The UN Envoy to Liberia, Mr. Alan Doss has re-assured Liberians that the UN Mission in Liberia - UNMIL - will not leave the country prematurely. He was speaking at a medal presentation ceremony in the southeastern port city of Harper, Maryland County during which Senegalese peacekeepers were decorated, for their contribution to the UN peacekeeping operation in Liberia.
“UNMIL is not leaving yet” he declared. “We will not put at risk the gains that have been made so far in returning Liberia to peace and stability”.
The Special Representative of the Secretary General, acknowledged the progress made in the country since the inception of the UN Peace Mission in October 2003, saying, Liberia was on the path to recovery after long years of conflict, but he noted also that West Africa had not yet escaped the shadow of conflict. “We cannot be complacent. We must continue to be vigilant and provide essential security until the national security forces are ready to take over”.
Mr. Doss commended the contribution of the Senegalese peacekeepers to the progress taking place in Liberia. He said their daily patrols, escorts, and check-point duties have helped maintain security in Maryland County and contributed to the realization of UNMIL’s principal mandate of establishing and maintaining a stable environment in Liberia.
Mr. Doss praised the Senegalese soldiers for going beyond their peacekeeping duty to provide assistance to local communities, and reminded them of their fundamental duty of care to the people of Liberia, especially women and children, urging them to strictly abide by the Secretary-General’s policy of zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse.
At the same event, Mr. Doss also inaugurated a Peace Monument erected by the Senegalese peacekeepers as a symbol of cooperation between the Senegalese contingent and the people of Maryland County.
The medal-presentation ceremony was attended by UNMIL Force Commander, Lieutenant-General Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor, the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, the UNMIL Director of Administration, Stephen Leiberman and county authorities.
In a related development, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator is expected on Monday, 9 April, to launch the Common Humanitarian Action Plan 2007 in Monrovia.
In 2006, the United Nations agencies and partners identified three strategic priorities for humanitarian assistance in 2007: provision of basic social services to vulnerable populations; revitalization of returnee communities for security and productive livelihoods; and strengthening of civil society and local authorities. This launch is to raise funds to address these strategic priorities.
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