30 November 2017

LIBERIA MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

UNMIL DSRSG Cautions Bar Association … To Enhance Practice of Law, Source: The NEWS

The Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General for Political Affairs and Rule of law of UNMIL has admonished stakeholders of the Liberia National Bar Association to enhance the practice of law and access to justice to improve judicial system in Liberia. Speaking at the Bar Convention in Gbarnga last weekend, Mr. Waldemmar Vrey explained that access to justice will build confidence in the justice system in Liberia, believing that access to justice will reduce the number of pretrial detainees and further contribute to enhancing the practice of law in Liberia. This, he said, will have a positive impact on their collective quest to achieve access to justice for all citizens in the country. Mr. Vrey said the number of pretrial detention figure continues to be high in the country, because they do not have access to legal counsel, or bail; something he believes, is a constitutional right, and should not be a privilege for the citizens.

The UNMIL DSRSG narrated that in many instances, the customary justice system and its processes fall below accepted human right standards, and the need to acknowledge that it remains an essential component of local dispute resolution that could alleviate undue pressure.

He said although there will be many challenges for the efficient delivery of justice, but there is also the need for a second look at the performance of the reforms implemented policy to smoothly enhance the system. He added that if there are reformed areas not performing to expectation, one should assess whether there are maybe different ways of going about those particular reforms within the justice system. The UNMIL DSRSG wants lawyers to always remember their oath as lawyers and the contents of the Code of Moral and Professional Ethics for lawyers. He said maintaining the highest level of professional ethics, and patriotisms amongst lawyers are factors that will enhance the practice of law.

ECOWAS Observer Network Lauds LP, UP, Source: Daily OBSERVER

This paper reports that the West Africa Election Observation Network (WAEON), has praised the political leaders of the opposition Liberty Party, Charles Brumskine and his Unity Party counterpart, Vice President Joseph Boakai for expressing their dissatisfactions with the 10 October presidential and representative polls through legal means. WAEON is an independent, non-partisan and non-religious organization of citizen observer groups from 11 West African countries that aims at strengthening and supporting Citizens Election Observation Groups (CEOGs) in the sub-region. It was formed in 2010 and has its secretariat at the Accra-based Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana).

WAEON’s endorsement follows statements from major bilateral partners such as the United Nations, the United States, European Union and others expressing confidence in the 10 October presidential and representative elections, which have come under a barrage of protests, bringing the country to a political stalemate. The network commended all petitioners who have filed their complaints through proper channels – be it at the National Elections Commission (NEC) or the Supreme Court – particularly LP’s Brumskine, for taking the lead by following due process in search for relief and not resorting to violence to address his grievances.

WAEON, meanwhile, has made several recommendations to petitioners, supporters, citizens, and all other stakeholders to remain calm, to put trust in the election adjudication and justice systems, and wait patiently for the outcome of the NEC hearings. The Group called on the media to sensitize citizens about the ongoing cases being adjudicated by the NEC and also ensure responsible reporting on the proceedings. Read More

‘NEC Committed Reversible Errors’, Source: Daily OBSERVER

A complaint filed by both the opposition Liberty Party (LP) and the governing Unity Party (UP) to the Supreme Court of Liberia has accused the National Elections Commission (NEC) of committing several reversible errors that demand a re-run of the 10 October presidential and legislative elections. UP and LP’s complaint was filed just four days following the NEC Board of Commission’s upholding its Hearing Officer’s judgment which denied the claim by the two parties that the 10 October elections were marred with gross irregularities and fraud, this paper reports.

The Supreme Court has seven days as of Monday, 27 November, the date LP and UP filed their complaint, to hear and decide the matter.

Outlining the NEC’s reversible errors, the parties alleged that allowing Cllr. Jerome Korkoya, chair of the commission whom they have requested to be recused from hearing the matter, to hear the case makes the judgment unconstitutional. “Chairman Korkoya made public utterances which we believe pre-judged our evidence and important issues in the case, even while the matter was being tried before the NEC’s Hearing Officers, knowing that Korkoya would preside over the review of the matter, since we appealed against it,” the lawsuit alleged. The document said, “The refusal of the NEC to have their chairman recuse himself deprives us of our rights to a free and fair hearing.” Read More

Supreme Court Hears LP’s Appeal Friday, Sources: The New Dawn and FrontPage Africa

The media report that the Supreme Court of Liberia is due to hear a Bill of Exception filed before it by opposition the opposition Liberty Party (LP) this Friday at 10:00 am, in challenge to rulings made by the Board of Commissioners at the National Elections Commission (NEC) denying LP and ruling Unity Party (UP's) quest to conduct a re-run of the 10 October presidential and representatives' elections due to alleged fraud and irregularities.

The LP came third in the first round of the polls and is not designated for a runoff, but the UP which came second in the pools and designated alongside opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) to contest the runoff is backing the fraud case raised by the LP. The runoff was due to be held on 7 November before a Supreme Court order halted the process in order to allow the NEC conduct investigation into claims made by the parties, alleging fraud and irregularities in the elections.

The NEC's Hearing Officer and the Board of Commissioners refused LP and UP's request, thus prompting the bill of exception before the Supreme Court. In the Bill of Exception, the LP tells the Supreme Court that the Board of Commissioners at the NEC committed reversible error when it denied a motion requesting NEC Chairman Cllr. Jerome George Korkoyah's recusal due to his public utterances that allegedly prejudged the evidence and issues of the case. Read More

Election Hearing Officer Orders Rerun in Cape Mount County, Sources: FrontPage Africa and The NEWS

According to media reports, the Hearing Officer of the National Election Commission (NEC) has ordered a rerun in Viankaway polling center no.1 in District #1, Grand Cape Mount Count County. The rerun, according to the Hearing Officer, is based on the numerous testimonies and evidence adduced during the hearing by the aggrieved parties. Atty. Joseph Tarweh says he’s convinced by the complainant’s evidence and further ordered the arrest of a female who voted twice.

The order of the hearing officer followed a complaint filed by Boima Monibah of the governing Unity Party (UP) against Bob Sheriff an independent candidate who contested the Representative seat of the District in the 10 October 2017 elections. In his complaint Monibah alleged that elections irregularities occurred during the elections specifically at the Bamballa precinct, voters were allowed to vote more than once was caught and turned over to the officer assigned to the center.

Atty. Taweh said it was discovered that a total number of 319 voters voted instead of 305 voters consistent with the final registration roll of NEC, while two valid votes were observed after the count. NEC hearing officer also disclosed the defendant failed to produce evidence to disprove the evidence produced by the complainant or to set aside the allegation made. “Therefore the allegations as made by the complainant are hereby deemed admitted,” he ruled. Read More

Renovated, Restored, Reopened: Fresh Start for Liberia’s National Museum, Sources: Daily OBSERVER, FrontPage Africa and The New Dawn

Liberia’s National Museum, which suffered severe looting, damage and neglect as a result of the country’s 14-year civil crisis, has received a long-overdue makeover – a professional renovation and restoration by the government of Liberian through the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MICAT). The museum, housed in the three-storey structure located on the corner of Broad and Buchanan Streets, is an example of typical mid-19th century Liberian settler architecture, which was originally designed as the nation’s first Court House. It was later used as the seat of the National Legislature, the Liberian Senate and House of Representatives.

The renovation included the replacement of the roof of the building, which used to leak so badly, endangering the artifacts that remained; the broken wall running parallel to Buchanan Street was also repaired. The second and third floors of the building, which were badly damaged, were replaced and reinforced. In addition, the lack of electricity and pipe-borne water that hampered the smooth operation of the museum for years has been resolved. The three floors of exhibitions, collectively entitled ‘Waves of Time,’ explore the ebb and flow of Liberia’s history, cultures, peoples and artistic expressions. Read More

Liberia Gets USD4.8M Grant … From World Bank, Sources: The NEWS and The New Dawn

Over 500 Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are expected to benefit from a USD4.8 million grant provided by the World Bank as was disclosed at the official launch of the MSME and Rural Finance Post-Ebola Reconstruction Project (RFPREP). The project seeks to boost private sector development by empowering MSMEs to lend on a sustainable term, while enhancing the capacity of local private sector financial institutions to lend profitably. The project will also strengthen the country local private sector and banks and to ensure that banks are equipped to offer lending that matches the needs of MSMEs.

Delivering a special statement on behalf of Finance Minister Boima Kamara, Deputy Minister Alvin E. Attah acknowledged the contribution of the World Bank through the provision of the grant. The MSMEs-RFPREP, the minister said, is intended to identify binding constraints to economic growth. He pointed out that MSMEs are drivers of economic activities, innovation and employment of the country economy, while at the same time leading regional transformation in ECOWAS by providing 90 percent of economic activity.

On her part, World Bank-Liberia Country Manager Larisa Leshchenko said the Bank was pleased to participate in the launch of the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) project and to be a part of MSME Week. Ms. Leshchenko said the aim of the project, and the event in general, is important and relevant for Liberia, because small businesses are the lifeblood of the country economy, thus generating much needed jobs and income. She pointed out that access to finance is consistently cited as a critical constraint to MSMEs and the MSME project promises to make important contributions in these areas. Read More

Diplomats’ Expulsion Confirmed … Gov’t Begins Departure Process, Sources: The NEWS and The New Dawn and FrontPage Africa

The media report days after it was disclosed that two Liberian diplomats were expelled from the United Kingdom, the Liberian Government has now confirmed the report through a release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the British Government’s decision to expel the two Foreign Service officers by declaring them persona non grata.

Foreign Ministry release said, though the British Government has not cited reasons for their decision and is not obliged to provide an explanation, according to Article 9 (1) of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961; the Liberian Government has taken note of the decision of Her Majesty’s Government.

“In that light, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun to arrange the departure of the two officers, Mr. Jay Napoleon Toquie II and Mr. Chester Dweh Barh, Sr. and their respective families back to Liberia before the decision of the British Government takes effect on 8 January 2018,” the release concluded. The news of the two Liberian diplomats’ expulsion broke out early this week. Read More

FAO Trains Farmers, DAO, Source: The NEWS

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has ended a week-long training exercise for farmers. A release said the training targeted farmers primarily in production and post-value chains of vegetables, value addition to cassava, lowland rice, and production of natural honey (Beekeeping). It also targeted District Agriculture Officers (DAO) from the Ministry of Agriculture as participants were trained in Farmer Field School (FFS) methodologies, concepts and principles.

According to the UN-FAO, the five-day exercise was funded under the United Nations Joint Programme on Human Security Trust Fund project implemented by FAO in collaboration with five other United Nation agencies including (UN Women, WFP, ILO, UNFPA, UNICEF), UNMIL and the Government of Liberia in twenty-three (23) project communities, four counties; Nimba, Grand Gedeh, River Gee and Maryland Counties.

The joint initiative comes from the background that the four counties which accommodated large influx of Ivorian refugees and Liberian returnees, had already fragile border communities that were already marginalized and often neglected. This situation has caused the socioeconomic fabrics of these communities to be more vulnerable. The introduced FFS approach to farmers will enhance their methodology to agricultural development which provides them the opportunity to learn and achieve greater control over the condition that they faced every day in the field. It also empowers them to be food sufficient and generate considerable income. Read More

UN Women Rep. Stresses Stronger Commitment … To Curb Violence against Women, Girls, Source: The NEWS

Delivering a keynote address at the launch of the ’16 Days of Activism’ in Liberia on 25 November 2017 in Monrovia, the Country Representative UN Women Mrs. Marie Goreth Nizigama called on all stakeholders to take a united action in the relentless fight to end violence against women in schools, educational institutions and all places. From the 25 of November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign is rolled out to galvanize action to end violence against women and girls around the world.

Madam Goreth told the audience that it was time for all stakeholders including, individuals, communities and the state to reflect on their responsibilities in addressing the issue of violence against women and girls. The UN Women Liberia Representative specifically highlighted the role of parents in preventing sexual and gender based violence against their children. “Parents are equally accountable when they leave their girl child vulnerable in homes, on the road to school and even having them fend on street corners for livelihood,” she pointed out.

Madam Goreth spoke of the importance of increased awareness on the issue of violence against women to help address the negative stereotypes and perceptions that perpetuated the abuse of the rights of women and girls. The UN Women Liberia Representative joined other speakers to call for an end to school related violence, which is the focus of this year’s ’16 Days of Activism.’ “Accessing quality education is a passport to life’s achievements. It empowers girls and boys and promotes better health, development and opportunities. We must therefore address issues such as early child marriage, rape, teenage pregnancy, bullying of girls, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), the lack of basic provisions such as separate rest rooms for girls that exposes girls to SGBV in schools if we are to guarantee equal education for girls and boys,” she stated.

President Sirleaf dedicates several projects, Source: The New Dawn

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has dedicated several development projects including Cassava Processing Hubs and six Spiral Mixers for Bakers. The Liberian leader also performed groundbreaking for the construction of new dormitories for the A. M Dogliotti College of Medicine on the Fendell Campus of the University of Liberia. She commended the World Bank its continued support to Liberia's development initiatives. According to an Executive Mansion release, President Sirleaf performed the dedications during separate ceremonies on Monday, 27 November 2017 in Bensonville outside Monrovia; in Harrisburg rural Montserrado as well as on the Fendell Campus of the University of Liberia.

In White Plains Harrisburg, President Sirleaf commended the World Bank Group for the support given to Liberia and emphasized government's commitment to prioritizing health worker housing needs. She said the construction of the housing units begin the process of rejuvenating efforts in the health sector. She used the occasion to urged citizens of Harrisburg to return home and begin the process of development adding, "As I drove coming to Benton, I was a little bit sad to see all these places not developed" She noted. Speaking at the Cassava processing hubs in Bensonville, President Sirleaf lauded the African Development Bank (AfDB) for its numerous contributions to Liberia's development agenda particularly in the Agriculture sector, among others.

Speaking during ground breaking ceremony at University of Liberia Fendell Campus, the Liberian leader pointed out the importance of education at all levels stressing: "No matter what we do, without an educated population, we will not go far," President Sirleaf told the gathering. She also thanked Dr. Ophelia Weeks, President of the University of Liberia, students and the Ministry of Health for their commitment and dedication.

For her part, World Bank Country Manager, Larisa Leshchenko said the World Bank is pleased to be part of the dedication of the staff housing units adding, "A healthy nation is a wealthy nation." She noted the construction of staff housing units in remote health facilities is one of the activities supported by the World Bank within the pillars of Re-engineering health infrastructure of the National Heath Investment Plan. She added that the World Bank has successfully collaborated with the Government of Liberia with resources amounting of US$ 2.5M to construct 41 duplexes consisting of 82 staff housing units in eight counties mainly Gbapolu, Montserrado, River Cess, Grand Kru, Grand Gedeh, Maryland and River Gee counties. Read More

LNP Gets Website, Applications, Sources: The New Dawn and FrontPage Africa

The media report that the Liberia National Police (LNP) has officially launched its website to enable the public access information about the police. The launch was held at the National Police Headquarters on Tuesday, 28 November in Monrovia. According to the LNP, the website will enable both the public and police officers to access information about the institution via mobile phones. Police spokesman Sam Collins saids the application (APP.) may also be used to report police officers involved in misconduct as well as hail officers that uphold professional standards. 

Project Lead, Mr. Thomas Doe Nah from The Carter Center said the Center thought it expedient to set up a functioning website for the LNP that will not only connect the public, but also officers to officers. He says location doesn’t matter, once there is access to internet connectivity, a person may bring the Police to light.  Mr. Nah explained that once you log in to “LNP.gov.lr” you will access the website of the LNP with so many options to follow, adding that with the Facebook page of the LNP and the Website, you can get to know the daily activities of the LNP.

Police Inspector General Col. Gregory Coleman, who launched the website and other applications, says as the LNP continues its quest to enhancing delivery of services to the public, stating accountability remains very paramount. Col. Coleman thanked the Carter Center and RoviaGate Technology for making the LNP website and other applications possible.

Liberian Journalist Alleges Government’s Harassment of His Family, Source: FrontPage Africa

According to FrontPage Africa, a Liberian journalist, Stephen Binda, who is now resident in the United States, has expressed fear for the safety of his family in Liberia. His concerns emanate from what he called ‘secret visitations of plain-clothes security agents visiting his home and former working places in search of him. This, according to him, started since a telephone recording between radio talk show host Henry Costa and an unidentified individual regarding the death of the Mr. Harry Greaves, in which he was mentioned as having some insider’s information on what led to the death of Mr. Greaves.

Binda alleges: “Ladies and gentlemen of the press, it would interest you to note, that since the released of said tape about a month ago, my family continues to come under serious security intimidation from state security actors believed to be employees of Special Investigation Unit of the Liberian National Police (SIU-LNP). These moments have been characterized by secret visitations to offices of my previous employers specifically the New Democrat Newspaper and Daily Observer Corporation; where I worked as senior Political/Legislative Correspondent for years.”

According to him, on 22 November 2017 the Management of the New Democrat through its Senior Editor Festue Poquie reported the presence of secret security agents on its properties at about 9pm-2pm.  Subsequently, on Monday, 22 November 2017, the management of the Daily Observer Corporation informed him that their offices were visited by secret agents who then inquired about my whereabouts. Binda disclosed that he was informed by The Observer Corporation that the agent who identified herself only as agent Cooper, informed management that she was acting on the orders of her boss, agent Raphael Wilson, Special Investigation Unit. (0770800423).

“Unfortunately, while these agents failed to provide further details about their mission, they later proceeded to my residence taking pictures of my home." "As a Journalist, I take these threatening moments no lightly especially as our country transitioned from an elected government to another. But most importantly, Liberia modern history is also embodied with secret killings; some of which led to the death of great men, included the later Keith Jubbah, former Public Procurement and Concession boss, Michael Allison - a corruption whistle blower and Harry Greaves, a strong government critic amongst others,” he said.  Read More

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA ON LIBERIA

“Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Girls at Criss Point” – Liberian Girls Alliance, Source: News Public Trust

“Sexual exploitation and abuse of girls in Liberia is at a crisis point and the Liberian justice system is not doing enough to halt the predatory behavior of men against teenagers,” a local teenage advocacy group, the Girls Alliance for Future Leadership says. The group said it “has lost confidence in the Liberian Judiciary, especially the Supreme Court of Liberia,” as it commemorates the mysterious death several years ago of a 13-year-old girl, Angel Togba.

After a case that lasted from March 2010, the Supreme Court in August 2014 reversed a lower ruling which brought down a couple guilty in connection with the death of the teenager, something the child rights group is yet to be pleased with. The Supreme Court, which is the highest arbiter of Justice in Liberia, handed down the ruling that set the defendants free after two previous autopsies on little Angel Togba. But some three years after the Supreme Court’s ruling, the child rights group says it is demanding two answers from the Supreme Court:

“1. Why it delayed the hearing until the height of the Ebola Crisis when the entire country was under partial Curfew and public gathering was barred by the government. 2. Why did the former Justice Minister now Justice Philip Banks recused himself and not Justice Kabineh JA’neh who served at the National Port Authority alongside Hans Williams both men as rebel representatives in the transitional government?”

In a statement issued on Wednesday to mark Angel Togba’s Day, the Girls Alliance called on the international donors to the Liberian Judiciary to ensure that their tax payers’ dollars to the Liberian Justice system is tied to a comprehensive audit of how the system is handling cases of sexual abuse of women and girls. The group emphasized that most Liberia girls are now refusing to report sexual violence against them because they believe the justice system cannot protect them if they come forward. 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.

 

 

 

 

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