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Archive for January, 2012

Liberian Media Under Attack: Government Failed to Show Evidence

Moses Owen Browne Jr

Monrovia, Liberia: The Government of Liberia failed on Thursday to produce evidence against three media institutions it says broadcast inflammatory messages a day before the November 8 run-off presidential election.

Appearing before Criminal Court A, the Liberian government, represented by Solicitor General Wilkins Wright failed to produce substantive evidence in the case regarding the closure of the three media institutions: Power TV, Kings FM and Love FM, but issued a subpoena requesting the stations to produce evidence against themselves, which many legal experts see as a ‘scare tactic’ on the part of the government to muster the press.

Peter Quiqui, President of the Press Union of Liberia questioned the credibility of government and termed the decision “strange and troubling for Liberia’s democracy.” Mr. Quiqui however, reemphasized that the move by the Unity Party-led government is intended to intimidate the media.

Moses Owen Browne, Jr., a Monrovia-based correspondent, writes for The Liberian Dialogue. He can be reached at[email protected].

January 14, 2012 | 0 comments | View Post

Autistic Children on the Rise

An autistic child will remain autistic for the rest of his or her life. Autism is a neural disorder whose origin is still unknown.

Director and scientist of the Biomedical Research Network Centre of Mental Health (Cibersam, Spain) affirms that autistic children suffer numerous alterations that affect their infant development. These effects are due to the neural disruption of the child from the very start.

Today, autism presents itself in one out of 250 children. In the 1970s, five children out of 10,000 were diagnosed as autistic. This means that there has been a 40 percent increase during the last 35 years. However, not all experts agree on the causes of this disorder. A group of Norwegian researchers from the Haukenland University Hospital (Bergen) deny the existence of an “autism epidemic”. www.cda.org/popup/amalgam_spanish

It is crucial to have in hand all necessary tools and good judgement during the time of diagnosis in order to tackle and correct behavior alternations derived from autism. Many parents are afraid of this moment. They become terrorized and lose the ability to confront the situation. They even come to doubt that the life of their child will be a healthy one. Life, in whatever shape or form, is always a joy; existence is a divine gift.

Moreover, experts emphasize on the importance of warning families about not undertaking any treatments without a scientific foundation, such as the consumption of Vitamin C mega-dosages, or the elimination of certain nutrients.

The Orange Foundation in collaboration with different associations specialized in autism, promote projects and initiatives aimed at integrating autistic children in today’s society, a society that is going through a Technological Revolution. While learning, the children become familiarized with touchscreens and mobile smart phones, which are specially made for them.www.fundacionorange.es/

 

Father Galiani affirms that a child receives his or her entire education during the first years of life. However, we do not perceive such process in an explicit way, because the child has not yet developed the ability to speak. (Translated by Gianna A. Sanchez-Moretti)

Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of publicity and press relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.

[email protected]

January 14, 2012 | 0 comments | View Post

COL's Winston Tubman Endorsement Profoundly Disappointing

I am not an Ellen supporter. I am not a Winston supporter, either. I did not support any of the candidates that vied for the Liberian presidency in 2011. I am however, for a candidate who genuinely supports democracy, the respect of the rule of law, and strives to build a livable and prosperous Liberia.

Those cherished beliefs bind some of us together inextricably like conjoined twins, and also separate others with dissimilar beliefs at a time when many Liberians, historically, would rather be in bed with those that exploit our land, our natural resources and people, disrespect them, and even use them as sacrificial lambs to achieve their selfish financial interests and political goals.

It is a broken record when mistakes of the past that can be corrected are pushed aside conveniently out of intellectual expediency to justify a brand of political activism that advocates playing along; when playing along is not an option but mere cowardice and shameless politicking that does not serve the interest of the Liberian nation and people.

It is profoundly disappointing when individuals whom we look up to for inspiration, and whom we expect to stand up for what’s right because it is the right thing to do, engages in shameless window dressing and incredibly compromising positions in the name of advocating change for the sake of advocating change to maintain a different version of the status quo.

Playing along to show that a group is engaged in a worthy political cause by endorsing one problematic presidential candidate over the other – Winston over Ellen - two controversial individuals with similar ties and backgrounds comprised of entrenched oligarchic connections, special interests politics and international ties, no significant contributions to Liberia’s development and progress before dabbling into presidential politics, and swirling allegations of corruption and misappropriation, is laughable.

The Coalition of Liberian Professionals for Grassroots Democracy (COL), recent endorsement of presidential candidate Winston Tubman, and the reasons given for the endorsement is an obvious example of a one-dimensional assessment that is intellectually vague, platitudinal, dishonest on its face, and truly an attempt as one key member of the group told me to choose between the “lesser of two evils.”

“We do not believe that the continuity of the incumbent leadership serves the best interests of our people and health of our democracy. Counselor Winston Tubman and his running mate George Weah offer a better alternative,” the COL endorsement press statement noted.

“The Tubman-Weah ticket, combining the old and experienced (Tubman), and the young and dynamic (Weah) offer the best model and example for ushering in generational change. They bring a fresh vision and new beginning for change rooted in the grassroots of the Liberian people. They are of the party for change. Change for a better life for the unemployed, the youth and the downtrodden masses. Counselor Tubman has vowed to give his fullest attention to the TRC Report and bring reconciliation in Liberia as one of his major goals when elected”, the COL’s press statement again noted.

What best model, and what change? Winston Tubman, the best alternative? So is the COL saying that the (convictionless) Tubman model of hopping from one political party to the other, his alleged selling of the Liberian embassy, and his rejection of the election results most observers believe are free and fair the “best model” that gauged Tubman’s fitness for the presidency of Liberia?

Why didn’t Winston Tubman, the diplomat steer the “young and dynamic” Weah and his CDC supporters away from embracing or advocating violence when the election did not go their way?

What’s missing in the COL endorsement press statement is a public censure of the unstatesmanlike conduct and less than stellar performance of the “old and experience” Tubman known for his obsession to be President of Liberia.

However, when a group such as the COL attempts to influence monumental change that has the potential of affecting lives, there must always be a thorough examination of the pros and cons of the issues, a need to plan ahead, and also a need to have a back-up plan that if challenged can stand the torrent of criticisms that will come later.

Because the national elections were planned years in advance, COL should have also prepared in advance for the unexpected by organizing, recruiting, mentoring, supporting potential candidates financially, and fielding politically astute progressive legislative candidates who shares their values and vision for the country; to have an air-tight influence and impact on the national agenda, public policy and the national debates that will follow later.

Knowing that NEC Chairman James Fromoyan would be at the helm of the national electoral process in 2011, the Coalition of Liberian Professionals for Grassroots Democracy (COL), the candidates, and the political parties should have spearheaded a protest opposition movement years ago and demand the immediate removal of Fromoyan before the elections are held.

By waiting after the elections are held and cry electoral fraud because Tubman and Weah did not win, as is the case with the other candidates and their political parties proves Tubman and all his ilk are not concerned about Liberia’s security and future but themselves. What if Winston Tubman or another candidate were the winners of the first round of voting? Will there be a clarion call to remove Fromoyan?

Since the COL did not spell out the candidates’ platform but was busy pushing an endorsement press statement, I visited the Tubman/Weah campaign website to know the candidates’ plans for Liberia’s future, once they are elected president and vice president respectively.

A brief summary of the Tubman/Weah vision for Liberia as posted on their website:

The Tubman/Weah team wants to revive our nation and restore the great Liberian pride, and wants to restore just equitable and constitutional governance. Preserve and protect our people and our nation; clean our society, our environment; promote economic development and growth; restore credibility in the international community; promote technological development and advancement, and encourage traditional culture and values.

Unfortunately, candidate Tubman’s website did not mention any bold and visionary groundbreaking policy initiative that fundamentally contrasts his positions from Ellen’s.

With unemployment as high as over 80%, there is no mention of jobs creation, improving health, education and infrastructure development, and did not mention a plan that addresses the thorny issue of self-sufficiency and the massive production of rice on Liberian soil.

Candidate Tubman did not even mention in his platform/website decentralization of government, electing Mayors, Superintendent, and other officials of government, and the issue of allowing the political sub-divisions to collect and spend their own tax dollars?

The “old and experienced Tubman” did not advocate the economic empowerment of Liberian small business owners to compete with foreign businesses in Liberia, and did not even mention the dual citizenship issue, and “out of country” voting that will allow Liberians in the Diaspora to vote in their country’s elections?

The truth is: Ellen and Winston are the same person with the same message who craves to be president by any means, and at any cost.

January 14, 2012 | 0 comments | View Post

COL’s Winston Tubman Endorsement Profoundly Disappointing

I am not an Ellen supporter. I am not a Winston supporter, either. I did not support any of the candidates that vied for the Liberian presidency in 2011. I am however, for a candidate who genuinely supports democracy, the respect of the rule of law, and strives to build a livable and prosperous Liberia.

Those cherished beliefs bind some of us together inextricably like conjoined twins, and also separate others with dissimilar beliefs at a time when many Liberians, historically, would rather be in bed with those that exploit our land, our natural resources and people, disrespect them, and even use them as sacrificial lambs to achieve their selfish financial interests and political goals.

It is a broken record when mistakes of the past that can be corrected are pushed aside conveniently out of intellectual expediency to justify a brand of political activism that advocates playing along; when playing along is not an option but mere cowardice and shameless politicking that does not serve the interest of the Liberian nation and people.

It is profoundly disappointing when individuals whom we look up to for inspiration, and whom we expect to stand up for what’s right because it is the right thing to do, engages in shameless window dressing and incredibly compromising positions in the name of advocating change for the sake of advocating change to maintain a different version of the status quo.

Playing along to show that a group is engaged in a worthy political cause by endorsing one problematic presidential candidate over the other – Winston over Ellen - two controversial individuals with similar ties and backgrounds comprised of entrenched oligarchic connections, special interests politics and international ties, no significant contributions to Liberia’s development and progress before dabbling into presidential politics, and swirling allegations of corruption and misappropriation, is laughable.

The Coalition of Liberian Professionals for Grassroots Democracy (COL), recent endorsement of presidential candidate Winston Tubman, and the reasons given for the endorsement is an obvious example of a one-dimensional assessment that is intellectually vague, platitudinal, dishonest on its face, and truly an attempt as one key member of the group told me to choose between the “lesser of two evils.”

“We do not believe that the continuity of the incumbent leadership serves the best interests of our people and health of our democracy. Counselor Winston Tubman and his running mate George Weah offer a better alternative,” the COL endorsement press statement noted.

“The Tubman-Weah ticket, combining the old and experienced (Tubman), and the young and dynamic (Weah) offer the best model and example for ushering in generational change. They bring a fresh vision and new beginning for change rooted in the grassroots of the Liberian people. They are of the party for change. Change for a better life for the unemployed, the youth and the downtrodden masses. Counselor Tubman has vowed to give his fullest attention to the TRC Report and bring reconciliation in Liberia as one of his major goals when elected”, the COL’s press statement again noted.

What best model, and what change? Winston Tubman, the best alternative? So is the COL saying that the (convictionless) Tubman model of hopping from one political party to the other, his alleged selling of the Liberian embassy, and his rejection of the election results most observers believe are free and fair the “best model” that gauged Tubman’s fitness for the presidency of Liberia?

Why didn’t Winston Tubman, the diplomat steer the “young and dynamic” Weah and his CDC supporters away from embracing or advocating violence when the election did not go their way?

What’s missing in the COL endorsement press statement is a public censure of the unstatesmanlike conduct and less than stellar performance of the “old and experience” Tubman known for his obsession to be President of Liberia.

However, when a group such as the COL attempts to influence monumental change that has the potential of affecting lives, there must always be a thorough examination of the pros and cons of the issues, a need to plan ahead, and also a need to have a back-up plan that if challenged can stand the torrent of criticisms that will come later.

Because the national elections were planned years in advance, COL should have also prepared in advance for the unexpected by organizing, recruiting, mentoring, supporting potential candidates financially, and fielding politically astute progressive legislative candidates who shares their values and vision for the country; to have an air-tight influence and impact on the national agenda, public policy and the national debates that will follow later.

Knowing that NEC Chairman James Fromoyan would be at the helm of the national electoral process in 2011, the Coalition of Liberian Professionals for Grassroots Democracy (COL), the candidates, and the political parties should have spearheaded a protest opposition movement years ago and demand the immediate removal of Fromoyan before the elections are held.

By waiting after the elections are held and cry electoral fraud because Tubman and Weah did not win, as is the case with the other candidates and their political parties proves Tubman and all his ilk are not concerned about Liberia’s security and future but themselves. What if Winston Tubman or another candidate were the winners of the first round of voting? Will there be a clarion call to remove Fromoyan?

Since the COL did not spell out the candidates’ platform but was busy pushing an endorsement press statement, I visited the Tubman/Weah campaign website to know the candidates’ plans for Liberia’s future, once they are elected president and vice president respectively.

A brief summary of the Tubman/Weah vision for Liberia as posted on their website:

The Tubman/Weah team wants to revive our nation and restore the great Liberian pride, and wants to restore just equitable and constitutional governance. Preserve and protect our people and our nation; clean our society, our environment; promote economic development and growth; restore credibility in the international community; promote technological development and advancement, and encourage traditional culture and values.

Unfortunately, candidate Tubman’s website did not mention any bold and visionary groundbreaking policy initiative that fundamentally contrasts his positions from Ellen’s.

With unemployment as high as over 80%, there is no mention of jobs creation, improving health, education and infrastructure development, and did not mention a plan that addresses the thorny issue of self-sufficiency and the massive production of rice on Liberian soil.

Candidate Tubman did not even mention in his platform/website decentralization of government, electing Mayors, Superintendent, and other officials of government, and the issue of allowing the political sub-divisions to collect and spend their own tax dollars?

The “old and experienced Tubman” did not advocate the economic empowerment of Liberian small business owners to compete with foreign businesses in Liberia, and did not even mention the dual citizenship issue, and “out of country” voting that will allow Liberians in the Diaspora to vote in their country’s elections?

The truth is: Ellen and Winston are the same person with the same message who craves to be president by any means, and at any cost.

January 14, 2012 | 0 comments | View Post

The Trouble With Our Post-War Liberian Politics

Once again, Liberia’s elite politicians are fussing over election results. They did it in 1985 following Doe’s military dictatorship; in 1997 after Taylor’s rebel gang held the nation hostage for eight years,and in 2005 under the patronage of the so-called International Community. We are witnessing it in 2011, yet under the patronizing, condescending influence of the International Community, which wants us to agree that only Ellen Sirleaf’s Ivy League education can save Liberia from its post-war predicament.

This vicious cycle of election arms twisting driven by powerful foreign interests will continue unabated unless politicians come to grips with what is potentially wrong with their postwar politics. The trouble is, Liberian political class does not have a nationalist perspective in their pursuits for power. They are ego-driven! Sadly, they do not even have the balls to preserve our national integrity. They are pawns in the hands of powerful foreign interests.

Yes, that is why after a 14-year long internecine war they are still behaving like crabs in a bucket - pulling one another down. At worst, instead of standing for the sovereignty of the nation and coordinating the aspirations of the Liberian people, they are expending their intellectual energy on posturing to foreign patrons for approval and support. That explains why they are virtually wearing American Ivy League degrees on their sleeves, and their mouths stuffed with high-sounding clichés about international standards, international this, international that. No reference whatsoever to Liberian standards, Liberian law and order, Liberian practices, Liberian legislative procedure, Liberian jurisprudence and ultimately Liberian sovereignty.

No wonder, some retired politicians in Oslo would dare influence election outcome in our country by doling out what is supposedly a prestigious award to a stooge who will protect their corporate interests at the tragic expense of our people. Or, is it any wonder that some insensitive ivory tower jurist would sit in faraway Hague and spew threats to those in opposition to bow down to the one favored by the International Community? Where is the much-heralded “home of glorious liberty” if there is no national self-determination if we as a nation cannot determine our own destiny?

One would have imagined that after the crisis which nearly erased the nation from the world map, we would have rejuvenated our sovereignty; and that would have meant reconciling the broken nation. Reconciliation ought to have been carried out with contrite hearts for it is with contrite hearts that reconciling parties would have pointed out their own wrongdoings by accepting responsibility and genuinely seek forgiveness. Mutual forgiveness would have led to national unity; hence, concerted efforts geared towards national reconstruction. That was exactly the rationale of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which was established in Accra, Ghana by the politicians and warlords. With the establishment of the TRC, we would have set up an interim government which would have steered the reconciliation process, resettled displaced Liberians, review our laws and rebuilt our broken institutions. Instead, we heavily relied on our “international partners” who for some reason rushed our nation into general elections in 2005, and put in place neo-colonialist structures through which they wield influence; and invariably installed a former World Bank staff ostensibly as savior to oversee the “plantation.” The rest is history!

And the International Community has established its hegemony in Liberia with the acquiescence of the country’s political elites. Although they flaunt these Ivy League degrees, they have virtually surrendered to these interest-driven “international partners” the requisite brainwork: critical thinking, critical analysis, strategic planning, etc. that college educated folks normally do. The foreigners do the thinking and our politicians do the acting. The latter even lack critical national consciousness and the guts to say a resounding NO to foreigners, since they have turned Liberia into a begging nation. Foreigners in the names of international observers, ICC, ECOWAS, AU, UN, NGO or better say international partners have become not only potential powerbrokers in contemporary Liberia; they virtually make decisions over the heads of our politicians – not to mention the Liberian people.

In spite of the heavy foreign influence in our internal affairs, we went ahead and set up the Truth and Reconciliation Commission which has produced a report containing plausible recommendations. The document is a potential recipe or guide for national reconciliation. However, instead of calling and working for the full implementation of the TRC report, our politicians, in a mad rush for elections paid lip service to it, thereby allowing President Sirleaf to arrogantly trash it.

None of the politicians has had the balls to call for the implementation of the recommendations. The handful of patriotic Liberians who spoke in favor of the TRC report were woefully ignored. They were effectively branded and silence in humiliating submission, thereby paving the way for another election in which perpetrators of the internecine killings – including Ellen Sirleaf who initiated and bankrolled the killings - are vying for power.

The opposition politicians did not realize that the TRC report was a potential recipe for future politics in Liberia. Why did we invest so much time and money in the work of the TRC? But it seems that our politicians do not care, reminding one of the song we children used to sing in Logan Town back in the day:

Children, children

I call you’ all
Mama, mama
we don’t care
I’ll send my dogs
Behind you’ all
you send it
we will kill it Indeed, our elite politicians don’t care. Metaphorically speaking, they are the naughty children whom Mama Liberia is calling, and the watchdogs that she is threatening to unleash on them are essentially the Liberian masses that the Liberian politicians (the children) are in turn threatening to kill. Yes, they have killed 250,000 Liberians for 14 years, haven’t they?

That is why it is safe to say that Liberian opposition politicians and the incumbent share the same characteristics. They are narcissistic, bombastic and mediocre in their approach to resolving the inherent contradictions in our nation-state. They also lack critical national consciousness. Moreover, they are too blockheaded to learn from our chaotic history. Is it any wonder that the same problems keep recurring all the time – weak institutions, breakdown of law and order, mediocrity , disrespect for the Liberian Constitution, rampant corruption, impunity, etc. – all driven by a warped neo-colonial mentality. Any opposition politician with foresight and courage would have earlier called for the immediate resignation of James Fromoyan of the National Election (NEC). Apart from his incompetence, Mr. Fromoyan is a diehard sycophant and a blind loyalist. When he ditched Dr. Tipoteh, his mentor for nearly three decades, Mr. Fromoyan literally carried Madame Sirleaf’s luggage as she traveled and coordinated the internecine war from western and African capitals.

Mr. Fromoyan is therefore a crony of Madame Sirleaf. When Madame Sirleaf was head of the bogus Governance Commission under the Gyude Bryant’s interim administration, she recommended Mr. Fromoyan as deputy to her sister Frances Johnson-Morris who as head of the NEC put her in power in 2005. Now, it is Mr. Fromoyan’s turn to give Sirleaf a second term in office.

I recall the 2005 general elections when I was among independent presidential candidates who applied to the NEC to contest the elections. We submitted our applications, but the Morris-Fromoyan election commission had difficulty serving all applicants. Eventually some of the aspirants received notices of rejection without hearing as stipulated in the elections guidelines.


When I spoke to Mr. Fromoyan on the phone and requested that independent presidential aspirants be given additional day for the submission of documents since the NEC was having difficulty handling the crowd of aspirants, Mr. Fromoyan pointedly said: “My man, you my friend. Let me tell you the true, no matter what you do, we’ll stop you.” I said, “Excuse me?” He said, “We will stop you.” And the commission did. Although we subsequently sought redress through the Supreme Court, elections went on as usual – much like what Madame Johnson-Morris told the media: “It will be business as usual”. The aggrieved candidates expected the Supreme Court to halt the process since we filed an appeal, which is a potential stay order. But the Highest Court of the nation did nothing.

JAMES FLOMOYAN is the Honorable Chairman of the National Elections Commission. It is now his turn to give President Sirleaf a second term of office. What can our opposition do about it? Can the current associate justices of the Supreme Court even halt the electoral process because of alleged fraud? One would have imagined that the Supreme Court would halt the process, considering the potential threat that somewhat chaotic situation might cast on the fragile peace that we are enjoying in our country.

I would therefore like to seize this opportunity to call on President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Government not to take for granted the looming frustration over the way the National Elections Commission is handling the process. The government must take seriously the potential danger of the situation and proceed soberly and yet expeditiously to resolve the issue. I pray hope that our beloved nation will not plunge into anarchy on the watch of President Sirleaf. Moreover, the peace and tranquility of thisrepublic is much more important than an election victory issued by the NEC.

It is saddening when Liberians and Liberian politicians fail to address a problem head on or fail to stand up in unison with those whose rights are abused. Their failure to solve problems as they arise are always resulting to stand-offs, which often threaten the peace and stability of the nation. They wait for things to fall apart and then they start complaining. They should have sensed earlier the potential conflict of interest about Mr. Fromoyan conducting the electoral process. But they have allowed him to give Sirleaf a second term. So, even though the UP Government has issued a strong warning to unknown trouble makers, the fact that no names were connected to the so-called sinister plan doesn’t sit well in this atmosphere. However, Liberians must respectfully stand in solidarity and embrace political justice, not violence.

Let us erase violence from our minds as a means of solving our disputes. Moreover, it will be a catastrophe for anyone to destroy the gains made towards the peace process by turning back the wheel of time. Furthermore, it is prudent that we chart the right course while exercising patience for the final results of the presidential elections. And if we determine with clear evidence that the work of the commission was marked by fraud, then we will have grounds to protest the final results, and take our grievances to the Liberian Supreme Court for redress.

Let us apply all legal means in resolving our disputes or dissatisfaction so as not to rein anarchy on the nation. The peace and stability of the republic is paramount than a mere victory pronounced by the National Elections Commission.

D. Garkpe Gedepoh, is Publisher/CEO African Panorama.
January 14, 2012 | 0 comments | View Post

President Sirleaf's Son in Campaign Mood Ahead of NEC's Official Declaration

Monrovia, Liberia: Even though the National Elections Commission (NEC) has prohibited political parties or individuals from engaging in premature campaign activities until it declares it official for the run-off, which is expected to be announced on Tuesday, Robert Sirleaf, son and Senior Advisor to President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf was on Sunday seen campaigning for his mother.

Mr. Sirleaf, who had gone to pay a courtesy call on youths of the Matadi Community, offered a two-year scholarship to one Alvin Clarke because of statement made by the young man who declared his support for President Sirleaf.

This, according to observers was tantamount to campaigning since the scholarship was given as a result of the young man’s promise to support Robert’s mother, the incumbent.

Mr. Clarke claimed to have voted for the Congress for Democratic Change out of sympathy. However, Clarke maintains that as a result of Mr. Sirleaf’s good work in his community, he (Clarke) was reversing his decision to vote for Madam Sirleaf during the run-off.

Assistant Internal Affairs Minister Neto Lieigh, who is also Assistant Unity Party Secretary for Press and Propaganda, and was also a member of the delegation thanked residents of Matadi for pledging their unflinching support to Madam Sirleaf’s reelection bid.

Mr. Lieigh said Matadi has always been for Madam Sirleaf; evidenced by the 2005 elections and the recent October 11 elections, where citizens demonstrated their support with massive turnout.

Mr. Sirleaf, interacting with the youths of Matadi explained that the Office of the Senior Advisor (OSA) was set up two years ago with his own funds because he wanted to put together a great team of people to help with the development of Liberia.

“The OSA was set up to work with disadvantaged and economically challenged communities, who in particular need to make a real impact for people and show others what can be done,” Mr. Sirleaf told residents.

The OSA, according to Mr. Sirleaf focuses on basic social needs like building market structures for the women, pumps, latrines, and providing solar lighting to communities in Monrovia.

Meanwhile, the National Elections Commission Public Relations Officer Bobby Livingston, appearing on a local radio talk show made it clear it is a violation of Liberia’s Election’s Law for anyone to engage in pre-campaign activities.

Moses Owen Browne, Jr., a Monrovia-based correspondent, writes for The Liberian Dialogue. He can be reached at[email protected].

January 14, 2012 | 0 comments | View Post

President Sirleaf’s Son in Campaign Mood Ahead of NEC’s Official Declaration

Monrovia, Liberia: Even though the National Elections Commission (NEC) has prohibited political parties or individuals from engaging in premature campaign activities until it declares it official for the run-off, which is expected to be announced on Tuesday, Robert Sirleaf, son and Senior Advisor to President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf was on Sunday seen campaigning for his mother.

Mr. Sirleaf, who had gone to pay a courtesy call on youths of the Matadi Community, offered a two-year scholarship to one Alvin Clarke because of statement made by the young man who declared his support for President Sirleaf.

This, according to observers was tantamount to campaigning since the scholarship was given as a result of the young man’s promise to support Robert’s mother, the incumbent.

Mr. Clarke claimed to have voted for the Congress for Democratic Change out of sympathy. However, Clarke maintains that as a result of Mr. Sirleaf’s good work in his community, he (Clarke) was reversing his decision to vote for Madam Sirleaf during the run-off.

Assistant Internal Affairs Minister Neto Lieigh, who is also Assistant Unity Party Secretary for Press and Propaganda, and was also a member of the delegation thanked residents of Matadi for pledging their unflinching support to Madam Sirleaf’s reelection bid.

Mr. Lieigh said Matadi has always been for Madam Sirleaf; evidenced by the 2005 elections and the recent October 11 elections, where citizens demonstrated their support with massive turnout.

Mr. Sirleaf, interacting with the youths of Matadi explained that the Office of the Senior Advisor (OSA) was set up two years ago with his own funds because he wanted to put together a great team of people to help with the development of Liberia.

“The OSA was set up to work with disadvantaged and economically challenged communities, who in particular need to make a real impact for people and show others what can be done,” Mr. Sirleaf told residents.

The OSA, according to Mr. Sirleaf focuses on basic social needs like building market structures for the women, pumps, latrines, and providing solar lighting to communities in Monrovia.

Meanwhile, the National Elections Commission Public Relations Officer Bobby Livingston, appearing on a local radio talk show made it clear it is a violation of Liberia’s Election’s Law for anyone to engage in pre-campaign activities.

Moses Owen Browne, Jr., a Monrovia-based correspondent, writes for The Liberian Dialogue. He can be reached at[email protected].

January 14, 2012 | 0 comments | View Post

Chronicle of a Death Trail, Persecution And Conspiracy

1. Judge on the run:

I have learnt and reliably confirmed that Judge Blamo Dixon, Presiding Judge of the Criminal Court C at the Temple of Justice, has been ordered arrested and detained on

orders of Her Honor Jamesetta Howard Wolokolie, Associate Justice In Chambers of the Supreme Court of Liberia because of his August ruling to surrender custody of my two minor children to me.

The Supreme Court Justice is demanding that His Honor Blamo Dixon produces the children even though it is evident, that I, Cllr Verdier, took physical custody of my children in court in the presence of adversary lawyer and subsequently got them out of the country as I left.

2. Murder Conspiracy-President and Wife

Before leaving the country, I had confided in several persons that my wife, Mawa Kamara, hailing from Bomi County, the same County as President Sirleaf, has been enlisted by the President, with grandeur promises, to report on my movements and eliminate me through poisoning and other subtle, untraceable, means including “juju”, black magic or by ritualistic means common in our traditional cultural setting indistinguishable from her people- and herself- as I have just come to learn. She has boasted of her connections with the President and her liaison with one of the president’s sons in my presence as well as in public to other people. She vowed to “destroy” me.

3. First Target-Jerome Jr.

Acting on confidential sources from within, I have declined to speak openly about these and repeated threats to my life so as to keep my personal life private, act with caution and not endanger or compromise sources. In the first instance the life of my elder son was in imminent danger of being sacrificed for ritualistic purposes and so I had to get him out of the country in such hurry that he missed his school graduation as president of Don Bosco High School in Monrovia. The plan was to kill him and by poisoning or other ritualistic means and blame his death on me.

Charged with ritualistic murder, I would have been humiliated and jailed without bail and whilst in prison I will be at the mercy of the Executive Mansion or state authorities to do whatever they desire with me. Forewarned, I rushed my son, Jerome J Verdier, Jr. out of the country before their plan materialized. Mawa Kamara had travelled to Ghana on a trip financed by Government as part of the scheme and just as she was returning to effectuate the plan I was concluding arrangements for his travel abroad. As she returned to the country surreptitiously to effectuate the plan she sought him for four days, saw him just once, knew his location before showing up at home without disclosing that she had seen him. His cover blown, he changed location and she didn’t get to see him again until he left from his hiding place to travel out of the country four days later unknown to her.

4. Poisoning Ingestion

Mawa Kamara had earlier poisoned my food which knocked me off after eating and was rushed by her to and hospitalized at the JFK in 2010 for eleven days where doctors, without suspicion of poisoning ingestion, diagnosed me of having the highest stage of hypertension, which according to doctors was “incurable” and I will have to live with that malady “for the rest of my life”. This was the symptom revealed by the poisoning as I have never before had any prior diagnosis of hypertension. That proved not to be the case when I was informed, again by confidential sources, that I had been poisoned with an ingestion that would kill me slowly if I do not undergo anti-poison treatment. I underwent the anti-poison treatment and immediately thereafter, travelled to the United States in the latter part of 2010.

5. Sudden streak of Motor Accidents or…?

While in the USA in 2010 I had a tragic motor accident in which I was again unhurt but hospitalized briefly, examined with noticeable fluctuation in blood pressure but doctors cautioned the need for rest as I was not hypertensive. Doctors suggested, however, that I could continue with the prior JFK recommended pills for the limited duration (remaining ten days) of my trip before returning home if I wanted to continue traveling in the USA. I cancelled my visit to Georgia Tech in Atlanta Georgia, rested and continued with my last visit at Syracuse University.

Prior to the poisoning ingestion and the tragic motor accident in the USA, I had another tragic motor accident in 2009 apparently from “break failure” coming down Crown Hill on my way to a TRC public hearing at the Centennial Pavilion when the vehicle I was driving crushed into the concrete wall down the hill. The vehicle was damaged but again I survived unhurt. This was the first time my blood pressure ever fluctuated but the doctor in Monrovia who attended to me referred me to Firestone Hospital for additional diagnosis since he found no evidence of hypertension. At firestone no trace of hypertension was found. The attending physicians declined to administer any medication to me and advised me to rest. I rested well, the blood pressure normalized and prior to the poisoning I had no symptom of hypertension.

And since the poisoning treatment I am very well again and never taken any hypertension drugs or experienced any symptomatic effect for more than a year.

6. Ambush on the High way

At this stage I’d survived an accident, poisoning attack and avoided two ambushes. Mawah Kamara went up the high way to Cape Mount County and insisted that I should go and get her and the kids so that I can speak to her Aunt, Judge Amy Musu Jones, before she returns to Monrovia with the kids. On that occasion my driver was very nervous when I instructed him to come get me. He explained with a “heavy heart” that the vehicle was followed throughout the journey until he lost them (eluded their surveillance) on the high way and he didn’t think it was save for me to venture on the high way, especially so, it was dark. I went anyway and returned without incident.

The second time, I avoided the ambush. The National Bar Association was having an enthusiastic quarterly assembly in Greenville, Sinoe County. Nearly all lawyers attended the Greenville Assembly at a distance more than five times the Cape Mount County journey from Monrovia. Mawa Kamara went out of her way to convince me to attend the assembly to “be with my fellow lawyers”. My hunch told me not to attend against her persuasion as a non lawyer. I did not attend and months later I was told by informed sources that my decision not to attend was “a life saver”.

7. Threats to Other TRC Commissioners-Government’s Indifference or complicity

Prior to this, two things happened: one Commissioner received death threats from a well placed official in Ellen’s Cabinet, ran out of the Country and filed for asylum. The second was reliable information received by two other former TRC Commissioners and myself from confidential sources that national state security elements had crafted a plan to target us in a cooked up public melee between April 12-15, 2010. The information was received differently, individually, but all pointing at the same objectives. The only action we took was to inform the US Embassy and the Ambassador made a round of calls including one to President Sirleaf as we were informed.

Government’s sole reaction was a ranting call from the Justice Minister to Commissioner Massa Washington decrying our action but offering no help.

With this background, it was clear to our/my antagonists that the strategy had to change to a more subtle, ridiculous scheme like poisoning and African ritualistic killings (the victim is infested, gets sick for a protracted period exhibiting diagnosable symptoms of a known disease but becomes incurable and die slowly) leaving no traces of state actions or complicity to murder.

8. The President’s Obsession with conspiracy

So the President, Ellen Sirleaf, assigned one of her sons to Mawa Kamara to craft and resource a plan for my elimination which included travelling to Ghana and commencing a love relationship with “the son of the president” as surety of government’s continued support to her and on Ellen’s part as guarantee she will never “spill the beans”. Both she and Ellen claim Bomi as their home County. Armed with all this information I remained calm, focused and trusting GOD to protect me and my children. I watched my back and moved around cautiously, avoiding public places and gatherings as much as possible for the last six years, during and after the TRC.

9. Who to vote for-certainly not Ellen, warlords!

I watched Mawa Kamara’s movements and disposition closely, received information on her connections, meetings, etc constantly and adjusted accordingly till I left. I stopped discussing my plans with her and gave her counter information about my movements, while I quietly consummated plans to leave the country.

Many informants told me to leave the country or at worst not to be in the country during the elections. One eerily said “it’s no joke, they want to kill you; don’t change your plans-just leave!”. I kept these plans to my chest while I appeared in public to be very visible so that any plan of travelling will not appear as an immediate possibility. Diplomats had discussions with me and wanted to know my political plans (which candidate I will be voting for) and thoughts on the elections. I shared my candid thoughts freely with them, as with everyone else, and disclosed as much as saying I will not be voting because I had no favored candidate and that I prayed the Liberian people will not vote for Ellen and others whose hands are stained with the innocent blood of our people. They is a publicly-held view of mine that is well documented. Voting them, I have expressed, will continue war time rivalry and prolong Liberia’s transition to recovery and durable peace; and because they are imbued with the mentality of war (cultivated for over a generation) which doesn’t go away easily or overnight.

10. Fear, Flight, Judge Blamo Dixon and Child Custody

So I confronted Mawa Kamara with their schemes, which was also confirmed to me by one of her relatives, and she expectedly denied it. Notwithstanding, her private and public utterances have contradicted her denials and confirmed she was not working alone but with the President and her son against me. I filed for divorce and left home.

I lived in virtual seclusion before leaving the country while they struggled to locate my residence. I filed for habeas corpus to obtain custody of my two minor children because their mother, Mawah Kamara, (who denied them access to me), was planning to travel out of the country without surrendering custody to me. Under the Domestic Relations Laws of Liberia, when a married couple is separated, custody of the minor children resides in the father. She hid the children from me and left the country without my knowledge or information so I had to employ court process to get the children out of hiding. I called one of her elder sisters to inquire and the sister intimated that she asked her about the children now that she was travelling and she Mawa Kamara told her the children were “government property”. Instantly I sensed the danger to these children and went out investigating her plans, found out their hiding place and proceeded to court.

Judge Blamo Dixon issued the writ, the children were present in court and he turned them over to me-physically-in the presence of Mawah Kamara’s lawyers. Subsequently, I got the children out of the country as I left.

11. Harassment, coercion, thuggery and judicial suppression

She, with support from the President and the President’s son, has resulted to thuggery. Harassing and jailing a judge in the proper exercise of legal discretion founded in the law is against the principles of the rule of law and judicial independence of judges to exercise their authority without fear or favor based on the law. Not only is the judge targeted for harassment, humiliation but his wife and children have also been harassed -but in the words of my informant in Monrovia- “tortured!”

Also, people close to me including a nephew of mine Alvin Verdier is sought after and for which reason he seldom answers his phone. He was in our home when I was there and a witnessed to the deeds of Mawah Kamara including the butcher knife that was discovered in the bed room. All the lawyers who have represented in court have also been threatened with incarceration and are on the run, in hiding or by now in custody.

Also, the mother of my younger daughter, Hawa Massaquoi, is a target for assaults and arrest. She has been threatened several times with arrest and continuous judicial oppression and irregularities, first from the Magisterial Court in Paynesville and now the Supreme Court, beckoning to the vile threats of Mawah Kamara, no doubts with instructions from the Executive Mansion based on acrimonious allegations from her that they assisted me escape their dragnet. They want to capture Ms. Massaquoi and my younger daughter in the mistaken belief that by capturing them I will be compelled to return home or harm them to spite me-the very reasons I could not have left the other two children behind. I use the term capture, not arrest, because judicial processes are being illegally employed- for example a purported search warrant to find the kids surrendered to me by the Judge was used -to ransack the home of Ms Massaquoi who is hiding for fear for her life and that of the little child. The Judge managed to escape arrest and along with others, now lives in fear for his life and family members. ALLARMINGLY STRANGE, BUT YET IT IS HAPPENING.

12. A Litany of Bad Experiences-abuses!

I have had a checkered experience of consistent threats to my life and livelihood in recent times but chose to remain silent because I believe my life is not more important than the lives of thousand others who died innocently during the crisis and exposure of such nature will invariably cause apprehension in thousands of victims who confided in us (the TRC) their life stories of bitter war experiences. I was propelled to issue this release within the context of these current occurrences, especially the mistreatment of Judge Blamo Dixon who has no relations to me, and neither him nor anyone else deserve to suffer at the hands of an evil system for performing his duties and exercising judgment in keeping with law or for being close to me.

13. Subtle threats via mobile phones and physical attacks

Apart from subtle threats over mobile phone from high personalities in government and text messages from unknown persons, mostly reported to UNMIL, two armed men on motor bikes visited my Sinkor 18th Street Office in early 2010, pretending to be fellow community dwellers, insisting on seeing me without an appointment under the guise of having important information for me. They were denied access to see me and a commotion ensued; fleeing the scene they were noticed by security and office staff to be bearing arms under their jackets as they hurriedly embarked on the waiting auto machine whose engine was left on.

14. Arson attack and terrorism

On yet another occasion, when I returned from my visit to the US at the end of 2010, I was informed (and it was reported in the local media) that the private residence of the Executive Director of the Family Planning Association (FPAL) whose building houses the offices of Verdier and Associates was burned down when she was asleep with her little daughter and a visiting guest, mistakenly apparently to be Cllr Verdier who did not arrive in the country as scheduled and had to extend his visit due to unscheduled engagement and the motor accident referred to earlier. The psychology of the perpetrators in making that link to me remains unclear but the effect was devastating and the lady could have lost her life for nothing.

Confidential sources informed me that during investigation the lady was threatened and informed that I was the reason for the arson attack on her home. Out of fear for her life and to protect the interest of the institution, FPAL have severed the over six year’s relationship with me and served Verdier and Associates notice in July 2011 terminating both the legal retainer and the lease agreement.

15. Treason Charges

Yet still, in 2011 I and an associate counsel, Cllr Cyrenius Cephas, filed a petition in court on behalf of the opposition Movement for Progressive Change (MPC) in a matter questioning the constitutionality of the ill-fated and so-called constitutional referendum and the legality of the constitution of the seven (7) members National Elections Commission (NEC). I received reliable information that I will be charged with treason and should leave the country as soon as possible. My associate, Cllr Cephas reported to me that he received some vague threats via his mobile phone. I admonished him to ignore it as mere “scare tactics”. Surprisingly both the Elections Commission and the Ministry of Justice in their responsive pleadings charged that the petition was treasonable and the MPC be charged with treason. Madam President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in her Independence Day address threatened, in similar language used in the responsive pleading of the Ministry of Justice and NEC, to deal with anyone who is taking the current level of freedom for granted to jeopardize the electoral process. Her statement was after the Chairman of the NEC made a public statement that the court action by the MPC threatens the timely holding of the elections and could disrupt it.

16. Another Highway Ambush

In another recent incident just before my departure, I agreed to the request of Mr. Albert Bropleh (charged with corruption) to represent him on a pro bono basis because his former attorneys had not the capacity to continue his representation. Just as I agreed to represent Mr. Bropleh he was brutally arrested, humiliated, disgraced and detained outside Monrovia in Bomi, the President’s adopted Home County, notwithstanding he had a bail bond. The terms of the agreement was to represent him to the extent that his right to bail was guaranteed and not on the merits of the case as I once served as legal advisor to GAC which made findings for the prosecution. To deny him redress, the Assigned Judge abandoned or better said, absconded from his jurisdiction for nearly two weeks and after much delay, a replacement Judge was at the last minute appointed who was, at the time of his appointment, visiting South Africa. Meaning that Mr. Bropleh had no access to a judge in the jurisdiction in which he was detained for more than a month in violation of his rights to bail. As was customary I should have visited my client for a confidential discussion of this case but, regrettably, I could not.

I received a tipoff not to venture on the high way to visit my client in Bomi “if I care for my life”. On account of this I informed Mr. Bropleh that I will not be visiting him because of security fears. Twice, family members of Mr. Bropleh driving on the high way to see him were halted, harassed, insulted and threatened only to let go for no other reason that I was not onboard.

Before leaving I had informally requested of US Embassy and UNMIL officials seeking information on the Bropleh case, to accompany me to visit him in Bomi County because of security fears for my personal safety but for different reasons they both said it was not possible. And I didn’t get to see him prior to my departure. He was unfairly and inhumanely, and unjustifiably treated to desperately showcase the President’s so-called fight against corruption amidst charges of unbridled corruption ahead of elections she is dying to win at all cost including violating the constitution and impunity.

17. No job for “enemy malcontents”

I sought engagement with the General Auditing Commission (GAC) for a well-advertised vacancy of Legal Advisor under the World Bank, Ministry of Finance (MoF) and GAC “EGRIP PROJECT”. The MoF manages the fund and is a disbursement signatory. It was a competitive opening-I sat interview with several other interested candidates and succeeded atop. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf called the than Auditor General, John Morlu (not surprisingly) and told him not to hire me. Morlu replied that I was entitled to employment as a Liberian. Besides, he could not do otherwise because I won a competitive recruitment process.

I was engaged as an independent professional for one year but never got paid. I received remuneration for the first month only, from the MoF and then Ellen and her people at the MoF decided no more. I worked diligently without complaints for more than nine months rendering services without pay until the GAC itself was very embarrassed and told me to discontinue until “some administrative bottlenecks can be sorted out”-that was never to be. I knew what was happening, I just didn’t talk because I supported and believed in the work of the GAC as a public service value to the nation. To date I have not been paid and the Government of Liberia through the GAC is indebted to me for eleven (11) months of unpaid remunerations for professional services rendered a vital institution as the GAC. I wrote President Ellen Sirleaf informing her-and pretending to be unaware of her complicity- craving her intervention. Her response, through her Minister of State was simple and cute- GAC controls its own budget and so GAC should pay you.

I needless mention how clientele under threatening environment as this can be difficult to maintain. I strived, GOD been my helper, I survived!

18. Job offer: Be my Associate Justice-no thanks!

This provided them the perfect platform, believing I was desperate as their informant Mawah Kamara made them to believe. They made me an offer “he cannot refuse”-I refused, and said “no thanks!” Joining the government, they reasoned, would bring me in the fore of things as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, which will serve their nefarious purposes. Whether their intentions were good or not, didn’t matter to me. I got the tipoff that the offer was going to be made; the President called on the Vice President and told him to do it. He authorized a senior staffer in his office to approach me, he did and I said no, I was not interested. He felt it was worth thinking about – I said no way and refused it out rightly.

I kept this quiet with disinterest until the New Democrat Newspaper called me to say they have heard an offer was made to me and wanted to know if it was true and whether I accepted the offer. I didn’t tell Mawah Kamara of the offer or that I knew what they were planning or that I rejected it. By then I was keeping my private counsel. Her disappointment at the newspaper story was physically evident (and she wanted to know why I didn’t tell her) as it undermined her standing before her coconspirators as the feeder mole. Obviously, everything else had failed it was time for the big bang-Ghana! Mission: to consult with sorcerers of black magic and witches in the sub region to procure the coup de grass and result to ritualistic killings. The Ghana trip was disguised as a trip to Italy to attend a “nurses’ conference”.

19. Persecution for Public Service Performed as Chairman of the TRC of Liberia

All of this and many more point to a consistent campaign of threats, intimidation, attempted murder and persecution by powerful forces in concert with Mawah Kamara who want to bring me down for no valid reason or anything I have done wrong, except speaking forthrightly, truthfully and working honestly as Chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation of Liberia (TRC) which final report dared to name powerful people including President Sirleaf as those most accountable for their past complicity in the death of thousands and the destruction of Liberia through 14 years of war, mayhem and destruction.

Nothing can be more dastardly than arbitrarily jailing a sitting judge in the common prison for exercising his judicial discretion, which is reviewable, in a manner consistent with law-jungle justice?

After a protracted period of illness, diagnosed as diabetes and before his death, the late Justice Ishmael P. Campbell sent me a chilling message to be very careful with Ellen. Prior to and during his illness (diabetes) I had no contact with him whatsoever – very minimum, if any. The message was delivered by a very prominent politician who told me that after the 2005 Elections, Ellen told Justice Campbell that because he supported the opposition CDC, and refused to support her, “he will not live to see the next election”. Campbell believed he was poisoned by a female (name withheld) so I should be very careful.

I therefore call on all Liberians including the international community to rally to the cause of defending and protecting the rights and safety of those concerned in Liberia. No one can be held responsible for my actions as I have done no wrong and committed no crime for which others should be persecuted. The President has been cashing in the enormous support of the international community to commit “bloody murder” in Liberia with impunity, hoping the world community will turn a blind eye. It’s time to scream aloud and unveil the façade.

Am calling on the United National Mission (UNMIL) to secure the safety, protection and rights of the Judge, Lawyers, Hawa Massaquoi and the child who are been persecuted on account of my deeds, work and legal actions.

Jerome Verdier is the former Chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia

January 14, 2012 | 0 comments | View Post

Ellen's Nobel Nightmare

Most Liberians know by now that President Sirleaf is a Nobel laureate. I don’t think she and Leymah ever expected that honor, but it came anyway from Oslo when the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the 2011 Peace Prize to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee, and the Yemeni peace activist, Tawakkul Karman.

It is the first in the history of the Liberian nation to have not one, but two of its citizens to receive a Nobel Peace Prize on the same day and year, which is good news for a country where every news seems to be bad news.

In Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s case, you can add this award to the countless other awards she has received from colleges and other groups for being the first democratically elected female president on the African continent, a distinction that continues to make her a favorite of many around the world.

From the day the Norwegian Nobel Committee made the unexpected announcement that Ms. Sirleaf was in fact a co-winner of the peace prize, there has been criticisms, understandably so of the Nobel Committee’s decision, condemnation from those who strongly believe she’s undeserving of the award because of her involvement in the 14-year civil war, and jubilation from supporters who also believe sincerely that Ellen Johnson Sirleaf deserves the award for her contribution to politics and peace in Liberia.

According to the organization’s citation, however, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkul Karman were recognized by the Norwegian Nobel Committee “for their non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women’s rights to full participation in peace-building work.”

The committee also said: “it is the Norwegian Nobel Committee’s hope that the prize to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkul Karman will help to bring an end to the suppression of women that still occurs in many countries, and to realize the great potential for democracy and peace that women can represent.”

Even though President Sirleaf jointly won the “Peace” category of the Nobel Prize with Leymah and Tawakkul, the Norwegian Nobel Committee cleverly announced that it was “for their non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women’s rights to full participation in peace-building work.” The award, according to the Nobel Committee is also intended “to bring an end the suppression of women that still occurs in many countries, and to realize the great potential for democracy and peace that women can represent.”

The selection of President Sirleaf would have been less controversial had the Norwegian Nobel Committee simply state the obvious that she (President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf), was chosen for the Nobel Prize because of the exact reasons mentioned in the citation; and not for Peace, because what’s on the president’s public records does not reflect the peaceful reasons for which she was chosen for the award.

Had this done the right way, with enough research and enough time to do the right thing, President Sirleaf’s special occasion would not have been dampened on a day that is supposed to be a glorious day that celebrates her achievement.

President Sirleaf did admit her role in the civil war, which was corroborated by Charles Taylor’s former Defense Minister and NPFL mouthpiece, Jucontee Thomas Woewiyu, whose eyewitness account of what transpired behind the scene kept us all in the know.

After the end of the public hearings held by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, President Sirleaf and others, including the former warlords who participated directly or indirectly in the civil war were found “guilty” or implicated for their heinous roles in the civil war, and were barred from seeking elected office for 30 years. President Sirleaf, who is seeking re-election to a second term, has since ignored that decision.

No matter how one feels about the individuals especially about President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, this story is a good one that stirs nationalistic sentiments because of the global recognition of one of our own. The story also stirs natural emotions because the innocent lives of our relatives, friends and neighbors were recklessly and brutally taken away too soon for Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and others to realize their selfish financial and political goals.

Too bad Liberians will not come together in unity to celebrate this occasion with Ellen and Leymah. Too bad the excruciating pain of the civil war still divides us today. Too bad!

January 14, 2012 | 0 comments | View Post

Ellen’s Nobel Nightmare

Most Liberians know by now that President Sirleaf is a Nobel laureate. I don’t think she and Leymah ever expected that honor, but it came anyway from Oslo when the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the 2011 Peace Prize to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee, and the Yemeni peace activist, Tawakkul Karman.

It is the first in the history of the Liberian nation to have not one, but two of its citizens to receive a Nobel Peace Prize on the same day and year, which is good news for a country where every news seems to be bad news.

In Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s case, you can add this award to the countless other awards she has received from colleges and other groups for being the first democratically elected female president on the African continent, a distinction that continues to make her a favorite of many around the world.

From the day the Norwegian Nobel Committee made the unexpected announcement that Ms. Sirleaf was in fact a co-winner of the peace prize, there has been criticisms, understandably so of the Nobel Committee’s decision, condemnation from those who strongly believe she’s undeserving of the award because of her involvement in the 14-year civil war, and jubilation from supporters who also believe sincerely that Ellen Johnson Sirleaf deserves the award for her contribution to politics and peace in Liberia.

According to the organization’s citation, however, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkul Karman were recognized by the Norwegian Nobel Committee “for their non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women’s rights to full participation in peace-building work.”

The committee also said: “it is the Norwegian Nobel Committee’s hope that the prize to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkul Karman will help to bring an end to the suppression of women that still occurs in many countries, and to realize the great potential for democracy and peace that women can represent.”

Even though President Sirleaf jointly won the “Peace” category of the Nobel Prize with Leymah and Tawakkul, the Norwegian Nobel Committee cleverly announced that it was “for their non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women’s rights to full participation in peace-building work.” The award, according to the Nobel Committee is also intended “to bring an end the suppression of women that still occurs in many countries, and to realize the great potential for democracy and peace that women can represent.”

The selection of President Sirleaf would have been less controversial had the Norwegian Nobel Committee simply state the obvious that she (President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf), was chosen for the Nobel Prize because of the exact reasons mentioned in the citation; and not for Peace, because what’s on the president’s public records does not reflect the peaceful reasons for which she was chosen for the award.

Had this done the right way, with enough research and enough time to do the right thing, President Sirleaf’s special occasion would not have been dampened on a day that is supposed to be a glorious day that celebrates her achievement.

President Sirleaf did admit her role in the civil war, which was corroborated by Charles Taylor’s former Defense Minister and NPFL mouthpiece, Jucontee Thomas Woewiyu, whose eyewitness account of what transpired behind the scene kept us all in the know.

After the end of the public hearings held by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, President Sirleaf and others, including the former warlords who participated directly or indirectly in the civil war were found “guilty” or implicated for their heinous roles in the civil war, and were barred from seeking elected office for 30 years. President Sirleaf, who is seeking re-election to a second term, has since ignored that decision.

No matter how one feels about the individuals especially about President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, this story is a good one that stirs nationalistic sentiments because of the global recognition of one of our own. The story also stirs natural emotions because the innocent lives of our relatives, friends and neighbors were recklessly and brutally taken away too soon for Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and others to realize their selfish financial and political goals.

Too bad Liberians will not come together in unity to celebrate this occasion with Ellen and Leymah. Too bad the excruciating pain of the civil war still divides us today. Too bad!

January 14, 2012 | 0 comments | View Post
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