Special Representative of the Secretary-General Karin Landgren says the Security Council has asked UNMIL to focus attention on issues around reconciliation, decentralization and constitutional reform. Landgren was addressing UNMIL peacekeepers during her first visit to Voinjama in early December.

The UN envoy also described bad road conditions as a big challenge. “If people don’t have roads and can’t travel, they will be denied access to justice and security.”

She also disclosed that the Security Council had two big concerns when it instructed UNMIL to go ahead and start the transition. “One is to stick to the calendar and the other is to make sure that Liberia’s security and stability is not put at risk.”

Addressing the outgoing Pakistani Battalion,  she lauded the peacekeepers for all the CIMIC work they have done in Lofa County.

In a meeting with the county administration and land line ministries, SRSG Landgren said UNMIL’s reduction of troops will be a gradual process and it is a tribute to the advances made in Liberia. She said there remains a lot to do in terms of developing Liberia’s security forces. “They need to have the trust of the population, and the decentralization, which is just beginning, will be a huge challenge.”

She called on all Liberians to play their part for the future peace of Liberia and advised parents to discourage their children from engaging in violence. “The youth must make their contribution and not engage in violence and mob actions.”
Visiting the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court, Landgren spoke about the UN’s investment in Liberia’s peace and security. “For the past ten years the UN has been supporting Liberia in its journey towards peace and stability. Justice and security is very important as the court system has a vital role to play for dispensation of justice to ensure a brighter future,” she said.

During the visit, Landgren also inaugurated a Pakistani-Liberian Friendship Sports ground constructed in Voinjama by the Pakistani peacekeepers as a parting gift for the people of the county and also visited Zorzor and Foya districts.