UNMIL Boss Wants Central Approach In Reconstruction, Development

UNMIL Public Affairs

Monrovia, Liberia – The Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Alan Doss, has stressed the importance of a people-centred development approach to move Liberia forward after years of conflict. Mr. Doss made this call in Monrovia, during a workshop for the County Support Teams (CSTs) intended to review and provide effective recommendations for Liberia’s local authority administrations. “Development must include people; it must be participatory and focus on equity,” the UN Envoy said. “In the past when Liberia registered one of the highest Gross National Product per capita in Africa, there were many parts of the country that were not participating in economic progress and development,” he observed. “It was lop-sided, uneven, and large numbers of the people did not really benefit. So, participation and equity is one way of ensuring that development is done differently.” Addressing county superintendents and other partners of the CSTs, Mr. Doss urged them to re-think the way development is done. “We have to challenge ourselves not to go down the traditional ways of trying to deliver development, which doesn’t really use the energy, drive and enthusiasm of people, particularly poor people,” he stressed. “It is a mistake to think that poor people are recipients; they are also actors. And I think we have to find ways to tap into their capacities.” The Special Representative of the Secretary-General further called the inclusion and involvement citizens at all levels. “That is where the county-level structures and the superintendents have a critical role to play, because if we wait for Monrovia to do everything, then I think you will wait quite a long time,” Mr. Doss warned. “It has to come from the other way as well. Helping the counties play a dynamic role in implementing the Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy (IPRS) is absolutely critical, because the IPRS sets series of national targets. But all of that has to be translated, used and taken forward at the local level,” he pointed out. “It is very important to create a sense of local engagement.”With support from donors, the United Nations has provided vehicles and office equipment to the various CSTs in Liberia’s 15 county administrations. Mr. Doss promised the UN’s continued support for Liberia’s recovery and reconstruction, but said emphasis must be placed on management structures at the local level. The workshop brought together county superintendents and their assistants for development, UN agencies funds and programmes making up the UN Country Team, UNMIL, and the ministries of Internal Affairs and Planning and Economic Affairs.The Special Representative of the Secretary-General has led efforts to establish the County Support Teams (CSTs) to ensure a coherent and consolidated UN approach for dealing with the problems facing the government and people of Liberia. The CSTs have also been helping to build the capacity of local institutions. Support for the CST process has been provided by the Swedish and Irish Governments, the UNDP and UNMIL.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: PRESIDENTS HU JINTAO OF CHINA AND ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF OF LIBERIA

Friday Chinese President Hu Jintao signed a number of agreements with Liberia in Monrovia, pledging more aid and investment to the West African nation. (Presidents Hu (left) and Johnson-Sirleaf opened an anti-malaria clinic) Pledges US$25M Toward Liberia's Recovery

Soros, Queen Noor, President Sirleaf Visits Nimba County As LBDI Opens Local Branch

Billionaire and Philanthropist, George Soros accompanied by Queen Noor of Jordan who arrived in the country Thursday evening, as guests of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf today left the Capital for Nimba County.

The visit comes barely 3 hours after the Chinese President Hu Jintao's plane taxied on the Roberts International Airfield.
Both George Soros and Queen Noor, widow of the late Revered King Hussein of Jordan are in the country for four days.
Queen Noor will pay a moral boosting visit to the robust Jordanian peace keeping troops currently serving in UNMIL.
The American Billionaire who has provided humanitarian and financial support for a number of initiatives in Liberia, including the Liberia Education Trust, will be conferred Liberia’s highest National Honor, the Order of the Star of Africa with the grade of Grand Band, which is the highest to be conferred on non Heads of State and sovereign. The event takes place on Friday evening at an investiture ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign.
While in Liberia , Billionaire Soros will also participate in several activities including meetings with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Vice President and leaders of the National Legislature, and the Truth & Reconciliation Commission. Mr. Soros, who will also be holding a working meeting with the Cabinet on Friday, is expected to participate in a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a school in New Kru Town . The project is one of several initiatives under the auspices of the LACE and the Liberian Education Trust to which he has contributed over 1 million US dollars.
President Sirleaf and Mr. Soros have had a long standing Professional relationship spanning over 2 decades during her time at the World Bank, Equator Bank and the United Nations Development Program.

BASSA YOUTHS MARCHED PEACEFULLY FOR COLLEGE, RECEIVE ELDERS SUPPORT

L/R: Hon. Vah Receiving the Petition while the group listened to his remarks

Over five thousands citizens of Grand Bassa County, including students yesterday marched peacefully in Buchanan City to demand their county authority to utilize the pending $1 million to be provided by a global steel company, Mittal Steel for the construction of a Junior College in the County.

The Bassa Citizens mostly youth Groups during the march called on the County authority and Legislative Caucus to prioritize the establishment of a college in the county, which they said is in the interest of the future leaders of the county.

The youth groups also called on their leaders to see reason for the establishment of a highest institution of learning in the county, adding, "It is important to prioritize education, we the young people of this county need highest education," in their petition which was read by one of the youths expressed serious concerns and disappointment in the authority of their the County for proposing to use the pending one million United States Dollars to buy Caterpillar to build roads in the County.

The petition which was presented to the Acting Superintendent of the County, Hon. Vah also stressed that the county being out of college has created what they called, "a serious setback in the County's educational sector.

Receiving the petition from the youths of the County, Hon. Vah promised to deliver their plight to the Superintendent, Madam Julia Duncan Cassell who had earlier traveled to Monrovia on official matters.

Hon. Vah told the youth that their quest for highest education in the County was indeed necessary, adding, "your request will be forwarded to the Superintendent upon her return, I can assure you that your petition will be addressed," Hon. Vah stressed.

Speaking to some elders of the County regarding the plight of the youths in the County, many of them lauded the effort, "we are happy that our children are serious of learning, because they are the future leaders. Our support will be given regarding their request on the establishment of College in the County," an elderly man perhaps in his early 70s told the GNN.

Another resident of the County, Martha Smith also in her late 50s in a jolly mood during the march expressed support to the demand of the youth, "Our children are right, education is the key to success, the building of a college in this county must be given more support," dancing to the slogan of the youths, saying "We want College and not Caterpillar" the aged woman said.

Meanwhile, the full text of the petition will be published in our subsequent posting.

BIRD FLUD KILLS IN NIGERIA

BBCNEWS

Many Nigerians earn their living from the poultry tradeA Nigerian woman who died suffering from flu symptoms has tested positive for the deadly H5N1 strain of the avian flu virus, says a government minister.
It is the first bird flu death reported in sub-Saharan Africa since it first emerged in Nigeria a year ago.
The victim was a 22-year-old from the commercial capital, Lagos.
Health officials said inconclusive tests had also been carried out on her mother and two other people, all of whom died recently.
"Last night our team of 13 scientists were able to conclusively identify the case of avian influenza," Nigerian Information Minister Frank Nweke Jnr told a news conference in Lagos.
He said blood samples were now being sent to foreign laboratories and the findings are now with the World Health Organisation for further scrutiny.
More than 160 people have died of H5N1 bird flu since it's outbreak in December 2003 - most of them in South-East Asia
Fears
The UN had expressed concerns about the Nigerian government response to the disease - as poultry are still being moved around by local farmers despite an official quarantine and promised compensation for infected birds.

Quarantines have not been working
It is understood that the dead woman bought the infected chickens from a local farmer.
Dr Abdulsalam Nasidi, leader of Nigerian government's team of experts on bird flu, told the BBC News website that those that contracted the virus were those that had been dealing with the killing and preparation of the chicken and not those that ate it
"This goes to show that properly cooked chicken is safe, but handling infected birds can be hazardous," he said
Cross-infection to humans is relatively rare and usually occurs where people have been in close contact with infected birds.

Indian Female Police Arrived

A contingent of formed Indian female police yesterday arrived in the country to beef up the United Nations Police in Liberia (UNPOL).
Arriving on board a huge Pakistani aircraft, Air Blue, the Indian female police, will assist with ongoing capacity training to empower the strength of the Liberia National Police (LNP).
Briefing journalists upon the contingent’s arrival at the Robert International Airport (RIA), UNPOL Commissioner Mr. Mohammed Alhassan said, the UNMIL was delighted to welcome their colleagues, who, he said had arrived to augment the UNPOL capacity, under UNMIL under the lead of United Nations Secretary General Special Representative (SRSC), Mr. Alan Doss.
With the arrival of the Indian formed all female police unit in Liberia, it is the first of its kind since the origin of the UN over 60 years, ago.
The UNPOL boss indicated that UNMIL and Liberia are fortunate to have a well trained 125 female formed police to help stand in the way of crimes in the country.
The Indian formed female police, attired in blue uniform, reflecting the UN color, according to their commander, Commandant Seema Dhundia, will resist any unusual acts and are readiness to beef up the capacity of LNP through UNPOL.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Address To The Nation At The Unity Conference Centre, Outside Monrovia

President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is addressing a divided Legislature at the Unity Conference Center in Virginia, outside Monrovia. President Sirleaf went to Virginia few hours after the Supreme Court of Liberia ruled that all actions by the renegade Representatives are unconstitutional.

Also, several Senators and Representatives including Speaker Edwin Snowe have converged on the Centennial Pavilion on Ashmun Street in Central Monrovia. The Legislators went to the Centennial Pavilion after the Supreme Court of Liberia upheld the Prohibition on the Virginia sitting, recognizing the Speakership of Snowe.

Speaker Snowe described the ruling of the Supreme Court as a victory for the rule of law in post-conflict Liberia. In a statement issued, Speaker Snowe called on the relevant institution of government to ensure the return of the chairs of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

The chairs mysteriously disappeared at the Centennial Pavilion last week and surfaced at the Unity Conference Center in Virginia. The General Services Agency, custodian of all government, denied having any acknowledge of how the left the Pavilion and surfaced in Virginia.

AS TAYLOR TRAIL STARTS: PROSECUTOR PROMISES ACESS FOR SIERRA LEONEANS

SPECIAL COURT PRESS RELEASE Freetown, 29 January 2007:

The trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor is slated to begin this spring, as ordered by a Judge of the United Nations-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone.

The case against Mr. Taylor, who is accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during the civil war in Sierra Leone from 1996 through 2002, will begin on June 4.

At the Taylor Status Conference held on January 26 at the trial venue in The Hague, it was announced that the date for commencement of trial had been changed from the original date of April 2 at the request of the Taylor Defence to provide additional time for its preparations.

Justice Teresa Doherty, who presided at the Status Conference, made rulings on several other matters, including the setting of the date for the filing of pre-trial briefs.

Taylor has pleaded innocent to charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the killing, mutilation, and sexual violence involving thousands of victims, as well as the recruitment and use of child soldiers.

Responding to reporters questions after the hearing concerning the nature of the Prosecution's case, Stephen Rapp, The Prosecutor, said, “The indictment alleged acts that included the most horrendous things humans can do to one another.

Whereas the other trials of the Special Court for Sierra Leone are being conducted in that nation's capital, Freetown, the Taylor case will unfold at the facilities of the International Criminal Court in The Hague. The Prosecutor noted that the decision to move the trial was a result of negotiations aimed to keep the peace in Sierra Leone and the region as a whole.

The decision was supported by the United Nations and the key governments in the region, including Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. Mr. Rapp emphasised that while the trial has been moved due to regional security concerns, it is the Special Court for Sierra Leone, and only the Special Court, that is conducting this trial.

I want to emphasise from the outset that this trial will be conducted first and foremost in the name of, and on behalf of, the people of Sierra Leone. Regarding concerns that the distance between The Hague and the Sierra Leonean capital would prevent the people of the country from witnessing justice being done, The Prosecutor spoke about the extensive Outreach programme of the Court.

Last year, 780 meetings were held in every region of the country to inform the public of the Court's work, Mr. Rapp commented. Every effort is being and will be made to ensure that Sierra Leoneans have transparent access to this trial. Each case at the Special Court is heard, argued and decided upon in their name, and the many miles between The Hague and Freetown will not change that.

IN SUPRIME COURT HEARING: SNOWE DEFEATS MAJORITY BLOC, REMAINS SPEAKER

Over 46 members of the House of Representatives who are currently holding session in Virginia, outside the Capitol and opting for the removal of the Speaker of that august body were today disappointed following a Supreme Court that their action is “unconstitutional” for them to sit in the Township of Virginia and called for the removal of the Speaker.

During the hearing today with hundreds of onlookers and supporters of the two groups (Snowe and the Virginia lawmakers), the Supreme Court ruled that the procedure used by the renegade Representatives to remove Speaker Edwin Snowe is not in the interest of the rule of law.

The Supreme Court handed down ruling today in the constitutional crisis at the House of Representatives. In the ruling, the Supreme Court said every act carried on by the renegade Representatives in Virginia is unconstitutional and illegal. The nation’s highest court considered as an affront the decision of the renegade Representatives to ignore a Writ of Prohibition from the court. The full-bench of the Supreme Court of Liberia ruled that the Writ of Prohibition from its Justice in Chamber is upheld. This means Mr. Snowe is the legitimate Speaker of the House of Representatives until his removal is done legally.
Following the ruling, Speaker Snowe and his team of lawyers headed by Cllr. Varney Sherman were seen in a jubilant mood, as they drove in a convoy towards the city centre.

As Nigerian Police Receives Honor, UNMIL Police Boss Urged Them to do More, Says Nigerian Police Contribution is Critical To Peace In LIberia

Monrovia, Liberia – United Nations Police Commissioner, Mr. Mohammed Alhassan, has said that the deployment of Nigerian Police peacekeepers in Liberia is a vital contribution to the success of the UNMIL’s mandate. Mr. Alhassan was speaking at a medal ceremony on 23 January, where he decorated eight Nigerian civilian police and two Immigration officers with UN peacekeeping medals on behalf of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Alan Doss.“As Police and Immigration officers, you assist and support the Liberia National Police in escorting, patrolling, recruitment, training, crowd control, and criminal investigations,” the Commissioner said. “You are also actively involved in the reform currently underway with Liberia’s Immigration Bureau. You are the foundation of our principle objective of maintaining law and order and public safety.” He praised Nigeria for being an important member and strong ally of the United Nations for many years, with a steady commitment to the ideals, principles and objectives of the United Nations. “You have shown the world how deeply you value international peace and security. The award of medals is a symbolic token of the gratitude the international community owes you, the peacekeepers of the United Nations, for your commitment and dedication to duty,” the UN Police Commissioner pointed out. Mr. Alhassan then reminded the Police and Immigration officers to always strictly abide by the Secretary-General’s policy of zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse: “We must always be on our best behaviour and work towards maintaining the respect and trust of the Liberian people.” He paid tribute to the Contingent Commander, Assistant Police Commissioner Mustapha Muhammed, for his excellent leadership, and the Police and Immigration officers for their spirit and determination. Nigerian Police, Immigration and Corrections officers are currently deployed in Monrovia, Bo-Sinje (Grand Cape Mount County), Barclayville (Grand Kru County), Salala (Margibi County), Toe Town (Grand Gedeh County), and Gbarnga (Bong County).Nigeria began contributing peacekeepers to United Nations peacekeeping missions as far back as 1960 starting with the first United Nations Mission in Congo. Since then Nigerian civilian Police officers and Formed Police Units have been serving in missions in UNTAG Namibia, UNTAC Cambodia, UNPROVOR Yugoslavia, UNAVEM I,II,III Angola, UNISON Somalia, UNMOZ Mozambique, UNMIR Rwanda, UNMBIH Bosnia-Herzegovina, UNTAET East Timor and UNAMSIL Sierra Leone. The medal award ceremony was attended by the Deputy Head of Mission of the Nigerian Embassy in Liberia, Mr. Folu Ogunbanwo, the Inspector-General, Liberia National Police, Ms. Beatrice Munah Sieh, Liberia’s Immigration and Naturalization Commissioner, Ms. Abla Williams, and other senior officers of the UN and Liberian Police.