statement of the Prosecution of its cases against the Accused. I will be joined in this presentation by my learned colleague, Trial Attorney Mohamed Bangura. In my part, I will provide a general outline of our case, stating what we believe the evidence with show about the pattern of conduct for which we allege the Accused is responsible, and to explain how that alleged conduct was criminal under our Statute as charged in the Second Amended Indictment.
In rising I first want to state my appreciation to our hosts the International Criminal Court, and the Government and people of the Netherlands. I ask want to recognize all of those who have worked at the Special Court, both at the present and in the past, to bring us to this historic day. In that regard, I would like to take special note of the presence today in the gallery, of the first Registrar, Robin Vincent, and my predecessors as Prosecutors, David Crane, and Sir Desmond de Silva.
During the trial, we will seek at all times to ensure that it embodies the fundamental principles of fairness, due process and justice that, along with the other trials at the Special Court and help ensure a future respect for law and the maintenance of a just, peaceful and safe society. We acknowledge at the outset of this important judicial exercise the responsibility of the Prosecution to bear the burden of proving the charges against the Accused in our Indictment beyond a reasonable doubt.
What my learned colleague, Mr. Bangura, and myself will say in this Opening is not evidence. Rather, it is an introduction of the evidence which we will lead against the Accused and, therefore, which will eventually be weighed by your Honours in your final deliberations. If there is a conflict between what is said here today and what is admitted into evidence, it is of course that evidence you will exclusively consider.
As Your Honours are well aware, this Special Court has jurisdiction over crimes committed after 30 November 1996, and because many of these were war crimes, we have generally limited our focus to the period before 18 January 2002, when Sierra Leone President Kabbah declared the war to be at an end. However, there are events outside this timeframe that must be described in order to understand the suffering visited on the people of Sierra Leone during this period.
It is because we are seeking justice for the people of Sierra Leone that we are here today.
How are we to grasp what happened in Sierra Leone? The world knows part of the story. A small West African nation on the Atlantic Ocean. From it in the late 1990s came images in the media of some of the ugliest scenes of viciousness in recent memory. Human beings, young and old multilated, rebels chopping off arms and legs, and gauging out eyes; girls and women enslaved and sexually violated. Children carrying out some of the worst crimes. The exploitation of the resources of Sierra Leone to kill and maim and its citizens. The very worst that human beings are capable of doing to one another
For those not there it almost impossible to comprehend the horrors suffered by the people of the country.
How did this happen?
Sierra Leone has not been without its problems, and by the early 1990s its citizens had grievances against the government in place. But it also had many successes, and was a land of near constant peace… Its capital, Freetown, where the seat of this Court is based, was named for the freed slaves who settled it. It was the site of the first English speaking university in Africa, established almost two centuries ago. The city would come to be described by domestic and foreign observers alike as “the Athens of Africa.” There was not a history of ethnic hatred or religious conflict. There were not the ancient rivalries that one often sees where great atrocities have been committed.One of our early witnesses, who saw hundreds of victims will offer evidence of his observations, as contained in his statements disclosed to the defence that there had been no animosity between any of group of Sierra Leoneans, be it tribes, be it religious groups, there had been nothing. There was not a war between these groups, but terror rained down on the people of Sierra Leone.
How does one thus understand this rain of terror?
The defence has provided a pre-trial brief asserting the non-involvement of the Accused, best summed up by learned counsel in the public quotation of line from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar “The fault lies not in the stars, but in ourselves.” From his explanation it is clear that the Accused is a star without fault. The ourselves who bear the blame and the true responsibility for the horrors visited upon the people of Sierra Leone? Apparently, Sierra Leone itself. The savagery experienced was part of a national predisposition that was there all along, dormant for so many years, then set off without any external catalyst. In short, Sierra Leone has only itself to blame.
That is not view of the Prosecution, and it is not what the evidence will show.
The witnesses that we will call and the documents that we will present will prove that the Accused is responsible for the development and execution of a plan that caused the death and destruction in Sierra Leone. The plan, formulated by the Accused and others, was to take over political and physical control of Sierra Leone in order to exploit its abundant natural resources and to establish a friendly or subordinate government there to facilitate this exploitation.
Your Honours will hear in this address that within this overall plan, there were sub-plans, strategies, operations ….
The parties engaged in a multitude of activities designed to fulfil the overall plan.
The Accused’s involvement in the crimes alleged in the Indictment took a variety of forms - planning, instigating, ordering, committing, aiding and abetting in the commission of the alleged crimes, and otherwise participating in the execution of a common plan, design or purpose. Additionally, we allege that he is responsible because persons under his effective control committed the crimes, for which he had knowledge or reason to know, and he failed to prevent or punish their conduct.
The Accused stands indicted for eleven crimes under the statute of the SCSL.
Counts in Second Amended Indictment number eleven:
five counts of crimes against humanity - those being murder, rape, sexual slavery, enslavement, and inhumane acts against the civilian population of SL. five counts of war crimes - those being terrorising the civilian population of SL, violence to live - in particular murder and cruel treatment, outrages upon personal dignity and pillage (looting of civilian property), and
one count of other serious violations of international humanitarian law - being the conscripting or enlisting children under the age of 15 years into armed forces or groups, or using them to participate actively in hostilities. The Prosecution alleges that these crimes occurred in Sierra Leone between 30 November 1996 and 18 January 2002.
It is in fact one over-arching crime, a campaign of terror, itself a war crime, but also committed through violent acts that are in this context also crimes. These component crimes acts included killing, physical violence such as mutilations, sexual assaults such as rape, sexual slavery and other outrages, enslavement of forced labour, the recruitment and combat use of children, the burning that killed and maimed human beings, and together with looting and pillage that, in many cases, deprived them of all that they had built.
As we will explain in greater detail, they are crimes against international humanitarian law, as enshrined in our Statute, because of connection to armed conflict and because they were committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population.
This common plan amounted to or involved the commission of the crimes alleged in the Amended Indictment.
From its inception, the Accused and other participants in the common plan used criminal means to achieve and hold political power and physical control over the civilian population of Sierra Leone. These criminal means involved the campaign of terror waged against the civilian population of Sierra Leone that I have described.
The crimes identified in the indictment were within the objective of the common criminal plan or were natural and foreseeable consequences of it. As one of the members of the common criminal plan, the Accused was fully aware of the horrific consequences that its implementation would visit on the civilian population of Sierra Leone, did nothing to prevent or punish these crimes and indeed continued to act in ways that caused or aided their commission.
B. BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO SIERRA LEONE AND THE REGION
It is important to note that Sierra Leone is located in a region where borders exist only on paper. These lines were drawn during the colonial period, and do not follow ethnic or linguistic groups. Many in up-country border areas have closer relations to people across the borders than to those in their capital cities.
Sierra Leone is divided into 12 districts, plus the Western Area that includes the capital Freetown.
Liberia is divided into 15 counties, and its capital Monrovia.
Our Amended Indictment focuses on six district or areas in Sierra Leone,
Its diamond resources are found in Kono and Kenema Districts.
Kono District – Koidu, Tombudu, Yengema
Kenema District – Tongo Fields (Cyborg Pit)
Kailahun District will be an important focus of our evidence because it was long-term corridor between Sierra Leone and and Lofa County in Liberia.
Now I will turn to the evidence we intend to present in support of our case.
C. HISTORY - COMMON PLAN AND NATURE OF THE ACCUSED PARTICIPATION
To fully understand the crimes that are described in the indictment and the central role that the Accused had in the commission of them, it's important to look at the history and understand the major political events that led to the campaign of terror against the civilian population of Sierra Leone.
The jurisdiction of this court is limited by the Statute of the Court to crimes committed in the territory of Sierra Leone since 30 November 1996. The crimes charged in this indictment were indeed committed between that date and the end of the Sierra Leone war on 18 January 2002. However, the planning and preparation of these crimes began long before 1996 and critical acts which furthered the plan and led to the crimes often occurred far from the borders of Sierra Leone. The evidence will show that the Accused’s plan to control territory of Sierra Leone through a campaign of terror began at least in 1991 when forces supported by Charles Taylor including many of his own Liberian NPFL soldiers first invaded the territory of Sierra Leone.
To understand the Accused’s motivation and his links to other members of the common plan and the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels and their Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) allies, one must examine evidence going back to this period and further understand the international context in which the Accused’s intervention in Sierra Leone took place. It is necessary to understand the Accused’s own rise to power in Liberia and the ends to which he was prepared to go to achieve same, his links to allies in the region, and why he saw others as obstacles to his rule. One cannot fully understand the Accused’s ability to influence and control forces in Sierra Leone without some understanding of the uniquely personal nature of the accused leadership of his armed forces, political party and government. That relationship often went far outside the de jure chain of command and ensured that these subordinates understood that the Accused had the power and will to reward those that assisted his plans and punish or destroy those that displeased him. By the time the crimes charged in this indictment took place, the Accused had well established relationships with those on the ground in Sierra Leone who carried out the crimes. The RUF and its allies in Sierra Leone were clearly dependant on the accused and the individual commanders understood his power to reward or punish each of them.
Moreover, many of the crimes committed by the rebel forces supported by the Accused in Sierra Leone mirrored crimes that had been committed by the Accused’s forces in Liberia. The RUF trained and learnt war and methods of guerilla warfare in Liberia with Taylor’s NPFL. An example is the recruitment of child soldiers. The rebel forces in Sierra Leone carried out wide-scale recruitment of children, as was done by the NPFL in Liberia and organized and utilized these children in their military campaign against the civilian population of Sierra Leone in the same manner they were organized and utilized in Liberia. The most obvious proof that the crimes committed by the RUF and allied forces in Sierra Leone were foreseeable is the fact that very similar crimes were carried out by the NPFL in Liberia..
Further, the Prosecution submits it will be essential for this court to examine evidence of the Accused’s actions after the indictment period. The Prosecution will seek to introduce evidence of post-offence conduct, in particular, the murders of men who were in the Accused’s inner circle and who were aware of the crimes perpetrated by the Accused. The evidence will show that these men were eliminated so as to not to expose the Accused, which is behaviour going to the accused’s consciousness of his criminal responsibility for the crimes in Sierra Leone that come under the jurisdiction of this Court.
Of course, the Accused did not participate in this common plan alone. He was a major figure who worked closely and in concert with others in both Liberia and Sierra Leone to achieve the objectives of the enterprise.
In Liberia, the Accused’s key subordinates who were directly involved in the conflict in Sierra Leone for the relevant period were:
BENJAMIN YEATEN AKA “50” OR “GENERAL 50”
Benjamin Yeaten aka “50”- was the right hand man of the Accused. The only man Yeaten took orders from was the Accused - no one else. This man, the Director of the Liberian Special Security Service, was also the principal liaison officer between and Accused and his forces in Sierra Leone and the Accused, at the very centre of every single aspect of Liberia’s involvement in the Sierra Leonean conflict.
(Another Liberian): IBRAHIM BAH AKA GENERAL IBRAHIM AKA “BALDE”Ibrahim Bah – this man, a Senegalese, from Cassamance, was part of the Accused’s trusted inner circle. While he had no formal title, he played a central role in directly setting up most of the arms and diamonds transactions for the Accused involving Sierra Leone.
DANIEL TAMBA AKA “JUNGLE”
Daniel Tamba aka “Jungle”- the bodyguard of Yeaten and main liaison officer between those on the ground in Sierra Leone and Yeaten from 1997 onwards. Jungle was instrumental in the delivery of arms and ammunition to Sierra Leone and also the main provider of reports direct from Sierra Leone to the Accused and Yeaten. Jungle’s relationship with the RUF was based on links forged on the ground in Sierra Leone with many of the RUF prior to 1997. The evidence will show that he is one of the individuals murdered in 2003 to prevent his turning against and exposing the Accused
MUSA SESAY AKA MUSA CISSE
Musa Sesay – the Accused’s Chief of Protocol – instrumental in setting up arms deals for Liberia and Sierra Leone. Was involved in important meetings with RUF commanders.
Other Liberians who were under the direct command and control of the Accused and whose names will feature prominently in supplying arms to Sierra Leone or in using the RUF forces in Liberia’s own civil war, were:
SAMPSON WEAH
A member of the Liberian SSS bodyguard of Yeaten.
CHRISTOPHER VARMOH AKA “LIBERIAN MOSQUITO”,
JOE TUAH,
DUOPO MERKAZON, and
ROLAND DUOH
– all commanders in first circle of the military forces of the Accused.
CHUCKIE TAYLOR
Charles Taylor (son of the Accused) - first commander of the ATu in 1998.
From the Sierra Leone side, the senior leaders who operated under the Accused’s effective control and who were, in effect, his Sierra Leonean subordinates:
FODAY SANKOH
Foday Sankoh –founder and leader of the Revolutionary United Front (“RUF”). Agreed on and launched the common plan with the Accused. A former comrade in arms of the Accused, whose shared experiences together stretched back many years to the training camps of North Africa.
SAM BOCKARIE AKA “MOSQUITO”
Sam Bockarie – Commander in Chief of the RUF on the ground in 1998 and for most 1999. “Mosquito”, or as the Sierra Leoneans would say, “Maskita”, played the lead role in the link between the Accused and the AFRC/RUF alliance. An indictee of the Special Court, the evidence will show that he was then murdered in 2003, another of the individuals eliminated to prevent his turning against and exposing the Accused
ISSA SESAY
Issa Sesay –SCSL indictee (RUF case). Sierra Leonean - Between 1998 and 1999, this man was Maskita’s deputy. Became the interim leader of the RUF in 2000 and 2001. Was a central link between the Accused and the AFRC/RUF alliance.
Other key individuals, whose names the Court will hear:
MORRIS KALLON and AUGUSTINE GBAO
High ranking officers of the RUF who played an important role in the link between the AFRC/RUF alliance and the Accused.
DENNIS MINGO AKA “SUPERMAN”
Dennis Mingo - Liberian – an NPFL commander who stayed with the RUF early on - one of the highest commanders in the RUF – he played an important part in the link with the Accused and the AFRC/RUF alliance. He was killed in 2001.
JOHNNY PAUL KOROMA
Johnny Paul Koroma – Sierra Leonean, a former member of the SLA, Chairman of the AFRC Junta in 1997 and 1998 and in that time played an important role in the link between the Accused and AFRC/RUF. An indictee of the SCSL, whereabouts unknown.
ALEX TAMBA BRIMA AKA “GULLIT” BRIMA BAZZY KAMARA, and SANTIGIE BORBOR KANU AKA “55”
Of course they are Accused that are on trial before Your Honours, and here I will only say that he will present evidence in this trial to show that played a role in the linkage between the Accused and the AFRC/RUF alliance.
EDDIE KANNEH
Eddie Kanneh - Sierra Leonean - former SLA officer who joined the RUF in 1998; main diamond man for the AFRC /RUF alliance in the dealings with the Accused especially from 1998 onwards,
and others whose names you will become familiar with during the course of this trial. Like the Accused, each member of the criminal enterprise participated in and contributed to the common plan in different ways.
Begins in
1988 or 1989: military training in North Africa, of Charles Taylor (Liberia), Foday Sankoh (SL) and other later leaders of the RUF. A plan is formulated by the Accused and others to take over political and physical control of Sierra Leone in order to exploit its abundant natural resources and to establish a friendly or subordinate government there to facilitate this exploitation.
Part of larger strategy included helping each other militarily in their respective revolutions and take over in their respective countries.
Creation of National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) (Liberian movement), the RUF (SL movement).
The agreement made by the Accused and Sankoh was to begin the implementation of the common plan in Liberia with the help of Sankoh’s forces. Liberia would then be used as a base from which to move into Sierra Leone with the help of the Accused’s forces.
Access to Sierra Leone’s abundant resources was the primary object of the common plan. In addition, Sierra Leone was also a source of manpower. The RUF and the NPFL personnel at various points were interchangeable, with NPFL forces sometimes fighting in Sierra Leone, and RUF forces fighting in Liberia.
Some may say that the RUF was fighting in Sierra Leone was one of national liberation. The evidence will show that there was a thin veneer of ideology masking the real motives of destruction and exploitation.
At the very end of 1989, the relevant events begin to unfold in the region:
24 December 1989: Beginning of the Liberian civil war with attack by NPFL in Nimba County in Liberia (from positions in Ivory Coast). Help in that civil war from RUF OFA elements By August 1990: The Economic Community of West African States deployed a peacekeeping force, under the leadership of Nigeria and Ghana, known as ECOMOG to enforce a ceasefire in Liberia, and to establish stability to make way for elections. Its deployment was opposed by Taylor, and it is soon in conflict with his forces. The then government of Sierra Leone, under President Momoh, was a contributing member, and allowed ECOMOG to be based on its territory. By November 1990, the Accused has firm control over large parts of Liberia. He was the regular guestost of Robin White on the BBC. 1 November 1990: He is interviewed by White, the broadcast of which you will hear. Taylor says: CT: … I have had enough of the Sierra Leonean Government permitting Nigerian aircraft to come out and kill my people. I'm saying that planes are taking off from bases at the international airport in Freetown at the end of the runway that leave and come and blow Liberian babies, women and old people away and my patience has run out in Momoh permitting this to happen from his territory.
RW: But how exactly do you propose to stop it?
CT: It's anybody's guess. Maybe Momoh doesn't know but he'll soon find out.
RW: Are you, are you suggesting that you will go and attack Sierra Leone yourself?
CT: That's not what I'm saying, but it's for Momoh to determine.
It is important also to know that during this 1989-1991 period, there was Training of Sierra Leoneans in Camp Nama outside Gbarnga (BANGA) in Bong County, Taylor’s headquarters, by mainly NPFL Liberians instructors: SL trained in Liberia called Vanguards: Issa Sesay, Morris Kallon, Augustine Gbao all Vanguards. On 23 March 1991 there was a cross border attack on Bomaru town, Upper Bambara Chiefdom, by NPFL forces.
On 27 March 1991, a group of RUF/NPFL entered Kailahun District from Liberia through the town of Koindu in the north of the District.
On 28 March 1991, another RUF/NPFL group crossed the Moa River forming the border between Liberia and Sierra Leone, in the south-east part of the country. They immediately occupied Zimmi, the southern-most town on the road network in Pujehun District.
Early in April 1991, the Liberians launched the attack on a full scale and my mid-April had joined their fronts in Sierra Leone.
The continuing role of Taylor will clearly be shown by a letter from Sankoh to Taylor of 5 May 1992, that will be offered in evidence:
“Dear Brother:
I am thanking you very much for the brotherly help you are rendering me in my liberation struggle…”
“I appreciate the five boxes of AK-47 raffle ammunition and ten boxes of RPG gun rockets which I should receive from you today… I believe that what you have offered is not enough to carry out the “Operation Capture Daru”. So I am asking you in the name of the Almighty God to kindly increase the number of boxes of AK-47 ammunition to (20) twenty and that of the RPG rockets to (12) twelve plus some berretta rounds. This will sustain me for some time while awaiting the long term supply that you have promised me.”
1991-1992: First period of the SL civil war and total involvement of the NPFL in the war with massive atrocities committed against civilians by NPFL. Supplies coming from the Accused in Liberia who is directing the war in SL.
RUF/NPFL troops gain ground in the first period of the war. Took Kono in 1992 - the diamonds fields are attacked and taken for a short time.
In 1991-1992, Ibrahim Bah creates ties with the RUF of Sankoh and on behalf of the Accused starts to organize and set up some arms shipments for the RUF from third countries.
Regular shipments of arms and ammunition by trucks by the Accused from Gbarnga in Liberia to the RUF in SL using the only main road in Lofa County
It must be remembered that that these weapons do not dissolve, melt or go away, they stay in the country, and are used repeatedly in conflicts in years far beyond 1991-1992, in preparation for activities in years to come.
1992-1993: The conflict continues in Sierra Leone, but on the Liberian side there is new force the (Y)ULIMO (United Liberation Movement for Democracy in Liberia) which leads rebellion in Lofa County (bordering SL) and cut the main road in the County (Zorzor-Voinjama) where arms and ammunition used to go from Gbarnga in Liberia to Sierra Leone. From that time until 1996-1997 no deliveries of arms and ammunition from the Accused to RUF by trucks. But, ongoing communications and movements of troops from NPFL to RUF, Liberia to SL, continued, using footpaths. 1992-1994: Some RUF elements fought alongside the NPFL and other organized armed groups in Lofa County against the ULIMO in attempts to re-establish the supply line and the supply route. March 1994: As a result of the end of the Accused’s deliveries of weapons to Sierra Leone, the RUF decided to change tactics and to retreat within the bush in SL and do hit and run operations. Creation in the forest of the base Zogoda in the Kambui Hills in Kenema district which will remain the RUF base until end 1996. Sometime between 1993 and 1996: Some NPFL troops pushed by ULIMO out of Lofa County and retreated to RUF held territories in SL. They fight in Sierra Leone alongside the RUF until the Accused became President in 1997. One of the Liberian commanders of these fighters was Daniel Tamba aka “Jungle” who, because of his past links with the RUF, became the main liaison officer for the Accused between Liberia and SL from 1997 onwards. There is an ebb and flow of the conflict in Sierra Leone, and in February-March 1996, Abdul Tejan Kabbah is elected President of Sierra Leone after two rounds of the presidential election. The polling is characterized by RUF violence to prevent public participation in the election.
There is eventually a peace agreement signed at Abidjan in Ivory Coast in November 1996 between the RUF and the Kabbah government.
However, there is a coup in Sierra Leone, less than six months after the Abidjan peace accord, when the by the soldiers of the Sierra Leone Army launched which overthrew the government of President Kabbah.
Following this coup, the RUF entered into an alliance and joined forces with the AFRC and collectively, were referred to as the “AFRC/RUF Junta”. Leaders of the RUF become members of the Junta Government.
Meanwhile, for Liberia there is a peace agreement signed at Abuja in Ivory Coast which pave the way for elections, in which the Accused in elected President in July 1997.
Back in Sierra Leone, the AFRC/RUF junta is not recognized by the international community and is soon in conflict with ECOMOG forces, and a Civil Defence Force that fights in support of the elected government of Sierra Leone.
July-October 1997: Ibrahim Bah is sent by CT to Freetown to liaise with the AFRC/RUF members of the Junta and find way to provide them with weapons. Ibrahim Bah arranged both the payment for and delivery of the Magburaka arms shipments which arrived in October 1997 and helped the AFRC Junta to keep going for four more months. Another of CT’s liaison is sent to Freetown at that time: Daniel Tamba aka “Jungle”. 14 February 1998: ECOMOG pushed AFRC/RUF alliance out of Freetown; massive retreat of AFRC/RUF troops in the countryside. Around 14 February 1998 - Some members of the AFRC managed to flee Freetown on board a plane destined for Monrovia, but are arrested at the airport in Monrovia by ECOMOG posted in the airport in spite of the Accused’s attempt to rescue them. This angers the Accused who orders ECOMOG in Liberia to leave the country. The same day the Accused calls Bockarie in SL and tells him that he will get arms and ammunitions to fight ECOMOG in SL. He will engage ECOMOG militarily in Sierra Leone through the AFRC/RUF, who continue their alliance after the retreat from Freetown.
As we will here, in the presentation of my learned colleague, Mr. Bangura, this leads to massive atrocities.
Around February-March 1998: the Accused sends people to get Bockarie in Buedu and bring him in Monrovia. Bockarie is given money and a satellite phone by the Accused. The Accused gives Bockarie instructions to hold Kono, hold the mining fields.
- Feb-April 1998: Liberian disarmament: Evidence will show that the Accused orchestrates a scheme whereby the RUF purchase weapons from former ULIMO-K combatants (opposed to the Accused in the Liberian civil war in Lofa county) - thereby effectively disarming opposition group in Liberia, and arming the RUF. The Accused gives money to Bockarie, the defacto leader of RUF (Sankoh is in jail) for the purchase of some of these arms and ammunition,
Throughout 1998: Ongoing communication between Benjamin Yeaten and Sam Bockarie, between the Accused and Bockarie, between the radio communicators in SL and Liberia; numerous trips of the Accused’s representatives to Buedu in Monrovia and numerous deliveries of arms, ammunitions and other supplies; regular updates to the Accused from his representatives in Buedu about the situation in SL and in the AFRC/RUF; several trips of the RUF high command to Monrovia to meet with Yeaten and the Accused. September-October 1998: the Accused sends Liberian troops to SL to reinforce the AFRC/RUF. At this point, it has taken the Accused eight years to conquer power and he is now Head of State. The Accused has spent lots of money (arms) and men in SL. Sankoh is in jail. The Accused does not want young bush commanders (RUF) sabotaging it. The Accused sends explicit instructions (radio communications) and puts “eyes and ears” on the ground in Buedu to know what is happening and act if necessary (Tamba “Jungle”).
November-December 1998: Some of the closest men of the Accused spend a lot of time in Buedu with Bockarie to prepare a major country-wide offensive; around that same period Bockarie and the Accused’s men travel to organise a major arms and ammunition shipments which is delivered to Buedu in December 1998. December-January 1998/1999: major AFRC/RUF offensive which led to recapture of Koidu town, Makeni and many other towns. Then there is the invasion of Freetown in 1999 by the AFRC, which my colleague will show was done in coordination with RUF forces.. January 1999: Bockarie promoted to General by the Accused. 1999: CT sent men to assess the diamonds fields in SL. Throughout 1999: ongoing communication between Benjamin Yeaten and Bockarie, between the Accused and Bockarie, between the radio communicators in SL and Liberia; numerous trips of the Accused’s representatives between Monrovia and Buedu, in the Kailahun district of Sierra Leone, and numerous deliveries of arms, ammunitions and other supplies; regular updates to the Accused from his representatives in Buedu about the situation in SL and in the AFRC/RUF; several trips of the RUF high command to Monrovia to meet with Yeaten and the Accused. Sometime in 1999: LURD – formed mainly by Mandingo former ULIMO fighters – attack Liberian positions from Guinea. Fear that the LURD - as ULIMO did in the 1990s – would cut off the Liberian-SL supply line. War starts again in Liberia, which has consequences in Sierra Leone.
After March 1999 – CT used the RUF to fight against the LURD in Lofa county. In the Accused’s various offensives launched against the rebel movement known as the LURD, he was able to draw on troop reinforcements from the RUF.
There were two significant offensives of the LURD which the AFRC/RUF from Sierra Leone fought in Liberia, in April 1999, the other in mid-2000 onwards. During there first deployment there was massive looting by the AFRC/RUF in Liberia. Meanwhile, there are negotiations for a peace in Sierra Leone. Though the AFRC/RUF alliance no longer controls Freetown, the offensive has left it in control of much of country including the diamond fields. The Accused’s representatives are present in Lomé, in Togo, and he and the RUF are able to strike a very favorable bargain in Accords that were finalized on 9 July 1999.
Despite atrocities having been committed just weeks before, an amnesty is declared, and RUF Sankoh is put in charge of the mining industry.
October 1999: UN Security Council resolution 1270 establishes UNAMSIL to enforce the Lome peace accords. 2000: RUF in control of large part of Sierra Leone and continues to exploit mineral resources. Several trips of the RUF high command to see the Accused in Monrovia. Regular shipments of supplies from the Accused to the RUF in SL. The Accused’s men keep visiting the RUF held territories and updating the Accused on what is going on there. May 2000: Abduction of the UNAMSIL peacekeepers by the RUF troops. Demonstration in Freetown outside Sankoh’s house and 25 civilians killed. Sankoh arrested some days later with many RUF commanders. ECOWAS appointed the Accused to ensure that the RUF complies with the terms of the Lomé agreement and frees UN peacekeepers. Mid-2000: UNAMSIL hostages send by the RUF to the Accused in Monrovia for him to release them and send them to Freetown. Why is this relevant to these criminal charges? Because, again, it demonstrates the power of the accused to control the RUF. He could when he wanted to prevent crimes committed by these forces, and he had not acted prevent the crime of abduction occurring in the first place.
August 2000: Resolution 1315 of the UN SC on the establishment of the Special Court. -Mid to Late 2000 : the Accused orders the RUF to start operations in Guinea as the Accused thinks that the Guinean government is backing the LURD (second offensive).RUF fighters were sent to Liberia by Sesay on the orders of the Accused. The focus of the attack was an attack on the Guinean town of Guékuédou and holding the Liberian town of Foya. He ordered them to kill everyone and burn down all the houses. Materiel in support in of the operation are supplied from Liberia through Kailahun in SL. December 2000: UN report on SL details extensive support for RUF by the Accused’s government and recommends a complete embargo on all diamonds in Liberia. 2001: Dennis Mingo aka “Superman” is killed in Liberia. May 2001: UN Security Council imposes arms embargo to punish the Accused for trading weapons for diamonds with the RUF. Sanctions include travel ban. January 2002: War declared over in SL, but AFRC/RUF troops still fighting in Liberia. January-February 2002: LURD defeated RUF and the Accused’s troops at Lofa County and by mid-February are 44 kilometres from Monrovia. The Accused declared a state of emergency in Liberia War over in Sierra Leone - demobilization programme – that weakened the Accused and within 18 months LURD had pushed the Accused out of power, but not before the Accused has killed Jungle and Bockarie.
D. CAMPAIGN OF TERROR
The Prosecution will lead evidence that the Accused through the senior leaders of the organised group known as the Revolutionary United Front (or “RUF”) instructed commanders to follow a certain modus operandi (same as the NPFL at all times during Liberian civil war - 1989-1996 and 1999-2003).
Attacks against the civilian population typically began with an armed attack against a civilian village, town or city, carried out by members of the RUF, Junta, AFRC/RUF and/or Liberians subordinate to the Accused. The attackers used a variety of arms and other materiel to take control of all or part of the village, town or city. The attack against this civilian locale involved the murder killing of many civilians. Typically the attackers would enslave large numbers of the civilians, to use as fighters, miners, farmers, domestic workers, nnot allowing them to leave the control of the attackers. Those who objected to their captivity or attempted to flee were routinely killed or beaten. Also typically the attackers would rape women and girls, often repeatedly, and then use them as “bush wives”. The attackers would mutilate the captive civilians. Children are conscripted by attackers, often after killing their parents, with the children provided with drugs and weapons, and conditioned to view their commanders as the new leaders of their family. In addition, the attackers would typically loot and burn the homes of the civilians. This was the brutal and bloody strategy which, under the command and control of the Accused, was followed by those on the ground in Sierra Leone. In essence, it wasn’t the military capability of their opponents that the RUF targeted for destruction. If the Accused and the groups subordinate to or associated with him had limited themselves to active hostilities against the government forces of SL and the organized armed groups aligned with those forces, would not be here today.
But this was a campaign of terror. It reached its peak in 1998 and the senseless carnage which was being wrought in Sierra Leone was succinctly summed up by UNHCR in its Report as follows:
[DOC. - EXHIBIT 1.020: UNHCR Report on Atrocities Committed Against Sierra Leone Population, UNHCR Conakry Branch Office, 28 January 1999 (Rev. 2), Report on and pictures of 38 victims of violence during the year 1998.] "It soon became clear that the scale and nature of the crimes perpetrated served only two purposes: intimidation and humiliation." "...perpetrators of these crimes do not discriminate with regard to age, sex, ethnic origin or other criteria in the choice of their victims."
My colleague, Mr. Bangura will now rise to outline the evidence about this campaign of terror, specifically as to the crimes perpetrated against the people of Sierra Leone, as alleged in the Amended Indictment.
MR. BANGURA – DISCUSSION OF THE CRIME BASEI. INTRODUCTION
Your honours, this afternoon I will present to the Court the crimes charged in the Second Amended Indictment as they unfolded in Sierra Leone between November 1996 and January 2002.
We have told you that you will hear evidence from which you can infer there was a plan… that the Accused was involved in the creation of this plan …that he participated in this plan with others.
What I will present now to the Court are the details of the devastating effect that this plan had on the civilians of Sierra Leone. Evidence will be led showing that the Accused knew of these devastating effects but continued with the plan.
I will touch on what actually happened in Sierra Leone as stated in the indictment, and the crimes that were perpetrated there. Crimes that were perpetrated with the aim of causing terror.
Your Honours, the Prosecutor has already enumerated the crimes which we charge in the Indictment.
This Court will hear evidence that the people of Sierra Leone suffered.
From Kenema to Kono, whole villages were destroyed. The capital was under siege. No one was safe, young or old. Families were forced to turn on each other and then were torn apart. The main victims of the war in Sierra Leone were poor, defenceless civilians, ordinary country folks, who had nothing to do with politics, governance or corruption, and who had nowhere to hide. They longed for peace but were instead subjected to years of atrocities, atrocities which are reflected in the indictment and for which we stand here and allege that the accused, Charles Ghankay Taylor, bears responsibility.
Your honours, you will hear the perpetrators of these crimes being referred to by various names: “RUF”, “Rebels”, “RUF rebels”, “Peoples Army”, “AFRC”, “AFRC/RUF”, “Junta”, “Junta Rebels.”
No matter what name they were called, the story is the same – all these groups committed mindless acts of violence, terror and degradation, devoid of any human reason. You will hear that the man who gave orders to the leaders of these groups…..who provided safe haven to these groups…… who provided much-needed weapons and supplies to these groups…who encouraged and aligned himself to these groups… sits accused in this courtroom today.
Your Honours have heard the names of some of the associates and subordinates of the Accused who provided many of the links to the crimes perpetrated in Sierra Leone, and through whom the Accused acted alongside to further the common plan - Sam Bockarie - MOSQUITO, Ibrahim Bah, Benjamin Yeaten, Colonel Jungle and Issa Sesay…Your Honours, I ask you to remember these names, which will echo in these chambers throughout this trial. The accused may not have set foot in Sierra Leone during the alleged time period, but he stamped his mark indelibly on the whole country.
The crimes included in the Indictment took place between the 30th of November, 1996 and the 18th of January, 2002. This was but part of a conflict that lasted over 10 years. However, it was in this period that the seeds sown by the Accused and the other participants in the common plan bore their most bitter fruits.
Your honours, let me describe the significance of Kailahun and Kono Districts.
II. KAILAHUN
Kailahun District, bordering Liberia, was throughout the conflict the corridor between Liberia and Sierra Leone. This District has a long history with the RUF and the NPFL, and was one of the first targets of the RUF and NPFL forces in 1991. Your honours will hear that later, the town of Buedu became the RUF stronghold and the location of its headquarters.
During the conflict, for fighters on either side of the border, Kailahun District and Lofa County, Buedu and Foya, were one territory, one group of people, all fighting the same fight, aiming towards the same goal. Geographical boundaries had no meaning.
What had meaning in this conflict were diamonds. Between 1998 and 2000, diamonds mined by forced labour were first taken to the headquarters in Buedu and from there to the Accused in Liberia. In return, arms, ammunition and supplies were regularly transported through Lofa County to Buedu. The Prosecution will present evidence that Buedu was a place stocked with arms and ammunition supplied by the Accused. These arms were then distributed to the AFRC/RUF forces throughout the country.
Buedu was for a large part of the conflict the epi-centre of operations. In 1998 and 1999, Bockarie directed, planned, and ordered operations from Buedu, including the 1998 attacks on Kono and Makeni. These attacks killed and maimed hundreds of innocent civilians.
III. KONO DISTRICT
Right next door to Kailahun District is Kono District, a major diamond mining area. Diamonds were at the heart of the common plan because they helped fuel the war.
In exchange for diamonds, the Accused provided the RUF, and later the Junta, with much needed arms and ammunition, enhancing their ability to continue the war. It is clear that the district’s strategic importance lay in its economic value.
In February 1998, on loosing control of Freetown, the need to control the country’s other strategic areas became even more critical.
The Accused’s order to the Junta in around March 1998 was clear: “Hold Kono”.
This order was conveyed by Bockarie to his men.
But in April 1998, the AFRC/RUF lost control of Koidu Town in the heart of Kono. This loss triggered the launch of two brutal attacks to try to re-take the town in order to obey the Accused’s command.
With assistance provided by the Accused including a supply of arms, the RUF and AFRC rebels launched their attacks on ECOMOG and the Civil Defence Forces, known as the CDF, in Koidu Town and its surrounding areas. In the coming months you will see and hear evidence of the crimes committed during these attacks.
This series of attacks was called Fiti-Fata in Krio, the local parlance of Sierra Leone.
Your Honours, I would like to use the words of a witness to describe what Fiti-Fata meant in the context of the attacks. It meant:
twenty four hours .. without any control. If an RUF fighter wished to kill someone, he could kill anyone he wished.
In other words, your Honours, there were no rules and no one was safe.
The civilians of Kono paid a heavy price for living in such a mineral rich area. During the Indictment period, many areas of Kono were razed to the ground.
You will hear evidence of the order given by Morris Kallon of the RUF to burn Koidu Town.
You will also hear evidence of the order of another rebel commander, given casually to his men, to “light candles”, which meant to burn homes.
However, the evidence will show that the destruction that resulted was anything but casual. The destruction was part of the overall campaign of terror charged under Count 1 of the Indictment.
Killings
Your honours, this campaign of terror also included the unlawful killings which occurred in Kono and Kailahun and are charged under Counts 2 and 3. Let me describe two incidents.
The Prosecution will call a witness who will describe the joint AFRC and RUF attack on Koidu Town around May 1998.
This witness will describe how he was taken captive and forced to walk to Koidu Town. On this walk, the witness stepped over corpses, stepping in blood - pools of blood.
The witness estimated that he stepped over about 50 corpses.
However, this is not where his trauma would end. Instead, on arrival the men, women and children were divided into groups, made to stand in line, and then RUF rebels opened fire on them. 101 people were killed.
In Kailahun, the killings were equally as shocking. One particularly horrific killing during this period was the execution of approximately 65 men in Kailahun Town who were suspected CDF fighters. These men were captured and detained for several days before Bockarie ordered their execution. Bockarie himself participated in the killing, shooting some of the men in the head at close range.
Physical Violence
Physical violence is also charged for Kailahun and Kono under Counts 7 and 8 of the Indictment.
The prosecution alleges that the AFRC/RUF engaged in widespread acts of physical violence in Kono, Kailahun and other parts of the country and that in Kono, villages such as Tombodu, Kaima and Wondedu suffered brutal attacks that took many forms including but not limited to the application of force with weapons, the mutilation of civilians, and the amputation of limbs.
The Prosecution will lead evidence of what can only be called a barbaric practice of the RUF and AFRC, namely to carve the letters R-U-F or A-F-R-C or AFRC/RUF into the flesh of captured civilians. The evidence will include testimony as well of demonstrative and photographic evidence which show the scars that still exist on the bodies of some.
The evidence will suggest that this practice had a strategic element, in that the AFRC/RUF fighters were of the view that carving their letters into their captives would result in them being identified by other free civilians as RUF or AFRC fighters. Consequently, the scarred captives would be unwelcome in civilian villages and back in their homes. This practice was part of an overall strategy to terrorize civilians thus holding a large population of people not only in Kono but throughout the country in a state of physical and psychological captivity.
The prosecution will introduce evidence of what we respectfully suggest is the most well-known atrocity inflicted on persons in Sierra Leone at the relevant times of the indictment, namely amputations. We will call witnesses who either saw or were themselves victims of amputations and they will describe not only the physical acts of cutting off limbs but also the words of the rebels who allegedly committed these acts.
You will hear evidence that victims were told that they should go to President Kabbah to ask for new hands. In the words of one rebel commander after ordering the amputation of many civilians:
“You see, you don’t want Foday Sankoh, you want Tejan Kabbah. Well, go to him to get new hands.’
Rapes and sexual slavery,
Sexual crimes were also committed in Kailahun and Kono and are charged under Counts 4, 5, and 6.
Your Honours, our evidence will show that the practice of using women as sex slaves became widespread and commonplace among the RUF, and later the AFRC/RUF fighters throughout the war.
You will hear that Sierra Leonean women captured by the RUF or AFRC were forced to make strategic choices that no woman should ever have to make.
These women would seek to become attached to a single commander or fighter as a “bushwife” because this was the best way to limit the abuse they would suffer. The alternative was, and I quote a witness, that a woman would be treated “like a football in the field”, being exposed to one rape after another, perpetrated by many men without any consideration for health, feelings or lives.
Your honours will hear evidence that the girls and women of Sierra Leone were subjected to extreme sexual violence. That they were abducted and raped, oftentimes publicly, oftentimes by numerous fighters, oftentimes for extended periods of time, and then generally forced into sexual slavery.
You will hear that girls and women were forced to continue performing sexual acts as well as domestic duties for their fighter “husbands”. Those who dared to escape and were caught were either killed or were marked with “RUF” on their bodies.
Forced Labour
During the Indictment period, as set out in Count 10 of the Indictment, civilians in Kono and Kailahun, were harnessed and forced to work intensively towards the war effort.
Aside from domestic duties forced upon female captives, men and women of all ages throughout Sierra Leone were forced to perform other types of work for the rebels without pay.
Abductees were forced to work on RUF farms in Kailahun District. They were also forced at gunpoint to carry arms, ammunition, food, fuel and other supplies from Buedu to Koidu Town – a distance of over 70 miles following narrow bush paths.
In Kono, diamond miners were often forced to work without food. Those who were too tired to work were stripped and beaten and, in some instances, killed.
Diamonds mined under these conditions were given to senior AFRC/RUF commanders and were then sent to the Accused in exchange for arms, ammunition and supplies. Evidence will show that the Accused sent his subordinates from Liberia to provide advice to Sam Bockarie and Issa Sesay on the Kono mining operations, thus protecting his own economic interests.
You will hear evidence that in an effort to strengthen the rebel forces and to sow the seeds of the common plan, AFRC/RUF commanders ordered the training of captured civilians and then forcibly conscripted them into the ranks of the fighting force.
In Kailahun and Kono, abducted civilians were trained at Bayama, Pendembu, Bunumbu, Koinadugu and Yengema.
The training often involved severe beatings for those who were uncooperative, and sometimes resulted in deaths of the trainees. Your honours will hear evidence that from Liberia, the Accused provided arms and ammunition, rice and food for these training camps, where abducted civilians and children were forcibly trained.
VI. KENEMA DISTRICT
Your honours, let me move to another diamond rich area, Kenema District.
This District is home to the famous Tongo Fields. As we already saw in Kono, such wealth attracted much violence. In 1997 and 1998, these fields produced a bitter harvest, which resulted in Counts 1, 2, 3 and 10 being charged for this district.
In the context of the Indictment, the crimes charged for Kenema are those which took place largely during the Junta period. The significance of diamonds to the survival of the Junta regime cannot be overemphasised, and this was evidenced by the very presence of Sam Bockarie himself in Kenema throughout this period.
That being said, the need for diamonds was so great that they were to be mined, no matter what the human price.
The governing body of the AFRC regime – the Supreme Council – which was located in Freetown, received frequent updates from the mining commanders on the number of diamonds extracted and other essential information regarding productivity.
The junta government was not recognized by the international community and had to rely on its own resources. Therefore, simply as a matter of survival and to pay for the rice for its soldiers, and the weapons needed to fight the ECOMOG troops, the diamond fields in Kenema needed to be intensively mined by civilians.
This internationally isolated regime did have one friend, though: The Accused.
Your Honours have heard the name Ibrahim Bah. Ibrahim Bah organized an air shipment of arms and ammunition to Magburaka for the Junta. This shipment, known as the Magburaka Arms Shipment, was paid for partially by illegally mined diamonds. We allege that this shipment was organized by Bah on the Accused’s behalf and kept the otherwise unstable and unrecognized Junta going for about another 4 months.
Your honours, the conditions of miners working in the diamond fields was harsh and brutal. Mining was undertaken in areas such as the notorious “Cyborg Pit”. Child soldiers renowned for their brutality guarded the miners at gunpoint.
This period of intense forced mining was punctuated by frequent killings. Many civilians were killed at Cyborg Pit, some because they were suspected of stealing diamonds, others because their deaths helped instil a climate of terror that would deter escapes. Terror was guaranteed to be generated when, on the orders of Bockarie, miners in Cyborg Pit were fired on indiscriminately.
Indeed, this was a district controlled by fear. You will hear evidence about one infamous event in the township of Kenema where several community leaders accused of supporting the CDF were detained and tortured. Subsequently, several of the detainees, including B S Massaquoi, a former Cabinet Minister and municipal leader of Kenema, were killed on the orders of Bockarie.
IV. PORT LOKO DISTRICT
Your honours, I move to Port Loko. Count 11, pillage, is charged for this district between 1 February 1998 to about 30 April 1998.
In February 1998, the Junta, which had ruled for just short of a year, was finally routed by ECOMOG forces. This event, known as the Intervention, resulted in the withdrawal of the RUF and AFRC forces from Freetown. As the forces withdrew, their passage was marked by violence and looting. This passage from West to East is reflected in the districts and towns charged in the Indictment under Count 11 for the crime of looting.
Masiaka is a town in Port Loko District. It was here, in this district and in particular Masiaka, that the defeated members of the former Junta and their men received the infamous order for the forces to “pay themselves”.
V. BOMBALI
This journey of retreat and looting took the forces to Bombali, and accordingly, this district is included under Counts 1 and 11 of the Indictment.
Makeni is a strategic town in Bombali District which controls the route between Freetown and Kono and facilitates access to the northern and eastern areas.
Once Operation Pay Yourself had been announced in Masiaka in February 1998, the forces simply kept heading east back to their strongholds, taking whatever they came across in the villages and towns they passed through.
VII. FREETOWN & WESTERN AREA
Freetown and the Western Area encompasses the city of Freetown and the entire Peninsula. Freetown is the capital of Sierra Leone and the seat of political power. After the May 97 coup, Freetown was the Junta’s headquarters. In February 1998, Johnny Paul Koroma and many other senior Junta leaders fled from Freetown, in their wake their forces abducted civilians and took them to Kono and other areas in Sierra Leone. Freetown again came into focus at the end of ’98. The final objective of the operation commencing with the attack on Kono District was to re-take control of Freetown in order to re-establish political control over the country.
The movement towards Freetown, the invasion of Freetown and then the retreat from Freetown covering the period from the end of 1998 until early 1999 is the focus of the crimes charged in the Indictment.
On re-establishing control over Koidu town, AFRC/RUF forces from Kono, under the command of Issa Sesay, and from Koinadugu, under the command of “Superman”, launched co-ordinated attacks on Makeni which led to the takeover of the town.
In the meantime, the forces of Alex Tamba Brima and SAJ Musa were on their way to the next target - Freetown.
The advance to Freetown began in Rosos and took the route through Waterloo in the Western Area to Benguema, from Hastings to Jui, from Allen Town to Calaba Town, from Wellington to Kissy, and from Up Gun into the city centre. A large number of Liberian NPFL fighters were sent to Buedu from Liberia in 1998 to reinforce the AFRC and RUF forces on their planned attacks. A good number of these Liberian fighters went from Buedu with Superman to Koinadugu in mid 1998 to join SAJ Musa in the Northern Jungle. They later reinforced the forces of Alex Tamba Brima at Colonel Eddie Town, and entered Freetown with the predominantly AFRC forces Throughout the attack, AFRC/RUF commanders in the Freetown area were communicating with AFRC/RUF commanders on other fronts.
For the people of Freetown, the January 6 invasion, did not come as a complete surprise. What astounded the population was the viciousness of the attack.
With the State House under their control and the central prison gates flung wide open, the invaders had free reign over the eastern and central parts of the city for almost 2 weeks.
AFRC/RUF forces were eventually forced to retreat eastwards by ECOMOG and other SLA forces. However, they took with them a huge band of abductees. In this band were able-bodied men and a large number of young girls and children. Left behind, in the now empty streets, thousands lay dead, as vultures fed on decomposing bodies.
You will hear evidence that the city’s hospitals and clinics were full beyond capacity with the wounded and the dying. Whole streets lay abandoned. Houses burnt. Wrecked and abandoned vehicles littering the streets. As if this was not enough, waves of freshly amputated civilians began streaming into the city from the eastern outskirts, sending a grim reminder that the invaders were still close. Hospital corridors soon became lined with amputees.
The Accused’s responsibility for the events of January 6 and its aftermath will be established through Prosecution witnesses who will testify to the following facts.
First, throughout the Invasion period, Bockarie became the only spokesperson for the forces. Such was Bockarie’s importance that he negotiated the ceasefire on behalf of the fighters on the ground. Bockarie was known for his vanity, he had no hesitations about making public his role and gave a number of interviews on the BBC. In one he threatened to “burn Freetown” and in another he referred to the Accused as his “chief”.
Second, there was ongoing radio communication throughout the Freetown invasion between Bockarie and Alex Tamba Brima. These communications increased as the fighters took over State House, gained control over the city until they eventually retreated from State House. Orders from Bockarie to Alex Tamba Brima included holding the city while RUF reinforcements were being provided. Later, they dealt with issues of ceasefire, the burning of embassies, the retreat as well as other orders. Brima complied with these orders
Third, RUF fighters and some Liberian Fighters sent by the Accused weeks before the invasion, reinforced the fighters of Alex Tamba Brima, and enhanced the military strength of the forces which entered Freetown on that fateful day of 6 January 1999.
In addition, Bockarie ordered that the RUF fighters in Waterloo ensure the safe passage of the retreating RUF/AFRC forces from the city by holding the Guinean ECOMOG contingent at bay.
The scale of the atrocities also indicates that the invasion should be set in context. This was the culmination of years of assistance from the Accused towards the common plan to take over of the political control of Sierra Leone. In order to achieve this objective, from May 1997 to January 1999, the RUF/AFRC alliance and the Liberian Fighters supplied by the accused, engaged the ECOMOG forces throughout the country in constant combat, and attacked their military bases. This had the effect of considerably reducing the ECOMOG capability to defend Freetown, which made the January 1999 Invasion of Freetown an inevitable success for the AFRC/RUF allied forces.
The scale of the terror that was unleashed on Freetown is unparalleled as a single event in the conflict. No other incident, event or attack by the RUF or AFRC/RUF throughout the war, involved such large scale burning of civilian property in locations throughout Freetown; such killing of civilians; such widespread beatings and amputations; such abduction of civilians; such widespread looting; and such abuse of young girls and women.
At the end of this period of extreme violence which shocked the entire world, the Accused called Bockarie to Monrovia and promoted him.
A few months after the Invasion, in mid 1999 in Monrovia, the Accused hosted Johnny Paul Koroma and some senior leaders of the AFRC. At this meeting, the Accused praised the rebel advance into Freetown and gave the delegation 15,000 dollars as a show of support.
VIII. CHILD SOLDIERS
Yet another haunting image of the conflict in Sierra Leone is that of children carrying guns taller than they were. Children were conscripted, enlisted and/or used in active hostilities throughout the war and Sierra Leone.
Count 9 of the Indictment states that between about 30 November 1996 and about 18 January 2002 members of RUF, AFRC, AFRC/RUF Junta or alliance, and/or other armed factions fighting in Sierra Leone routinely used hundreds of boys and girls under the age of 15 to participate in hostilities.
The evidence will demonstrate that a pattern was followed throughout the war. Children were abducted by the rebel fighting forces during attacks on their villages, and taken to “training camps”.
The training in these camps was harsh beyond measure. When learning to crawl to avoid fire, real bullets were often fired above the heads of the child recruits. Those who failed to follow instructions on how to crawl and who raised their heads, were killed by these bullets.
After training, some of these children were given military ranks. The children were then used by the rebels to fight at the front lines, to carry arms and ammunition to the front lines, to act as bodyguards and to provide security to commanders and fighters and to conduct reconnaissance.
This was a pattern which had been followed by the forces under the command of the Accused in Liberia in the late 1980’s and which was continued until about 2003.
The boys and girls that were trained in Sierra Leone were grouped into units called the Small Boys Unit (SBU) and the Small Girls Unit (SGU). These same names were used by the NPFL in Liberia from the early 1990’s.
IX. CONCLUSION
I would like to thank the Bench for the opportunity to address you on this historic day. It has truly been an honour for me to do so.
The people of Sierra Leone have a saying:
“Net long so taaaaaaay, doh mus clean”
Meaning
“no matter how long the night, light will come”
For years the Accused’s crimes have remained in the dark. Today, we start to shed light on his responsibility for the suffering of the people of Sierra Leone.
MR. RAPP RECOMMENCES
E. MODES/PARTICIPATION IN COMMMON PLAN
Your honours, in our pre-trial brief, we have outlined the ways in which the accused is responsible for planning, ordering and instigating the crimes. In the interests of time I would like to proceed to discuss was in which the Accused clearly aided and abetted these crimes.
Aiding and Abetting
Throughout the relevant period, the Accused provided vital and substantial assistance, encouragement or support to the RUF, then to the Junta and finally to the AFRC/RUF, which enabled these forces to conduct this widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population of Sierra Leone.
[DOC – EXHIBIT 1.058: (undated – 10 pages) letter to Foday Sankoh from the Black Guard Commander – summary report to FS of the situation on the ground while he has been absent. Mentions support given by CT.] “The High Command Meanwhile, Mr Taylor said his trial would not be fair because he only had one defence lawyer. His counsel walked out, defying the judge's order to stay seated.
Mr Taylor is accused of backing rebels in Sierra Leone in an 11-year campaign that killed thousand of civilians

Judge Julia Sebutinde ordered the trial to continue without Mr Taylor, amid intense protests from his lawyer, Karim Khan.
Mr Khan then left the court, saying he was not in a position to represent his client without further instruction from him.
After nearly one hour of wrangling, the prosecution began opening statements.
Proceedings at the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone are expected to last between a year and 18 months, and the UK has offered to imprison Mr Taylor if he is convicted.
The former Liberian leader has been indicted on 11 charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity and violations of international humanitarian law over his alleged role in the brutal civil war in Sierra Leone.
Mr Taylor denies them all.
Human rights campaigners hope the trial will send a signal that nobody can escape punishment for atrocities, including heads of state, although some would have preferred him to have been tried at home by his countrymen.
However fears that Mr Taylor may still be able to mobilise a militia to attack a court in Sierra Leone were among the reasons cited for the trial being moved away from West Africa.
'Not fit for purpose'
Judge Sebutinde repeatedly pressed Mr Khan on the failure of his client to appear.
"He has not thumbed his nose at the court," said Mr Khan before producing a letter in which Mr Taylor said he felt he would "not receive a fair trial at the Special Court at this time".
Mr Taylor started Liberia's civil war in 1989 and became one of a number of warlords competing for control in the West African country.
He later emerged as Liberia's most powerful politician and won the 1997 presidential election that ended the war there.
Meanwhile in 1991, one of Mr Taylor's comrades-in-arms, Foday Sankoh, started his own rebellion in Sierra Leone.
The prosecution claims Mr Taylor provided the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) leader with training, money, arms and ammunition to start the rebellion and even lent him fighters to take part in the initial attack.
The RUF became notorious for hacking off the hands and legs of civilians during their decade-long war.
It is alleged that Mr Taylor shared a common plan with the RUF's commanders to gain power and control over Sierra Leone, so he could gain access to its diamonds and have a government in Freetown that would support his aims.
However, the rebellion in Sierra Leone collapsed. Its war crimes court indicted the rebel leaders and Mr Taylor as well. Mr Sankoh died in 2003.
That year, Mr Taylor himself lost power in Liberia after rival militias rose up and forced him into exile in Nigeria.
He was deported by Nigeria last year in controversial circumstances and flown to The Hague to await his trial.
Proceedings are being broadcast live on four giant screens in Freetown.

Source: BBC News

Liberia's Charles Taylor goes on trial today

2007-06-04T02:50:00.000-07:00

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) - Former Liberian President Charles Taylor, accused of orchestrating unspeakable atrocities during neighboring Sierra Leone's bloody civil war, goes on trial today — the first African leader to face justice at an international tribunal. Prosecutors allege that, in return for diamonds illegally mined in Sierra Leone, Taylor armed, funded and controlled rebels who murdered, raped and mutilated civilians before looting and torching their villages in a campaign of terror aimed at destabilizing the government in Freetown.
Taylor, 59, who has pleaded not guilty to 11 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted. His trial is expected to last 18 months.
The atrocities in Sierra Leone's 1991-2002 civil war are well-documented: Fighters — often children drugged and turned into merciless killers at brutal rebel training camps — killed thousands of men, women and children and mutilated more by hacking off hands and limbs with axes and machetes. Women were raped and abducted to become sex slaves.
Many victims had the initials of rebel groups carved into their skin with burning-hot bayonets. Children were sent out with burlap bags to hack off and collect limbs and were punished if the bags were not full when they returned.
On Monday, prosecutors were to deliver an opening statement outlining to the three-judge panel how they intend to link Taylor to the crimes. Judges rejected a request from Taylor to make a statement on Monday. The trial then will adjourn until June 25 to give defense attorneys more time to prepare.
When witnesses begin testifying, survivors will take the stand along with former allies from Taylor's inner sanctum, who will be critical to proving he controlled rebels responsible for atrocities in another country.
Many will testify anonymously for fears of reprisals from Taylor supporters, and some will be put in witness protection schemes after giving evidence.
"Prosecutors will have to prove that the linkage exists between Taylor's alleged participation in the crimes and the crimes themselves," said Elise Keppler of Human Rights Watch. "There is no question these kinds of cases are difficult; they are complex."
That complexity was best underscored by the ill-fated case against former Yugoslav President
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Slobodan Milosevic, whose genocide trial dragged on for four years at the Yugoslav war crimes tribunal before being aborted weeks from a verdict when Milosevic died in his cell.
Despite the difficulties, the Taylor trial has been hailed as a watershed for war-torn western Africa and its people.
"The beginning of this important trial truly does show them that the rule of law is more important than the rule of the gun," said David Crane, a former chief prosecutor at the Special Court for Sierra Leone.
"It's a time in the history of Africa that the leaders ... go on notice that they just cannot destroy their own people for whatever purpose," Crane added.
But supporters, including Taylor's daughter Charen, who grew up in the United States and dropped out of college to help organize his defense, say Taylor has been unfairly targeted by prosecutors.
"He's taking the blame for what others did," she said.
Avi Singh, one of Taylor's lawyers, complained that the defense team has not had enough time to prepare. Singh also repeated a claim of defense attorneys that some witnesses they want to call have refused to testify for fear of being slapped with U.N. travel bans as Taylor allies.
In the Liberian capital, Monrovia, supporters have put up billboards showing Taylor waving triumphantly next to the words: "God willing, I shall return."
Taylor, a former warlord who was elected Liberia's president in 1997, was indicted in 2003, accused of sponsoring Sierra Leone's rebel Revolutionary United Front in exchange for diamonds. Taylor agreed to give up power and go into exile, but was taken into custody in March 2006 as he tried to cross the border from Nigeria to Cameroon.
He was transferred to The Hague a year ago amid fears his trial in Sierra Leone could trigger fresh violence in the capital, Freetown. His trial will take place in a court room rented from the International Criminal Court.
Crane said he was disappointed the trial is not happening in Freetown.
"We have the courtroom to do it, we certainly have the security to do it, however we have to respect the wishes of two current sitting presidents who felt that keeping Taylor regionally would be just too much stress and strain politically as well as security-wise," he said.
___

A Liberian Editor is Among 1,700 Editors in Sourh Africa Attending "World Editors Forum"

2007-06-03T13:22:00.000-07:00

The Managing Editor of the NEW VISION Newspaper, Mr. Josephus M. Gray, is in the South African city of Cape Town, attending the 60th World Newspaper Congress and 14th World Editors Forum, which take place from June 2 to 7. The Forum formally started Sunday, June 3rd.
Mr. Gray is among 1700 professional journalists and high profile media executives, managers and editors from around the world that are expected to attend. Mr. Gray is one of four professional Liberian journalists attending the global events. Also on the attending include Augustus Fallah, Chairperson, Liberia Editors Association; Robert Kpadeh , Publiser/Secretary General Publishers Association Of Liberia and Crispin Tulay, Program Officer/Senior Staff Writer Newspaper In Education Liberia
Meanwhile, a special invitation was extended to journalist Gray by the World Editors Forum and World Editors Partnership Program (WEPP) base in d Paris, France; following recommendations from the United States based International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) and the American Society of Newspaper Editors.
Journalist Gray, a graduate of the Washington based International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) Program held annually for international journalists, is a 2006 international fellow of the Washington Post, The New York Times, Washington Post. Com, USA Today, Savannah Morning News and the Associated Press.
In the letter of recommendations, the ICFJ applaud the NEW VISION Managing Editor for his commitment, professionalism, dedication to the pursuit of excellence in journalism and fostering sound and professional journalism at all levels of expertise.
The group makes specific reference to Mr. Gray’s presentation to the National Press Center in Washington, D.C. on the topic: Media Under Fire-The Danger of reporting in Conflict Zone. The 10-page presentation which was based on the Liberia’s experience and the Taylor’s era helps to broaden American journalists’ knowledge on the danger journalists encounter while reporting in conflict zones.
Meanwhile, the theme of the 60th World Newspaper Congress is ‘Shaping the Future of the Newspaper’ and the theme of the 14th World Editors Forum is ‘Quality Journalism in the Digital Age’. The Congress and Forum bring together each year publishers, editors, chief executives and managers from all levels of the newspaper industry.
The Forum is organized by the World Editors Forum, the organization for editors-in-chief within the World Association of Newspapers, which organizes the Congress. Events from the Congress and the Forum are held separately in Cape Town but members are free to attend any events from both conferences.
A diverse series of roundtable seminars take place this week and features Bill Keller, the Executive Editor of The New York Times, Olav Mugass, the CEO of Aftenposten in Norway while a host of other newspaper leaders who are attending the World Newspaper Congress, World Editors Forum and Info Services Expo, will be present for the events.
The roundtables -- on digital media, press freedom and young reader strategies -- are a regular feature of the eve of the Congress, Forum and Expo, the annual meetings of the world’s press organised by the World Association of Newspapers.
Mr Keller will speak about the need for a press "watchdog" in Africa, during the press freedom roundtable that will focus on the role of the independent press in increasing good governance and development in Africa. He will be joined in the session on watchdog journalism by Kwame Karikari, Executive Director of the Network of African Freedom of Expression Organisations and the Media Foundation for West Africa, and Azbuike Ishiekwene, Executive Director of Punch in Nigeria.
Mr Mugaas will examine profitable classified advertising strategies during the digital media roundtable. Other sessions in the seminar include: how to identify multiple digital revenue streams; the newspaper becomes a broadcaster; news from Yahoo! - future development opportunities for newspapers; digital gaming - new "sticky" content for newspaper sites; and World Digital Media Trends, the new research report by WAN on revenues and audiences at newspaper internet sites.
The third roundtable, on winning strategies for engaging young readers, will be led by François Dufour, founder of Playbac Presse in France and one of the world’s leading experts on attracting young people to newspapers. The seminar will examine such topics as: how the new generation differs from past generations -- and how it doesn’t; engaging a newsroom to tackle the challenge of reaching younger readers; case studies of successful cases; and more.
Other speakers include: Robert Barnard, a partner in Canada-based D-Code, which is conducting a major research project on young readership for WAN, Montserrat Lluis, Associate Editorial Director of the Vocento Group in Spain, Lisa Blakeway, founder of READright in South Africa; Jeanne-Emmanuel Gapsys-Hutin, a journalist with Ouest-France; and Aralynn McMane, Director of Young Readership Development for WAN.
In addition to the session on watchdog journalism, the press freedom roundtable will also discuss the impact of "insult" laws and criminal defamation, and the best ways to place a free and independent press higher on the international agenda.
Other speakers at the press freedom roundtable include Fackson Banda, a media analyst and columnist from Zambia, Raymond Louw, Editor & Publisher of the Southern Africa Report, Pius Njawé, Publisher of Le Messager in Cameroon, Alfred Dan Moussa, Editor in Chief of Franternité Matin in the Ivory Coast and Vice President of the Francophone Press Union.

AS SEVERAL DROWNS IN POVERTY IN LIBERIA, A NIGERIAN SAYS HE IS AT THE MERCY OF RUBBER TREES

2007-06-03T12:46:00.000-07:00

On his feet 24-hours around the clock just for survival, a Nigerian, Christian Ariwodo, father of three children narrates that he is living in Liberia at the mercy of rubber trees for survival for him and his Liberian family.

Speaking to the GNN over the weekend at his “Fire Coal Plantation” on the Kakata/Bong Mines highway, in the midst of hundreds of coal bags early packaged over night with the help of his three children and Liberian wife, said he was in search of what he called for “survival “.

Narrating his story to the GNN Mr. Ariwodo said, “I am a Nigerian who once served in the Peacekeeping Force of the Economic Community if West African States (ECOMOG) during the early days of the Liberian civil war. After completing my peacekeeping mission I went back to Nigeria. Few years later I came back to Liberia because of the love I have for this country. I am married to a Liberian woman with three children. Our survival is on coal making,” Mr. Ariwodo busy bagging his coal said.

He said since 1994, the selling of coal has been the only source of income for him and his family. Adding, “Prior to getting into the selling of coal I sold Kool-Aid in Monrovia for two years. After realizing some little amount of cash for the selling of Kool-Aid, I began to venture in this business”, he told the GNN.

Explaining further to the GNN, the former Nigerian Peacekeeper said he has invested over 17,000.00 Liberian Dollars into burning coal this amount he said, include the purchasing of rubber tress from the residents of this area for coal making purpose, stressing, “At times I end up paying more money to people who claimed to be the rightful owners of trees previously sold to me”, the former ECOMOG Nigerian Captain equipped with smile said.

Mr. Ariwodo surrounded with his three Liberian born children (six years, three years and few months old) were also seen busy helping their father, “My brother this job is very tedious, but for now I have no choice; life must go on”, Mr. Ariwodo glued to his huge pile of coal lamenting stressed.

Dozens of other coal miners (most whom are ex-combatants along with their wives) like Ariwodo, said they were in such business due to hardship being encountered as a result of the lack of job opportunities in the country . “My brother, it is not easy…….the lack of job has made us to sleep in the bushes with our wives and children. Life is not easy on us. Our children are dying from malaria due to mosquito bites in this bush”, one of the local coal miners, James Logan said.

As coal miner launches war on rubber tress for survival, rubber planters are also worrying about the plight and survival of their plantations, one of the major sources for the growth of the Liberian economy.
Speaking on behalf of the Rubber Planters Association of Liberia (RPAL), Charles Morris, one of the Co-Owner of the Morris’ Rubber Farm said he was seriously concerned about the deliberate cutting down of rubber trees by people who claimed to be looking for survival.

“Why should people deliberately do these things without making reference to the RPAL?” he asked in a serious tone. Mr. Morris speaking further called on the Liberian Government to bring to an end such situation.

Grand Gedeans in U.S. Elect Officers, Glay-Kaine Wins

2007-06-02T02:57:00.001-07:00

(BUSH CHICKEN USA) The Grand Gedeh County Associations in the US on last week Sunday the 27th of May 2007 elected a new corps of officers to a two year term of office. The Glay-Kaine team won with a total of 187 votes to the Dennis-Pardea’s team 180.
The election process which started off on the wrong footing with the change of the venue from the Holiday Inn to the Ashworth Park in Des Moines saw voters casting ballots way into the middle of the night.
The hotly contested election which is the first in six years ends the cycle of ascension to leadership of the organization by acclamation.
The convention and elections were attended by close to 500 delegates and guests from the association’s nine chapters and well wishers from across the Diaspora.
The programs started on Friday with a welcome reception at the Holiday Inn with remarks made by various chapter’s heads and announcements from the convention planning committee.
On Saturday, the 26th of May, the program which was scheduled to start at 8am and break at about 12 pm actually kicked off at about 2 pm due to the delayed arrival of the guest speaker, the Vice President of Liberia Dr. Joseph Boakai.
The program which was well attended by members of the association also provided members of the body the opportunity to hear from their local and federal leaders.
Information received about the proceeds from the ball placed the revenue generated at about $17,000. Members of the organization were taxed $50.00 as sitting fee.
The BC will be bringing in the next few days news and analysis from the convention and activities surrounding the elections of Henry Glay and Dusty Kaine as the new President and Vice President of the Grand Gedeh Associations in the US.

"Defeated Politicians Want to Seize Power" - Liberian Justice Minister Reveals

2007-06-01T13:14:00.000-07:00

Cllr. Frances Johnson-Morris, Liberian Justice Minister

01 June 2007 -- Who is plotting to overthrow the government of Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, or is the government simply crying wolf? Ever since her inauguration as Africa’s first elected female president, Johnson Sirleaf’s government has been making claims that certain groups were planning to overthrow her government.

The latest came from Justice Minister Frances Johnson-Morris. She said defeated politicians from last October’s general elections have been conniving with disgruntled soldiers of the the Liberian army to seize power by military means.

The opposition has accused the government of crying wolf, saying it should arrest and prosecute the so-called coup plotters or stop crying wolf. But Justice Minister Johnson-Morris told VOA the government hasi preponderance of evidence.
“That statement was made by me, and we have sufficient evidence to prove that there are people who are planning and plotting to cause unrest in the country or to stage a coup. We have sufficient information to establish that,” she said.
Johnson-Morris dismissed some opposition members’ claims who urged the government to either use its so-called evidence to either arrest the alleged coup plotters or stop putting fear in the Liberian people.
“At an appropriate time, the government of Liberia will expose the names of those persons and individuals involved in this plan. We are gathering our evidence, making sure that everything is water-tight and irrefutable before we can disclose the names of the individuals concerned,” Johnson-Morris said.
The leader of the opposition Liberty Party, Charles Brumskine, said in a statement that the Liberian government should realize that its repeated allegation of a coup plan creates an air of instability in an already fragile environment. He called on the government to stop crying wolf. But Johnson-Morris said the government is not crying wolf.
“No, we are not crying wolf at all. This is not a story that is being made up by the government. As I said earlier, we have adequate evidence to prove that there are people. Unfortunately, we thought everyone was on the same page about our determination to move our country forward and restore normalcy and stability to the country. But unfortunately there are those among us who are not prepared and ready for peace,” she said.
Johnson-Morris said some of the alleged coup plotters are both in and outside Liberia, and she rejects opposition accusation that her government’s claims might be scaring investors away from Liberia.
“Some of them are in and some people are outside the country. And don’t worry you will soon get to hear the full details of the plot. This is not a fairy tale that I’m telling you. No one will take pleasure in scaring away investors just trying to stare up rumors that are not true,” Johnson-Morris said.
She rejects opposition allegations that the Liberian government might be employing the same tactics used by previous Liberian governments like Samuel Doe and Charles Taylor when they tried to implicate their serious opposition or those who might have fallen out with the government in some kind of a coup plot.
“As far as I’m concerned, I’m not aware of any group of people that the government doesn’t like. I’m not aware that this government has such agenda. We’re not interested in that. I’m giving you facts. I don’t know that this government has fallen out with anyone for that matter,” Johnson-Morris said.

Source: VOA News

Sierra Leone: Questions and Answers on Charles Taylor's Trial Before the Special Court for Sierra Leone

2007-06-01T03:58:00.000-07:00

Human Rights Watch (Washington, DC)
PRESS RELEASE31 May 2007Posted to the web 31 May 2007

1. Who is Charles Taylor?
From 1989 to 1997, Charles Taylor led the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL), a rebel group that sought to unseat Liberia's then-president, Samuel K. Doe, and later to take over control of the country. Taylor gained international notoriety for the brutal abuses of civilians perpetrated by his NPFL forces in Liberia, and for use of child soldiers organized by the NPFL into "Small Boy Units." On July 19, 1997, the conflict ended when Charles Taylor was elected president of Liberia in an election in which there was an implicit threat that Taylor would resume fighting if he lost.

Charles Taylor's presidency, which lasted from 1997 to 2003, was characterized by intolerance of dissent and harassment of the press, civil society and political opposition. Meanwhile, these and other human rights abuses were accompanied by near-total impunity. Ultimately, this repression fueled the formation of two rebel groups and, in 1999, a return to armed conflict in Liberia. Following rebel incursions into the Liberian capital Monrovia, Taylor was forced from office in August 2003.
Forces under Taylor's command have also been implicated in supporting and participating in armed conflicts, cross-border raids and human rights abuses in neighboring countries, including Sierra Leone, Guinea and Côte d'Ivoire. Taylor has been charged with responsibility for serious international crimes and is now facing trial, in part because forces allegedly under his command have been implicated in supporting and participating in human rights abuses in Sierra Leone.
2. What is the Special Court for Sierra Leone, the court that is trying Charles Taylor?
The Special Court for Sierra Leone is an ad hoc international-national court, referred to as a "hybrid" or "mixed" international tribunal. The court was established in 2002 through an agreement between the United Nations and the Sierra Leonean government.
As a "hybrid" model of international tribunal, the Special Court has features that differ from those found in other international tribunals like the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. These include a bench composed of Sierra Leonean and international judges and staff, and authority over domestic as well as international crimes. The court, based in the Sierra Leonean capital of Freetown, is located in the country where the crimes were committed.
The court's mandate is to "prosecute persons who bear the greatest responsibility for serious violations of international humanitarian law" committed in Sierra Leone and also violations of Sierra Leonean law committed in the country. Although Sierra Leone's conflict lasted from 1991 to 2002, the court can only hear cases of crimes committed since 1996. The crimes under the court's mandate include crimes against humanity, war crimes, and other serious violations of international humanitarian law, such as recruitment of child soldiers.
Aside from Taylor, the Special Court is currently trying eight individuals in three separate trials. The accused are associated with three warring factions during Sierra Leone's conflict: the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), and the Civil Defence Forces (CDF). In the trials of the accused associated with the CDF and AFRC, which began in June 2004 and March 2005 respectively, the presentation of the cases is complete and the judges are expected to issue verdicts in the next couple of months. In the trial of the accused associated with the RUF, which began in July 2004, the defense began presentation of its case in May 2007.
3. What is Taylor charged with?
Taylor is charged by the Special Court for Sierra Leone with 11 counts of war crimes, crimes against humanity and other serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in Sierra Leone. The alleged crimes cover murdering and mutilating civilians, including cutting off their limbs, using women and girls as sex slaves, abducting adults and children, and forcing them to perform forced labor or become fighters during Sierra Leone's conflict.
Taylor is charged on the basis of his alleged role as a major backer of the Sierra Leone rebel group the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), his links with senior leaders in the RUF and a second warring faction, the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council, and responsibility for Liberian forces fighting in support of the Sierra Leonean rebels.
The specific counts against Taylor are:- Five counts of war crimes: terrorizing civilians, murder, outrages on personal dignity, cruel treatment, and looting;
- Five counts of crimes against humanity: murder, rape, sexual slavery, mutilating and beating, and enslavement; and
- One count of other serious violations of international humanitarian law: recruiting and using child soldiers.Taylor is being charged with individual criminal responsibility for the crimes on several legal bases. First, Taylor allegedly participated in the commission of the crimes by planning, instigating, and ordering them; aiding and abetting them by providing military training and support to the RUF and AFRC; and participating in the execution of a plan to take control of Sierra Leone during which the crimes were committed. Second, he allegedly was a superior to perpetrators of the crimes and failed to take reasonable measures to prevent or punish the crimes while knowing or having reason to know about them.
Taylor was initially charged with 17 counts, but the indictment was amended in March 2006 to 11 counts.Taylor is the first president of an African state to be indicted on serious crimes under international law by an internationalized criminal court.
4. How did Taylor come into the custody of the Special Court and where will his trial take place?
In June 2003, the Special Court made public an indictment against Taylor while he was attending peace talks in Ghana related to armed conflict in Liberia. Taylor immediately returned to Liberia, but following rebel incursions in the Liberian capital Monrovia, Taylor agreed to step down as president. He then went to Nigeria in August 2003, where he was offered safe haven by Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Taylor remained in Calabar, Nigeria, for nearly three years, during which Nigeria's president rejected calls to surrender Taylor for trial. However, in March 2006, Liberia's newly elected president, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, requested Obasanjo to surrender Taylor, and Obasanjo agreed. Obasanjo did not arrest Taylor, though, and he disappeared almost immediately. Nevertheless, on March 29, 2006, Taylor was apprehended by Nigerian police near Nigeria's border with Cameroon. He was then transported to Liberia, where he was taken into UN custody and transferred to the Special Court in Freetown.
Although the Special Court for Sierra Leone is based in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Taylor's trial will take place in The Hague at the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is lending its facilities to the Special Court for Sierra Leone. (See question 6 for explanation of why Taylor's trial was relocated).
5. When will Taylor's trial begin and how long will it last?
The start date for Taylor's trial was initially set for April 2, 2007, but was rescheduled to begin on June 4, 2007 to give the defense more time to prepare.
On June 4, the prosecutor will provide an opening statement after which the trial will be adjourned until June 25. The judges granted this additional postponement in order to allow the defense counsel several weeks more to prepare on the basis that the defense had lost this amount of preparation time due to suspended consultations between counsel and Taylor between March 5 and 22. Defense counsel suspended these consultations, which should be confidential, as video surveillance was being conducted in the space where the meetings took place.
Trials for serious crimes under international law, and especially of leaders, can be time-intensive. The cases are complex, and ensuring the accused receives the full range of fair trial protections in accordance with international standards can take time. Human Rights Watch believes it is crucial for the court to ensure that Taylor's trial is scrupulously fair. An unfair trial would lack legitimacy and credibility, while fair proceedings will help ensure that the trial plays its role in building respect for the rule of law in West Africa.
The Special Court's prosecutor, Stephen Rapp, has estimated that Taylor's trial will last between 12 and 18 months.
6. Why is Taylor's trial taking place in The Hague?
Taylor's trial was relocated to The Hague on the basis of a request by the Special Court's president immediately following Taylor's surrender in March 2006. The request to the Dutch government cited concerns over stability in West Africa if the trial was held in Sierra Leone. The Netherlands agreed to the relocation on several conditions, including that another country would offer facilities to incarcerate Taylor in the event he is convicted.Despite initial delays and reluctance for any country to volunteer, on June 15, 2006, the United Kingdom announced an offer to incarcerate Taylor if he is convicted. The UN Security Council then passed a resolution to provide a legal basis for the relocation, another of the conditions set by the Netherlands.
7. Does the fact that Taylor's trial is taking place in The Hague pose special challenges?
The relocation of Taylor's trial to The Hague creates new challenges in ensuring that people in West Africa will know about developments in the proceedings. But the Special Court is planning important actions to ensure the proceedings are accessible to West Africans, including:- Facilitating attendance of journalists and civil society representatives from Liberia and Sierra Leone on a rotating basis at proceedings in The Hague;
- Preparing video and audio summaries of Taylor's trial for dissemination throughout Sierra Leone; and Making broadcasts of Taylor's trial available at the court's premises in Freetown.
Human Rights Watch believes it is critically important that the Special Court's work be accessible to the communities most affected by the crimes. The Special Court has consistently implemented robust outreach and communications programming to inform people in Sierra Leone about the court.
8. How has Human Rights Watch been involved in ensuring justice in Sierra Leone?
Since 1998, Human Rights Watch researchers have extensively documented serious human rights violations committed by all warring factions, and pressed for the perpetrators of the crimes to be held accountable. Human Rights Watch maintained a field office in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from 1999 to 2002. From 1998-2007, Human Rights Watch released a series of reports detailing abuses to raise public awareness about them.Human Rights Watch pressed for justice to be done and the creation of the Special Court. Since the court's establishment, Human Rights Watch has assessed the work of the court through on-site visits and interviews with court staff, defense counsel, and Sierra Leonean civil society. Human Rights Watch has issued two reports on the court's work that detail the court's accomplishments to bringing justice for crimes in Sierra Leone. The reports also made recommendations to improve court operations, for example, in terms of in the areas of witness protection and resources for the defense.
Human Rights Watch has consistently pressed for the Special Court to receive sufficient funding. The court is not funded by contributions from UN member states and has been forced to rely on voluntary contributions, although it has received some grants from the United Nations. The court's funding remains uncertain and inadequate.
While Taylor was in Nigeria, Human Rights Watch actively pressed for his surrender to face trial. Human Rights Watch worked with a coalition of international and West African civil society groups toward this end. Human Rights Watch will attend the opening of Taylor's trial in The Hague and assess the proceedings throughout their duration.

Sirleaf, Blair, Kabah meet in Freetown: Hold Bilateral talks

2007-05-31T13:45:00.000-07:00

(FREETOWN, Sierra Leone, May 31, 2007): Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says Africa must take responsibility for maintaining peace on the continent. The President said, long gone are the days of the non-interference, when Africa countries stood by while conflicts engulfed their neighbors. The events of recent years, President Johnson Sirleaf observed, have proven that if provided adequate support, Africa could ably tackle conflict situations on the continent.
According to Presidential Press Secretary, Cyrus Wleh Badio, who traveled with the President to Freetown, the Liberian leader made the remarks when she addressed local and foreign journalists on the outskirts of the Sierra Leonean capital, following bilateral talks with the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair.
President Sirleaf lauded Prime Minister Blair for the stance taken in the Sierra Leonean conflict when that country intervened to stop the carnage five years ago. Sierra Leonean President, Tejan Kabbah was also full of praises for the Outgoing Prime Minister and his country’s assistance in helping Sierra Leone recover from years of destruction.
Mr. Blair concurred with the two Mano River Union leaders, saying his country’s intervention helped stop those he referred to as gangsters, criminals and terrorists, who raped women and created mayhem in the country. “Had we fail to intervene’ the Prime Minister argued ‘the impact would have been grave not only for this country or the region but for the world.” No matter how tough and detrimental the decision is, the British Prime Minister said, it is better to intervene than wait until a conflict spills out of control.
Mr. Blair said, he shared President Johnson Sirleaf’s view that Africa must take responsibility for peace on the continent. Developed countries, the British Prime Minister said, must however, provide funding, training, equipment and logistics to ensure the mission’s success.
He praised the level of progress taking place in Liberia and Sierra-Leone and urged the West to step
Blair, Kabah and Sirleaf at news conference in Freetown
Pres. Sirleaf and Tony Blair in Freetown
Presidents Sirleaf of Liberia and Kabah of Sierra Leone
up and support ongoing initiatives. On Sierra-Leone, the Prime Minister acknowledged the challenges facing the country, but said much progress has been made compared to what obtained five years ago when the country was being taken over by gangsters. “Politics is all about making a difference, and I believe a difference has been made in Sierra-Leone.”
The meeting with the British Prime Minister, by President Johnson Sirleaf, is the latest round of discussions with leading members of the G-8, ahead the Group’s upcoming meeting in Germany in June. Liberia is seeking the waiver of its multi-lateral debt owed the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the African Development Bank.
The President last week held talks in Berlin with the German Chancellor, Angela Markel and the new French President Nicholas Sakozy. President Johnson Sirleaf returned to Monrovia Wednesday evening following the discussions with Mr. Blair.

Source: Cyrus Wleh BadioPress Secretary to Pres. Sirleaf

LIBERIAN GOV'T LIFTS BAN ON INDEPENDENCE NEWSPAPER

2007-05-31T13:44:00.000-07:00

Recent ban imposed on the Independence Newspaper by the Liberian Government for publishing what the government called “obscene photographs” of former Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Mr. Willis Knuckles having sex with two unidentified women has been lifted.
Announcing the lifting of the ban yesterday evening, Liberia’s Information Minister, Rev. Dr. Lawrence M. Bropleh said the action to lift the ban on the paper was in keeping with the Ministry’s statuary mandate to serve as the regulator and enforcement body of the Government in all matters affecting communication in Liberia.
He said the Government of Liberia respects the right to freedom of expression, but at the same times acknowledges the responsibility that goes along with it. The Liberian Information also said the revocation of the paper’s operational license was in keeping with Chapter 31.8 of the ministry’s mandate.
Chapter 31.8 gives the Ministry of Information the responsibility of formulating regulations affecting journalists and journalism in Liberia, and to ensure the highest possible standard of professional competence.
Speaking to our Correspondent in the Liberian Capital immediately after the ban imposed on his paper by the Liberian Government was lifted, the Managing Editor of the paper, Sam O. Dean said he had not regret for his paper publishing what the Liberian described as “obscene photographs”, but instead he did perform his professional duty; informing and educating the reading public.
Permalink Edit... Deprecate! Delete!

Charges Against Ex-First Lady of Ghana to be Reduced

2007-05-31T13:29:00.000-07:00

Madam Nana

Konadu Agyeman

Rawlings

Accra, GNA - Prosecution in the case of Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, a former First Lady and five others alleged to have willfully caused financial loss to the state in respect of the divestiture of the GIHOC Cannery at Nsawam, said charges against them would be substituted.
Ms. Gertrude Aikins, Chief State Attorney and Acting Director for Public Prosecution, explained that the original charges which were made up of 30 counts would be reduced to nine.
The other five accused persons are Emmanuel Amuzu Agbodo, a former Executive Secretary of the Divestiture Implementation Committee (DIC), Thomas Benson Owusu, a former Accountant of the DIC, Kwame Peprah, a former Minister of Finance and former Chairman of the DIC, Sherry Ayittey, Managing Director of Carridem Development Company Limited, property of 31 December Women's Movement and Carridem as an entity.
They are variously charged with 30 counts of conspiracy, causing financial loss to public property, conspiracy to obtain public property by false statement and obtaining public property by false statement. They have all denied the offences and have been admitted to self-recognisance bail.
Earlier, Georgina Okaitey, General Manager, Larry Adjetey, Director Secretary and George Mould, a Director all of Carridem, were discharged at the instance of prosecution.
The accused persons were alleged to have caused loss to public property running into billions of cedis, following the acquisition of state-owned GIHOC Cannery at Nsawam by Caridem Development Company Limited.
This, the prosecution had stated that the accused persons failed to complete interest payment, which accrued on the purchase price of the cannery. The case has been adjourned for tomorrow, June 1.

As British P.M. Visit Freetown, Dozens of witnesses Expressed Interest To Testify Against Charles Taylor war crimes

2007-05-31T03:37:00.000-07:00

THE HAGUE, Netherlands: Dozens of witnesses will be called in Charles Taylor's trial to link the former Liberian president to atrocities committed during Sierra Leone's civil war in the 1990s, Chief Prosecutor Stephen Rapp said Wednesday.
Those witnesses include insiders claiming to have seen Taylor instigate and give orders leading to war crimes, Rapp said.
The long-awaited trial begins Monday with the prosecution's four-hour opening statement, then will adjourn until June 25 when it will hear the first of the 150 witnesses the prosecution plans to summon to the stand.
Taylor's defense will give its opening statement after the prosecution rests its case, in about one year, Rapp said. The trial should take about 18 months before the judges retire to consider their verdict.
Taylor, 59, is facing 11 charges of terrorism, murder, rape, sexual slavery, mutilation and recruiting child soldiers. He has pleaded innocent to all counts.

He was arrested last year and flown to the Netherlands amid fears that staging his trial in Sierra Leone, where the court usually sits, could trigger fresh unrest or even attempts by his supporters to break him out of prison.
Of the 150 scheduled prosecution witnesses, 62 will testify "to Taylor's control, to his orders, to his instigation, to his plans, to his provision of assistance of arms, training, safe refuge to the rebels, with full knowledge of the atrocities they were committing to the civilian population," he told the Netherlands-based Foreign Press Association.
Some of those witnesses were from Taylor's inner circle. Some may have shared responsibility for crimes, but were not being prosecuted because the court chose to pursue only those most responsible, he said.
Most of them will testify under pseudonyms to protect their identities from public disclosure, though the defense will know who they are. Some will be eligible for relocation after the trial to avoid retribution.
During a pretrial hearing three weeks ago, defense attorney Karim Khan said potential witnesses feared leaving Sierra Leone to testify on Taylor's behalf for fear of identifying themselves as his associates and exposing themselves to possible U.N. sanctions.
Khan also complained that the two defense lawyers and three legal aides were outgunned by the 10-man prosecution team. Taylor, although he was reported to have stashed away huge wealth from his years in power, has declared himself unable to pay for his own defense team and relies on court-appointed counsel.
Operating from his residence in Monrovia known as White Flower, Taylor never entered Sierra Leone during the conflict, making it a challenge for the prosecution to link him to the actions of rebel forces.
"We don't say he chopped off any hands himself. We don't say he shot anybody himself," Rapp said. "We have a variety of evidence showing that these people (the rebels) viewed Taylor as the boss man, as the person responsible," Rapp said.
The upheaval in West Africa "was a kind of terrorism," he said. "It was, in our view, a systematic attack against civilians with the intent to take control of Sierra Leone."
The Special Court for Sierra Leone has no maximum sentence. Life imprisonment is not in its statute, but Taylor could be sentenced to a term that would leave him jail for his expected lifetime. Under a U.N. sanctioned agreement, Britain has agreed to imprison him if he is convicted.

Liberia President Vetoes Financial Autonomy Act, As Parliament Speaker Cite Colleagues

2007-05-30T14:39:00.000-07:00

President Ellen Johnson has vetoed the controversial Financial Autonomy Act submitted to her office by the National Legislature for her approval.

President Sirleaf said the Act was not interest of the country and people, and was a violation of the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia. In her veto message to the Senate, President Sirleaf said the Act violates Article 2 and 34 of the Constitution.

Financial Autonomy Act seeks to make quarterly disbursements of their budget and would not be subject to tax deduction, but rather increase. There has been mounting public criticisms of the Act which some citizens described as being very “selfish” and “inconsiderate.”

Prior to the submission of the Act to her office, President Sirleaf had forewarned that she would out rightly reject it. The lawmakers argued that they want to control their own budget to avoid the many bureaucratic and embarrassing procedures they go through to get their own money they work for.

But President Sirleaf has said a Legislative Bureau would be established at the Ministry of Finance to handle the lawmaker’s problem rather than enacting an Act that is not in the interest of the state. The Senate has meanwhile set up a committee to look into the President’s bulky veto letter.

In Baghdad Mahdi Army 'seized kidnapped Britons'

2007-05-30T13:58:00.000-07:00

Police In Baghdad searches a Vehicle

A Shia militia commander claimed today that the five British nationals kidnapped in Baghdad were driven straight into a hostage holding centre in a neighbourhood ruled by the firebrand cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.

A cell commander in Sadr's Mahdi Army, the militia suspected of orchestrating the kidnapping, told The Daily Telegraph that the five men were taken to the centre near Mudafra Square in Sadr City, the Iraqi capital's biggest Shia district.

He claimed that the order to seize the hostages, who were visiting the finance ministry in central Baghdad, was handed down by Hassan Salim, the leading figure in the Mahdi Army militia in Sadr City.

"We are holding the British until they release our brothers from Camp Buca in Basra," he said. "There are hundreds there under British security, some of them for years. When they are released the British will be allowed to go."
However, other Mahdi Army spokesmen denied that the powerful militia played any part in the kidnappings.

The contradictory messages followed raids by Iraqi and American troops in Sadr City, Baghdad's largest Shia neighbourhood, in an operation that ended early today. Residents said areas of Sadr City were sealed off and several arrests were made.

Iraqi forces have established a special battalion of soldiers and police officers to search for the kidnapped men. "We are conducting search operations near the site where the abduction took place," said Brig Gen Qassim al Musawi, an Iraqi army spokesman.

"Maybe today or in the coming few days, we will find them with the help of secret intelligence."
Margaret Beckett, the Foreign Secretary, said British officials were doing all they could to secure the "swift and safe release" of the Britons.
Mrs Beckett said it was a very distressing time for all those concerned, and that the Foreign Office was providing assistance to the abducted men's families.

Later Tony Blair, speaking on a trip to Sierra Leone, said: "We know the dangers and challenges [in Iraq], we shouldn't let those who are prepared to use kidnapping and terrorism succeed."
Canon Andrew White, an Anglican clergyman in Baghdad, shares a compound with employees of the GardaWorld security firm, four of whom were snatched along with a computer expert they were protecting.

He said today that he had been in contact with the Mahdi Army and suspected the kidnap was carried out in revenge for the killing last week of a leading figure from the militia group in a joint Iraqi-British operation in the southern Shia city of Basra.
"We now see that there is very likely a connection between these two," he said.
The Iraqi foreign minister, Hoshiyar Zebari, said he suspected that Mahdi militiamen were the most likely candidates behind the kidnappings and were probably assisted by local police. Dozens of gunmen wearing paramilitary police uniforms kidnapped the men on Tuesday.
Mr Zebari told the BBC: "The location is of interest to everybody. It's near Sadr City, which is a Shia-dominated area controlled mainly by... the Mahdi Army, who have been very active there." He described the raid as a "sophisticated operation".
"The number of people who were involved in the operation to seal off the building, to set roadblocks and to get into the building with such confidence must have some connections," he said.
"There must be some unholy, unruly militias working beyond the law in that area, with this connection with the local police, to be able kidnap these people."
Mr Zebari said the kidnappings highlighted the persistent problem of infiltration of Iraqi security forces by militias.
"It has been a known fact for some time that the interior ministry police, security units and forces are corrupt, are penetrated," he said.

"This issue is a very serious, challenging fact to the government itself."
The men have yet to be named and no demands have been made by the kidnappers, who could yet prove to be independent of the mainstream Shia militias.
It is feared that a renegade, criminal Shia group could sell on the men to another organisation such as al-Qa'eda.

In London, the Cobra committee of senior security officials is meeting again today to discuss the crisis in the Iraqi capital, where SAS soldiers are on standby to mount a rescue mission.
GardaWorld provides personal protection services from a compound in Baghdad's Green Zone.
The raid marks the first time that Westerners have been snatched from a government building in Iraq.

More than 200 foreigners have been kidnapped in Iraq since the US-led invasion in 2003. Almost a third have been executed by their captors, including the British contractor Ken Bigley and the humanitarian worker Margaret Hassan.

Liberian Women in U.S. Presents 7th Annual Miss Liberia

2007-05-30T03:24:00.000-07:00

"We will fight to remove corrupt figures" - VP Tells Liberians in U.S.

2007-05-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

The Vice President of the Republic of Liberia in his first visit to the United States of America since elections, addressed the 17th convention of the Grand Gedeh Associations held in the city of Des Moines, Iowa.

The women of Grand Gedeh escorted the vice president from the entrance to the platform with song and dance and welcomed him to the program as characteristic of people from Grand Gedeh.

The Vice President during his prepared text emphasized that the visit was on invitation from the Grand Gedeh Association and used the occasion to trace his relationship with the people to the leadership of a son of the county, former president Samuel K. Doe. The VP is a former Minister of Agriculture during the administration of President Samuel K Doe who originated from Grand Gedeh county.

The VP’s speech which was filled with the reconciliation message also described the process of reconciliation, not as a banquet but a process. He further went on to recommend a search for mutuality to overcome the causes of conflict.

With regards to the TRC, the VP averred that the process takes time and offered the audience a working definition of the TRC and how it works, what are the limits, and how it will be used to evaluate the pattern of abuses committed by alleged perpetrators, and how this process can contribute to development.

Continuing, the VP admonished that the TRC is also designed to address issues of impunity, women’s issues and to help us in healing our wounds.

He also stated in his speech that the UP lead government is committed to pursuing genuine national reconciliation and development of the country. He then promised that the government will fight corruption and will not relent in the removal of corrupt figures from the rank and file of the administration.

With regards to the recent waves of deportation of Liberians from the US and the crimes associated, the VP expressed shock and dismay that Liberians are now involved in such heinous crimes within such an accepting society.

Finally, he promised that the UP lead government has vowed to eradicate poverty and enforce good governance making Liberia a place where Liberians are known by a name and not a number and finally quoting scripture saying, “Where one or two are gathered…”

Before the arrival of the VP, the MC of the program Mr. Willie Par Branch provided a brief synopsis of the history of the Liberian vice presidency, reciting the history of various vice presidents up to the current one.

The president then traveled to Minnesota where he held a town hall style meeting with the Liberian community in the state.

NEW NIGERIAN PRESIDENT SWORN IN, AS OBASANJO TELLS 'GOODBYE'

2007-05-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

(bbcnews)Umaru Yar'Adua has been sworn in as Nigeria's new president at a colourful ceremony in the capital, Abuja.

Standing on a podium in a parade ground dressed in a white gown, Mr Yar'Adua was cheered by his supporters after he signed the oath of office.

The inauguration marks the first time in Nigeria's history that one civilian leader has taken over from another.

But his election was widely condemned as "not credible" and small protests were held in the largest city, Lagos.

"I, Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, do solemnly swear that I will be faithful and hold allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria... That I will protect and defend the constitution," said Mr Yar'Adua, taking the oath from Chief Justice Idris Kutigi.

A few minutes previously, Goodluck Jonathan, from the troubled oil-producing Niger Delta region, was sworn in as vice-president.

Nigeria's 36 state governors have also taken their oaths of office around the country.

'Democracy is dead'

Security was tight in both Abuja and Lagos, with police setting up roadblocks.

In Lagos, the BBC's Umar Elleman says hundreds of protesters marched from Ikeja to the Yaba area, watched closely bThe protesters, led by activist Tunji Braithwaite, said they were mourning the death of democracy in Nigeria.

"Democracy is dead in Nigeria. So, we have come out on the streets to bury democracy," protester Justin Jalingo told the BBC.

Five of the protesters were arrested as they carried a mock coffin of outgoing President Olusegun Obasanjo.

In Abuja, Mr Obasanjo was driven into Eagle Square for the ceremony in an open jeep, waving to spectators in the reviewing stands.

Anglican bishop Peter Akinola gave an opening prayer before military bands and Nigerian soldiers in dress uniforms performed a slow march around the square.

The crowd, containing several African leaders and foreign diplomats, was also entertained by a troupe of synchronised dancers and police motorcycle stunt riders.

The BBC's Alex Last in Abuja says President Yar'Adua will have to prove his independence from Mr Obasanjo, who picked his successor and remains chairman of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP).

He adds that Mr Yar'Adua inherits many challenges in Africa's most populous country and largest oil producer.

'Strengthened democracy'

Armstrong Adejo, a university teacher in Makurdi, Benue State in central Nigeria told the BBC: "I pray that God can transform him from a man with a questionable mandate into the leader we all crave."
A two-day strike called by trade unions in protest at alleged electoral fraud has so far received a muted response.

After many years of military rule, Mr Obasanjo was elected president in 1999 and served two four-year terms.

In his farewell address on Monday evening, Mr Obasanjo pledged his support for Mr Yar'Adua and his government, and said he was leaving the country with a strengthened democracy.

"We have run the longest democratic dispensation and eliminated the risk of violent changes of government through coups and counter-coups in our political culture," Mr Obasanjo said.

The election commission, Inec, has denied charges that it favored the PDP during last month's elections.

Mr Yar'Adua won a landslide victory in those polls, according to official results. He has promised to introduce electoral reforms.

The two main opposition candidates have challenged the results in court.

Africa Mercy hospital ship docks at Monrovia's port

2007-05-29T02:45:00.000-07:00

"Mercy has arrived in Monrovia" said Don Stephens, founder of Mercy Ships of Garden Valley on Tuesday. Stephens spoke to the Tyler Morning Telegraph by phone from his stateroom on the Africa Mercy, the world's largest non-governmental hospital ship that docked in Monrovia, Liberia, that morning."

For years we've said (of the hospital ship) that 'mercy is coming, mercy is coming,'" Stephens said. "The sense I have on this very exciting day is that mercy has now arrived in Monrovia. Our mission is to deliver free world-class health care to the forgotten poor."Liberia's president, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, will officially welcome Mercy Ships in a ceremony.

Africa Mercy docks with 474-member crew at the ship on Monday. Crew members and volunteers cheered and many were in tears, Stephens said, as the Africa Mercy docked near its sister-ship the Anastasis, the flagship for the Texas faith-based charity's medical mission for 29 years,The 16,500-ton Africa Mercy is 499 feet long and has six operating theatres, a 78-bed ward, dental clinic, CT scanner, X-ray room, pharmacy and berths for a 474-member crew."

A Swiss board member, Francoise Andre, onboard the Africa Mercy told me this was the most memorable day of her life," Stephens said. "This was significant because her husband's firm did the feasibility study for the Anastasis nearly 30 years ago.

They've been with us from the beginning."The purchase and conversion of the Africa Mercy, the former rail ferry Droning Ingrid, into a $62 million state-of-the-art hospital ship was funded by donations and gifts-in-kind, including a $10 million matching grant by the Swiss-based Oak Foundation, said Mercy Ships.

The first field service of the Africa Mercy will be led by a crew of more than 400 volunteer professionals from 30 nations, including doctors, dentists, nurses, community developers, teachers, builders, cooks, seamen and engineers.

In addition to donating their time, volunteers pay their own board costs to work on the Africa Mercy.Advance teams have already prescreened patients for the Africa Mercy, Stephens said."Tomorrow the medical volunteers will go over the schedule minute by minute," he said.

"What I'm going to do is visit the crews of each ship and express my gratitude to as many as I can meet."Flying to Liberia for the arrival of the ship, Stephens said he and his wife Deyon were approached by a Liberian man who's seen a BBC report on the new ship."

He was so grateful and told us the ship's effect 'will bless Liberia for decades to come,'" Stephens siad. "Many people on the plane were headed to Liberia on mission trips of their own, and were talking about the ship."The 53-year-old Anastasis, which means "resurrection" in Greek, will be retired this fall. It has served more than 275 ports, performed about 450,000 medical treatments and 200,000 operations for the charity since 1980.

"Seeing this day come fills me with gratitude to God and the faithful partners and staff who brought this to pass," Stephens said. "It prompts me to worship and get on my knees when I look over the three decades that Mercy Ships has been operating."

By PATRICK BUTLERReligion Editor - Tyler Paperreligion@tylerpaper.com

Armed Robbers Attack Church, Inflicting Wounds on Several Members

2007-05-29T01:47:00.000-07:00

Following an attack on the Police chief Beatrice Munah Sieh’s in Bardnersville home, robbers armed with machetes and other dangerous implements last Friday attacked the New Georgia compound of the Philadelphia Free Pentecostal Church, inflicting severe wounds on two persons, taking away with them several valuables.

A day after that attack, a 59- years old sheriff of the Gardnersville Magisterial Court, Mr. Benedict N. Wiah, was attacked by men armed with machetes and pipes in the vicinity of the chicken poultry, New Georgia.

The attacks intensify as the Police launch its operation code name, “Locate & Dismantle Criminal Hide outs.

Mr. Moses Gleen, a deactivated Lieutenant of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) who is also one of the Security guards on duty at the Church’s premises, told the New Democrat that the group of men approached them in the middle of the night their handsets and everything they had on them.

He said at first they took the men to be Police officers on night patrol, but later realize they were far from being Police officers because of the demands they were making.

Mr. Gleen, “At this time, I had managed to escape with my military experienced but two men pursue me. Because I ran faster, I hid myself behind a palm tree, so they did not find me.”

He said that while in his hide out behind the palm tree, he could hear the shouts of his colleague calling for help. ‘He was being stabbed’, Gleen noted. He said, the shouts of my colleague constrain Patrick Sarwieh, a resident of the Church compound to come out and offer help but he was callously attacked.

Sarwieh is currently receiving treatment at the John F. Kennedy Medical Hospital where the Church authorities say his condition is critical.

In the case of 59 years old sheriff of the Gardnersville Magisterial Court, he was hit on Saturday attacked by men armed with machetes and pipes in the vicinity of the chicken poultry, New Georgia.

Mr. Wiah, who was left with a disjointed arm, told this paper that three men forced his door open and attacked him by 2AM while he was at sleep.

He said he believe the men were more than three because he heard other voices outside threatening his neighbors not to come out.

Divided U.S. Congress approves Iraq war funds

2007-05-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A divided U.S. Congress on Thursday approved $100 billion to keep fighting the war in Iraq, as Democrats pledged to resurrect failed attempts to force President George W. Bush to withdraw troops.

Passage of the legislation capped a four-month struggle between Bush and the new Democratic-led Congress over the increasingly unpopular Iraq war, now in its fifth year.

Underscoring Democratic division, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California voted against it and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada voted for it.

Three Democratic senators running for president -- Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York, Barack Obama of Illinois and Christopher Dodd of Connecticut -- opposed providing money with no withdrawal deadlines. But Joseph Biden of Delaware, also a presidential hopeful, voted yes.

With this latest installment, the United States will have allocated more than $565 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001, according to the Congressional Research Service. Most of the money has gone to fight in Iraq.

Bush pleaded for patience but warned of more tough times ahead. "It could be a bloody -- it could be a very difficult August," he told reporters at the White House.

But he also made clear September will be an important period, when the U.S. commander in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, will report on the impact of the troop buildup and make a recommendation on how to proceed.

The House voted 280-142 for the emergency funding bill, while the Senate passed it 80-14.

On May 1, Bush vetoed a Democratic bill that would have begun withdrawing U.S. soldiers from Iraq by Oct. 1 and Democrats did not have the votes to reverse him.

Lawmakers approved the revamped bill just before leaving for a long Memorial Day recess as war funds were running out.

The Republican president is expected to promptly sign into law the bill, which for the first time would set a series of "benchmarks" to measure progress in Iraq and ties a small amount of non-military U.S. aid to that progress.

"This is a token. This is a small step forward. Instead we should have a giant step forward into a new direction," Pelosi said.

U.S. anti-war groups slammed Democrats for allowing the bill to pass.

Pelosi said Democrats will quickly resume their drive to impose deadlines for pulling U.S. combat troops out of Iraq.

She said she will put on the House agenda a bill to repeal Congress' 2002 authorization of the Iraq war and said Democrats will use next year's military spending bills to try to end the war that has killed at least 3,420 U.S. soldiers and wounded more than 34,000. Iraqis have suffered far worse casualties.

According to a CBS News/New York Times poll, 76 percent of Americans believe the war is going somewhat or very badly for the United States and only 20 percent said Bush's recent troop increase is making a positive difference.

Congressional Republicans are beginning to talk about the possible need for a change in direction within a few months.

One influential Republican senator, John Warner of Virginia, said a new U.S. strategy might be needed by July if problems in Iraq do not improve.

House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio, his voice cracking with emotion, denounced the insurgents in Iraq and said the United States must prevail.

"When are we going to stand up and take them on? When are we going to defeat them? If we don't do it now, if we don't have the courage to defeat this enemy, we will long long regret it," Boehner said.

Besides buying more ammunition, armored vehicles and aircraft for the wars, the spending bill provides more aid for countries ranging from Lebanon to Liberia and gives $185.5 million to help refugees and others displaced in Iraq, Afghanistan and African countries.

Next Tuesday is U.N. Peacekeeping Day

2007-05-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, 29 May the fifth annual International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers will be observed worldwide to honour all peacekeepers, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of peace.

In Liberia, UNMIL will observe Day, beginning at 10 a.m., with a wreath-laying ceremony at UNMIL Headquarters, Pan African Plaza in Monrovia in remembrance of all fallen peacekeepers worldwide.

The ceremony will bring together the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Alan Doss and the United Nations family, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and senior officials of the Liberian Government, members of the Diplomatic Corps, UN family members, other partners and all peacekeepers.

Following the wreath-laying ceremony, journalists will be taken to various communities in Monrovia and its suburbs to cover UNMIL peacekeepers providing humanitarian assistance – such as free medical services by military medical personnel - to Liberians. Similar activities will be taking place in other parts of the country

Armed Men Visits Liberian Police Chief

2007-05-26T14:33:00.000-07:00

Men dressed in black described as armed robbers last Friday night attacked the Barnersville compound of Police Inspector General Beatrice Munah Sieh, and an officer of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Col. Edward Wreh, according to neighbors. Both homes are opposite each other.

Five police officers providing security at the compound are reportedly undergoing investigation, sources say.

Police Public Affairs Chief, Mr. Alvin Jask, when contacted, said he was verifying the news and would get back to this paper. Up to press, there was no word from the police.

The armed men, one who neighbors said carried a new AK-47, struck before the police chief arrived home. Neighbors said the police chief does not reside in the house but on Front Street, her actual residence. There is, however, a team of policemen stationed there.

One of the Police officers who was on duty the night the robbers struck said, the robbers put him at gun point and ordered him back in the Police chief’s compound.

“They were more than seven,” he said, adding, “I saw two AK-47 rifles with them.”
The officer, Randall Gaye, said the incident occurred after the heavy down pour of rain last Friday night. “The generator was off,” he said.

Officer Randall: “We were five on duty but three of our colleagues had gone on patrol. So, we were two that remained on guard. So I told my other colleague to be on the alight, asking that he go and check around the house. I came out by way of the small gate, and when I got out I saw a group of people.

They flashed the light on me. And asked me to go back in the fence. And I also asked them because I wanted to know who they were, and I said why is it that when you people come on patrol you like to flash light in your fellow officers’ eye. Then I saw arm pointing to me, they had two AK-47,” he said.

“I then took three steps back and entered the fence and ran to wake up the Director’s children informing them that we have been attacked by armed robbers. So we dialed 355, as I was in, they were bouncing on my friend, the next noise I heard after that was here (pointing to the Col Wreh’s house).

“I was in the room when I heard the noise outside, so I opened my door thinking that the police had arrested someone,” Col. Wreh explained.

“I wanted to see for myself. Right away a man with cutlass came to me and the rest numbering about six came in our house. They entered the children’s room and lifted up the arm against my daughter, who shouted loudest. Since then she has not recover from the trauma,” Col. Wreh added.

“I just took her from hospital,” an elderly woman, the girl’s mother said displaying few drugs.
The attack comes days after the Police Inspector General declared her force would ensure criminals have no hiding places, particularly as the rainy season approaches, a time of increase in criminal activities. Police thereafter announced the arrest of two men they said are the bosses of the feared Isakaba gangs roaming the city at night with machetes and guns.

Police sources and residents this week said the Barnersville community, where the police chief has her compound, has been under sustained armed attack for a week, leaving police helpless to launch a counter-offensive due to logistical and other inadequacies.

Role of UN Volunteers absolutely crucial, says UN Envoy

2007-05-24T02:53:00.000-07:00

The role played by the UN Volunteers (UNVs) was “absolutely crucial” to the successes accomplished by the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), said Mr. Alan Doss, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), at an event held in Monrovia recently to honour more than 250 UN Volunteers from 69 countries serving in the war-torn nation.

He added that their help was still needed in reconstruction, human rights, and to support national capacity building.

“UNMIL is moving into a new phase next year, but that does not mean it is leaving,” he said, and urged the Volunteers to continue their invaluable contributions to the country. “We still need to help this country recover from those many dreadful years of war, conflict, violence and abuse. We are all here for the same purpose – to help Liberia get back on its feet.”

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to the six longest serving UN Volunteers in UNMIL, Marcel Lwamba Afanya (Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Robert Abass Bangura (Sierra Leone), Joyce Curtis-Hooke (Sierra Leone), Daniel Mensah-Brande (Ghana), Mafulu Mudingombi (DRC) and Seblewongel Worku Tammirie (Ethiopia).
The UNV Programme Manager, Mr. Olufemi Olugbemi, said the six Volunteers who received the recognition award had taken volunteerism to a new level.

“The UN Volunteer is no longer an unknown or strange entity; volunteers have proven to be the added advantage to peacekeeping operations by enduring tests of perseverance, patience and technical competence,” he noted.

The six awardees with SRSG Doss (centre) and UNV Programme Manager Olugbemi (left)
The awardees are currently serving the mission in the Civil Affairs, Public Information, Transport, Communication, and Information and Technology sections, and have been serving UNMIL since 2003. Since the inception of UNMIL, over 672 UNVs representing more than 70 nationalities have worked in the mission.

The event was also attended by the Director of Administration, Mr. Stephen Lieberman, among other UNMIL staff members.

Source: UNMIL Information Section

Liberian President, German Chancellor Hold Talks In Berlin

2007-05-24T02:42:00.000-07:00

Pres. Sirleaf(L), German Chancellor(R)

(Berlin, Germany, May 22, 2007): President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on Tuesday held talks with senior German government officials including Chancellor Angela Merkel, at the Bundeskanzleramt, the official seat of goverment in Berlin. The discussions, according to an Executive Mansion dispatch, centered around Liberia-German cooperation and other regional and sub-regional issues, ahead of the pending G-8 meeting in Heiligendamm, Germany in June. Dr. Merkel reiterated her government’s decision to cancel the bilateral debt Liberia owes her country.

On Liberia’s multi-lateral debt, the Germany Chancellor said a solution must be found within the G-8 process to the address the

“The issue will be placed on the agenda, She assured the President, “We will ensure that you get a little room to breathe, ” the first female Chancellor of Germany noted, assuring President Johnson Sirleaf that Germany will exert its influence to ensure that the debt problem is addressed. Chancellor Merkel welcomed the Africa Partnership Forum now taking place in Berlin, describing it as a unique opportunity for fostering partnership between Africa and Germany.

Responding, the Liberian leader congratulated Chancellor Merkel on her election as Chancellor of Germany and as Chairman of the G-8 conference in June.

The debt burden, the President pointed out, continues to be a major impediment to the country’s development initiatives. The President lauded the German government for announcing the cancellation of Liberia’s bilateral debt.

She informed the German leader of measures now in place to put the country back on track, through among other actions, the implementation of sound fiscal policies and the tapping of the traditional sectors of growth, including iron ore, rubber, forestry and mining.

The creation of jobs for the citizenry particularly for the youth, the President acknowledged, remains a major challenge. “We must put our people back to work; It is important for Liberia to succeed,” she emphasized.

Meanwhile, Germany has announced additional funding to support development initiatives in Liberia. At a meeting Monday with President Johnson Sirleaf, the State Minister, Gernot Erler, announced that his country was making available 11.5 million euros (14.95 – million US dollars) to support reconstruction in Liberia.

At the same time, a delegation of German businessmen has announced plans to visit Liberia in October. The Group, under the auspices of the German-African Business Association, made the disclosure Tuesday, during a session to, among other issues, discuss business potentials in Liberia. The President who spoke at the session, described the business potential in Liberia as good, and urged the Germany business community to take advantage of the numerous investment opportunities Liberia now offers.

The President later on Tuesday held talks with the Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development. A meeting with the Minister for Development Cooperation of Denmark, Ms. Ulla Tornaes, is slated for Wednesday, prior to a keynote address the President will deliver at the 8th edition of the Africa Partnership Forum.

Planning Minister, Dr. Toga McIntosh, Liberia’s ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany, Sedia Massaquoi Bangura, is accompanying President Johnson-Sirleaf to the discussions.

The President arrived in Berlin on Tuesday, following a weeklong visit to the United States.
She returns home on Friday this week.

Source: Cyrus Wleh BadioPresidential Press Secretary

"Panoramic View about the Mineral Titles of Liberia" By Emmanuel O. Sherman, Chief geologist, Liberian Geological Survey

2007-05-21T11:58:00.000-07:00

MR. SHERMAN AND WORKMATE

The mineral industry of Liberia is summarize by the below diagram which if permitted, I will refer to as the “Mineral Industry Cycle” of Liberia. However, over the past months the sector has been undergoing severe microscopic review so as to ensure transparency and accountability. While this review is ongoing, I thought it relevant to summarise the country’s mineral sector into one big circle. As we all know, the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy (MLME) is the regulatory body of the sector. This entire sector is categorized into the Alluvial mining sector and the Mineral Exploration & Development sector

Figure 1: Unofficial Mineral Industry Cycle of Liberia (By: E.O.Sherman 2006)

In Figure1, the mineral exploration & development sector (MEDS) which is the Department of Mineral Exploration & Research, insures the efficient identification and development of mineral resources by monitoring the activities of license holders in this sector and by the provision of needed and available information to help potential investors. Activities within this sector are dominated by foreign exploration and mining companies involved in the acquisition of up-to-date geospatial data and information. While information about potential geological and mineral-rich targets are being generated by MEDS, the alluvial mining sector (AMS) which is headed by the Department of Mines, monitors and controls the extraction and trade of alluvial diamonds and gold produced by artisans and companies. Revenues generated from the industry are usually paid to the mineral resources revenue (MRR) body and are intended to be used by the GOL for sustainable economic development.

To ensure transparency and proper accountability in the sector, a body comprising of major stakeholders who are also key policy makers are empowered to review and formulate policies that may be implemented by MLME.

The Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC) has now become the latest focus point in the mineral cycle that needs to be updated. This commission has its own legal act on which it exists. However, harmonization of the PPCC Act and the existing Mineral and Mining Law of 2000 could serve as a One-Stop-Regulating document of the country’s mineral industry.

1.0 Existing Policy, Legal and Regulatory Issues
The country has a New Minerals and Mining law of 2000 that is being administered by the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy (MLME). One of the key points in this law is the Mineral property rights/Mining Title. Mineral property rights to explore or mine in Liberia are obtained through the acquisition of alluvial mining licenses (either Class C or Class B) and a mineral concession.

Mineral Titles summary

There are basically two broad categories of mineral titles/rights under the Minerals and Mining Law of the Republic of Liberia: They are:
Exploration Right; and
Mining Right.

2.0 Mineral Property Right

Mineral license types usually issued to eligible candidates wanting to invest in the country’s mineral sector are summarized below:

License type
Key terms and provisions
duration
Reconnaissance
§ To conduct rapid geologic assessment of targeted area;
§ Targeted area must not be encumbered under a valid Mineral Right by another person
§ Renewable once for another six months;
§ Permit area is restricted 2,000 square kilometres;
§ Detail sampling(i.e. drilling, trenching and pitting) are prohibited
§ The Holder may apply and be granted a Mineral Exploration License by the Minister upon completion of the reconnaissance phase.

6 months
Exploration
§ That the area is not encumbered under a valid Mineral Right by another person;
§ Issuance for an initial period of 3 (three) years and may be extended for a single two-year period, in which event the Holder shall be obliged to surrender 50 (fifty) percent of the Exploration Area to Government;
§ That at the end of the initial 3- year period, the Holder may select the entire Exploration Area or any part thereof as a Proposed Production Area;

§ That the area granted shall be contiguous and limited to 1,000 square kilometers;
§ That Holder shall have exclusive right to conduct mineral exploration within the Exploration Area granted and may conduct pilot mining as permitted in the Proposed Exploration Program; and
§ That the Holder shall incur costs in surface rentals as negotiated between the Holder and Government;
§ That the Holder shall submit to the Minister a proposed exploration program within 90 (ninety) days as of the Effective Date of the Agreement; and
§ At the end of the Exploration Program, the Holder may apply for a Class A Mining License.

3 years
+2 years possible
extension
Class A Mining License

The Operator must have successfully completed an Exploration Program that clearly defines exploitable mineral targets;
That the Operator must have successfully completed a feasibility report outlining the efficient and economic conduct of the proposed mining operations;
That the Minister shall have approved the feasibility report which shall have been prepared in keeping with the Law and the application of acceptable international standards;
That the Operator must have conducted an Environmental Impact Study which among other things shall spell out the adverse environmental effects that could result from the mining operations and prescribe mitigating and curative means of restoring the environment;
That the Operator must demonstrate that it has the technical competence, experience, and financial resources to carry out such mining operations in keeping with the requirements specified under the Class A Mining License; and
That the Class A Mining License shall be issued for a period of 25 (twenty-five) years with extensions for consecutive additional terms not to exceed 25 (twenty-five) years each, once proven reserves still exist.

25 years
+
Possible 25 years
extension
CLASS B Mining License
§ That the initial term of a Class B Mining License shall be for 5 (five) years with renewal for periods not exceeding 5 (five) years each;
§ That the Holder can engage in industrial mining;
§ That 15 (fifteen) Holders of Class B Mining Licenses may collectively mine through a cooperative scheme; and
§ That the Holder of a Class B Mining License shall submit a production plan to the Ministry for approval prior to commencement of mining.

5 year
CLASS C Mining License

§ That the Holder of a Class C Mining License shall have exclusive right to mine in the Production Area;
§ That the tenure of a Class C Mining License shall be for a period of 1 (one) year renewable for further terms of one year each provided the Holder remains in compliance with the Mining Law and Regulations;
§ That the size of the Production Area covering a Class C Mining License shall not exceed 25 (twenty-five) acres;
§ That a Class C Mining License shall be restricted to a Small-Scale Operation;

1 year

"Liberia is Moving Foward" - President Sirleaf

2007-05-20T13:30:00.001-07:00

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has expressed hopes that the UN peace keeping force will remain in her country until local security forces can be properly trained and professionalized.

President Sirleaf (left) and US Senator Hillary Clinton

Her comments were contained in a documentary, by Swedish journalist Malou von Sivers, aired on Swedish channel TV4 Thursday night.

But the president added that security will be actually achieved if the government can respond properly to the needs of the people.

Providing social services and jobs are two vital areas, she added.

Mrs. Sirleaf, the first female to ever be elected to the highest office in an African country, hinted positively that Liberia is moving forward “out of the shadow of the past.”

She said the country has formed a truth and reconciliation commission to aid the process of healing after more than a decade of civil conflict.

“This process of truth does not lead to punishment. It is about reconciliation and forgiveness,” she noted.

Liberia was put into a situation where many of its young people were subjected to untold cruelty; where many were forced to commit atrocities, the president said and added that it is now time to get the country moving again.

We have the opportunity to get the country back on course, correct the mistakes of the past and give the young people a better future, she added.

The film: Rita and Rufus- Liberian child soldiers, chronicled the experiences of the two former soldiers who were torn apart from the families at tender ages to fight for one of the country’s warring factions.

It also highlighted programs that the Red Cross is running to help them, and more than a hundred others, regain sanity.

Liberians to celebration Independence Day in Belgium

2007-05-20T13:12:00.000-07:00

The European Federation of Liberian Associations (EFLA) is preparing a grand July 26 Independence Day celebration and a mini conference on the 27^th and 28^th of July in Brussels, Belgium.

For the past years, Liberian organizations across European states have been celebrating the Independence Day all by themselves, a release issued by the federation’s president Elvis G. Morris pointed out.

EFLA President Elvis G. Morris

“2007 is the year of unity and solidarity and in this light; EFLA is setting aside these two days for all Liberians and friends of Liberia around Europe to join hands in celebrating our 160^th Independence.

“This occasion will also prepare the Liberian European diaspora for its first ever international conference which will take place in September 2007 in Paris, France.

“The theme of the conference is “War- Torn West Africa: Emerging from Humanitarian Assistance to Political and Economical Reconstruction” in collaboration with the University of Bretagny, France.

“The aim of the international conference is: to provide practical recommendations to the international community on effective reconstruction processes for West African countries emerging from civil conflict.

“The activities over the two days aim to celebrate diversity and promote understanding between Liberians living in the Diaspora will include literary and theatre performances, sports events, music and food. Major attractions of this program will include a mini-Liberian conference and a ball.

“The European Federation of Liberian Association is a legally registered Belgian based federation comprising the network of Liberian Associations in the Netherlands, France, Germany, Poland, Norway, Sweden, Luxemburg, Switzerland, the United Kingdom as well as the Kingdom of Belgium.

“The European federation of Liberian Associations has not only been one of the most dynamic group of Liberians in the Diaspora, but has also been a hub for providing diplomatic and civil support, resource information, social activities for Liberians home and abroad.

Mr. Morris called on all Liberian associations, organizations and friends of Liberia to be present.

“We hope this information will meet your timely intervention as members of the European Federation of Liberian Associations appreciate your support and would like to thank you in advance. Complete information regarding these events will be sent out in due course. Don’t hesitate to send you comments, suggestion and contribution for the kind of activities you may like to happen as part of the programs,” the release concluded.

For "Conflict of Interest" World Bank Presiedent Caught in the Web, Resigns

2007-05-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

Mr. Wolfowitz was engulfed in a controversy after revelations that he gave his girlfriend, Shaha Riza, a pay raise. She later left the organization to take up employment with the US State Department.

Mr. Wolfowitz Ms. Riza

After his appointment in 2005, Mr. Wolfowitz, a former US deputy defence secretary, informed the bank about a potential conflict of interest due to his relationship with Ms. Riza, a communication advisor at the bank.

He proposed that she be moved to the state department with a pay and position increase in line with her prospects at the bank.

Announcing the decision recently, Mr. Wolfowitz said he was sorry for a painful and personal dilemma.

It became impossible for him to stay at his position after the bank’s governors questioned his ability to lead.

The world Bank in Washington DC

But his supporters said the melee was an excuse used by his detractors to get rid of him.

They said his fight against corruption and stance that aid to poor countries should hinge on good governance hit the wrong nerves.

US President George Bush, who had earlier maintained that Wolfowitz would keep his post, accepted the resignation with reluctance. The US will later appoint a replacement.

However, some are opting for the next president to be chosen on merit not nationality. Traditionally, the US, as the bank’s biggest contributor, appoints the president.

Emmanuel Zodia Chelleh Takes Wife in Sweden- See Pictures

2007-05-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago, US-based Liberian Emmanuel Zodia Chelleh returned home to tie the knots with his beautiful bride. We bring you some photos from that wonderful ceremony in Monrovia, Liberia.

Bishop Innis in Sweden for Conference

2007-05-20T12:45:00.000-07:00

The Rev. Dr. John Innis, Bishop of the United Methodist Church of Liberia is one of several guests attending the annual conference of the Methodist Church in Sweden.

Bishop Innis

The conference is being held in Norrkoping. It began on May 16 is expected to end on Sunday, the 20th.

Bishop Innis will perform some important functions during the conference which has at its theme: The Spring of Living Water.

Foreign Ship Disappears At Monrovia Port, 2 Liberia Police Linked

2007-05-16T11:48:00.004-07:00

Government has announced the arrest of two suspects in connection with the disappearance of a ship off the Freeport of Monrovia.

The ship, Tahoma Reefer belonged to a Russian who informed the Police about the robbery.

The Assistant Information Minister for Public Affairs said the two are Bah Dickson, a Police officer and Alfred Teekay, a former Police officer.

Mr. Gabriel Williams told a news conference the two have been charged with criminal conspiracy and forwarded to court.

Minister Williams also said a Ghanaian only identified as Attah contacted the two men to assist him take away the ship since he had already bought it.

Deputy Police Inspector for Operation Gayflor Tarpeh said the LNP has sent a red notice through Interpol to neighboring countries to help recover the ship.

Foreign Ship Disappears At Monrovia Port, 2 Liberian Police Officers Linked

2007-05-16T11:48:00.001-07:00

Foreign Ship Disappears At Monrovia Port, 2 Liberian Police Officers Linked

2007-05-16T11:48:00.000-07:00

UN Police Chief in Liberia urges Ghanaian contingent to continue working for peace

2007-05-16T11:37:00.000-07:00

The Acting UN Commissioner of Police, Mr. Maritz Du Toit, has reiterated the commitment of the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) to peace and security in Liberia, during a Peacekeepers Medal award ceremony for the Ghanaian UN Police contingent in Monrovia’s City Hall.

Mr. Du Toit commended the police officers for distinguishing themselves during training, mentoring and building the capacity of the Liberian National Police (LNP.) He further urged them to rededicate themselves to the service of humanity and the cause of peace. “Always Endeavour to go the extra mile in our collective efforts to build the peace in Liberia,” the UNPOL Commissioner stated.

Mr. Du Toit, who was assisted by LNP Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Asatu Bah-Kenneth and Head of UNMIL’s Corrections Advisory Unit, Marjo Callaghan, decorated 30 officers, including two Corrections Advisers.

The 23 men and 7 women who received medals are part of a 1,201 strong UNMIL multinational police force deployed in Monrovia. They are serving in a number of areas including Operations, Crime Services Department, Planning, Reform and Restructuring, and Leeward Counties. Ghana has been contributing police troops to UNMIL since September, 2003.

The Ghanaian police contingent in UNMIL consists of 34 UN police officers, 2 Immigration specialists and 4 Corrections officers. The Ambassador of Ghana to Liberia, H.E. Francis Adu-Amanfoh, senior UNMIL officials and other dignitaries were also present at the occasion.

Pirates attack British ship off Liberia coast

2007-05-15T07:41:00.001-07:00

Machete-wielding pirates boarded a British cargo ship over the weekend, forced its crew to disembark and stole the ship, the vessel's captain said Monday.

A U.N. helicopter saw the 3,500-ton ship being towed away and one person was arrested in connection with the incident, U.N. spokesman Ben Malor said.

Two boats towed the vessel deep into neighboring Ivory Coast's waters, Malor said.
The ship, the MV Tahoma Reefer, ran into engine problems off Liberia's

coast and docked in Monrovia, where the crew was awaiting mechanical help, said Volodymr Shteynberh, the ship's captain. Four days after it docked Saturday, two fishing boats approached the cargo ship and around 25 pirates jumped aboard brandishing machetes, Shteynberh said.

The captain said three crew members were injured before the ship was towed away in the direction of Ivory Coast. "Two received cuts on their heads," Shteynberh said.

The ship was carrying several thousand tons of fuel used to power the vessel.
Shteynberh said he was worried that if the fuel spills into the ocean, "it will cause serious ecological problems for the coast and for the region."

The ship was sailing under the flag of the Caribbean nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Source: Associated Press

Pirates attack British ship off Liberia coast

2007-05-15T07:41:00.000-07:00

Machete-wielding pirates boarded a British cargo ship over the weekend, forced its crew to disembark and stole the ship, the vessel's captain said Monday.

A U.N. helicopter saw the 3,500-ton ship being towed away and one person was arrested in connection with the incident, U.N. spokesman Ben Malor said.

Two boats towed the vessel deep into neighboring Ivory Coast's waters, Malor said.
The ship, the MV Tahoma Reefer, ran into engine problems off Liberia's

The captain said three crew members were injured before the ship was towed away in the direction of Ivory Coast. "Two received cuts on their heads," Shteynberh said.

The ship was sailing under the flag of the Caribbean nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Source: Associated Press

Nigerian Movie Star Want Liberians to Sustain Peace in their Country

2007-05-14T09:55:00.000-07:00

A visiting Nigerian movie star has called on Liberians to work towards sustaining the current peace in the country.

Stella Damasus Aboderie says the sustenance of the current peace is important to the rebuilding of the war-ravaged country.

She called on Liberians to make use of the continuous goodwill of the international community and rebuild the shattered infrastructure.

The Nigerian Movie Icon is visiting the country at the invitation of the World Food Program to help in the fight against hunger.

U.S. UNIVERSITY, PREZ JOHNSON-SIRLEAF SIGN 'MOU'

2007-05-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and Dr. JoAnn W. Haysbert of the Langston University Signs the MOU

(Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA) President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Langston University President, Dr. JoAnn W. Haysbert, have signed a memorandum of Understanding in Langston, Oklahoma city. As part of the MOU, signed on Saturday, Langston University students representing majors from six schools, (Agriculture and Applied Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Education, Business, Physical Therapy, and Nursing and Health Professions) will provide education and intensive study sessions with counterparts in Liberia.

The Institute will also establish a working relationship between the Central Agricultural Research Institute and the Agricultural Program of Langston, in reinvigorating agriculture with particular emphasis on the livestock sector. Langston has established an international reputation in the area of agriculture research and extension with special emphasis on small ruminants (goats).

According to an Executive Mansion dispatch from Oklahoma city, the MOU also establishes a ‘Study Abroad Service Learning’ for the period of Mary to July each year, to work with young girls and women, through projects known as GIVE, (the Girls Investing in Valuable Education) and GROW, (Giving Real Opportunities to Women), through the AME University, Cuttington University College, the University of Liberia, and selected schools.

Langston has also agreed to provide five scholarships for Liberian students matriculating at the University to pursue graduate studies in one of over thirty majors being offered by the school, commencing academic 2007 – 2008.

The University and government will also work actively to send visiting scholars to Liberia and bring Liberian scholars to Langston to strengthen teaching, research, and extension capabilities. The Institute has an active visiting scholars program in the School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences.

Langston, through the Office of Academic Affairs, will coordinate and foster additional initiatives with other Historic Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and women’s organizations to assist the Government of Liberia in the Liberian Education Trust imitative.

Langston University President, Dr. JoAnn Haysbert, speaking of the MOU said her institute, through the MOU, will further endeavour to fulfill its mission of educating individuals to become global learners and at the same time educate them to become global leaders in helping to meet the needs of nations throughout the world.

For her part, the Liberian President thanked the Langston University family for the initiative, which she noted would make a very valuable contribution to the country’s commitment to improving and enhancing the educational capabilities of the people, particularly young women. The President, who served as keynote speaker at the 107th commencement convocation of the University, urged graduates to strive for excellence by working individually and collectively to impact communities and the lives of the people.

Fassu Kelleh Writes Anonymous Accuser, Says he is a man of reputation

2007-04-12T11:12:00.000-07:00

I have read your post from one of your browsers who refused to be named, and has chosen to hide behind his pen so that he/she might not take responsibility for an irresponsible action. Fortunately, I would not choose to dignify or glorify the story with my most valuable time had it not been for the benefit of the many readers that might come across the story. With complete dismay and disappointment and worse still, by a writer that is afraid to show his/her face.

Firstly, the author/accuser does not know FASSUE KELLEH and therefore a complete stranger to my personality. Contrary to the writer's claim that I am a former Charles Taylor’s official, I am not.

I fled the Taylor regime just after appointing me to the Free zone; the entity had no money, no budget and no account; it did not have a single vehicle. Prior to my appointment to the entity, I had imported some vehicles from Europe. I gave two to the entity, one for utility and one for the use of my then deputy Howard, and me with expectation that the entity might later pay.

It did not until I fled and advised my then deputy to pay for the cars to my then manager. Up to date, I yet to receive a single payment for the cars ; Howard and other former employees know it.

Secondly, that I took public money to educate myself/seek higher education in the USA can only be attested by Hamline University and the Minnesota State since I still owe tons of dollars in student loan and serves as the pull factor to the state to pay my bills and further my education where possible.

Thirdly, I currently have two of my children in college, in Ghana and Liberia respectively. I paid my boys fees from my money market through my then employer, the US Bank, Minnesota where I worked as auditor for over five years and resigned only from Liberia.

And finally, the author's claim that my accuser from the Lotteries is right cannot be disputed as the Lotteries' accuser is as right as this author who does not know me in any form and shape.

It is foolhardy and miss-calculation that I bought and imported one SUV; I really imported three and all the employees and the overseer, the Vice President of Liberia, Ambassador Joseph Boakai’s office know just better.

Notwithstanding, what is common in this country is to thrive on the excellent reputation of good people with impunity. That must end! Some of us have taken all it takes, from student days to present, to build the virtuous characters and reputation and respect we enjoyed today.

What the author does not know is that T. Fassue Kelleh was once a household name and will therefore jealously guide that. If anything the author envoys in Fassue, I advise that he/she strives to excellent him/herself similarly so that there be no cause for false cries.

Recently a man who did not state his name wrote the GNN regarding a story posted entitled, “Liberia Lotteries in Crisis, As Fassue Kelleh Leaves with Clean Hands”, the Anonymous writer said, “Mr. Fassue Kelleh is a dishonest man.

He went from a low paying job in the USA to Liberia to get a government job, so that he can embezzle to corporation. That is exactly what he did. He went back to the USA on holiday, and bought a Toyota SUV and shipped it to Liberia. He has leased a home in Mamba Point.

All this with stolen government money, he stole money to provide for his further education in the USA, and to pay for the higher education of his children. His accuser is correct. Fassue Kelleh did not leave the institution with clean hands. May be the employees who are claiming that he is a good man are all women. He is a ladies man, an immoral man who leads an immoral life. He is a former Charles Taylor era government official and should not be either trusted or given the responsibility of any other position in the government.”.

UNMIL Boss Assures Liberia of U.N. Support, Launches Humanitarian Action Plan 2007 Monday

2007-04-07T14:29:00.000-07:00

The UN Envoy to Liberia, Mr. Alan Doss has re-assured Liberians that the UN Mission in Liberia - UNMIL - will not leave the country prematurely. He was speaking at a medal presentation ceremony in the southeastern port city of Harper, Maryland County during which Senegalese peacekeepers were decorated, for their contribution to the UN peacekeeping operation in Liberia.

“UNMIL is not leaving yet” he declared. “We will not put at risk the gains that have been made so far in returning Liberia to peace and stability”.

The Special Representative of the Secretary General, acknowledged the progress made in the country since the inception of the UN Peace Mission in October 2003, saying, Liberia was on the path to recovery after long years of conflict, but he noted also that West Africa had not yet escaped the shadow of conflict. “We cannot be complacent. We must continue to be vigilant and provide essential security until the national security forces are ready to take over”.

Mr. Doss commended the contribution of the Senegalese peacekeepers to the progress taking place in Liberia. He said their daily patrols, escorts, and check-point duties have helped maintain security in Maryland County and contributed to the realization of UNMIL’s principal mandate of establishing and maintaining a stable environment in Liberia.

Mr. Doss praised the Senegalese soldiers for going beyond their peacekeeping duty to provide assistance to local communities, and reminded them of their fundamental duty of care to the people of Liberia, especially women and children, urging them to strictly abide by the Secretary-General’s policy of zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse.

At the same event, Mr. Doss also inaugurated a Peace Monument erected by the Senegalese peacekeepers as a symbol of cooperation between the Senegalese contingent and the people of Maryland County.

The medal-presentation ceremony was attended by UNMIL Force Commander, Lieutenant-General Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor, the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, the UNMIL Director of Administration, Stephen Leiberman and county authorities.

In a related development, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator is expected on Monday, 9 April, to launch the Common Humanitarian Action Plan 2007 in Monrovia.

In 2006, the United Nations agencies and partners identified three strategic priorities for humanitarian assistance in 2007: provision of basic social services to vulnerable populations; revitalization of returnee communities for security and productive livelihoods; and strengthening of civil society and local authorities. This launch is to raise funds to address these strategic priorities.

“I prefer to be with the dead than the living”, Resident of Grave sites in Monrovia Tell Reporters

2007-04-07T04:30:00.000-07:00

Several young women and men who were early this week picked up by police authority in Monrovia for living in graves as their residence have vowed to resist government’s order to forcibly evacuate them.

Most of those arrested by the police are said to be hidden criminals who are regularly snatching away people belongings, including cell phones and other valuables during broad day light.
The police also accused some of those arrested of being armed robbers who have broken jail several times in the city.
During a visit at the Center Street graveyard Friday afternoon by the GNN, some those who escaped police arrest and were returning at their respective graves; some burst into, said they will not be deterred to live in graves, “we are comfortable her”! One of them, perhaps in her late 30s who refused to be named shouted at our reporter, stressing, “Let the government leave us alone. Go and tell the President, we are comfortable here.”
The lady who appeared drugged with a bottle of stout and cigarette between her fingers told the GNN that many of them living in the graves were people from good families, but could not afford to pay rent, “some of us here my brother, are products of recognized academic institutions and from good families , but can not find a single employment. We have no money to pay rent, so for this reason we find ourselves in this position,” sipping her stout and puffing her un-named cigarette said.
As our reporter tour the cemetery, many of the kids (10 -14 -15 years old) were seen undisturbed as they went on playing on top one of the graves, one of the Junior Nagbe, 15 with a jar of filled with cigarettes of all types, said he was carried to the grave site by his uncle who was earlier caught in the police raid prior to the arrival of our reporter, adding, “I live here with my late mother’s brother. He was arrested this morning by the police, When the police came all of us ran away on the other side,” pointing his hand to the Gurley Street side of the cemetery.
Residents around the Center street cemetery who spoke to the GNN said they were concerned about the growing number criminals in the area, “the government must do something about these gangsters. We are under threats every day and night. When these criminals steal from people, you will see them running in the grave yard for rescue,” Rev. Emmanuel Johnson, a pastor of one of the churches in the area said.
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APRIL 6, 2006 : A day to remember - Reflection by Patrick Nimely-Sie Tuon (USA)301-662-3627

2007-04-07T04:21:00.000-07:00

On this day in 1996, Charles Taylor and Alhaji Kromah, after killing thousands of Liberians separately, the two merged their murderous gangs in Monrovia and unleashed a bloodbath on innocent Monrovia residents under the pretext of trying to arrest Roosevelt Johnson. After a weeklong long of killing spree, more than 1500 Monrovia residents were slaughtered my two blood-thirst warlords.

This day, like many other days, when evil covered the clouds over Liberia, is bringing back bad memories to the relatives of the victims who must re-live this horror each year when the perpetrators, except Taylor, are walking around freely due to the policy of our current president who sees bringing those responsible for crimes against humanity in Liberia as witch haunting.

It was during this time, Charles Taylor's other plan was revealed to the public, which is, use the confusion to eliminate his would-be enemies. Leading that effort to eliminate Taylor's enimies was John T. Richardson, a man who recently raise money to built a monument for Charles Taylor, and responsible inducting young children as old as 6years into his so called "Small Boy Unit" of the NPFL.

Richardson and his gang of muderers came very close to killing Archbishop Michael Francis, but were successful in setting fire to offices of several news papers, especially The New Democrat.Charles Taylor and his supporters never forgot the satire documentary by New Democrat's editor and publisher Tom Kamara entitled "The Trial Of Charles Ghankay Taylor." Because of this Tom Kamara was always a target for Taylor's henchmen. In January of 1998, Joe Mulbah, the Taylor regime Minister of Information, denied the New Democrat its registration.These are very, very painful memories, and they are memories that will not go away until the issue of impunity is addressed

Liberia's Cultural Ambassador to Thrilll Liberians in the U.S. with her latest

2007-03-14T10:55:00.000-07:00

Liberia’s Cultural Ambassador, Madam Juli Endee and the sensational Nimely Pan African Dance group Company are expected to thrill Liberians in the Amercias with the lastest songs of the Liberian Cultural Ambassador.

According to a dispatch, the Lao Family Community Center at 320 W. University Avenue at St. Paul MN 55103 is expected to be the venue of this occasion on April 1st, 2006.

Madam Endee will release her latest songs which are now on CDs, thousands of Liberians who resides in that part of the US are expected to witness their own Liberian Cultural Ambassador live on stage for the first time doing her latest song on CD " BOLOBOLO".

Liberians today Celebrates the "DEAD"

2007-03-14T04:20:00.000-07:00

Liberians from all over are today celebrating Decoration Day, a day set aside by the National Legislature to celebrate the dead and clean up grave sites in the country for those friends, relatives and love ones who passed away.

Thousands of relatives, friends and love ones were today seen in long queue with their paints, white wash and other decorative materials preparing to get to their respective grave sites. While others are using this day for merry making, as some glued to their bottles of beer, stout and other drinks of their choice.

Speaking to the GNN, Sam Davies, 24, said he had gone to the Center Street grave site as early as 6AM this morning to help paint the grave of his late mother who die during the height of the Liberian civil war.

“My mother died when I was six years old, she was killed by the NPFL rebels, according to my father who is now in the wheel chair,” Sam in a sad mood glued to his bucket of white wash told the GNN.

Like Sam, dozens of others told similar stories about their dead friends, relatives and love ones during a tour of various grave sites in the city and its environs.

As others were weeping bitterly about the death of their friends, relatives and love ones, others were joyously celebrating the day with loud music being heard from giant size speakers, “I am today happy to celebrate this day; it was the day my late son passed away. Peter, 10 years old died from severe malaria two years ago,” a happy father in a jolly mood said.

U.S. CONGRESS HONORS BLACK PRESS

2007-03-14T03:13:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, DC—- The U.S. Congress is expected to give special recognition to the Black Press on its 180th anniversary during the annual observance of Black Press Week, March 14-17.

A congressional resolution introduced by the leadership of the Congressional Black Caucus will be presented to officials of the National Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation, sponsors of Black Press Week, and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the trade group for the more than 200 Black newspapers.

The resolution will cite the historic role of the Black Press as the strong, influential voice of the Black community beginning with the anti-slavery movement and the founding of the first black newspaper, Freedom’s Journal on March 17, l827.

Major highlights of Black Press Week include the annual Newsmaker of the Year Awards Dinner on Thursday, March 15, honoring New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin, representing the nation’s continuing concern over the gulf area devastated by Hurricane Katrina, the Tuskegee Airmen, and Simeon Booker, who recently retired after serving for 50 years at the Washington Bureau Chief for Ebony and Jet Magazines.

The dinner will be held at the Capital Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C.According to Dorothy Leavell, Chairman of the NNPA Foundation board of directors and publisher of the Chicago and Gary Crusader newspapers, NNPA editors and publishers will have a series of issue-oriented meetings with members of the Congressional Black Caucus, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and top officials of the Republican National Committee.

At a Friday, March 16 luncheon at Howard University, an Enshrinement ceremony will be held to induct two NNPA publishers into the Black Press Hall of Fame. In addition, for the first time, special recognition will be given to the ‘’Unsung Heroes of the Black Press,’’ those reporters of Black newspapers who covered the civil rights movement in the south during the height of the violence.

These former reporters include Moses Newsom, of the Baltimore Afro-American, Dorothy Gilliam, of the Tri-State Defender, and Simeon Booker, of Jet Magazine. For additional information and tickets to the Newsmaker Dinner call (202) 488-4948.

After Bryant's Arrest, Rights Lawyer Wants LPRC Boss Arrested, Accused Gov't of "Selective Justice"

2007-03-14T02:36:00.000-07:00

Followed the arrest of former NTGL Chairman, Charles Gyude Bryant yesterday for his alleged involvement of stealing public funds in the tune of over one Million United States Dollars and later released on bill, a local human rights lawyer, Dempster Browne has accused the Liberian Government of “Selective Justice”.

Counselor Browne told reporters in Monrovia that the arrest of the former Liberian leader for corruption by the Liberian government should not be done on what he called “on a selective justice” basis, but rather go across the board and arrest others who have embezzled public funds with impunity.

Counselor Browne made specific reference of the current Managing Director of the Liberia Petroleum Refining Corporation (LPRC) Mr. Harry Greaves, who he said has been caught in the ongoing corruption saga at the corporation.

He said the action taken to arrest of only former officials of government by the Ellen led-government and not current officials who are also accused of the same act is ugly in the sight of civilized individuals, and described the action by the government as been a “selective justice.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Free Democratic Party (FDP), Siafa Gbollie, says the arrest of the former NTGL Chairman by the Liberian government is “not fair” and called on the Liberia government to give him a free and fair trail.

He the former leader should be lauded for his efforts to restoring the dignity of the country during his reign, “this man must be praised for him bringing us peace during his tenure as Chairman of a transitional government that gave way to a free and fair elections in our country,” Mr. Gborllie said.

Liberian Leader Arrives in Japan Sunday, Seek More Financial Support for Liberia

2007-03-09T12:26:00.000-08:00

President Sirleaf

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and her delegation are expected to arrive in the Japanese city of Tokyo this weekend (Sunday) at the invitation of the Japanese government.
According to report, during her stay in Japan, President Johnson-Sirleaf will be received by His Majesty the Emperor, have talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. President Johnson-Sirleaf is also scheduled to deliver a lecture at the United Nations University
President Johnson-Sirleaf will be the first Liberian President to visit Japan. It is expected that her visit will further enhance Japan-Liberia relations in various fields.
President Johnson-Sirleaf will be accompanied by three ministers including the Foreign Minister. This will be her third visit to Japan after a 14-year interval.

As “Foul Play Discovered”, Liberians Urges Gov’t to Allow SRI Take over CRP for Job Opportunities

2007-03-08T03:52:00.000-08:00

As Liberians crave for job opportunities followed countless year of joblessness as a result of a long years civil war, thousands of Marylanders in the South East of the Country are calling on the Ellen led Government to speedily allow the Salala Rubber Investment (SRI) to take control of the Cavalla Rubber Plantation (CRP) in order for their livelihood to be improved.

Speaking to our Correspondent in Pleebo, Maryland County, the frustrated jobless Liberians said they were disheartened and disappointed of recent news that the Ministry of Agriculture which is clothed with the task to protecting the workforce of the Country was playing what they called, “delay tactics” in allowing the SRI to take over the CRP which has been dormant for years.

SRI recently offered to infuse some US$25 Million into the Cavalla Rubber Farm in the County, a move the over 1,500 frustrated former employees of the CRP said was a great sign for the improvement of the Liberian economy and for them to regain their status as bread winners in their family.

“We have credible information that the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Chris Toe is putting in some demands to thwart the good efforts of the SRI management. Some of these demands, according to our information, include a cash request from the Minister of Agriculture before given green light to the Company to operate,” speaking to our correspondent in Pleebo, the former employees of CRP alleged.

The former CRP employees further called on the Liberian government not to listen to the current management team at CRP, headed by former Nimba County Superintendent, Harrison Karnwea that condition at the Plantation has been improved since the Rubber Planters Association took over the plantation, adding, “situation at this plantation is still the same, we can not comprehend while Mr. Karnwea should give false information to the press,” Daniel Saydee one of the employees who has been haired by the CRP said.

Early this week, the General Agriculture & Allied Workers Union of Liberia (GAAWUL) told a major news conference in Monrovia urged the Liberian government to allow the SRI, a reputable London-based company to immediately take over the CRP in Maryland County in order to bring relief to hardship faced with thousands of unemployed Liberians in that part of the country.

Speaking further, the President of GAAWUL, Mr. Lavelaku Stanley said his organization was confident that upon the conclusion of an agreement with the Liberian government, SRI-Limited would provide better facilities and benefits for employees of CRP and citizens of the county.

Mr. Lavelaku Stanley said SRI-Limited would also provide equipment, rehabilitate roads and construct housing units and schools. He told journalists that the company would also build factory and plant more rubber. Mr. Stanley called on government to quickly sign the agreement with SRI-Limited for the benefit of the Liberian labour force.

Meanwhile, other Liberians spoken to in Monrovia welcome the idea of SRI taken over the CRP in the county, “ This will greatly help the people of that part of the country to restart their lives and fee their families,” Professor at the University of Liberia James Woart who himself is a Marylander said.

Professor Woart warned the Minister of Agriculture not to compromise the interest of the people of Liberia, but rather assist them to make life for themselves, “the Ministry of Agriculture should be seeking means of helping the unemployed instead,’ the professor warned.

In order to continue our investigation, a team of the GNN is expected to visit Pleebo to get details on the CRP/SRI taken over fracas.

Body of Sam Hinga Norman Handed Over to Family

2007-03-07T12:28:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE
Freetown, Sierra Leone, 7 March 2007

The body of Sam Hinga Norman was handed over to family members today after being returned to Sierra Leone from Dakar, Senegal.

Mr. Normanâ€™s body was flown by helicopter from Lungi International Airport to the United Nations headquarters in Freetown, arriving just before 1:00 p.m.

In a brief but solemn ceremony, Special Court Registrar Lovemore Munlo, SC and a representative of the family signed a document which formally handed the body over to family members.

Mr. Norman was taken to Dakar last month for a routine medical procedure which is not available in Freetown. The procedure was performed successfully on February 8. On February 22, Mr. Norman collapsed in his hospital room. Doctors attempted unsuccessfully to revive him.

IMPUNITY FOR WAR CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN

2007-03-07T12:25:00.001-08:00

By Louise Arbour

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
The plight of victims of sexual attacks during conflict has come to the fore once again when last week, the International Criminal Court’s Prosecutor requested summons for two Sudanese connected with atrocities in Darfur. According to the Prosecutor, there is strong evidence pointing to the suspects’ responsibility for mass rape and other war crimes. Previously, the ICC had issued an arrest warrant for the leader of the Lord Resistance Army, a rebel group in Uganda, on the ground of war crimes, including ordering sexual enslavement and rape.
Thus, ICC action is gearing up to bolster the cumulative experience of international justice mechanisms that have brought to light specific types and patterns of sexual crimes targeting mainly women and girls in war torn zones, as well as identified individual responsibilities in their commission. The work of these courts has also highlighted the difficulties in prosecuting perpetrators and countering the culture of impunity that shields their criminal acts. Such impunity, of course, permeates all societies, be they peaceful or at war. Not by coincidence, this year International Women Day is dedicated to combating this pervasive lack of accountability. It is, however, in times of war that the effects and consequences of impunity are at their starkest. This is due both to the widespread, systematic and often sustained nature of sexual attacks and to the number and callousness of perpetrators.
Although at their most brutal in war, sexual abuses against women often stem from longstanding prejudices, a lack of equality and discrimination that had condoned such violence all along. When perpetrators go unpunished, they are emboldened to strike again, perpetuating and encouraging vicious cycles of attack and reprisal even when a country emerges from conflict. Rendering justice to the victims is, therefore, not only a moral imperative, but also a precondition for reconciliation and peace to take hold.
Yet, sexual violence has been traditionally underreported and under-prosecuted. As a result, such crimes have long been considered as regrettable but unavoidable byproducts of armed confrontation. Women as victims or pawns of belligerents could demand no recourse.
Only recently has this powerlessness been addressed, primarily by the groundbreaking work of the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. The tribunals defined systematic violence against women as crimes for which those responsible could be held accountable, thereby empowering victims to have their day in court. The creation of the International Criminal Court gave an additional boost to such emerging jurisprudence and changing mind set. Its statute stipulates that rape, sexual slavery, enforced sterilization, or any other forms of sexual violence of comparable gravity are considered as war crimes. If these acts are committed as part of widespread or systematic attacks on a civilian population, they constitute crimes against humanity.
It now remains to be seen whether governments will accede to the Court’s requests and surrender the suspects for trial. But if government non-compliance is potentially the main obstacle to the course of international justice, there are other factors that hamper prosecution. Victims of all forms of violence are often reluctant to come forward, in large part because they have little confidence that justice will be done. Although some of the perpetrators may have been apprehended, others, as well as their accomplices, may remain at large and therefore capable of inflicting further harm to victims, witnesses and their families.
The Special Court for Sierra Leone has made strides in addressing such hindrances in the face of a monumental task: as the result of ten years of conflict and the belligerents’ methods of warfare in that country, the brutality of sexual violence was extraordinary, and its victims were to be counted in the thousands. The Court benefited from its proximity to the victims, the parallel work of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission and a framework that protected the victims and ensured that their dignity was preserved. The ICC, too, is building on previous experiences and strengthening legal assistance and protection for victims.
Although the mandate and machinery of international courts have become increasingly more sophisticated and far-reaching over the years, gender justice continues to remain the exception rather than the rule. Successfully prosecuted cases represent just the tip of the iceberg. The crux of the matter in combating impunity is the requisite political will to tackle it. Often slow to gear up into motion, such political will needs to be mobilized through domestic and international pressure as well as continuous scrutiny.

Reporters on the Job: the case of GNN’s Cholo Brooks’ Trip to Guinea

2007-03-07T12:20:00.000-08:00

INTO GUINEA: Recently I, (Publisher of the GNN, J. Cholo Brooks) traveled to the Liberian/Guinean border, specifically by way of Ganta, Nimba County, in order see if the situation in Guinea between Trade Union leaders and the government was now over, and also to cover report on the influx of thousands of Liberian refugees who fled that country due the fracas.
The situation at the Liberian/Guinean border was calm and friendly as both Liberian and Guinean securities that were approached by my presence showed the kind of receptiveness, and spoke highly of the cordial relationship between them.
“We are working together to see to it that our borders are well protected. Even though, as you can see hundreds of Liberian refugees have been crossing over from Guinea daily for fear of been trapped in the conflict,” a Liberian Immigration Officer neatly dressed and preferred not to be quoted told me.
As I cross the bridge which bordered Liberia and Guinea, several Liberians mostly middle age women and children were seen making their way back to Liberia, some visibly with sweat could highly speak to me due to their long distance travel.
"They are tired, some of them are afraid of the situation that’s the reason why they are leaving without anything, even food for the little ones to eat they don’t have it,” a Liberian now in the Guinean army, Capt. Lassana Kamara told me in a sample Liberian English.
Capt. Kamara surrounded with few of his colleagues well armed, said his commander who he named as Col. Pierre has just left before my arrival at their guidepost ordered that “Liberians coming from Guinea for Liberia should not be harassed, and if one is caught doing such to these wearied Liberians fleeing trouble will be dealt with,” Capt. Kamara told me.
Such warning from the Guinean securities gave me strength and confidence that my reportorial duty at that moment would be protected during my five hours stay in that part of Guinea. In fact my zeal to travel further beyond that point had grown to a level which took me to another Guinean commercial City of Nzerekor.
As I drove from the border on a motorbike arranged by my Guinean military friend (Capt. Kamara), the only and easier means to travel freely in that part of Africa I was told to display my Press Identification Card (ID) on me for security reason wherever I am interacting with people in the area.
As I drove on the bike exodus of Liberian refugees fleeing from their various camps were seen alone with their children walking; some children as young as 5,7,11 years old were also walking on their bare feet (without any foot ware).
After several hours of rough ride on the bike which was graced with terrible dust from the highway, I finally reached the much talked about Nzerekore commercially jammed parked with both fleeing citizens from other nearby cities, towns and villages and Liberian refugees.
Some residents who spoke to me through an interpreter in this populated Guinean City, said they were all wearied of the Country’s Trade Union strike action, “we are confused of what is obtaining from Conakry, as you can see people from other regions of the country have left and are here for rescue,” Mamade Seila, a petty trader said.
Due to my lack of the French language, I was compelled to haired one interpreter, Jakateh Moussa, 36, who claimed to have lived in Liberia in the early 1990s during the civil war. He was indeed helpful during my six hours stay in that city; gathering pieces of information about Guinean Trade Union strike action which crippled bulk of the country’s commercial activities.
Residents who spoke to me called on their fellow compatriots to press forward their demands to the government, “despite the hardship we’re going through due to the strike action, Conte must give us what we want,” a Guinean shoemaker, only named as Mamus asserted.
Before leaving this Guinean commercial City, my interpreter Moussa, received from me his fees ($US10.00), and promised to contact me at a later date. I drove safely with my chartered Motorbike back at the Liberian/Guinean border and back to Monrovia. This report is the first in the series of the many to come.

As Ghana Celebrate 50th Natal Day, President Kufuor grants amnesty to 1,206 prisoners

2007-03-06T01:52:00.000-08:00

As Ghana celebrates its 50th Independence, President John AGyekum Kufuor has granted amnesty to 1,203 prisoners on humanitarian grounds in commemoration of the Golden Jubilee of independence, the Minister of the Interior Albert Kan-Dapaah said in a statement on Monday.

The statement said 1,150 first offenders who had served half or more of their sentences were to be released outright.Eleven 11 prisoners who were seriously ill and incapacitated and would not pose any threat to society, three aged prisoners who were over 70 years of age and weak and would not constitute any threat to society and, two nursing mothers who had had a character change and one prisoner serving the President's Pleasure were also to be released outright, the statement said.It said 36 on death row had their sentences commuted to life sentence while three prisoners on life sentence had their sentences commuted to a definite term of 20 years.

DPI Makes Progress In Building Liberia's Damaged Economy

2007-03-06T01:44:00.000-08:00

One of Liberia’s major distributors of petroleum products, the Ducor Petroleum Incorporated (DPI) is said to be making progress in building more service stations to help reduce the high rate of thousands of unemployed Liberians.

According to a release from the head office of this Liberian owned company, the DPI has started establishing additional prominent stations in Totota, Bong County, Congotown in Montserrado County and Buchanan in Grand Bassa County.

These stations are expected to employ over 100 Liberians when completed these areas, we will bring you update of this Liberian owned company.

As Mittal Steel Contract Goes before Senate, Bribery Seems Imminence

2007-03-06T01:36:00.000-08:00

To deliberate on the ratification of the world’s largest steel company contract, Mittal Steel, the Senate Committee on Land, Mines, Energy, Natural Resources and Environment is today, Tuesday expected to hold public hearing on its agreement.

According to a release, the hearing will take place in the Senate’s Chamber at the Unity Conference Center in Virginia, outside Monrovia. The Committee is therefore calling on the public and interested individuals to attend the hearing.

But as the Senate Committee hearing underway today, reports published in local dailies indicate that the Mittal Steel ratification has been holed up before four legislative committees for the past weeks with reports that some Representatives are forcefully demanding US$10,000.00 apiece, while others have confirmed demanding US$3,000.00 as petty cash to hold public hearings before the bill can be pass.

The local daily quoting Maryland County Representatives, Dr. Bhofal Chambers, as saying, “There are some disturbing news coming from committee rooms which indicates that some of our colleagues are demanding US$10,000.00 apiece before a final vote can be taken as regards the Mittal Steel Bill,” Dr. Chambers told reporters.

Speaking further on the issue, Sr. Chambers said, “that may not be the case, but if that is true, then it is absolutely unacceptable because everything that needs to be done with that bill has already be done and I don’t see why the delay in the passage,” the Maryland County Representative stressed.

For his part, House Judiciary Committee Chairman and head of the four committees now deliberating the Bill, Armah Sarnoh said he is not aware of any of his colleagues demanding any money, adding, “that has not been brought to my attention, but we have asked the company for US$3,000.00 as petty cash to enable us to hold public hearing,” Representative Sarnoh in a relaxed mood told reporters.

Some observers who spoke to the GNN expressed disappointment on the part of the House of Representatives to demand a cast token of $US3,000.00 from an investor who is planning to provide job opportunities to jobless Liberians.

“I am baffled and disappointed of this news. You want to tell me our lawmakers can not perform their duties with asking for bribe or cold water?” Sampson Gueh, a student at the University of Liberia Political Science Department in a confused state told the GNN.

Meanwhile, GNN will bring you an update of the Senate Committee hearing as regarding the ratification of the Mittal Steel Contracts in our subsequent report.

Snowe Faces Police Tomorrow to Answer Corruption Charges - Will he escape justice?

2007-03-05T03:10:00.000-08:00

The former Speaker of the Liberian House of Representatives, Mr. Edwin Melvin Snowe is expected to face a team of investigators at the Headquarters of the Liberia National Police on charges of corruption on Tuesday.

Last week the former speaker was invited at the police station to answer to corruption charges levelled against by the ECOWAS Audit Team, the UN Panel of experts, the European Union and the LPRC Tax Force, linking him to the misapplication of over a Million United States Dollars from the LPRC coffers during his tenure.
The former speaker who is currently serving as Representative for District #5 in Monrtserrado County has since denied the charges levelled against him, blaming Mr. Harry Grieves, Jr., current Managing Director of the LPRC of being behind the plot to disgrace him.

The former speaker may likely be stripped off his legislative immunities during the investigation. However, some political observers who spoke to the GNN late last night by way of mobile phone believes that invitation extended the former speaker by the police may lead him forfeiting his immunities as a lawmaker.

Since the beginning of this year, the former speaker has been facing series of challenges regarding his qualification to lead that august body. The first was a call by his colleagues to have him removed as Speaker, and now he is now been invited by the police to answer charges of corruption.

“Former Speaker Snowe is heading for his disgrace again, this time he is been sought to prove his innocence on the misappropriation of millions of United States Dollars while at the LPRC; what good for John also good for Paul – You pull robe, robe pull bush,” Patrick Tuckers, an employee at the LPRC who preferred not to be named told the GNN in an interview.

Many who spoke to the GNN over the weekend called on the Liberian government not to be selective in dealing with corrupt officials, “since these former officials are been chased, the same should be done with the current ones, who believes that the culture of impunity should be their livelihood,’ John Dennis, a local rights advocate adding his voice to the Police/Snowe fracas said.

Speaking further Mr. Dennis said Liberians have suffered for too long in the hands of individuals who feel that they are always untouchable whenever crime is committed by them, especially the misapplication of public funds, “the days of government officials eating tax payers’ money at the detriment of the sufferance massive are over. These guys must face justice,” Mr. Dennis stressed.

GNN Boss to Receive Int'l Media Award for "Good Reporting"

2007-03-05T02:48:00.000-08:00

L/R: Brooks seen interviewing the Bangladeshi Commander and UNMIL Force Commander

The Head of the Global News Network and Publishers of the GNN News Online, Mr. J. Cholo Brooks has been nominated among 15 selected journalists coming from the five continents of the world to participate in the 2006 Lorenzo Natali Prize Award for working journalists.

According to a communication from the 15th Lorenzo Natali Prize of the European Commission-DG Development addressed to the GNN boss, and signed by Zuzanna Podosek-Perrin, said, “You wrote an article entitled “Rural Liberia Gets Face-Lift from UNMIL Bangladesh Engineer Contingent which appeared on Friday, June 29, 2006 which appeared in the Liberian Times. That article of quality drew our attention and asked that you to compete the Lorenzo Natali Prize 2006 of European Commission.”

The communication further said, “The European Commission has committed itself to support and congratulate the written press journalists who will have shown remarkable judgement in their articles on Human Rights and Democracy issues in the development world,” the European Commission-DG Development communication said.

“A donation of 50,000.00 EUROS are envisaged for 2006 in order to reward the 15 selected journalists who are written and online press and working for local media in the following five world regions: Europe (Member States and Central, Eastern and Mediterranean Europe) Africa, Arab World, Iran and Israel, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean,” the communication further stressed.

The communication also disclosed that the winners of the award are expected to be invited for the handing-over of the prizes which will “proceed in Brussels in May 2007.”

Mr. Brooks a former Correspondent of the BBC African Service prior to setting up the GNN worked for several news online including the http://www.africanevents/, http://www.trouwnewspaper.com/ of the Netherlands, http://www.limany.org/ and http://www.theliberiantimes.com/. His institution the GNN also publishes two weeklies, The Star and The Weekend Newspapers.

Mr. Brooks’ fearless coverage of events especially during the early days of the Liberian Civil War 1990-1996) made him to win the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) 1994 “Foreign Correspondent of the Year Award”.

Liberians Want former Transitional Chairman Prosecuted for corruption as "deterrent", but others disagreed

2007-03-04T12:35:00.000-08:00

As the legal battle to prosecute former National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL), Chairman, Businessman Charles Gyude Bryant heats up, several Liberians in Monrovia and its environ are calling on the Liberian government to speedily bring to justice their former leader who has been charged for corruption. During an in interview with cross section of Liberians over the weekend, a team of GNN reporters gathered that most of those interviewed called for the prosecution of former Chairman Bryant and six former officials who have been charged of stealing millions of United States Dollars from government coffers.

“Former Chairman Bryant must face justice, and if found guilty be prosecuted. This will serve as a deterrent for others who are presently serving in this government and want to do the same, by stealing the Liberian people’s money,” Junior Sumo, a taxi driver given his impression about the issue said.

“We hope what has been started by this government, the Ellen led government to prosecute former officials for corruption will continue ….it should not be limited to only former Chairman Bryant’s government alone,” a middle age petty trader, Sarah Barclay in a serious tune said.

“The culture of impunity in our society must stop. Let Bryant and his former officials be given a free and fair trail, and if found guilty be brought to justice to face the full weight of the law,” Samuel Johnson, II, a student of the AME Zion Community College in Monrovia told the GNN.

As others want Bryant and others prosecuted, some others interviewed by the GNN expressed displeasure of how former Chairman Bryant and his officials are be persecuted by the Liberian people, “this is like a biblical story; those without sin must be the first to throw stone. Many of those who are calling on the prosecution of Bryant and others must be careful; if you’re in glass house don’t throw stone. This is what I can say,” Elizabeth Collins a businesswoman said.

Last week former Chairman Bryant was finally indicted and charged by a Grand Jury for “theft of property” for allegedly diverting over one-million United States Dollars during his tenure as chairman of the former NTGL. According to reports, the former chairman refused to justify to the investigators on how he utilized the US$1,397,255.00 in question.

According to legal practitioners here the former chairman’s act is in violation of Chapter 15, Section 15.51 (a,b & c) of the new penal law of Liberia which states that a person is guilty of Theft if he knowingly takes, misappropriates, converts or exercises unauthorized control over, or makes an unauthorized transfer of an interest in the property of another with the purpose of depriving the owner thereof.

For his part, former chairman Bryant challenged those who accused him of stealing money from the nation’s coffers, “"If you can prove that I committed crime when I was in office, go to the court. My lawyers will vigorously defend me. We have laws in our country. The constitution is clear,” the former Liberian leader boastfully told reporters in Monrovia.

As Sirleaf Launches Nation-wide Cabinet Meetings, Marylanders in high Gear for the arrival

2007-03-04T01:39:00.000-08:00

Thousands Marylanders Await President Sirleaf Arrival, as she Launches Nationwide Cabinet Meeting

Preparation is said to be in progress in Harper, the administrative capital of Maryland County – home of Liberia’s 18th President, the late President William V.S. Tubman for the arrival of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in that part of the country at the end of this month.

Already a high power delegation of technical staff from the General Services Agency (GSA) is currently in Harper to conduct an assessment in order to prepare damaged public buildings for the arrival of the President in the county, according to the GSA Director General, Mr. Willard Russell.

The GSA Director General said after the assessment an estimate would be submitted to the Central Government at which time the funds will be provided for what he called, “quick action would be put in place for all the renovation of these damaged facilitates, including the Presidential Guesthouse, the City Hall and the Administrative Building,

Speaking to the GNN via mobile phone, an Executive of the Maryland Union, John Willie said preparations are been made for the arrival of the president, adding, “we are making necessary preparations to give the city a face-lift for the arrival of our mother,” Mr. Willie in a jolly mood said.

Observers believed the move by the president to take members of her cabinet to the people worth commendable, “this exercise been undertaken by her would afford those individuals in her government who over the years refused to visit their counties to do so by force,” Mr. Willie further told the GNN.

According to the Liberian Chief Executive the holding of her cabinet would be done throughout the country on a rotational basis, the first county to witness the arrival of these cabinet members and Chief Executive will be Maryland County.

FPA Discloses Sam Wlue's Arrival In the U.S.

2007-03-03T02:58:00.000-08:00

Mr. Sam Wlue

According to informative FrontPageAfrica News Online, the fortmer Commernce Minister Samuel Wlue who reportedly fled Liberia amid an investigation into his alleged corrupt activities during the National Transitional Government of Liberia, has arrived in the United States.

Wlue, according to unimpeachable sources arrived in the U.S. on Friday and is reportedly in the Philadelphia area where has friends and relatives. Philadelphia is also the home to Tiah J.D. Slanger, the former Commissioner of the Bureau of Maritime Affairs, who fled Liberia in 2005 after being charged with economic sabotage.

In Corrupt Charges: Sam Wlue Escapes Justice; Flee the Country, As Snowe Faces Police for Questioning

2007-03-03T02:20:00.000-08:00

Liberia's Justice Minister, Francis Johnson - Morris

One of the charged officials for corruption in the former Charles Gyude Bryant’s government, (The National Transitional Government of Liberia) Mr. Sam Wulue has reportedly escaped the country, according to Justice Ministry Sources.

Sam Wlue, former Minister of Commerce and Industry and four others in the former government including former Chairman of the NTGL were charged for allegedly steeling millions of dollars from the country’s coffers by the Liberian Government.

According to sources, the former Minister escaped while under bound issued by the Magisterial Count in Monrovia awaiting further trail.

For his part, the former Chairman of the NTGL, Mr. Bryant was also charged for stealing more than $1 million from Liberia's coffers while in office.

Gyude Bryant, who led the interim government from October 2003 until when current President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf took office in January 2006, had previously been accused of embezzlement in a report issued by the Economic Community of West African States.

Police had questioned Bryant in recent months as part of a wide anti-corruption campaign, and government officials said they finally had enough information to issue charges.

'Mr. Bryant has been formally charged with theft of property,' Information Minister Laurence Bropleh said, adding the figure of $1.3 million 'could go higher.'

Bryant took office as the country emerged from civil war and totalitarian rule by Charles Taylor, who fled into exile in Nigeria in August 2003 and is awaiting trial for war crimes in a U.N.-backed court for atrocities committed by his forces in neighboring Sierra Leone.

Liberia is still recovering from more than a decade of war and unrest, with limited electricity even in the capital, poor roads and wrecked industries. Sirleaf has spent much of her first year in office leading a crackdown on government corruption that Liberians have applauded.

Bryant declined to comment on the charges. One of his lawyers said they were awaiting the government's proof.

'If you make a charge, make sure you can support the charge,' Samuel Clark said. 'It is just not fair to make allegations when you have no proofs of those allegations.'

Bryant had said earlier that he believed he would be protected by immunity given to sitting heads of state.

In a related development, Mr. Edwin Melvin Snowe, former Speaker of the Liberian parliament was yesterday invited by the Liberian National Police for questioning on corrupt charges.

Mr. Snowe who previously served as Managing Director of the Liberia Petroleum Refining corporation (LPRC) has also been accused of steeling over one Million United States dollars while at that corporation.

During yesterday’s appearance, Mr. Snowe’s legal Counsel told the police that his client was ill and prayed to appear next week Tuesday for the matter.

Profile of DPI in Photos

2007-03-02T03:03:00.000-08:00

The CEO of DPI Amos P.K. Brosius, I and his his able staff

Ducor Petroleum Intensifies operations in 3 More Counties, Provides More Jobs

2007-03-02T01:44:00.000-08:00

Amos P.K. Brosius, I.
CEO of DPI

The management of Ducor Petroleum Incorporated says it has started massive operation for the construction of more station in the suburb of Monrovia and other parts of the of the country.

Speaking to the GNN the Chief Executive Officer, Amos P.K. Brosius, I., said his Company has taken the initiative as of next week to tackle two Counties, including Margibi and Grand Bassa.
He said presently his Company is in Nimba and Bong Counties providing services and employment in that part of the country.
Due to the high rate of unemployment, DPI is working to help in reducing this high rate of Unemployment in the country.

READ www.businessnewswatch.blogspot.com for more stories on this company

Another Firestone Worker Wounded by Illicit Tapers

2007-03-01T13:14:00.000-08:00

One more officer of the Plant Protection Department in Firestone has been seriously wounded in an illicit tapers’ attack.

Officer John Borbor was amongst a group of PPD officers patrolling the Division Forty-four Area on Tuesday night when the illicit tapers attacked.

Borbor explained that they were pursing the illicit tapers carrying several containers of latex when the men regrouped and wasted the acid on him.

He said the men had cutlasses, knives, acid water in plastic bottles and other sharp instruments that made it difficult for the officers to retrieve the latex containers.

Borbor is currently undergoing treatment at the Firestone Medical Center in Harbel.

Dozens of people have been either wounded or killed as a result of illicit tapping activities in Firestone.

Sundaygar Dearby Makes Headway in U.S. , Liberians Dancing to his Greatest Hits

2007-03-01T02:10:00.000-08:00

(FrontpageAfrica)

His big hits, “Who Knock on My Wife” and “Baboon wants to become President” are huge party poppers at many Liberian gatherings and parties, but Sundaygar Dearboy is taking it all in stride as he wraps up his first tour of the U.S.

Dear boy, currently on tour in the United States arrived on the scene in 2004 with and the hit song has been widely received. ”In fact that’s what brought me up and everybody began to fall in love with it,” says Dearboy. This weekend, the Liberia’s Entertainer of the Year will rock Detroit in his final appearance at the Liberian Hall.

“The tour has been tremendous so far and we are getting ready for his farewell concert in Detroit this weekend,” says Emmanuel Toe, Dearboy’s promoter. “The outpour has been tremendous, especially wonderful.” Toe says many of those who attended Dearboy’s last concert in Maryland were left craving for more from the artist who is rapidly making waves among Liberians in the Diaspora and back home.

In terms of success of the tour, Dearboy says he has been around a lot of cities and people have embraced him with open arms as they sing and dance to his pulsating sounds. ”The tour was basically intended to introduce myself and my music to the Diaspora audience and making sure that musicians back home reap the benefits of their labor and this is the kind of tour I’m trying to do. I’m receiving a lot of good vibes.”

This week, Dearboy hopes to become the first local Liberian artist to film a music video – of the hit song, “Who Knock on My Wife”. “This is the first time a Local Liberian musician would be doing the video. The live shoot is planned for the concert on Saturday,” says Toe. Later this year, Dearboy will headline a Liberian Music festival along with the LIB Queen.

Word-of-mouth about Dearboy’s sold-out tours is generating calls from several Liberian communities in the U.S. Says Toe, “the Liberian community has been very helpful. Rhodes Island, Minnesota, Dallas, Atlanta and other places have come knocking on our doors, hoping to get Dearboy to perform in their area.

For Dearboy, the success of his tour has convinced him that the sky is the limit. “What one man can do, everyone is capable of doing but what no man can do, no man dreams about it. The final destination may be far from you, but we are all going there. You can make sure you realize your dream. With the help of Emmanuel Toe and other Liberians in the U.S., everything is going on well and we are making sure that we make a lasting impact on our people. We have to realize that we can make life better for our people. Keep your heads up high and I will never disappointment you, I will always come out with more hits to excite my fans but beyond that we have to build an institution that will recognize the talents of Liberians.”
”The message basically is how we can all live together. These songs basically speak of the ills of our culture and how we can address them. When it comes to promoting unity and peace in the sub-region, I believe my music has done a lot.”
Sundaygar Dearboy, Liberian MusicianDearboy says the motivation for the hit song,” Who Knock on My Wife” came as a result of the war which resulted into forceful marriage and abuse of women. “Thus, I decided to come out with that song as a song decrying the many ills in our society with respect to the situation I just mentioned to you, with the hopes and aspiration that people will related to it.”
Dearboy says his thought process was right as a lot of people have identified with the song. As a result of the war, many husbands and wives went their separate ways; the sanctity of marriage went out the door as many fell prey to one of the unheralded problems of the war. “A lot of people men came and told me how their women were taken away from them, not by way of arms but by other people coming around and taking their women because they had the upper hand. Others women left them because of peer pressure but it was not only limited to women. The equilibrium was created with men leaving their wives as well. So it was well accepted,”
Says Dearboy.
The singer says while he hasn’t really written a song that spoke against violence against women, “Who knock on my wife” is an exceptional tribute to a problem that plagued many families during the fourteen-year civil war.
His focus, he says has been singing songs that promote the heritage and culture or the Liberian environment and Africa as a whole. ”The message basically is how we can all live together. These songs basically speak of the ills of our culture and how we can address them. When it comes to promoting unity and peace in the sub-region, I believe my music has done a lot.”
Currently, Dearboy says he’s working along with the New Vision, Toe and entertainment organizer, Junda Morris and making sure that Liberians back home are benefited in so many ways. “As a matter of fact, Dearboy says while in the U.S., he visited the first black CD, DVD center in the U.S. where he was able to talk to owners and encourage them to go and invest in Liberia so that the sales of CDs and duplication won’t give us hard time as it is doing now. “They expressed concern and they will be going as a matter of fact in May to make an assessment. So those were some of the successfulness of my trip here. Though, I’m a businessman, I’m not involved in mining or other things but I’ve met other people who have expressed interests with respect to how I talk with them.”
Dearboy’s music has already caught the interest of some businesses in the U.S. Maurice Morton, a U.S. attorney and entrepreneur says he was overwhelmed by Dearboy’s music and personality and is planning an assessment team to Liberia shortly.
“I actually met with him last week. Some partners and I we actually have a strong interest in going to Liberia and helping out anyway we can. We met with his folks here and we’re trying to look at some of the opportunities and ways we can actually get African-Americans over there to see how we can help whether it is to invest or do business,” says Morton.
Morton says when Dearboy came in town he met with him and his partners and told them about some of the opportunities in Liberia - “and then he also brought his music. His music is outstanding, his message is outstanding.”
As a result, Morton says he is making efforts to get Dearboy’s out there and at the same time try to let people know about the opportunities in Liberia. “We should go back and invest in our own land as supposed to others going over. So that’s how we came across. We have a lot of the same interests so we want to help each other out.”
Maurice says he and his team hopes to be in Monrovia by April on an assessment mission.
“The main point of the first visit, Morton says is hopefully to meet with some government officials, take a look at the land and opportunities and see what the needs are and see how we can help be it infrastructure needs or whatever the needs may be, we can help bridge that gap and the connection between black-owned businesses in Liberia .”
As one of the few Liberian artists who weathered the storm and stayed in Liberia throughout the war, Dearboy has used his music to plea to Liberians to exercise patience with the young government of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.

The result is “Manage it “Like That Papa Will Soon Come,” an up tempo-style sound that covers Sirleaf’s inauguration day lament when she spotlighted the hardships many Liberians face in making ends meet.

“As you know, in our various communities and towns, our children have a way of greeting their fathers when they come home after a long, tiring day of trying to find the means to feed the family that night and send the children to school in the morning.

They say, "Papa na come." For too many times, for too many families, Papa comes home with nothing, having failed to find a job or to get the help to feed the hungry children. Imagine the disappointment and the hurt in the mother and the children; the frustration and the loss of self-confidence in the father.”Through the message of this story, Sirleaf said she wanted Liberians to know that she understood their plight.
“This is a song model after a phrase in President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s inauguration when she spoke of government recognizing the livelihood of the people to be improved and during her administration she will make sure that papa comes.”
Dearboy says a lot of people are expecting papa to come right away when the government took over within two months time but some of the expectations may be unfair to the young government presiding over a country emerging from war. “I feel that as a musician disseminating information through songs I have an obligation to sensitize the public, manage it like that, Papa will soon come.”

American Billionaire Gives US$30M to Liberia for Private Sector

2007-02-28T13:12:00.000-08:00

An American billionaire, Robert Johnson has committed thirty million U.S. dollars to the private sector of post-war Liberia.

Finance Minister Antoinette Sayeh told reporters the commitment was made the just-ended Private Sector Conference in Washington D.C.
Minister Sayeh said Mr. Johnson has also promised to work with OPIC for the achievement of its objectives.
According to Minister Sayeh, the Private Sector conference was jointly sponsored by OPIC and the International Finance Corporation.

PROFILE OF ROBERT JOHNSON

Robert L. Johnson, Business Personality / Media Mogul

Born: 8 April 1946
Birthplace: Hickory, Mississippi
Best Known As: Founder of Black Entertainment Television

Robert L. Johnson is the founder, chairman and CEO of Black Entertainment Television (BET). He is also the majority owner of the the Charlotte Bobcats of the National Basketball Association. Johnson grew up in Illinois and earned a graduate degree in international affairs from Princeton University. In the early 1970s Johnson found himself in Washington, D.C. during the early expansion of cable television. After a few years as a lobbyist for the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, Johnson borrowed money to start his own cable brand, BET. Launched in 1980, it was profitable within five years. In the early '90s BET became the first African-American-controlled company to be traded publicly on the New York Stock Exchange. In 1998 Johnson bought it back and then sold it to Viacom, pocketing a reported $1.5 billion himself and retaining his position as chairman and CEO. Since then Johnson has continued to expand and diversify the BET brand, and in 2003 he became the owner of a new National Basketball Association franchise, the Charlotte Bobcats.

Ducor Petroleum Receives Commendations From Several Liberians

2007-02-28T12:29:00.000-08:00

Ducor petroleum Petroleum Incorporated (DPI) which recently launched its services to the public nationwide has been praised by several Liberians for its initiatives to reduce the high rate of unemployment in the country.

Speaking to the GNN, two executives of one of the local rights group, The Liberian Youth for Democracy (LYD), Jeremiah Smith and Samuel Daniels said they were over happy for the level of assistance this Liberian owned company is doing for the youths of Liberia.

The youth leadership said the management of Ducor Petroleum Incorporated must be highly commended, "other Liberians who are in business must follow the good example of this company," they stressed.

For the benefit of our many browsers we again bring you this profile on the company read below.

(Visit our sister webpage www.gnn-globalnews.blogspot for interesting photos of the company)

Speaking to the GNN, the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Amos Brosius said this was his own way of helping to boost the Liberian economy.

The young Liberian business executive who previously worked for the Mobil Oil Liberia Incorporated for over decades said his company, the DPI has established several gas stations troughout the City and its environ and also established branches in five of the fifteen counties of Liberia.

"At present, Our service have beyond Liberia, as we are currently supplying neighboring country like Guinea and hope to do same with other country soon, once the support if given us” the DPI CEO boastfully told the GNN in Monrovia.

Below is the DPI Chief Executive Officer profile, featured recently:

As Liberia gradually returns to the state of genuine stability under the leadership of Africa’s first female President, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberian entrepreneurs are making all efforts to rebuild the Liberian economy which was destroyed over a decade ago as a result of a civil war.

One of these finest and industrious Liberian entrepreneurs who is striving to boost the growth of the Liberian economy through the establishment of a company to rapidly reduce the high rate of unemployment in the Country is no other but the General Manager of the Ducor Petroleum Incorporated, Mr. Amos P.K. Brosius, I.

Despite his appearance at first sight which confuses people due to his youthfulness and simplest interaction with people, Brosius manages the most reliable and serviceable petroleum distribution stations throughout the country, the Ducor Petroleum Incorporated, a subsidiary of the Monrovia Oil Trading Company (MOTC).

Due to its reliability and professionalism of its workforce, DPI services to the NGO community as well as International Organizations and Churches throughout the Country is been appraised by thousands of Liberians for the level of professional services has been provided by this Liberian owned company.

DPI headed by this learned Liberian, has grouped strategic areas in Monrovia for its service provider, including Bushrod Island Jamaica Road junction, where the Head office of the company is located, Center Street (Central Monrovia), Lone Star Filling Station in Gardnersville (Jacob Town).

For its outstations, DPI covers Ganta; Nimba County, Buchanan; Grand Bassa County Totota/Gbarnga, Bong County and Kakata, Margibi County. According to Mr. Brosius, it is his management’s desire to spread its wings through the length and breathe of the country by providing professional and reliable services to the nation.

With the support of his partner and major supplier in the petroleum business, the Monrovia Oil Trading Corporation (MOTC) which was established six years ago is said to be making a tremendous move alone with the DPI in helping to create and build confidence in the Liberian economy.

The setting up of DPI’s distribution networks throughout the country and managed by a staff of trained Liberian energetic professional individuals has indeed proven that this company is doing everything possible to empower Liberians in order to become masters of themselves in the future.

Mr. Brosius a 1996 product of the nation’s highest institution of learning, the University of Liberia where he sincerely earned for himself a BBA Degree in Accounting is happily married to beautiful and charming Ms. Hawa Fatta, now Mrs. Hawa Fatta Brosius, both are blessed with four (4) kids, two boys and three girls with ages 8, 5, 2 and one month old baby.

Mr. Brosius who believes in hard work and honesty has over the years worked with several reputable companies, including the Liberia Produce and Marketing Corporation (LPMC), and Mobil Oil Liberia Incorporated where he was also admired due to his professional handling of his assigned job, as Accountant.

While working at Mobil Oil Liberia Incorporated, he was privileged to have undergone several local and international exposure and training in Togo, Senegal, the Ivory Coast and the Republic of Ghana acquiring various techniques and experience through the sponsorship of Mobile Liberia limited, a gesture which he highly pleased with.

His professional services at Mobile at that time made his former bosses and other employees to missed him; being a man of integrity and diligent, others urged him to work for them but refused on ground that he was opting for his own business to help reduce and help to employ his fellow compatriots.

While also at this company (Mobil Oil Liberia Incorporated), according to some of his former workmates, the DPI Executive was always wining the hearts and minds of his bosses and receiving the highest appraisal every year from the company’s overseas office in Europe and the Americas. Similar honour was also given him at the end of last year (2006) when several media houses, honoured him for his valuable contribution to the state and its people.

His dream has today has become a reality, being a proud man to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of one of Liberia’s most reliable petroleum distributors which is measuring arms with some of the country’s biggest distributors in such business, “our services will cover the entire country, just give us some time”, Mr. Brosius relaxed behind his giant size desk in his office located at Jamaica Road Junction, Bushrod Island boastfully said.

When asked about his philosophy, the Gasoline and Petroleum guru smile and said, “The best way to happiness is to seek to make others happy”. Her said he has invested over half a million United States Dollars into the business and hope to invest more for the benefit of the Liberian people who will be catered to through the distribution of his products Nationwide.

Given his message to his fellow Liberians who may want to grow to become successful in business, Mr. Brosius urged them to “learn to be honest and committed and live within your means and pay your taxes regularly. These are the recipes for a successful businessman or woman”, the young Liberian business man stressed.

Mr. Brosius due to his hard work and interest in helping to reduce the high rate of unemployment in Liberia has also involved himself into farming. Presently he is operating a 10 acre farm land on the Monrovia/Roberts field highway where vegetables of all kinds are being harvested.

Speaking further, Mr. Brosius said 10 to 15 persons have been hired daily at a rate of US$5.00 per person, making sure that the ‘Green Revolution’ that was launched prior to the Liberian civil war regains its status. “This farm was recently harvested with lots of cabbages and other edibles vegetable,” Mr. Brosius.

Several Liberians spoken to by this writer called on other Liberian entrepreneurs to follow the good example of Mr. Amos Brosius who has taken the nationalistic initiatives to provide jobs for Liberians.

U.S. soldier gets 100 years for Iraq rape, killings

2007-02-28T04:59:00.000-08:00

FORT CAMPBELL, Kentucky (AP) -- A U.S. soldier was sentenced to 100 years in prison Thursday for the gang rape and murder of an Iraqi girl and the killing of her family last year.
Sgt. Paul E. Cortez, 24, also was given a dishonorable discharge. He will be eligible for parole in 10 years under the terms of his plea agreement.
Cortez, of Barstow, California, pleaded guilty this week to four counts of felony murder, rape and conspiracy to rape in a case considered among the worst atrocities by U.S. military personnel in Iraq.
In his plea agreement, he said he conspired with three other soldiers from the Fort Campbell-based 101st Airborne Division to rape 14-year-old Abeer Qassim al-Janabi. The girl, her parents and a younger sister were all killed.
Earlier Thursday, tears rolled down Cortez's face as he apologized for the rape and murders. He said he could not explain why he took part.
"I still don't have an answer," Cortez told the judge. "I don't know why. I wish I hadn't. The lives of four innocent people were taken. I want to apologize for all of the pain and suffering I have caused the al-Janabi family."
The military judge hearing the case, Col. Stephen R. Henley, issued a sentence of life in prison without parole, the maximum for the charges. Under military law, the defendant is given the lesser sentence unless he violates terms of the plea agreement, which requires Cortez to testify against others charged in the case.
Psychologist Charles Figley testified that Cortez and the other soldiers likely suffered stress brought on by fatigue and trauma.
"It eats you up," Figley said. "It's a horrible thing. This is not unique. We've seen this in other wars."
Five soldiers who served with Cortez in Iraq testified that his actions were out of character and described the hardships of war they experienced, including sleep deprivation and the lack of running water.
"I just never would have seen it coming," said Staff Sgt. Tim Briggs, who has known Cortez for five years and served with him in Iraq.
Prosecutors said the stress was no excuse for the actions of Cortez and the other soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division, based at Fort Campbell.
On Wednesday, Cortez described raping the girl in her family's home in Mahmoudiya last March, along with Spc. James Barker, 24. Barker pleaded guilty in November to rape and murder and was sentenced to 90 years in military prison.
Cortez said this week that former private Steven D. Green raped the girl in front of him; shot her father, mother and sister; and then shot her in the head. He also testified that the soldiers attempted to burn the girl's body; burned their own clothes; and threw the murder weapon, an AK-47, into a canal in an attempt to dispose of the evidence.
Cortez was found not guilty of more serious charges of premeditated murder and conspiracy to premeditated murder.
Pfcs. Jesse Spielman, 22, and Bryan Howard, 19, await courts-martial. Green, who is accused of being the ringleader but was discharged from the military before being charged, will be prosecuted in a federal court in Kentucky.