Update: 3:00 AM GMT, March 15, 2024

Internet services are slowly being restored across the affected west and central African regions. 

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West and Central Africa is experiencing a major internet outage. According to reports, the source of the outage is Ivory Coast, and it affects Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger.

According to reports, damage to at least three under sea cables of the west coast of African is the cuase of the disruptions.

According to Microsoft, “multiple fiber cables on the West Coast of Africa — WACS, MainOne, SAT3, ACE — have been impacted which reduced total capacity supporting our Regions in South Africa”. The company also explains that the recent cable cuts in the Red Sea in combination with today’s cable issues, “has impacted all Africa capacity”.

Frontpageafrica will continue to provide updates as they become available.

The Global Logistics Services Inc. (GLS) and National Aviation Services (NAS) joint venture company, GLS – NAS, received its first IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) certification, for operations at Roberts International Airport in Monrovia.

The ISAGO certificate is an internationally recognized system for assessing operational management and control systems for ground handling service providers. Based on industry-proven quality audit principles, ISAGO follows a stringent and structured process that reviews training, management system policies, processes and procedures, etc.

This ISAGO certification is a major achievement for GLS – NAS that managed to clear the rigorous audit process for the first time despite being challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Axel Coulibaly, General Manager of GLS NAS highlighted, “GLS NAS is pleased to be awarded its first ISAGO certification. With the Covid-19 pandemic gripping the world and the closure of airports, we faced several challenges. However, with our adaptability and resilience, we continued to serve the aviation industry in the country to meet its full potential and keep essential supply chains in the country moving.”

GLS – NAS has been operating in Liberia since October 2017, providing cargo handling services to airlines like Arik Air, Kenya Airways, Air Cote d’Ivoire, Brussels Airline, Royal Air Maroc, ASKY, Air Peace and DHL cargo aircrafts. In April 2019, the joint venture broke ground in Monrovia for a new 2,700 square meter cargo terminal at Roberts International Airport (RIA). The Roberts Air Cargo Center (RACC), aimed at improving RIA’s air cargo operations to meet international standards and support export supply capacity in Liberia is expected to be complete by 2021.

Commenting on the certification, Peter Malcolm King, Chairman of the Board of Directors, GLS – NAS said, “This ISAGO certification is a significant milestone, a vindication and a validation of the shareholders’ long term commitment to building a vibrant, safe and efficient aviation sector in Liberia. We are proudly a Liberian company and we remain focus on delivering best of class services at the Roberts International Airport”.

Globally, NAS has a presence in more than 45 airports, handling seven out of the world’s top 10 airlines and operating more than 45 airport lounges across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. NAS also offers an expanded portfolio of aviation services that include innovative technology solutions, travel solutions and training.

About National Aviation Services (NAS)

National Aviation Services (NAS) is the fastest growing aviation services provider in the emerging markets.

Established in 2003, NAS quickly transformed from a Kuwait based ground handling company into an emerging markets leader in the industry. NAS is present in over 45 airports across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, handling seven of the world’s top 10 airlines and managing more than 45 airport lounges.

With an employee base of over 8,000 capable and experienced employees at the core of its worldwide network, NAS is committed to providing aviation services that benchmark to the best in the world.

The NAS portfolio of services includes ramp and passenger services, cargo management, engineering and line maintenance, airport technologies, fixed base operations, terminal management, aviation training, travel solutions, lounge management and meet-and-assist packages.

Affiliated with leading industry organizations, NAS follows international aviation standards with certifications from ISO, EMS, RA3 and OHSAS practices. NAS is one of the first ground handlers in the world to obtain the IATA’s Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) certification illustrating the company’s commitment to providing high quality services, with a focus on safety and security.

For more information about NAS visit: www.nas.aero

Contact:

Nita Bhatkar

nbhatkar@nas.aero | +965 97223703

Monrovia – Alfalit Liberia has praised the Women in Peacebuilding Network (WIPNET) for their immense contribution to the peace Liberia enjoys more than 16 years after the end of its civil war in 2003.

“We cannot pay you for the work you have done for Liberia. The peace that we all enjoy today, if we say we will pay WIPNET women, we do not have pay for you,” Evelyn K. Seagbeh, Alfalit Communications Director said.

Alfalit International Liberia is an affiliate of Alfalit International based in Miami, Florida, the United States of America. 

It provides community and human development services. The organization teaches illiterate youths and adults to read, write and do simple mathematics. 

The Communications Director of Alfalit Liberia made the remark over the weekend when the organization donated 2,000 bags of rice, 333 cartoons of argo oil, 83 cartoons of beans, 100 cartoons of vita cube and six bales of lappas to 2,000 WIPNET women in all of its 26 branches in seven counties.

According to Mrs. Seagbeh, Alfalit’s yearly contribution to WIPNET is to appreciate them for their contribution to peace. She also terms WIPNET women as their mothers adding that they need to be supported.

She further said the contribution to WIPNET started three years back; adding that adult illiteracy program and micro-loan are some of the contributions that have been given to the organization.

The formation of Alfalit International Liberia dates far back to 2005 when the former Bishop of the United Methodist in Liberia, the Reverend John G. Innis engaged the President of Alfalit International then, Rev. Roberto Perez in Washington DC with an appeal to extend Alfalit Literacy Program to Liberia to help redeem Liberians from the dungeons of illiteracy.

Also speaking, WIPNET Acting National Coordinator Philip Kollie praised Alfalit Liberia for their gesture especially at this time of economic hardship in the country.

“By seeing this donation today, the smiles on our women’s faces tell you (Alfalit) that they are happy,” Kollie said. 

The beneficiaries praised Alfalit Liberia for helping them through the adult and youths’ literacy program and the micro-loan.

Ma Farma Jabah, a beneficiary said, “We say thank you to Alfalit. Let God bless them. Every year they can put clothes on us. So, I thank them for bringing this food for us today.”

Roline Kollie, another beneficiary stated: “I just want to appreciate Alfalit for the goodness they continue to do in our lives, because many people cannot do this for us.”

“Alfalit always puts clothes on us. When you see the lappas on us – that’s Alfalit. When you see us carrying bags of rice – that’s Alfalit. So, we tell Alfalit a big thank you. Let God multiply their blessing,” Kollie said. 

WIPNET was launched in November 2001 with the aim at building the capacity of women to enhance their roles in peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction in West Africa.

BACKGROUND

AS I stayed in Nigeria receiving medical treatment, I read an article on social media entitled: “Liberia: Mandingo Youths accuse Chief Justice of….”

Then I returned to Monrovia and heard on a local radio station, Truth FM Radio, Talk Show with an invited studio guest who stated that the Chief Justice, His Honor Francis S. Korkpor, Sr., hates Mandingo People. This studio guest stated that to show his dislike for Mandingo people, the Chief Justice has encroached upon and illegally taken over the lands of Mandingo people in Ganta City, Nimba County, Liberia.

The Chief Justice has also been accused of being responsible for the removal of Justice Kabineh M. Ja’neh from the Supreme Court of Liberia as an Associate Justice.

Upon hearing this, I decided to approach the Chief Justice and ask if he was aware of the accusations being levied against him on the radio by a studio guest and on social media, YouTube. He acknowledged having heard these comments about him but denied the truthfulness of the allegations.

DISCUSSIONS AND ANALYSIS

I have taken the liberty of composing this write-up by way trying to analyze the criticisms against the Chief Justice and laying the matter bare before the grneral public for their consumption and digestion..

Firstly, the Chief Justice, like other judicial functionaries, does not have the benefit and unfettered freedom to vindicate himself as would an ordinary citizen or a non-judicial actor. Secondly, in a case like this under ordinary circumstances, persons who are subject of slanderous unprovoked attacks on their person, their character and reputation and their profession have adequate remedy at law but in this case, were the Chief Justice to opt for legal action, there would be diverse views and varying opinions and many versions of the criticism. The obvious comment

would be that the Chief Justice, as head of the Judiciary and being plaintiff in a case in any of the trial courts would subject the trial judge(s) to indirect pressure to make ruling in his favor as their boss. That perception would overshadow and perhaps outweigh the legal merits in the suit. So an Action at law may not be the preferred course of action available to the Chief Justice.

I have determined that the genesis of these criticisms or allegations against the Chief Justice really stems from the impeachment of Justice Ja’neh and that this is a reaction from those persons who are opposed to his removal from the Supreme Court as an Associate Justice. I, however, do not go so far as to accuse Justice Ja’neh of being behind this scandalous and vilifying campaign and unprovoked assault on the character and personality of Chief Justice Korkpor.

I found that all these accusations arose only after the impeachment of Justice Ja’neh was being considered and pursued. First, there were those who felt that the Chief Justice should not have presided over the impeachment trial at the Liberian Senate. Second, there were those who determined that the Chief Justice should have taken steps to help Justice Ja’neh in the cases that were filed before the Supreme Court, first by Justice Ja’neh by way of a Writ of Prohibition to stop the House of Representatives from examining the complaint of Representatives Acarous Gray and Thomas, and then by four Senators against the amendment of Senate Rule #63.

In order to fully appreciate the situation, I shall endeavor to study or review the events that surrounded the impeachment of Justice Ja’neh and the aftermath and ramifications thereof. This review shall look at what actually happened and what should have been done or what could have been done in all the circumstances. This review shall therefore focus on the following areas:

1. PROHIBITION FILED BY JUSTICE JA’NEH
2. CASE FILED BY THE SENATORS
3. BILL OF IMPEACHMENT IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
4. IMPEACHMENT TRIAL IN THE LIBERIAN SENATE

First, I shall look at the cases which were filed before the Supreme Court; and then we shall look at what transpired at the Capitol Building.

1. PROHIBITION FILED BY JUSTICE JA’NEH

Two Members of the House of Representatives, namely, Hon. Acarous Moses Gray and Hon. Thomas Fallah of Montserrado County filed a written complaint to the Plenary of the House of Representatives against Justice Ja’neh proposing that he be impeached. The complaint of these two law makers was duly tabled and a committee was set up and mandated to study the complaint and report back to Plenary of the House at a later date.

While this committee was out studying the complaint of the two Representatives, Justice Ja’neh, by and thru his legal counsel, Cllr. James E. Pierre and Arthur T. Johnson, filed a Petition for a Writ of Prohibition praying the Supreme Court to restrain and prohibit the House of Representatives from proceeding any further with the complaint of the two law makers. The House did not appear but instead continued with their investigation into the complaint of the two law makers.

Since Justice Ja’neh filed the case, he could not sit. The four members of the Court who heard the case were evenly split two-to-two and so the Court had to appoint a Circuit Judge as an Ad-hoc Justice for the purpose breaking the tie; thus the Court handed down a majority (split) decision dismissing the Prohibition proceedings. The Supreme Court held in the majority Opinion that the Prohibition was premature in that the House of Representatives had not, up to that point, done anything wrong that warranted the issuance of the Writ of Prohibition.

Coming back to this review or analysis, the critics have accused the Chief Justice of not helping Justice Ja’neh.  The question is, what should the Chief Justice have done? Should he have done other than what he did? The Supreme Court determined that the House of Representatives had not done anything to warrant the issuance of the Writ of Prohibition. Was that true?

As I see it, I venture to say that the Supreme Court deserves commendation for exemplifying their strength, independence and impartiality when they denied the Petition of one of themselves, in the person of Justice Ja’neh. I believe it showed boldness and character for them to have ruled against their own; that should send out a message loud and clear to the public at large that the Supreme Court is indeed independent in their thought and action. I salute the Supreme Court for that stance signifying that even a Justice of the Court would not enjoy any special treatment.

Let us examine the sequence of events. The two law makers filed a complaint before the Plenary of the House and that complaint was referred to a committee to study and report back to the Plenary. What was there to be prohibited? Can/could the Supreme Court have prevented the House from investigating a complaint the House had received? Is it or is it not part of the functions of the House to receive petitions and complaints and act on them? In this instant case, could the Supreme Court have stopped the House from performing its constitutional duty? Would that not have amounted to interference by one Branch of the Government into the affairs of another Branch of Government? Article 3 of the 1986 Constitution specifically forbids interference by one Branch into the affairs of another.

For emphasis, I wish to quote the relevant provision: “The form of government is Republican with three separate coordinate branches: the Legislative, the Executive and the Judiciary. Consistent with the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances, no person holding office in one of these branches shall hold office in or exercise any of the powers assigned to either of the other two branches…”

1. CASE FILED BY THE SENATORS

The case was filed by four Senators, namely, Commany B. Wesseh, Daniel Naathen, Milton Teahjay, and Oscar Cooper, all of the Capitol Building, Monrovia, Liberia.  as Petitioners, by and thru their legal counsel, Cllr. Tiawan S. Gongloe and Cllr. Momolu G. Kandakai.

It is observed that the Respondent sued by these four Petitioners was not the Liberian Senate as a body but, rather, the persons were sued in their individual and personal capacities. The named Respondents are: Senators Saah H. Joseph, Jonathan Kaipay, J. Gbleh-bo Brown, H. Dan Morias, Varney G. Sherman, A. Marshall Dennis, G. Alphonso Gaye, Prince Y. Johnson, Thomas Grupee, Henry Yallah, Henrique Tokpa, George T. tengbeh, Morris G. Saytumah, Sando Dazoe Johnson, Albert T. Chie, Peter S. Coleman, Jim Tornonlah, Dallas A.V. Gueh, Matthew Jaye, all of the Capitol Building, Monrovia, Liberia.

The Respondents filed their Returns/responsive pleading raising several legal issues and prayed the Supreme Court to strike out or dismiss the suit.

First, the Respondents contended that the wrong parties Respondents were sued in that they were sued in their personal and individual capacities, in violation of the constitutional provision that members of the Legislature cannot be held liable or accountable for their actions done, performed or committed while performing their official duties. Article 42 of the 1986 Constitution. Further to this, the Respondents contended that the Supreme Court cannot exercise original jurisdiction over the persons of the Respondents because the named Respondents are not ambassadors, ministers and there being no county named as a Respondent.

Secondly, the Respondents contended that a person cannot be party to a case as both plaintiff and defendant in the sane case at the same time. In other words, a person can be either, plaintiff or defendant, but not both plaintiff and defendant at the same time in the same case.

Thirdly, the Respondents contended that the Petitioners have not established that they had standing to sue because they had not demonstrated that they were in any way injured, threatened, or otherwise prejudiced by the amendment of Senate Standing Rule 63.

The Petitioners apparently realized that they had made a serious mistake by suing the Respondent Senators in their personal capacities as individual Senators and not the Liberian Senate as a body, and thus the Petitioners filed a Motion for Joinder praying the Supreme Court to allow them to join the Liberian Senate as a body. The Petitioners stated in count one of their Motion that the Petitioners had inadvertently omitted to name the Liberian Senate as a necessary and indispensable party Respondent in order to ensure complete and adequate relief.

In response to this Motion for Joinder, the Respondents filed their Resistance objecting to the Supreme Court entertaining the Motion. The Respondents contended that the Liberian Senate as a body was not a necessary or indispensable party to the Supreme Court determining the constitutionality of the amendment of Senate Standing Rule 63. The Respondents also contended that by adding the Liberian Senate, the Petitioners/Movants would be making the Senate to appear as both Petitioner and Respondent in the self- same one suit, which is not permissible under our Civil Procedure Law; they argued that a person cannot appear in dual capacities, that is, the person can be only a plaintiff or a defendant but not both.

The Supreme Court consolidated both the Motion for Joinder and the main petition challenging the constitutionality of the amendment of Senate Standing Rule 63, and had one consolidated hearing. The Court entertained arguments pro et con and ruled dismissing the case for lack of jurisdiction over the persons of the named Respondents. The Court also denied the Motion on ground that a Motion for Joinder is properly cognizable in all courts except the Supreme Court.

Secondly the Supreme Court ruled that the Petitioners realized that they made a mistake by suing the Respondents personally and in their individual capacities and not as a body, but compounded their error or inadvertence by filing a Motion for Joinder instead of withdrawing their Petition and amending and re-filing same.

Thirdly, the Supreme Court held that it was a serious error for the Petitioners to have filed an action which has the obvious intent of seeking to prevent the Liberian Senate from pursuing a course of action but failing to name the said Liberian Senate as a necessary party.

Fourthly, the Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution provides a privilege for Members of the Legislature in the performance of their legislative duties, and thus they cannot be held liable or accountable for their actions or decisions taken in the performance of their official duties. Therefore, the Court held that the persons named as Respondents in the Petition were wrongly sued and the Court refused jurisdiction over their persons and dismissed the Petition.

The Supreme Court finally held that its authority of Judicial Review of the constitutionality of Acts/Statutes passed by the Legislature does not also include or extend to the Senate’s internal rules because same is a constitutional grant to said body and not reviewable by the Supreme Court by virtue of Article 3 of the Constitution on the principle of separation of powers.

Coming back to this review, the purpose of this write-up, the critics have accused the Chief Justice of not helping Justice Ja’neh, but the question  is, what could or should the Chief Justice have done to help these Senators, who were indeed working to prevent the impeachment of Justice Ja’neh?

As I see it, the short answer to this question is, NOTHING. There was nothing the Chief Justice could do because this was a question of law, and the issue was too clear to do otherwise; plus, the Court had decided by a majority decision, which

the Chief Justice could not overturn. The alternative was for the Supreme Court to circumvent the law in aide of a member. This would not be right.

1. BILL OF IMPEACHMENT IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

The House of Representatives had received a complaint from two of its Members, which complaint was reviewed / studied by a committee and recommended for action. A Bill of Impeachment was drawn up by the House and served on the

accused, Justice Ja’neh and forwarded to the Senate for trial. It is provided: “The power to prepare a bill of impeachment is vested solely in the House of Representatives, and the power to try all impeachments is vested solely in the Senate.”

At that point, and even beyond, as I see it, there was no role to be played by the Chief Justice in terms of drawing up the Bill of Impeachment by the House and forwarding it to the Senate. Therefore, it is safe to conclude that any accusations against the Chief Justice in this regard are completely baseless and without merit, and also without knowledge of the above quoted provision of the law which excuses no man.

1. IMPEACHMENT TRIAL IN THE LIBERIAN SENATE

When the Bill of Impeachment was received by the Liberian Senate, the Senate became seized of it and contacted the Chief Justice. The 1986 Constitution of Liberia at Article 43 provides that whenever an Associate Justice is subject to impeachment, the Chief Justice shall preside. The House of Representatives is the accuser or the prosecutor while the Senators are the triers of fact or the Jurors.

When the case was called for trial, lawyers representing Justice Ja’neh filed a motion requesting the Chief Justice to recuse himself and refuse to preside. The House of Representatives obviously resisted the motion and the Chief Justice, presiding, ruled denying the motion because it was contrary to law, the Constitution.

 Coming back to our review or analysis, the critics accuse the Chief Justice of failing or refusing to help Justice Ja’neh. As usual, the question is, what did these critics expect the Chief Justice to do? How could he have helped the situation?

As I see it, the duty of the Chief Justice to preside over trials where an Associate Justice is facing impeachment is not discretional but mandatorily imposed by the Constitution. It is provided: “when the President, Vice President or an Associate Justice is to be tried, the Chief Justice shall preside;…” (emphasis mine). Article 43.

This provision does not make any exception nor give the Chief Justice any discretion. As I see it, the Chief Justice would have been in grave error had he refused to preside over the trial of Justice Ja’neh.  In fact, I venture to say, and I stand to be corrected, that if the Chief Justice had refused to preside his refusal would have equally amounted to an impeachable offense against himself.

The Constitution, in Article 71, lists the following as grounds for impeachment of the Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court   of Liberia and Judges of subordinate Courts of record:

1. Proved Misconduct
2. Gross Breach of Duty
3. Inability to Perform
4. Or conviction in a court of law  for treason, bribery o other infamous crime

As I see it, with utmost humility, I submit that the failure or refusal of the Chief Justice to have presided over Justice Ja’neh’s trial would have been in violation of the constitutional provisions on Gross Breach of Duty and Inability to Perform, which are impeachable offenses.

More besides, I further submit that the fact that the Chief Justice and Justice Ja’neh both hail from Nimba County as claimed by the critics of the Chief Justice is totally irrelevant as a consideration for refusal of the Chief Justice to preside over the trial of Justice Ja’neh. In my humble view, there was absolutely no reason, whether legal, moral or otherwise for the Chief Justice to have even considered refusing to preside.

As I see it, the criticism against the Chief Justice that his presiding over Justice Ja’neh’s trial is an indication of his dislike for Mandingo people is so myopic and incomprehensible. That leaves much to be desired. It must be borne in mind that the Chief Justice took an oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and laws of the Republic. See Article 70.  I respectfully submit that the Chief Justice

presiding over that trial was merely in obedience to and in fulfillment of his sacred obligation undertaken.  

CONCLUSION

As I see it, there remains one lingering question to ponder: what is the ultimate objective of the critics of the Chief Justice in their vicious and slanderous assault/campaign?

The Chief Justice has been accused of hating or not liking Mandingo people and because of this dislike, he even master-minded the impeachment and removal of Justice Ja’neh from the Supreme Court. Following that line of reasoning, is it their goal to ensure and insist on the removal of the Chief Justice as well? Meaning that if a Mandingo man cannot be on the Supreme Court then likewise no Mano man (the Chief Justice’s tribe) should also be there? This, however, is a flimsy position to espouse  because it has been defeated by the nomination, confirmation, appointment, commissioning and seating of His Honor Mr. Justice Yussif D. Kaba as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia.

Whether or not the Chief Justice is impeached and removed from the Supreme Court, is it their motive and objective to disgrace, embarrass and humiliate him as a pay-back for the removal of Justice Ja’neh, since he is accused of master-minding said removal?

As I see it, and if  my conclusion is wrong that the attacks and assault against the Chief Justice are unprovoked, baseless, knowingly untrue, and merely intended to hurt the Chief Justice in his character and hard-earned reputation, then I throw out an open challenge to those critics to come forward with any evidence they may have and o produce same to the public and thereby prove their accusation that the Chief Justice hates Mandingo people and that he has encroached upon and illegally and wrongfully taken over real properties/lands  owned by Mandingo people in Ganta City, Nimba County.

I stand on my challenge because the Chief Justice has assured me and categorically and unconditionally denied engaging in the conducts of which he has been accused, and I have no reason to doubt his sincerity and the truthfulness of his response to me.

Therefore, Messrs. Critics, we are awaiting your evidence.

But I encourage and say to His Honor the Chief Justice, do not be dissuaded and become weary in well-doing because you will reap your reward if you faint not.

GOD BLESS US ALL AND SAVE LIBERIA.

Monrovia – Unidentified Gunmen have shot to death a money exchanger on 11th Sinkor. They reportedly made away with his bag of money.

The incident occurred at about 11:15 PM Friday night. The money changer has been identified as Armah.

Eye witnesses say he was killed at his door step after fighting tussling with his killers.

The killers are yet to be identified.

FrontPageAfrica will keep you updated as details unfold

The Editor,

Is the Liberian Government serious about helping the little guy? If so, then why are they suffocating small businesses with their stupid regulations and red tape? (Re “Liberty Party Slams Liberia Revenue Authority Over Tax Protest At Freeport”).

Recently, the small business killers (Liberia Revenue Authority aka LRA) decided to impose additional regulations to crack down on fake invoices and under-valuation on imported commodities.

But these new regulations have proven to be detrimental to small businesses. They’ve resulted in prolong delays and additional taxes which are killing small businesses. Yes, the LRA is a small business killer!

If you think these LRA people care about helping the little guy earn an honest living and get out of poverty, you’re wrong!

If anything, LRA’s mission is to raise revenue to pay their US$600,000 rent for their shining building, buy 9 tainted SUVs for tax collectors, and a flat screen tv for Elfreda Tamba’s hair salon!

They call that “approved expenditures under the 2016/2017 fiscal budget”, but I call it extortion by government goons!

These people are always looking to ways to take advantage of the poor and vulnerable in our society!

But it’s a moral outrage to deprived poor people of their God given right to earn an honest living.

Small businesses, whether it’s selling kalla, used clothing (imported), street vending, hair braiding, or other kinds of self- employment, have always been the way out of poverty.

I grew up in West Point, where poor market women sold used clothing, imported from America. That was the only way they could escape poverty!

But today, many poor entrepreneurs (small business owners) can’t find a way to escape poverty, because their way is being blocked by Police curfews, licensing restrictions, and other regulations!

Liberians stay poor, not because they can’t find a way to escape poverty, BUT because they are hampered or prevented from doing so by the stupid book people and the born rogues in our government!

Look. It’s time to cut the red tape and reduce the regulatory burden on small businesses. Liberians are tired of that nonsense!

Martin Scott,
Atlanta, Georgia
martyretire@yahoo.com

Monrovia – From life sentence to total freedom – four of nine Grand Gedeans convicted and sentenced to life for mercernarism activities in neighboring Ivory Coast have been granted executive clemency by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. They bring to eight of a total of 13 who have been acquitted of the crime.

Report by Lennart Dodoo – ldodoo@frontpageafricaonline.com

Those pardoned by the President include Ophoree Diah, Emmanuel Saymah, Jacob Saydee and Moses Bayee who were tried and convicted for Mecenarism from the Monrovia Central Prison. They are part of a total of 13 the President freed on Friday, December 30, 2016.

The others include Wuo Gballah, Ms. Oretha Gono, Yei Dokie, Peter Zuweh and Jerome Zuweh were convicted for vandalizing properties of Arcelor Mittal in Nimba County and released from the Buchanan Central Prison – while Prince Sayemie, Victoria Dolo, Hassan Morris and Kou Saye were released from the Sanniquellie and Monrovia Central Prisons.

The Grand Gedeans were accused in 2012 of carrying out mayhem and mercenary activities in Ivorian towns closer to the Liberian border. They were also linked to the killing of seven Nigerien peacekeepers and at least 10 civilians on June 8, 2012 near Tai, Southeastern Ivory Coast and fighting side-by-side with militias loyal to former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo.

Hearing an appeal from the defendants which emanated from blanket guilty verdict and a subsequent life sentence in Criminal Court “D”, the Supreme Court by a unanimous decision lifted the sentence on Isaac Taryon, alias Wolie Taryon, Prince Youty, James Lee Cooper and Sam Tarley alias Bull Dog for lack of sufficient evidence to link them to the crime and satisfactorily establish their guilt.

However, after review the records from the lower court and finding the remaining nine guilty, the Supreme Court opined that “the voluntary statements of these appellants/defendants duly made during their investigation by the police and in the presence of their counsels connected them to the crime of mercenarism with which they were charged; thus, their uncorroborated testimonies of general denials are insufficient to warrant the reversal of the judgment of conviction entered against them in the lower court”.

The Court also held that, with additional evidence provided, the State had “satisfactorily proved the crime of mercenarism” against the nine persons.

The nine were Nyazee Barway, alias Joseph Dweh, Morris K. Cole, alias Edward Cole/General Girl, Steven Gloto. Alias Rambo/Ninja, Emmanuel Saymah, alias Trainer, Moses Baryee, alias Moses Sarpee, Sam Ofori Diah, Alfred Bobby James, Jr., alias Bobby Sarpee, Jacob Saydee and Mohammed Massaquoi.

Several Calls For Executive Clemency

In September 2015, the president of the Grand Gedeh Association in America, Fred Gwyan, termed the prolonged detention of his kinsmen a factor that diminishes the benefits of over a decade of peace.

He appealed to Vice President Joseph Boakai to deliver a special message to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to grant executive clemency for their kinsmen, and hoped that the clemency will help foster peace, unity and reconciliation in Liberia.

He was, however, assured by Vice President Boakai that the government had nothing against his kinsmen which was evidenced by presence of several Grand Gedeans serving various positions in government.

Also calling for the release of the remaining nine convicts after the Supreme Court’s ruling in September, Representative Bhofal Chambers who chairs the House Committee on National Defense and Security underscored total reconciliation and urged President Sirleaf to release the Grand Gedeans.

He observed that due to the prolonged detention of the 13 Grand Gedeans many citizens of the county were not happy with the Government, and noted that such could impede the reconciliation gains the government has made over the years.

Act of Goodwill

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf admonished the released prisoners to endeavor to be good and law-abiding citizens by helping their communities promote peace as well as to help report and prevent crimes.

“As I grant you clemency today, let me urged you to return to your respective communities with positive attitudes and serve as good ambassadors for the promotion of peace and national development”, she told the pardoned prisoners.

She called on the released prisoners to think and act positively and seek to be patriotic and nationalistic citizens. She further urged them to be good ambassadors for reconciliation and national healing across Liberia.

“You all need to know that you committed crime, came before the court of law and were found guilty. What we are doing here now is an act of goodwill based on your behavior after conviction. So, by the virtue of the authority granted me by the constitution, I hereby set you free and may God be with you,” President Sirleaf said.

Speaking earlier, Justice Minister Frederick Cherue informed President Sirleaf that the 13 prisoners were recommended for clemency due to positive behavior exhibited in prison following their conviction. “The prison centers are not meant for punishment only.

It is also a place for rehabilitation and correction and we are convinced that the 13 prisoners being recommended for clemency are fully rehabilitated and corrected,” Minister Cherue pointed out.

Monrovia – Deputy Internal Affairs Minister Varney Sirleaf is challenging citizens to take ownership of County Service Centers (CSCs) being constructed in the counties.

The CSCs are service providers that are intended to decentralize some of government activities that citizens could not get in the counties but had to travel to Monrovia despite the distance and difficult road condition.

The centers are currently issuing birth, death and marry certificates, driver licenses and land deeds, among others, bringing in millions of Liberian dollars in support of the National Budget.

“This (CSC) is for us, let’s own it and let’s support keeping it in all of the counties,” Sirleaf told citizens when he appeared on the program “Decentralization Forum” aired on state-owned Radio ELBC Thursday morning.

He wondered how Liberians feel when they vandalize facilities financed by international partners, adding, “You cannot burn down a CSC simply due to slowness of the production of a document.”

Minister Sirleaf noted that facilities are results of finances sought by government due the tightness of the country’s fiscal space that are intended to address the needs of citizens and they must cherish and keep them safe.

He made reference to the recent situation at the Margibi County Service Center where angry crowd vandalized the newly-inaugurated center in the county.

He disclosed that government will construct a Center in River Gee where it has completed feasibility study for the project while it has completed the one in Harper, Maryland.

According to him CSCs will be linked to each other with internet connectivity provided by the United Nations Development Program.

Under the watch of the Unity Party-led government of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, CSCs are now operating in Bassa, Bong, Margibi and a number of other counties while others are under construction with support from the UNDP, the Swedish Government, EU and other well-meaning partners of the Liberian Government.

“Once Liberian can keep what we are building, we all will have something to build upon to move our country ahead,” he said.

Monrovia – The chairman of the National Elections Commission (NEC), Jerome Korkoya, has warned against pre-campaigning by political institutions and individuals, stressing that the posting of individual pictures and political parties are against the election laws.

Report by Henry Karmo – henrykarmo@frontpageafricaonline.com

“When you are a political party you have to be responsible,” Korkoya said. “It’s difficult to manage and control pre-campaigning activities. We therefore have to rely on your responsible conduct,” he said.

He said the NEC was aware that some political actors were erecting bill boards and posting bills at the entrance of almost every country and other places around the country.

“We are going to work on this; why are you putting your picture all around the place? We are studying the legal basis to move,” he warned.

The NEC Chairman made the statement Thursday at the official certification program of the Coalition For Democratic Change (CDC) comprising the Congress for Democratic (CDC), the National Patriotic party (NPP) and the Liberian People Democratic Party (LPDP).

The certification is in keeping with Section 8.5 of the new election law of 1986 amended in 2004. According to the NEC, the coalition, before Thursday’s certification met the requirements required by the elections law which includes, having a bank account with a minimum balance of $US10, 000.00; procuring an indemnity insurance policy of US$100,000.00, and acquired headquarters.

Further commenting, the NEC chair said the Commission is the only authority to declare campaign open.

“We want you to desist. We want the CDC to help the NEC disseminate the necessary information the people need as it relates voter education.

As we certificate you today, I challenged you to adopt responsible attitude in your criticism of government and other authorities. For the position you aspire for, you have followers so what you say can help to the process,” Cllr Korkoya said.

He continued: “I want to remind you that as a political party there is a regulatory authority watching the statement you make because there are laws on the book and the statement you make cold help or harm the system. We encourage you to be responsible in your criticism to understand the facts and help consolidate the country democratic process.”

Korkoya also cautioned political leaders to be and remain involve with the commission by familiarizing themselves with the rules that will govern the election instead of relying on rumors and speculations which could undermine the process, warning that the commission will not tolerate such triviality.

CDC Commits to Working with NEC

In response to the certification, the chairman of the coalition Nathaniel McGill, said they “stand ready and committed to working with the NEC for the peaceful conduct of the 2017 elections”, and commended the commission for the level of engagement with political parties particularly through the interparty committee.

McGill Commended the international partners for extending the UN mandate in Liberia up to 2018, after UNMIL was recently mandated to assist in the facilitation of the national election.

The Coalition chair also requested the NEC to urgently engage the UN Mission to request logistical support in needed areas, while emphasizing the need for government to also fully support the Commission for the conduct the elections in 2017.

“We want the government of Liberia to consider as an imperative priority of the 2017 presidential and general election by providing urgently needed funds to the NEC to ensure the smooth conduct of these critical elections. We are concerned because the government has provided fraction of US$2.9 million of the Commission’s US$20 million budget of the Fiscal Year 2016/2017 when we have gone two quarters of the Fiscal Year.”

“The Coalition also requests that all logistical support to the NEC should be provided through the UN Mission in Liberia to maintain the independence of the electoral process. We are calling on all agencies to give support directly to the NEC and want all government agencies that have direct or indirect interest to stay clear of this process.”

The coming together of the Congress for Democratic Change, National Patriotic Party (NPP) and former Speaker Alex Tyler’s Liberia People Democratic Party (LPDP) was massively greeted with mixed views.

But it seems the Coalition thwarted recent efforts by Senator Prince Y. Johnson of Nimba County who appeared determined to bring key opposition figures or parties together.

That meeting held in Ganta, Nimba County brought together Senator Johnson (organizer of the meeting) of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), Liberty Party’s Cllr. Charles Walker Brumskine, Benoni Urey of the All Liberian Party ALP and Alexander Cummings of Alternative National Congress (ANC).

Other parties in attendance included the former ruling National Patriotic Parties (NPP), Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE), Movement for Progressive Change, All Liberia Coalition Party, Victory for Change Party, New Liberia Party, Vision for Liberia Transformation, Union of Liberian Democrats and Liberian Nation Union (LINU).

Monrovia – A Liberian couple from Minnesota, United States of America, was found dead on Christmas morning – the day of their fifth wedding anniversary.

Report by Lennart Dodoo | ldodoo@frontpageafricaonline.com

Mr. Lawrence Gross and Mrs. Shelley K. Gross are believed to have died from generator smoke, which reportedly suffocated them to death at the wife’s family residence in Chocolate City, Monrovia.

Speaking to FrontPageAfrica at the residence where the incident occurred, a relative of Shelley who preferred anonymity told the FrontPageAfrica that there were at least eight persons in the house when the sad incident occurred including Shelley’s parents and four children.

FrontPageAfrica was not allowed to photograph the residence.

According to the family source, when Mr. Gross realized that his wife had gone unconscious, he called out for help and her parents ran into the room but they also in no time fell unconscious while trying to help.

“This is a tragedy for the family. We’re all broken right now and we cannot talk to the press at the moment until we’ve had our family meeting.

“Besides, the way things are going and with the trading of accusations, we’ve decided to involve the Police to conduct their own investigation. But right now we cannot say anything.

They came on Friday [December 23] to celebrate their anniversary, which was supposed to be yesterday [December 25] only for us to come and hear this news.

Even the direct witnesses who were there when the incident occurred just came from the hospital because they all went unconscious.

They are yet to absorb the shock so it won’t be fair for to call them to talk to you. At the right time, we will give out the information when the family shall have decided on a spokesman,” a family member said.

Mr. Bernard Kumeh – a long-time friend of Mr. Gross who came along from Canada to join in the wedding anniversary celebration told FrontPage Africa via cellphone:

“I refuse to accept the death so I’ve not even had the courage to reach to the house to find out what happened. By this time Lawrence and I should be together right now. 

“We even planned to hangout together last night. Ww all planned this trip just to come and have fun because they came to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

We were supposed to go Cape Mount next week to have a feast – I think for his mother – he hasn’t cleared his things.

He came with his own shipment. He brought his own drinks. I think he planned on clearing them on Tuesday. He came with a plan. He even brought a PA system for the SDA Church in Logan Town.”

Allegations and Suspicions

FrontPageAfrica gathered the demise of the couple is stirring a rift between the two families with the Lawrence’s family suspecting the Shelley’s family of the death.

Sources within the Liberia National Police informed FrontPageAfrica that preliminary investigation points to the inhaling of Carbon monoxide.

But when contacted, Police Spokesman, Sam Collins told FrontPageAfricaa forensic team from the Police visited the scene and there was a rigorous investigation ongoing.

Mr. Collins assured the public that an in-depth investigative report on the cause of deaths would be release in the soonest possible time.

Collins added that while the Liberia National Police regrets the situation, it is calling on family members to remain calm as investigation is ongoing.