Indian Female Police Contingent Arrives in Liberia

Idian Female Police Contingent in Liberia, the advance team - comprising of 14 male (logistics team) and the female Contingent Commander (Seema Dhundiya) -- arrived in Liberia yesterday.

The main, According to UNMIL Press Release, contingent is expected to arrive in Liberia next week.

The Indian Female FPU Contingent consists of 125 members (including the advance party). 103 are women (operational) and 22 are men (logistics).

The 103 women are broken down into 3 platoons of 30 women each (1 platoon leader + 29 officers). The remaining 13 members are all officers including the Deputy Commander, Duty Officers, Logistics Officers, Operational, Liaison Officers, 1 Doctor and 1 Nurse.

The contingent will operate their own Level I hospital within their camp in Monrovia, and will be based in Monrovia but could be deployed anywhere in Liberia, according to the release.
During the first week, the contingent will undergo the standard UN check-in process including Induction, general familiarisation, preparation of camp, etc.
Within one week of their arrival, the contingent will team up with their Jordanian, Nepalese and Nigerian counterparts for a training period called "Operational Transitional Period". Below is an interviw by VOA's James Butty with UNMIL's Spokesman, Ben Malor :
The first all-female U.N. peacekeeping force made up of 105 Indian policewomen is set to begin a mission this week in Liberia. Ben Malor is spokesman and acting chief for public information for the United Nations Mission in Liberia. He explained their time of arrival and their expected role in Liberia.
“The expectation right now is that sometime from this morning as we are speaking that there will be an advance party of about 15 officials coming just to prepare the ground, and then in very early February we are expecting the full contingent to arrive here in Liberia and begin all the preparatory work to be part of the police team here in the United Nations, working at the invitation of the Liberian government, but particularly together with the Liberian National Police to maintain peace and order in Liberia,” he said.
Malor said for some time now, women have been making inroads in the area of peacekeeping.
“We do have a very good number of peacekeepers who are women serving here in Liberia. Secondly, there is the desire and the need by the United Nations to have more women involved in peacekeeping. As you know, when there is conflict around the world, it is women in particular together with children who bear the brunt of the horrible aspects of war and conflict. And so it is fitting to believe that when you have women at the problem-solving end of the issues pertaining to conflict, they bring a dimension that is more than relevant in making sure that the effects of war are not so seriously felt particularly by women, by children in particular and by the population at large,” Malor said.
He rejects any suggestion that the coming of the all-female U.N. peacekeeping force is for symbolic reason.
“Why would it be symbolic when you have a president who is a woman in Madame Ellen Johnson Sirleaf? Why would it be symbolic when the inspector-general of the Liberian national police, Madame Beatrice Munnah Sieh. Why would it be symbolic when we already so many prominent women taking part in peacekeeping? May be it is long overdue and it should not be viewed as symbolic. This is very significant, and we really welcome the contribution they are going to make,” Malor said.

In Guinea: Police Clash With Strickers

BBC NEWS

The protesters say they will continue until the president steps downSecurity forces in Guinea have clashed with demonstrators, calling on President Lansana Conte to resign on the 13th day of a general strike.
At least 17 people died in running battles with police in the capital, Conakry and other towns. Ten people were killed in clashes last week.
A BBC correspondent says many thousands took to the streets in the biggest protests since the strike began.
Marchers were chanting "Enough" and "Bye Bye Conte".
Guinea's unions and opposition parties say President Conte is too sick to govern.
The strikers also accuse Mr Conte of mismanaging the economy and personally securing the release from prison of two men accused of corruption.
Countrywide protests
Some 30,000 demonstrators matched through Conakry, heading for the parliament building.
They were blocked at the 8 Novembre bridge, which separates central Conakry from the suburbs, by security forces, who opened fire, witnesses say.

Strongman feels the heat
In pictures: Guinea clashes
"There are at least 100 injured. The number of dead can be estimated at 11, but we have to finalise the count... the injured are still coming in," a doctor in Conakry's Donka Hospital told Reuters news agency.
Deaths have also been reported in the town of Siguiri and Kankan.
There were also mass protests in the towns of Pita, Dabola and Telemele, reports the AFP news agency.
On Saturday, Mr Conte made a speech on television, asking for the support of the people and the army.
"Those who want power must wait their turn. It is God who gives power and when he gives it to someone, everyone must stand behind him," he said.
"Guineans must remain united, above all us soldiers, because we must be proud of wearing the uniform, a sign of allegiance to defending the country."
Dialogue plea
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the African Union head Alpha Oumar Konare have called for dialogue between the two sides.
Mr Ban said he was concerned about the loss of life during the protests.

The strikers were prevented from reaching the city centrePresidents Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal and Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria are expected to go to Guinea to try and mediate.
Food prices are said to have risen sharply in Conakry, with shortages of staple foods including rice and bread.
Hundreds of people are said to have been arrested since the strike began.
Mr Conte seized power in a 1984 coup but has since won three elections.
He is in his 70s but suffers from diabetes.
The current general strike is the third in the last

Former Liberian Defense Minister Wants Reconciliation Confab in Grand Bassa County

A prominent citizen of Grand Bassa, Mr. Daniel Chea, has called for the holding of a county –wide unification confab aimed at uniting the people of the county.Like other Counties, Mr. Chea observed that the 14-year armed conflict brought division amongst the people of Grand Bassa as well created many problems for them ranging from social, political to economic.Mr. Chea said such conference would address several issues including the reasons why the people of the County are not speaking in one voice and why are they not forming one united front.
Liberian Defense Minister - Daniel Chea
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Heritage in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County on Monday, November 20, 2006, Mr. Chea envisaged that at the end of the proposed unification confab, the people of the county will trash out their differences and adopt one agenda in the interest of all.Mr. Chea, a former Defense Minister, further envisaged that the outcome of the confab will make the people of Grand Bassa play a proactive role in the new political dispensation.He, however, admonished his kinsmen to avoid forming splinter groups that will pose as representatives of citizens of the county.He said for certain group of Bassa citizens to form groups which assume the responsibility to single-handedly speak for and on behalf of every Bassa citizens may not augur well.He added that no matter what may be the intent of such groups, their true intention may be misconstrued.Mr. Chea then suggested that such groups which he did not name convene a meeting where all of such groups’ role will be redefined into what he called the proper perspective.The former Defense Chief strongly warned that Grand Bassa County risks being divided if citizens of the county are not mindful of solving the many problems that county is faced with.In the absence of holding said confab, he pointed out that the County may be divided politically; something which he said will make it very difficult for the sons and daughters of the county to make any significant impact on the national political scene.He expressed the hope that his kinsmen will see wisdom in his recommendation and come together in a bid to strategy for the convening the County-Wide Unification Confab. Mr. Chea used the occasion to commend Grand Bassa County Superintendent, Madam Julia Duncan-Cassell, for what he referred to as the performance of the superintendent so far.He also called on all citizens of Grand Bassa County to support Superintendent Duncan-Cassell regardless of political and religious affiliation.

Libya Gives Liberia Assistance, Provides Generators

The Libya Government has provided some assistance to the Liberian Government in its power supply for the nation.

One the assistance include two 1.25 KVA generators to the Republic of Liberia, the Executive Mansion disclosed yesterday.
Disclosing this the Presidential Press Secretary, Cyrus Badio said one of the generators has already arrived in the country while the other will arrive anytime this week.
Addressing his regular Monday press briefing at the Foreign Ministry yesterday, Mr. Badio indicated that the generator donation would boost the second phase of the emergency power (electrification) program in the country.
The second phase of the emergency power program will cover major portions of Monrovia along with the suburbs of Bushrod Island and Paynesville.
The government and its international partners including the governments of Norway, Ghana, the United States of America, the World Bank and European Commission last December signed the second phase of the emergency power program.
The project phase is reported to cost US$25 million with the Liberian Government providing US$1.4 million while the rest would be provided by Liberia’s partners.
Mr. Badio told journalists that the donation by the Libyan Government to Liberia is one of the fruits of President Sirleaf’s many foreign travels.
The Libyan government made the donation during a visit to that country last year by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at the invitation of Col. Mummar Ghaddafi, Badio said.
He said along with the generators, the North African country also donated two tractors which are already in the country to assist government in the agricultural sector.
Mr. Badio said “President Sirleaf is very appreciative of the gesture by Col. Ghaddafi and his government, representing yet another manifestation of the confidence that friendly governments and the international community continue to repose in her new government.”

Special Education: Women Recruits for Police Launched

The Vice-President of Liberia, Mr. Joseph Boakai has launched a pioneering Education Support Programme for female potential recruits of the Liberia National Police (LNP) at the Education Ministry in Monrovia. The accelerated programme aims to bring the educational level of interested women up to the high school graduation level so that they can qualify for LNP recruitment. The Vice-President commended the LNP, the UN Police and the Ministries of Education, Justice and Gender & Development for coming together to plan and implement the programme. “Enduring peace cannot be guaranteed unless women play a greater role in the peace process and reconstruction of Liberia.” The Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Alan Doss, said the launch of this programme demonstrates the collective determination of the government and the United Nations to come up with creative solutions to overcome some of the challenges faced by Liberian women. “This is an opportunity to not only enhance your education, but, if you successfully pass the test, you can join the LNP and help make a difference to your country, especially the women of this country,” he said, as he urged all young women who are interested in joining the police to apply for the programme. Mr. Doss added that the programme was initiated to meet the target of 20 per cent female representation in the Liberia National Police. “This is not about lowering standards but about helping women raise their standards of education so that they can join the LNP,” he stated. “We must bear in mind that women suffered disproportionately during the years of conflict. This programme is one way to right the balance.” He further expressed the hope that having a good number of women police officers could actually improve the performance of the police force. “Many years of research have shown that women police officers are better at handling conflict, adjudicating disputes and ensuring that both women and men are better protected.” The Minister of Education, Dr. Joseph Korto said he hopes the special education programme will help women take their rightful place alongside their male counterparts: “Liberia is on the course of fundamental reform that is necessary to make a nation of social justice and equality. If gender equality is to have true meaning, then we need to build the capacity of women to take on more responsibilities.”Welcoming the young Liberian women who had lined up to join the programme, the Inspector-General of the LNP, Mrs. Beatrice Munah Sieh urged them to take advantage of this unique opportunity to enhance their education and join the LNP. During the first phase, 150 potential LNP candidates will be able to sit for an aptitude test and if successful, undergo three months of intensive tutorials at the Stella Maris Polytechnic in Monrovia. The syllabus will be set by the Ministry of Education and the West Africa Examinations Council (WAEC). At the end of the three months, the Council will administer a special examination, which may qualify the applicants for LNP recruitment if they meet the necessary educational standard.

UNMIL Boss Urges Ganaian Peacekeeping Troops to Remain Vigilant

UNMIL Press Release, 20 January 2007

UN Envoy urges Ghanaian peacekeepers to remain vigilant in maintaining peace in Liberia
Careysburg, Liberia “ The Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Alan Doss, has challenged the men and women of the Ghanaian military contingent of UNMIL to remain vigilant and work hard for the success of Liberia's recovery efforts. Mr. Doss was speaking during a ceremony on Friday, 19 January, when he decorated 217 Ghanaian soldiers with UN peacekeeping medals for their contribution to peace in Liberia.
SRSG Doss decorating and congratulating Ghanaian peacekeepers at their medal ceremony
Describing the Ghanaian contingent as a vital part of a continuing responsibility to ensure stability, Mr. Doss added:the round-the-clock patrols you conduct, your response to security incidents and your escort and check-point duties have all contributed towards maintaining a stable and peaceful environment in Liberia.
Providing medical assistance to locals is essential in humanitarian interventions
The UN Envoy again used the occasion to urge all peacekeepers to strictly abide by the Secretary-General's policy of zero tolerance for sexual abuse and exploitation. “We must always be on our best behaviour and maintain the respect and trust of the Liberian people. Mr. Doss commended Brigadier-General John Forkuo, Military Chief of Staff and Ghana's Contingent Commander, for his excellent leadership. But most importantly, I pay tribute to each and every one of you here today for your spirit, commitment and determination, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General added.
In his address at the ceremony, Brigadier-General Forkuo said, the battalion has worked very hard to enable UNMIL to sustain the peace Liberians are currently enjoying. The battalion’s dedication to duty, the sense of urgency and quick response to hostile situations, has contributed to peace and stability in its areas of responsibility.
The deployment of 850 members of the Ghanaian contingent in Liberia is the latest in a long and distinguished record of Ghanaian participation in United Nations peacekeeping. In 2003, Ghanaian peacekeepers were among the first to arrive in Liberia to prepare the way for the United Nations Mission in Liberia. Ghanaian peacekeepers are deployed at Liberia's main seaport (Freeport of Monrovia), and other key economic and military installations in and outside Monrovia. The battalion is also involved in providing social assistance in its areas of operations, including medical services.
The medal ceremony was attended by Mr. William Ofori Boafo, Ghana's Deputy Minister for Defense, Commodore Steve Tim Appiah, Ghanaian Military Secretary, H.E. Maj.-Gen. F. Adu-Amanfoh, Ghanaian Ambassador accredited to Liberia, the UNMIL Force Commander, Lt.-Gen. Isaac Chikadibia Obiakor, Officer-in-Charge of Administration, Ms. Stephani Scheer, and other senior military and civilian officials.

Liberia's Housing Crisis: An Asequate Supply of Affordable Housing is the foundation of a healthy economy

Culled from www.runningafrica.com

By Nyankor MatthewTopical Commentaror

News coming out of Liberia that the government of Liberia has created a "pilot project" to build new community of housing units in the Gben-Gbar Town area on the Robertsfield highway is a giant step in the right direction in dealing with the current housing crisis in Liberia. When one speaks of economic development in Liberia, creating affordable housing is seldom mentioned in the discussion, when in reality affordable housing development is an essential component of economic development. Case in point, in the 1960s in Singapore, shortly after independence, Singapore faced a serious problem of housing shortages. In response, the government passed the Housing and Development Act in 1960 which created a Housing and Development Board. The first priority of the agency during its
A typical bungalow in Liberia
formation was to build as many low-cost housing units as possible, and a Five-Year Plan was introduced to undertake this enormous task.

The housing that was initially built was mostly meant for rental by low income groups. Between 1960 and 1965, about 54,000 housing units were built by the HDB. According to the HDB approximately 80-90% of Singapore's population is currently living in HDB housing and majority of these people own their homes. Most of the residential housing developments in Singapore are publicly built. Thus, public housing in Singapore is not considered a sign of poverty or a lower standard. As a matter of fact very few people in Singapore live below the poverty line. In 1964, the government introduced the Home Ownership for the People, to give citizens an asset in the country, a means of financial security and to hedge against inflation. This push for home ownership also helped in the overall economic, social and political stability of the country. That such difficult goals were met reflected the soundness of the strategy adopted in the approach to public housing, which proved effective in handling Singapore's housing crisis.

In many developed and developing market economies, where private housing rent levels are normally set to make a profit, and decent and affordable housing is unaffordable for citizens with lower income, there exist a modest level of affordable housing for these lower income residents, because market rent and price levels often cannot be afforded by these individuals who, without having access to affordable housing will need either welfare or live in the projects – at least in the U.S. Unfortunately, many developing countries/economies such as Liberia generally do not have such a welfare system in place that can benefit citizens who lack access to not only adequate housing, but the funds to finance such housing.

As is the current trend now in Liberia, due to the influx of Liberians with money moving back to Liberia, those developing new private housing for rent usually set rent levels high to make sufficient profit, after allowing for both development costs and running costs -but their high rents generally limit demand from the majority of the Liberian population who are unable to afford rent and feed their families at the same time. The current trend coupled with more than a decade of civil war has exacerbated slum living in Liberia that is all too common across Africa. According to a UN-Habitat report, sub-Saharan Africa hosts the largest proportion of the urban population residing in slums (71.9 per cent); 166 million out of a total urban population of 231 million are classified as slum dwellers. The region has the second largest slum population in the world after South-central Asia.

The UN-Habitat report, "The Challenge of Slums: Global Report on Human Settlements 2003", shows that slum life often entails enduring some of the most intolerable housing conditions, which frequently include sharing toilets with hundreds of people, living in overcrowded and insecure neighborhoods, and constantly facing the threat of eviction. Slum dwellers are also more likely to contract water-borne diseases, such as cholera and typhoid, as well as opportunistic ones that accompany HIV/AIDS. Slum life, therefore, places enormous social and psychological burdens on residents, which often leads to broken homes and social exclusion.

Although I applaud the government for its recent beautification efforts, I believe that it's somewhat inhumane for us to undertake a beautification project when thousands of Liberians lack decent and affordable housing and many are plagued with substandard housing conditions, slum living, and a lack of financial capital to enable them to reverse their conditions even if they wanted to. Having said all of this, I believe that the creation of affordable housing is essential to development and the democratic process.

The government of Liberia in partnership with the private sector and international not-for-profit organizations need provide resources to support a comprehensive housing development effort that will address the unique housing needs of all Liberians, not just those living in Monrovia, as is often the case. A housing development policy will improve land tenure and property rights system for most Liberians, thus allowing many of our people the ability to collateralize these assets to obtain loans for education, businesses, and other enterprises.

Recommendation:

· Develop and implement regional and national housing strategies

· Creation of a national housing finance corporation to encourage the investment of private capital in residential housing through the use of public financing to stimulate the construction of residential housing, and facilitate the purchase of affordable housing
Ø A sole corporation or agency in charge of public housing will enable more effective resource planning and allocation. This will make it possible to secure land, raw materials and manpower for large-scale construction to optimize results and achieve economies of scale.

· Build public-private sector partnerships to address pressing housing development needs, by fostering increased collaboration between the private development sector, local and national government, and international and community-based not-for-profit organizations.


· Lastly, strong government support in the form of political and financial commitment

Finally, the lack of adequate housing is a growing crisis that can not be ignored any longer in Liberia, especially with the population influx of people migrating into an already congested Monrovia. Therefore I am glad that the government of Liberia has taken a bold step to address this nightmare, but more still needs to done in the area of affordable housing development in Liberia. The government of Liberia in partnership with the private sector needs to come up with strategies and resources to support innovative and affordable housing in Liberia. Ever the optimist, I truly believe that support for housing in Liberia could spur economic development activities in Liberia if and only if the government is committed to using locale technology, locale employment, and local material when feasible.


About the author: Ms. Nyankor Matthew is a Liberian residing in Tallahassee, Florida, and works as a senior Asset Management Analyst for the State of Florida Housing Finance Corporation. She holds a Masters degree in Public Finance. She can be reached at nyankorm@gmail.com