28 November 2017

LIBERIA MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

Supreme Court Hears LP, UP Appeals Friday, Sources: Daily OBSERVER and FrontPage Africa

This paper reports that the canceled 7 November runoff election could soon get a new date next month if the Supreme Court starts hearing Liberty Party (LP) and Unity Party’s (UP) appeals on Friday, 1 December 2017 against the National Elections Commission (NEC’s) ruling of Friday, 24 November. The NEC Board of Commissioners (BOC) last week upheld the Commission’s chief hearing officer’s ruling against the two political parties in the ongoing alleged irregularities and fraud case that the parties failed to provide sufficient evidence to warrant the cancellation of the 10 October election results.

After the NEC Board handed down its ruling on grounds that both the complainant and co-complainant did not prove the allegations of fraud and that the irregularities did not in any way amount to fraud, the two political parties vehemently took exception and appealed to the Supreme Court. The parties argued that they could not get justice from the NEC because the Commission is the accused and at the same time the investigator/judge.

The Supreme Court meanwhile has up to 8 December to complete its task of looking into the appeals and give the final ruling. The two options on the table are either that the runoff be held in case the court nullifies the two parties’ complaints or a rerun of the 10 October polls is held on the basis that the NEC was guilty of committing fraud that may warrant a rerun. Read More

Nimba County District #8 Contestants Sent Back to NEC, Source: Daily OBSERVER

Associate Justice Kabineh Ja’neh Monday declined to place a Stay Order as requested by Saye S. Mianah, the announced winner of Nimba County District #8 representative seat in the 10 October legislative election, to prevent authorities at the National Elections Commission (NEC) from conducting a recount of the votes. Ja’neh, a current Chamber Justice, also mandated Mianah to go back to the NEC and exhaust all legal remedies available to him at the electoral body, which his lawyer Cooper Kruah had failed to do.

Kruah had accused the NEC of proceeding erroneously when it set aside the result of the poll for a recount of the votes; something he argued contradicted Article 83 of the 1986 Constitution, which among other things provides: “All, except for President and Vice President, elections for public offices shall be determined by a simple majority of the valid votes cast in any elections.” Mianah was among eight other representative candidates including the incumbent lawmaker, Larry Younquoi that contested for the district’s lone seat, in which he was declared the winner by a simple majority with 6,108 votes as opposed to Younquoi who obtained 6,089, making Mianah the winner by a 19-vote margin.

That result was reportedly challenged by Younquoi, who subsequently complained to the NEC, asking for a recount of the votes cast during the 10 October legislative election in the district. The recount was conducted but NEC could not announce its result without addressing some of the concerns raised by the parties, for which a hearing was scheduled for Friday, 24 November that did not take place. The NEC up to press time had not provided any reason for the delay in announcing the result. Read More

CSO Wants Independent Probe into Electoral ‘Shortfalls’, Source: Daily OBSERVER

According to the Daily OBSERVER, a local youth-oriented Civil Society Organization; Better Future Foundation (BFF) has called for the creation of an Independent Board of Inquiry (IBI) to investigate allegations of gross irregularities and fraud that characterized the 10 October presidential and representative elections being hotly contested by the opposition Liberty Party (LP) and the governing Unity Party (UP). BFF president, Augustine Arkoi underscored the need for the IBI to thoroughly investigate factors that resulted to the alleged irregularities and fraud at the polls.

Mr. Arko said that such body should be established throughout the country to probe electoral complaints and put in place the necessary mechanisms to avoid repeat of such shortcomings in the future. This, he said will help exonerate authorities of the National Elections Commission (NEC) from the dilemma of being a referee (judge) and player (accused) at the same time. Arkoi spoke as a studio guest of a radio station last week in Monrovia. According to him, such a probe should be conducted to determine whether or not the alleged irregularities were committed deliberately to undermine the nation’s democratic process.

The BBF President noted that though there are statutory bodies such as the NEC Hearing office, the Board of Commissioners and the Liberian courts to handle disputes arising from the conduct of elections, but he believes that an independent body would be more proactive to have public approval to adjudicate such cases fairly without any political interference. Read More

UN Women Signs MoU with Orange-Liberia to Empower Rural Women, Source: Daily OBSERVER

UN Women has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Orange-Liberia GSM, a mobile company, and Rural Women to economically empower rural women through mobile money transactions, this paper reports.

Speaking at the signing ceremony over the weekend, the partnership coordinator of UN Women, Fobrice Laviolette, said the program will strengthen women entrepreneurs in mobile banking as the empowerment of women contributes to building a sustainable community and also contributes to educating their children and meeting the needs of their families. Laviolette noted UN Women strongly believes that with Orange mobile money, rural women can actively access and manage financial services and business opportunities because the history of women, especially in mobile banking, has increased as technology gets more accessible to women around the world. He said UN Women strongly hopes that the program will improve the livelihood of rural communities and expose them to new skills that will make an impact on their businesses.

The Country Representative of UN Women, Marie Goreth Nizaigama, said they are grateful to Orange- Liberia for the partnership to empower rural women. Read More

China Provides More Logistics to LNP … Promises to build Riot Police capacity, Source: The NEWS

The People’s Republic of China through its Embassy near Monrovia, on Thursday provided logistical support to the Liberian National Police (LNP). Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yue termed the donation of logistic which included vehicles and motorcycles as a ‘small token’ of support to Liberia, this paper reports.

Amb. Yue explained that China will continue its support to other development by playing a key role in the South-South Cooperation. He said that with the help of UNMIL and the int’l community, peace and security has been realized in Liberia. Amb. Yue added “I’m pleased to see the interactive interactions between LNP and UNMIL FPU, adding that capacity building apart from the material donation will be provided. Capacity building is an important part of UN peacekeeping mission; we would like to see the momentum going on and continue efforts with int’l partners even in the post UNMIL time”.

He assured the PRC commitment to helping Liberia and said that China was committed to do more in such area, and they have just signed the cooperation agreement with Government of Liberia to help Liberia to build a high standard riot police contingent. China, he explains is a sincere friend of Liberia and Africa, not only a development partner, but a contributor to peace and security and in the future the task will be high.

On his part, Police Inspector Col. Gregory Coleman said ‘this gesture goes very long way to the people of Liberia. This is not a small token for us, because it is timely, we cannot overstate the need of police visibility in this time”. He assured Ambassador Yue that the materials will be used for the purpose so intended and call on the People’s Republic of China to continue with its help to Liberia. He stated also that the LNP can assure that the lives of people and properties will be protected. Read More

Terror Hits Airfield Community: AFL Brutalizes Civilians for Revenge, Source: FrontPage Africa

According to FrontPage Africa, soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) have allegedly brutalized a female resident of the Airfield Community. The soldiers took over the security of the James Spriggs Payne Airport in Sinkor from the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) Nigerian contingents few months ago. Since 2005 there have been no complaints of brutality from the community dwellers by UNMIL soldiers manning the airport otherwise known by the mission as sector headquarters. The Armed Forces of Liberia has since taken over from its Nigerian counterparts due to the drawdown of the UN Mission in Liberia.

But since the takeover by the Liberian soldiers, there have been numerous complaints of brutality and human rights violations being allegedly perpetrated by soldiers of the AFL. Fear has gripped some nighttime goers, who normally come out to entertain themselves at the many entertainment centers around the Airfield. Several persons have also complained that they have been allegedly tortured by the soldiers. Fanta Keita is one of the recent victims; she was mercilessly flogged by an AFL soldier only identified as Sergeant Boakai.

Fanta told FrontPage Africa that she and the soldier had no interaction or altercations; instead, she and another guy who she did not name, had a misunderstanding around the Old Folks entertainment center on the airfield around on Sunday. She alleged the AFL soldier slapped her in the face, dragged her from Old Folks to the AFL Checkpoint where her blouse, bra and under wears were all torn up by the soldier. Several other persons, including a victim identified as Sammie, complained about soldier Boakai’s constant harassment and intimidation of community residents of the Airfield. When contacted, soldier Boakai told FrontPage Africa to go to hell. Read More

Senate Pro-Tempore Heads to SDG Confab in South Korea, Source: Daily OBSERVER, FrontPage Africa and The NEWS

A two-man Liberian delegation, headed by Senate Pro-Temp Armah Zolu Jallah and including Augustine S. Arkoi, a civil society representative and co-founder of the Africa Asia Development Relief Foundation (ADRF) leaves the country today, Tuesday for Incheon, South Korea, to participate in the first international conference and exhibition on Smart Technology and Procurement relating to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Organized by Yonsei University, Korea National Assembly UN SDGs Forum, the ADRF, Love in Lights Messe K, Asia-Pacific Peace and Development Service Alliance (APPDSA), and the TIA Group, the conference will be held from 30 November to 2 December 2017, this paper reports.

The conference is being supported by an array of overseas partners, including UN-HABITAT, United Nations Office for Sustainable Development (UNOSD), International Development and Information Organization (IDIO), INDO-KOREAN BUSINESS AND POLICY FORUM, Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Korea Economic Daily, Environment Times, and the Korea Social Economy NEWS. Read More

Ellen Dedicates Japanese Funded USD584k Bridge in Cape Mt., Source: Daily OBSERVER

The newly reconstructed Diah Bridge in Tewor District, Grand Cape Mount County was dedicated over the weekend by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Japan’s Ambassador to Liberia, Kaoru Yoshimura. The bridge project costing USD584K was funded by the Government of Japan through its Commodity Value Fund (CVF), which Ambassador Yoshimura said is from the people of Japan as a token of friendship and cooperation between Liberia and Japan.

At the dedicatory ceremony in Diah Town, President Sirleaf lauded the Japanese Government for their ‘immense contributions’ to Liberia, including the projects that boost the country’s development programs. She called on Liberians to make wise use of the bridge to carry on their farming activities to better the lives of all. The President further encouraged Liberians, specifically residents of the nearby communities, to maintain the country’s peace, which she described as the most important process to the building of any nation. “The next government will continue from where I will stop, ensuring that the growth we made is maintained,” said the President.

Ambassador Yoshimura described the project as “the beginning of development for the people of Grand Cape Mount County after many years.” He thanked the Liberian government and citizens for the level of corporation over the years. Read More

Liberian Police Ranks 16th in Africa by World Internal Security Index, Source: FrontPage Africa

The Liberia National Police (LNP) has been ranked the 16 best in Africa and 106 among 127 countries around the world. The ranking by the World Internal Security and Police Index (WISPI) captured 28 African countries in the survey. It was released by two bodies, the International Police Science Association (IPSA) and the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). Twenty-one African countries performed better than Liberia.

However, Liberia also performed better than 105 other African countries captured in the index. The index ranked Botswana as best in Africa and 47th best in the world, followed by Rwandan police as Africa’s second best, with a global position of 50th. The third best in Africa is Algeria, with global position of 58, followed by Senegal as Africa’s fourth best police force and a global ranking of 68. Tunisia ranked 72nd best in the world, which makes that country the fifth best police force in Africa.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Sam Collins said the LNP is excited about the report, and the excitement is not only for the leadership of the police but the entire membership. “This rating is being spoken of among the ordinary police officers and we think that it is good for the LNP that all of the efforts that have been put into place can be recognized by an international body that is involved with rating the performances of police bodies around the world. We are very excited about this development coming,” Collins said. Read More

Mercy Corps Develops Renewable Energy Curriculum for Tech Schools in Liberia, Source: FrontPage Africa

This paper reports that Mercy Corp Liberia, an international NGO, has embarked on developing a curriculum for teaching renewable energy in technical and vocational schools in Liberia. The curriculum development project is a component of Mercy Corp Light-Up Liberia program funded by the European Union. The estimated cost of this component of the program is 40,000 Euros.

The Renewable Energy Curriculum development component will ensure that Liberian youth develop the skills necessary to work within the growing renewable energy sector. By training a cadre of Liberian youth to work in the Renewable Energy sector, the project will ensure that the country has workers for the installation and maintenance of renewable energy systems, and will inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs to engage in the sector.

The programme will work with Booker Washington Institute and the Monrovia Technical and Vocational Centre to develop a standard curriculum on renewable energy train and prepare instructors to teach the course and assure quality of the coursework. Read More

Leave Education with Educators – Dr. Michael Slawon, Source: FrontPage Africa

The Director General of the National Commission on Higher Education, Dr. Michael P. Slawon, has urged politicians in the Country to leave education matters with educators. Dr. Slawon said politicizing education will not help improve the sector. “Just fund the sector and leave the rest of the work with the technicians,” Dr. Slawon stated.

Speaking to this paper, Dr. Slawon said it was unthinkable for politicians to mix politics with education only to satisfy them, noting “This is wrong and it must stop.” He also warned 12 graders to remain in their respective classes and allow their various student leaderships to work for them. His statement is in reference to the recent huge visit of 12 graders at the main opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) headquarters asking that party’s leadership to help pay their West Africa Senior High School Certificate (WASSCE) fees.

The Higher Education Director General fears mass failure in the 2018 WASSCE exams if students continue to abandon classes in the name of fetching for WASSCE fees when they should be learning and preparing for the tests especially when it is the first time for it to be administered in the country this academic 2017/18 school year. Recently, the Chief Government Nominee to West African Examination Council Liberia office, Romell Horton, called on all parents of 12 graders to get prepared to underwrite the costs of the WASSCE Exams as the Ministry of Education (MOE) is not financially capacitated to shoulder the responsibility this time around. The students has since begun looking for other avenues to help shoulder their costs. Read More

Youth in Technology Network Launches Awareness Platform in Lofa County, Source: FrontPage Africa

The Youth in Technology and Arts Network (YOTAN) with support from the National Endowment Democracy (NED) has launched a one-year project in Lofa County aimed at fostering the involvement of citizens in governance reform in rural Liberia. According to the Founder and Executive Director, Donnish Pewee, the project is built on four of several recommendations made by the Governance Commission (GC) of Liberia, including intensive civic education, strengthening citizenship and reconciliation, and preparing citizens for participatory democratic processes that promote decentralization and good governance in Liberia.

Mr. Pewee who heads the team to four districts in Lofa County said the goal of the project is to promote and strengthen the contribution of citizens in the process of decentralizing governance in Liberia. He explained that YOTAN is addressing issues that are closely connected with objectives Two, Four and Five of the Draft Local Government Act that seeks to guarantee democratic participation and control of decision-making by the citizenry through the establishment of democratic and political administrative structures in local governance, and providing for the democratic elections of local government officials. He noted it is significant to sustaining the gains already made in the country with respect to democracy and governance.

Speaking to the media, Pewee avowed that the project will prepare citizens in responding supportively to governance reform process gear toward strengthening and promoting a devolved and decentralized system of government in Liberia. According to him, the National Endowment Democracy (NED) and YOTAN support a greater and meaningful participation of all citizens in the national and local decision-making processes so that the development agenda for the community, district, county and country can be appreciated by all. Read More

Road to GES Liberia Promotes Creative Enterprises, Source: FrontPage Africa and The NEWS

The U.S. Embassy Monrovia, in partnership with Accountability Lab Liberia, organized a “Road to GES” event Monday to recognize and support the creative industries in Liberia and highlight the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES), which will take, place 28-30 November in Hyderabad, India. The theme of the Summit is “Women First, Prosperity for All” and will focus on supporting women entrepreneurs and fostering global economic growth, this paper reports.

The “Road to GES” activities at Accountability Lab’s iCampus and the U.S. Embassy featured and promoted creative entrepreneurs in Liberia – from HipCo musicians and fashion designers to artisans and filmmakers. Following the opening ceremony and panel on creative enterprise, attendees participated in workshops, panel discussions, and presentations throughout the day. The iCampus also hosted a small trade show showcasing entrepreneurs creating beautiful products from recycled and/or repurposed materials. These and other creative entrepreneurs are helping to diversify the economy, preserve and promote Liberian culture and support social development by providing education, training, employment and addressing social needs with business solutions.

Meanwhile, the United States Government has sponsored three Liberian entrepreneurs to attend the Global Entrepreneurship Summit and showcase social enterprises improving Liberia’s economy and human development. Read More

Speaker Emmanuel Nuquay’s Capitol Hill Office Burglarized, Source: FrontPage Africa

The Forensic Unit of the Liberia National Police (LNP) is investigating an alleged burglary on the Office of House of Representatives Speaker Emmanuel Nuquay which reportedly occurred over the weekend. According to Mr. Edward Kennedy, Chief of Office Staff of the Speaker, individuals yet to be identified, entered the Speaker’s Office and made away with the only TV and decoder and some unnamed items yet to be disclosed.

“The doors were not broken into so far from what we have observed. There are two scenarios to this incident: one is that someone with the keys went in and another is that either the person entered by way of the annex under construction. But the police is still investigating,” Mr. Edward Kennedy, disclosed.

Kennedy told this paper that the Speaker has only being informed via text message. Mr. Nuquay is the running mate to Vice President Joseph Boakai on the ticket of the ruling Unity Party (UP), having collaboration with the UP from the People's Unification Party (PUP). Read More

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.

 

 

 

Online Headlines