24 November 2017

  • Security Council calls for ‘timely conclusion’ of Liberia’s elections, Sources: INSIGHT, New DEMOCRAT and The INQUIRER
  • Africa’s Superpower Backs Supreme Court to Settle Election Dispute, Source: New DEMOCRAT
  • Faulty Elections, Curse would haunt Korkoya, others, Source: New DEMOCRAT

LIBERIA MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

Security Council calls for ‘timely conclusion’ of Liberia’s elections, Sources: INSIGHT, New DEMOCRAT and The INQUIRER

The UN Security Council has urged Liberia to speedily resolve the election dispute to allow the timely and smooth transition of power in line with the country’s constitution.  In a release, the UN also called on political parties to refrain from incitement of their followers and any violent action while calling for a free, fair election.

The Council also congratulates Liberians, the government, political leaders, civil society and the media for the peaceful conduct of the 10 October election.

Africa’s Superpower Backs Supreme Court to Settle Election Dispute, Source: New DEMOCRAT

Nigeria President, Muhammadu Bubhari says the current political challenges in Liberia will be resolved through constitutional means. He gave the assurance when he received his Togolese counterpart and Chairman of ECOWAS, Faure Gnassingbe at the State House in Nigeria Tuesday.  He further urged the parties in the election crisis in Liberia to exercise patience and await the decision of the Supreme Court.

Faulty Elections, Curse would haunt Korkoya, others, Source: New DEMOCRAT

Liberty Party (LP) political leader, Charles Brumskine, has told the Board of Commissions of the National Elections Commission (NEC) that they would suffer the ‘curse’ of the people should they fail to order the re-run of the 10 October elections.

He said if the Commissioners fail to do that, they will be killing the Liberian spirit. “You know I am 66 years old and I lived through the rice riot of 1979. I lived through the military coup of 1980, the Quoiwonkpa’s invasion of 1985, the civil war in 1989 in which over 250,000 Liberians lost their lives but I have never experienced a threat to a Liberian spirit as I have experienced over the last month since the LP instituted this lawsuit under my leadership”.

NEC Board of Commissioners Rules in Election Case - Fraud Appeal Nov. 24, Sources: FrontPage Africa and The INQUIRER

This paper reports that the Board of Commissioners (BOC) of the National Elections Commission (NEC) Thursday dismissed a motion for recusal filed by the legal team of the Liberty Party (LP) and the Unity Party (UP) against the Board of Commissioners. The BOC also set Friday 24 November 2017 at 1:00 PM for the final ruling in the case Charles Walker Brumskine and Harrison Karnwea Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates of the Liberty Party versus The National Elections Commission (NEC) and Unity Party interveners.

The legal team of UP and LP accused the Chairman of NEC and some members of the BOC of prejudicing the case of electoral fraud and irregularities by statement made by the chairman of the Party, who claimed that complaints against the NEC was politically motivated.  “The fact that the Chairman made statements deem unfavorable by complainant it’s not a legally sufficient ground for recusal, moreover, decision of the board are reviewable by the Supreme Court wherefore and view of the foregoing because complainant motion for recusal has no legal basis in law seem is hereby deny and hereby so order,” the BOC said. Read More

Nimba District 8 Election Dispute Reaches Supreme Court, Source: Daily OBSERVER

According to the Daily OBSERVER, the possibility of incumbent Representative of Nimba County District #8, Larry P. Younquoi, the presumed winner of the 10 October legislative election, taking his seat at the 54th Legislature, remains elusive due to a complaint filed against him to the Supreme Court by his main challenger, Saye Miannah. Miannah filed the complaint against the incumbent, who was earlier announced as winner of the 10 October poll by authorities of the National Elections Commission (NEC).

Meanwhile, Associate Justice Kabineh Ja’neh has cited Younquoi and Miannah to appear before him on Monday, 27 November, to show reason why he should or should not prevent the NEC from certificating Younquoi as declared by the electoral body. Younquoi was declared the winner of the poll following a recount of the vote, although NEC earlier announced that Miannah had won the election.

Initially, NEC, at its counting of the ballots, put Miannah 19 votes ahead of the incumbent, which made him the winner. However, that decision was later challenged by Younquoi, who argued for a recount. The recount, which took place in Saclepea, central Nimba County on Saturday, 4 November, put Representative Younquoi ahead of Miannah with 6,191 to 6,174 votes – a difference of 17 votes. The decision to declare Younquoi the winner came after the recount proved that some votes that were considered invalid were actually not so. Read More

NEC Dismisses MDR Case against Rep. Kogar, Source: Daily OBSERVER

The Daily OBSERVER reports that the opposition Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) of Senator Prince Y. Johnson has lost a case against incumbent Representative Samuel G. Kogar of Nimba County District #5 for lack of sufficient evidence to substantiate their claim. In the ruling on Tuesday, 21 November at the NEC guesthouse in Sanniquellie, Magistrate Princeton Monmia said after carefully listening to testimonies from witnesses for the complainant, “we observed that those testimonies lacked sufficient evidence to convict the accused.”

Mr. Monmia said on 16 October, a representative candidate, Railey Myers, of electoral district #5, representing the MDR, filed a complaint against Rep. Samuel Kogar and those he identified as poll workers and party agents for allegedly influencing voters by providing them food before casting their vote as well as campaigning on Election Day. They also complained of other acts incompatible with the laws and regulations governing the elections. The complaint, which was filed at the NEC head office in Monrovia, was transferred to Nimba on November 9, where the alleged irregularities were committed. Read More

Joint Peace Mediation Group Reaffirms Commitment to Legal Process, Sources: The INQUIRER and The New Dawn

In a release, the Joint Peace Mediation Group has reaffirmed its commitment to the ongoing legal process to resolve the electoral crisis. The group, comprising traditional, religious leaders and peace advocacy originations said justice is a key to driver the peace while saying mediation was the best way forward in the electoral impasse and not interference.

Political Stalemate Hampers Agriculture Sector, Source: Daily OBSERVER

According to Mr. P. Luogon Lah, Executive Director of the Agriculture Relief Services (ARS), the ongoing political stalemate is hampering the agriculture sector in the country, stating most of their activities have been stalled, due to the ongoing political crisis in Liberia. He explained that his entity is no longer receiving long-term projects for implementation, since the political activity in Liberia started and it even worsened when the 7 November, runoff election was cancelled.

Mr. Lah disclosed that the ARS is involved in the training of farmers and farming groups in Nimba and other parts of Liberia. He said they had been training farmers around the Mount Nimba Concession area, operated by Arcelor Mittal in the “Conservation Farming Method” with support from Welthungerhilfe, a German-based organization. “We are hoping that the political stalemate will soon finish, so we can resume actual activities again. We have training farmers from all walks of life, with some of them very trained in diverse farming activities,” he said.

Students Flood CDC Headquarters for WASSCE Fees, Source: Daily OBSERVER

In the wake of pronouncement by the Government of Liberia that it will no longer subsidize West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for students, the Congo Town headquarters of the main opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has been flooded with senior high school students in search of money to settle their WASSCE fees, this paper reports.

For the last five years, the Liberian government shouldered the payment of fees for students who sat for the WASSCE. Students from the various high schools in Montserrado County continue to congregate at the CDC’s headquarters, imploring its standard bearer, Senator George Manneh Weah, for assistance. “We have gathered here to call on Senator Weah to pay our WASSCE’s fees because many of us cannot afford it with the current economic situation,” Patrick Edwards said. According to Edwards, who attends the William Gabriel Kpoleh Memorial High School in Gardnersville, he needs USD65 which is equivalent to LD7,560. According to WAEC’s authorities, over 10,000 senior high school students will be sitting this year’s exam. Read More

Brumskine Raises Death Alarm, Source: The New Dawn

This paper reports that defeated opposition Liberty Party (LP) presidential candidate Cllr. Charles Walker Brumskine says he has come closer to death since he filed his complaint of alleged electoral fraud and irregularities case before the National Elections Commission (NEC) in challenge to the outcome of the 10 October presidential and representatives' elections. “I’m 66 years old now, I was here during the 1979 rice riot, 1980 coup d’état, the 1985 coup, the 1989 civil war and the rest of the civil wars, I have never come closer to death as in recent weeks since I filed the electoral fraud complaint,” Cllr. Brumskine claimed during a hearing before the NEC's Board of Commissioners Thursday, 23 November.

The LP political leader and the ruling Unity Party (UP) presidential candidate Vice President Joseph Nyumah Boakai are behind an election fraud and irregularities case at the NEC that has stalled the conduct of a runoff due between the ruling party and opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC's) Senator George Manneh Weah. In raising his alleged death alarm, Cllr. Brusmskine did not give details over what he meant and who wants to kill him. But he insists that the future of the state rests on the shoulders of the commissioners and that history will judge them on the decision they take as it relates to his complaint. Read More

Liberia is grateful to Int’l Community, Source: The New Dawn

Addressing the weekly Information Ministry press briefing, Assistant Information Minister for Media Services, Wellington Geevon Smith said the Government of Liberia acknowledges the country’s indebtedness to the international community for the enormous sacrifices made to restore peace and democratic governance. He said the government notes that if there are disenchantments by political actors or parties over responses from the international community, including regional partners on the electoral process in the country, such should be expressed in a civilized manner instead of harsh comments that would send Liberia backward.

Meanwhile, Minister Smith has refuted reports that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf dismissed Deputy Minister of Information for Press and Public Affairs, Jeddi Armah because he supports the presidential ambition of incumbent Vice President Joseph Boakai. He called on citizens to refrain from spreading misinformation about Minister Armah’s dismissal as the Constitution gives the President the power to appoint and dismiss, noting that President Sirleaf over the years has proven to Liberians that she accommodates the senate’s opinion to bring onboard opposition. Read More

Police, Youth Leaders Commit to Peace, Sources: The New Dawn and FrontPage Africa

The Liberia National Police (LNP) and political parties youth leaders under a group called "All Political Parties Youth Congress" have made commitments to supporting and maintaining peace and stability during and after the political seasons as a way of advancing Liberia's democracy, this paper reports.

The police and parties youth leaders made their commitments Thursday, 23 November during a meeting held at the LNP Headquarters on Capitol Hill. The meeting was graced by River Gee County Senator Comany B. Wesseh, Police Inspector General Col. Gregory Coleman, Deputy for Operation Col. Abraham Kromah and youth representatives from numerous political parties including the LP, ALP, RDC, CDC, MDR, ULD, UP, LPP, ANC, TWP, PUP, LRD and DJP, among others.

During the meeting, Police Chief Coleman said the body needs to stay together, work cohesively beyond party lines in the interest of the development of the youth for the protection of the peace and advancement of democracy here. Read More

Police Boss Condemns misuse of Social Media, Sources: The INQUIRER

Speaking Thursday to UNMIL radio, the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, Gregory Coleman frowned on the public for abusing the social media platform  by posting what he calls, hate messages he noted that threatens the peace of the country. Gregory said though he is unable to restrict the platform, he was much more concerned by the way some individuals were abusing the space. “We must use the social media to protect and preserve the peace” He said.

Remain responsible – Senator Weah tells Supporters, Source: The INQUIRER

The political leader of the Coalition for Democratic Chang (CDC) Senator George Weah has warned supporters of the CDC to remain responsible in whatsoever they do while frowning on Liberians for misusing the social media.  “Facebook is good but it must be used wisely”. He said recently.

DJP commends the International Community others for Peaceful Initiatives, Source: The INQUIRER

The head of the Democratic Justice Party (DJP), Dr. Isaac Wiles has applauded Liberians for being steadfast and patience in the legal dispute surrounding the elections. He has meanwhile expressed optimism that the government to emerge will protect the peace and caters to the welfare of Liberians. He made the comment recently in an interview in Monrovia.

Gender Ministry launches 16 Days of Activism, Sources: The New Dawn and New DEMOCRAT

This paper reports that the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has announced plan of activities for the 2017 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence Campaign from November 25 to December 10, 2017. A Gender Ministry press release issued Thursday, 23 November says the 2017 campaign will run under the global theme: “Together We Can End GBV in Education” while the national theme is: “Let’s embrace our Diversities for Safe Education and a violent Free Society.

A formal opening program which will mark the official launch of the 16 Days of Activism takes place on 25 November 2017 at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium in Monrovia and a special statement will be delivered by Gender Minister Julia Duncan-Cassell with statements coming from partners of the ministry. A special statement from the UN Secretary-General will be delivered by his Special representative to Liberia Mr. Farid Zarif while the keynote address will be delivered by Madam Marie Goreth Nizigama, UN Women Country Representative. Read More

CDC confronts critics of US, Source: The New Dawn

The main opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has described as hypocritical those criticizing the US government for calling for the holding of presidential runoff while alleged electoral frauds and irregularities are being investigated. The CDC at its headquarters in Monrovia Wednesday said those criticizing the US are very ungrateful to the US, taking into account the close relations, financial support and ties that have existed between the US and Liberia.

CDC vice chairman for operations and mobilization Mulbah Morlu says statements by critics of the US are acts of ungratefulness and ingratitude, stressing that many of the critics have families, properties, and investments in the US and their statements do not warrant attention. Read more

MVTC Instructors Strike over Late Salaries - Threaten School Shut Down, Source: FrontPage Africa

According to FrontPage Africa, teachers at the Monrovia Vocational Training Center (MVTC) on Thursday, 23 November stormed the campus in demand of their five-month salary arrears owed them by the administration.

The teachers said since July of this year, the administration of the MVTC has not been able to pay them, despite the many communications written to the hierarchy of the school requesting for their salaries. They threatened to shut down the school if their concern is not addressed. Read More

‘Raw of Law Healthy for Democracy’ – Human Rights Lawyer Emphasizes, Source: FrontPage Africa

The Director of Regional Watch for Human Rights, a pro-democracy and rights group, Tola Thompson Adebayor has expressed support for the aggrieved opposition political parties who have sought legal redress to resolve the ongoing electoral disputes derived from the 10 October 2017 elections, this paper reports.

Speaking to judicial reporters on the current state of affairs in the country as it relates to the stalemate in the conduct of the run-off presidential election due to the lawsuit from collaborating opposition parties, including the ruling Unity Party, over alleged irregularities and fraud from the 10 October 2017 polls, Mr. Adebayor hailed the parties for seeking legal remedy, stating “rule of law is healthy for democracy”, as he urged Liberians to be patient for litigation of the matter.

Senate Pro-tempore receives new EU Ambassador, Source: INSIGHT

The new EU Ambassador to Liberia, Madam Helene Cave paid a courteously call on Senate Pro-Tempore, Armah Jallah at his Capitol Hill office in Monrovia on Thursday. Both held discussions on the elections, the economy, on peace and stability and other wide range of issues, according to this paper. Armah told Ambassador Cave that efforts were being made to expedite the judicial process to allow the runoff presidential election to take place the soonest.

LibNeP+, Global Fund Launch HIV Care, Treatment Monitoring Project, Source: FrontPage Africa

The Liberia Network of Persons Living with HIV (LibNeP+) with funding from the Global Fund has launched the Community HIV Care and Treatment Monitoring Project to increase access to HIV services for people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Liberia.

Serving as Launcher at the program held on Wednesday, 22 November in Monrovia, the Coordinator of the Global Fund Project at the Ministry of Health, Sophie Parwon called on LibNeP+ to be vigilant in promoting access to quality HIV care and treatment for PLHIVs and pledged the Ministry’s commitment in the fight of the disease.

Disclaimer
This media summary consists of selected local media articles for the information of UN personnel. The public distribution of this media summary is a courtesy service extended by UNMIL on the understanding that the choice of articles included is exclusive, and the contents do not represent anything other than a selection of articles likely to be of interest to a United Nations readership. The inclusion of articles in this summary does not imply endorsement by UNMIL.

 

 

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