Newly appointed Deputy SRSG for Consolidation of Democratic Governance, Aeneas Chuma told journalists on 9 January, at UNMIL’s first press conference of the year, that his first impressions of Liberia have been favourable:

“I landed on 11 December and must say I am extremely impressed with the little I have seen so far. Taking into account the years of war and terrible suffering, I find the progress of the last ten years of peace rather remarkable,” he said, adding that “over 155,000 Liberians returned home with cash assistance from the United Nations. Their return is a strong signal of confidence in Liberia’s peaceful future.”

Based on his initial meetings with the Government and civil society, Chuma feels that there is a “general air of optimism - the sense that for Liberia the worst is over…along with the recognition there is still work to be done.” That work includes job creation (especially for Liberia’s young people), consolidating a still fragile democracy, and improving the country’s economy even further, he adds.

The Deputy SRSG also said that there was an appreciation for the UN’s part in bringing peace and security to Liberia. Even as UNMIL military troops are reduced, there would be an increase in trained Liberian police and armed forces, whilst institutions such as the Bureau of Immigration would be strengthened. “This is a very well-drawn, calibrated withdrawal; a managed process agreed between UNMIL and the Government,” insisted Chuma, with continuing dialogue and collaboration between Liberia and its neighbours.

Aeneas Chuma has held senior positions within the United Nations system in Eastern and Southern Africa, the Arab States and at headquarters in New York. Most recently he was the UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya.