UN
United Nations Peacekeeping
- Runoff or Runoff? As Supreme Court Decides Today, Source: The INQUIRER OBSERVER
- UNMIL-funded Quick Impact Project on Gender Sensitive Reporting Training for Journalists in Lofa County, Source: INSIGHT
- UNMIL Ukrainian Peacekeepers Honored with UN Medals for Contribution to Peace in Liberia, Source: INSIGHT
- ECOWAS warns NEC not to use Addendum List, SMS, Source: New DEMOCRAT
- Election was ‘Rigged’ Leaked Emails, NEC staff testify, Source: New DEMOCRAT
- Liberia, Others Celebrate International Human Rights Day, Source: INSIGHT
- US Budget cut could affect Liberia, Source: New DEMOCRAT
- 14.6% of Government’s Budget spent on Health – Health Minister discloses, Source: New DEMOCRAT
- Senator Jallah Condemns Ritualistic Killings in Gbarpolu, Source: New DEMOCRAT and INSIGHT
- INCHR wants Skyrocketing Commodities Prices probed, Source: New DEMOCRAT and INSIGHT
- Nationwide Land Awareness Campaign continues, Source: The INQUIRER
- Weah Envisages Unity Government, Source: The INQUIRER
- “Go and Make the Difference” … UL Orator urges Graduates, Source: The INQUIRER
LIBERIA MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
Runoff or Runoff? As Supreme Court Decides Today, Source: The INQUIRER OBSERVER
The INQUIRER reports that the Supreme Court of Liberia is expected today, 7 December 2017 to put an end to a legal battle that halted the preparations for the runoff election. The ruling from the nation’s high court will either mean the country will go for a rerun or runoff, a decision Liberians eagerly await. According to the papers; judicial reporters, on Wednesday, 6 December, a number of international guests were seen on the grounds of the Temple of Justice.
Appearing before the High Court last week, lawyers from the National Elections Commission (NEC), Liberty Party and Unity Party, each made a case for their clients. They cited relevant laws to defend their position but the outcome of their representations lies in the hand of the five Justices on bench. After all the legal drama, the Appeal Court is now looking in the case at bar as to whether or not there’s a merit to overturn the 10 October Presidential and Legislative Elections results or allow NEC to proceed with the runoff.
Soccer legend and Senator of Montserrado County, George Weah of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) and the Vice President, Joseph Boakai, of the Unity Party, are poised to contest the runoff election if the high court rules a runoff.
UNMIL-funded Quick Impact Project on Gender Sensitive Reporting Training for Journalists in Lofa County, Source: INSIGHT
The Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FEJAL) from 28-30 November 2017 trained 15 males and female journalists in drawn from Foya, Zorzor and Voinjama Districts in Lofa County. The initiative titled: Gender Sensitive Reporting; fairer portrayal of Women in the Media, was funded by the United Nations mission in Liberia (UNMIL’s) Quick Impact Project to strengthen the skills of journalists and editors to analyze facts, issues and data from a gender perspective.
According to Fejal President, Siatta Scott-Johnson, “the objective of this training was to boost the capacity of local journalists in gender sensitive reporting.” The training’s methodology, she noted, was two-pronged with theoretical learning and interactive practical exercises undertaken by the participants. Topics covered include: gender analysis framework for media; gender perceptions and expectations; gender-based violence and ethics; sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse and media advocacy.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, the Station Manager of Radio Kintoma, Tokpa Tarnue said, they were now better equipped to train their colleagues on the importance and norms of gender sensitive reporting. Both the participants and trainers thanked UNMIL for the sponsoring this highly beneficial project. “We appreciate the collaboration with UNMIL and hope we can implement more projects together. Judging from the issues identified during the training in Lofa County, we know there is a lot more to be done in terms of boosting the skills and community journalists, Mrs. Johnson said.
UNMIL Ukrainian Peacekeepers Honored with UN Medals for Contribution to Peace in Liberia, Source: INSIGHT
The INSIGHT reports that 105 members of the Ukrainian Contingent were recently awarded with the United Nations Peacekeeping Medals in recognition of their contribution to peace and stability in Liberia. The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Peace Consolidation, yacoub El Hillo on behalf of SRSG Farid Zarif, lauded the Ukrainian troops for deploying troops and equipment to transport personnel and guests, and provide air escort and support to the Force. “We have always taken off and landed safely, thanks to your outstanding technical skills, dedication and thoroughness,” the DSRSG said at the medal award ceremony at the Ukrianian Aviation Unit base at the Roberts Interational Airport in Margibi County.
Further, the DSRSG commended the team of pilots, mechanics, flight specialists and support personnel of the Unit for their commitment, professionalism and invaluable contribution to the Mission and to the people of Liberia since 2004. He said that the dedicated service of Ukrainian Peacekeepers brings pride to their country, and demonstrates the ideal of the United Nations in helping countries navigate the difficult parth from conflict to peace.
Also at the ceremony were the Force Commander Major General Salihu Zaway Uba, Director of Mission Support, David Penklis; Police Commissioner, Simon Blatchy and Deputy Force Commander, Brig.Gen Atef Abdelraouf Mahmoud Attia.
ECOWAS warns NEC not to use Addendum List, SMS, Source: New DEMOCRAT
The Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) has warned the National Elections Commission not to use its flawed SMS verification technology and the widely criticized addendum voters roll it used during the 10 October elections, this paper reports. In its technical assessment report, the regional body said it observed that 1,328 voters on the roll did not have photograph and that after the exhibition the electoral body deleted 170,000 voters it suspected were duplicated names.
Election was ‘Rigged’ Leaked Emails, NEC staff testify, Source: New DEMOCRAT
This paper reports that a testimony by a staff of the National Elections commission (NEC) point to how the 10 October elections were poorly managed, manipulated and rigged to certain extent. Meanwhile, NEC officials have at the same time dismissed as fake emails which the media reported were exchanged between ex-Finance Minister, Amara Konneh that alleged additional ballots were purchased and airlifted into the southeast of the country to influence election results in that part of the country.
Liberia, Others Celebrate International Human Rights Day, Source: INSIGHT
Liberia joins the world over on 10 December 2017 to celebrate International Human Rights Day. Every 10 December each year is celebrated in commemoration of the Universal Declaratin on Human Rights which came into existence I 1948. The day also marks the official closure of the 16 Days of Activism which began on 25 November, the International day for Elimination of all Forms of Violence against Women. This year’s celebration is under the global theme: “We are all equal in dignity and rights.”
The International National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) will on Monday, 11 December, alongside key partners, execute programs to commemorate the day in Liberia consistent with the Commission’s commitment to decentralize its activities. The program will take place in Tubmanburg, Bomi County, under the national theme: “Advancing the rights and dignity of children and persons with disabilities.”
INCHR Embarks on Human Rights Promotion Activities, Source: INSIGHT
The Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) says its recognizes that the provision of human rights education is cardinal to the protection and promotion of human rights in every society. Additionally, the INCHR is cognizant tht a pool of trained personnel oh human rights treaty reporting is important for the cultivation fo a human rights friendly culture. Also, the INCHR noted that the culture of human rights will blossom further when human rights-based approach is used in the development of national policies, programs and other activities.
In addition, the implementation of the National Human Rights Action Plan and recommendations from the Universa Periodic Review needs to be taken seriously by all state and non-state actors responsible. On account of the above, the Commission is engaign activities that will reinforce its mandate of promotion and protection of human rights by carrying out human rights education and awareness campaign in Bong, Bassa, Bomi and Montserrado counties, a one-day working session on treaty reporting with state institutions, one technical working session to draft the revised Agenda for Transformation to mainstream the SDGs using Human Rights Based Approach, high-level meeting with actors from the judiciary and community-based campaign to reduce invalid votes in subsequent elections.
The INCHR said it will use these activities sponsored by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights of the United Nations to strengthen the capacity of the Commission, enhanced the Commission’s visibility, increase awareness among citizens on redress mechanism for human rights violations among other human rights related objectives.
Investigate Officials – INCHR Wants Senate Probe Appointed Officials Who Allegedly Resumed Office without Confirmation, Source: FrontPage Africa
The Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) has expressed concern over the alleged assumption fo offices by some officials of government without the Senate confirmation and has requested the House of Senate to investigate the matter, this paper reports.
Addressign a press Wednesday, 6 December in Monrovia, the acting Chairperson of the INCHR, Atty. Bartholomew Colley, expressed hope that the Senate will patriotically and diligently seek the facts surrounding the allegation and take appropriate measures that are in keeping wit the Constitution of the Liberia..
Recently, it was reported by the media tht some officials of government, who resigned their positions to contest in the 10 October 2017 elections in keeping with the Code of Conduct and lost have taken reassignment at their various institution without Senate confirmation. Prominent among those officials are Gender Minister Julia Duncan Cassell, Mr. Varney Sirleaf Deputy Internal Affairs Minister for Administration, Bong County Superintendent Selena Mappy-Polson, and the former head of the National Bureau of Concession, Ciatta Bishop, according to sources have reassumed their respective positions, as well.
US Budget cut could affect Liberia, Source: New DEMOCRAT
Non-governmental organizations have warned that the Donald Trump’s administration plan to slash AIDS funding could lead to million more people being infected with HIV and AIDS and more could die. The US government proposed a budget cut to eliminate PEPFAR funding entirely to 17 countries including Liberia, Mali, Senegal and Sierra Leone, Brazil and Nepal among others which are still struggling to recover from the disease.
14.6% of Government’s Budget spent on Health – Health Minister discloses, Source: New DEMOCRAT
It has been disclosed by Health Minister, Dr. Bernice Dahn that 14.6% of government’s budget is spent on the health sector, saying it is providing support to health care spending. The minister made the disclosure at the 9th Joint Annual Review Health Conference in Monrovia on Wednesday. “Our government spend over 14.6% of its budgets on the health sector and provides support for 25% of our health spending”. She said the country must work hard to provide and support universal health coverage so that every Liberians receives quality health care.
Senator Jallah Condemns Ritualistic Killings in Gbarpolu, Source: New DEMOCRAT and INSIGHT
Senate Pro-Tempore and Senator of Gbarpolu County, Armah Jallah has condemned recent reports of ritualistic killings in the county by unknown individuals in Henry Town, Korninga chiefdom. He then frowned on such killing, terming it as barbaric and unacceptable. His remark was contained in a release issued by his office.
INCHR wants Skyrocketing Commodities Prices probed, Source: New DEMOCRAT and INSIGHT
Speaking Wednesday in Monrovia, the Acting Chairperson of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights, Bartholomew Colley spoke sharply against what he calls the unjustifiable skyrocketing of the price of gasoline and other essential commodities and wants the issue investigated. He added that the situation was troubling to the economy that, if not checked, could bring untold suffering on the people especially those in the low earning bracket.
Nationwide Land Awareness Campaign continues, Source: The INQUIRER
The USAID-Land Governance Support Activity and the Liberia Land Authority yesterday began a 4-day nationwide land awareness campaign on the Land Act against the “Criminal Conveyanc of Land of 2014”. Challenges affecting good governance of land in the Scheifflin Town and other areas were also discussed by community dwellers, Land owners administrators and surveyors. Reports say the awareness exercise provided insight into land issues.
Weah Envisages Unity Government, Source: The INQUIRER
Coalition for Democratic Change standard (CDC) bearer, George Weah has promised a unity government when elected where all will be a part saying, “what happened to us before will not happen again”. He made the comment when he addressed well-wishers at the party’s headquarters in Monrovia Wednesday on his return from a trip abroad. Whatever decision comes out of the Supreme Court, he stated the CDC was prepared to vote.
“Go and Make the Difference” … UL Orator urges Graduates, Source: The INQUIRER
The orator of the University of Liberia College of Science and Technology graduation has challenged graduates of the college to go into the world and make a difference by being independent in their endeavours. Dr. Eugene Thomas Richardson, a medical researcher from the Boston University in the United States told the graduates yesterday there was no need to look to Europe and America because they have failed and that the American approach to solving world’s problems has gone bankrupt. If not so, he added too many people would not have died from the Ebola disease in 2014.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA ON LIBERIA
A close confidente of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Director General of the General Services Agency (GSA), Madam Mary Broh has denied being a “spy” in the camp of Vice President Joseph Boakai in the ruling Unity Party (UP). In an exclusive interview with www.newspublictrust Wednesday evening, Broh also rubbished claims by executives of the UP that President Sirleaf is supporting George Weah’s Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).
“Those who say I’m a spy, those who say they don’t trust me, they are just wasting their time,” the one time Monrovia City Mayor said. According to her, she has been knowing VP Boakai for the past 49 years, since she was 17 years old, adding, “I don’t flip flop. I support the Vice President 100%.” Referring to some young UP stalwarts and some Boakai’s loyalists, she said they were in grade school when she joined the UP many years ago. She described as “little children” those in the Boakai camp in the UP who claim she is a spy in the present UP. “Whatever they say I am, that’s their perogative.”
But she told the Boakai stalwarts (mainly his young followers) what they should focus on now for their candidate and “let’s concentrate on a winning strategy.” “Stop going on the social media talking rubbish,” the GSA Director General told the Boakai loyalist.
She urged them to stay away from insulting President Sirleaf and engaging in negative utterances and actions. Broh then warned that by continuing to engage in such practice, it could lead to serious political consequences for the party at the polls. “If they continue they’ll shoot themselves in the foot,”meaning that it would be counter-productive of the UP.
Last weekend, President Sirleaf dismissed her youthful Minister of Labour Lamin Lighe for “gross disrespect and wicked act.” He is also the Vice Chairman of the UP and a strong supporter of VP Boakai’s presidential bid.
Earlier in October, the ruling UP launched a strong attack on its own Standard Bearer Emeritus on her birthday, linking her to alleged fraud in the 10 October polls. And they gave a vote of no confidence in her credibility as it relates to free, fair and transparent election.
At the same time, Director General Broh has given her backing to a group of women who are said to planning to stage a solidarity march in support of President Sirleaf amidst growing insults and attacks coming from her own party. Reports say the planned demonstration is a form of protest against what some women say are recent insults being hauled at Africa’s first elected woman President.
The GSA boss condemned those in the habit of insulting the Liberian leader and people in authority. “Why are you insulting a sitting President, this is bad,” the former Monrovia City Mayor said. According to Madam Broh, Liberia has made significant progress over the years and that “we need peace and political fortitude.”
She urged her fellow compatriots to do everything to preserve the peace the country has today. Broh warned Liberians against resorting to violence, because no country in the West African region will be willing again to warmly opening their arms to receiving Liberian refugees.
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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