Gerald,
Your October 7 FrontPage Africa report on former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s admission that her administration failed to defeat corruption deserves careful attention.
Sirleaf acknowledged that her administration did not succeed in defeating corruption and that the problem persists. Your report also describes her call for stronger enforcement, greater accountability and more active citizen participation.
I agree that enforcement matters.
But I believe the discussion should go further.

By Rev. Torli H. Krua

How did Liberia develop a political system in which corruption became so difficult to defeat?
That is the question behind my newly published book, Exile by Design.
[The historical analysis from the original Version 2 continues here.]

THE BUSHCHICKEN RETURNS
This is also why I am announcing the resurrection of The Bushchicken News, operating from Boston, Massachusetts, a city central to the history of the American Revolution.
The choice of Boston is intentional.
The American Revolution raised questions about representation, political authority and the relationship between government and the governed.
More than two centuries later, Liberia must confront its own question:
Does political power truly belong to the people?
The Bushchicken will return as a platform for reporting, historical investigation, civic education and public discussion about Liberia’s transition from colonial-era political structures toward genuine popular participation.
I describe this objective as moving from Black colonization toward participatory sovereignty.
That phrase is an argument that should be tested through history and evidence—not a claim that Liberians should simply accept without examination.

GANTA: THE PROPOSED BEGINNING

The next step is Ganta, Nimba County, December 26, 2026.
There, we hope to begin what could become Africa’s first Sovereign Citizens Convention for Participatory Democracy.
The purpose is straightforward:

• constitutional education;
• electoral education;
• citizen participation;
• legislative literacy;
• public-budget literacy;
• Freedom of Information education;
• peaceful civic organization; and
• practical training in holding public officials accountable.
  “Sovereign citizens” in this context means citizens who understand that government derives its authority from the people and who exercise that authority peacefully through constitutional and democratic institutions.
  It does not mean rejecting government or the rule of law.
  It means understanding that the people are the source of legitimate governmental authority.
  Liberia’s 1986 Constitution provides the foundation:
  “All power is inherent in the people and all free government are established by their authority and for their benefit.”
  That sentence deserves to become more than a constitutional quotation.
  It should become civic practice.

A NEW QUESTION ABOUT THE UNITED STATES

The movement will also raise a constructive diplomatic objective:
Could Liberia become the first African participant in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program?
At present, the United States has 42 Visa Waiver Program countries, none of which is African.
Liberia’s FY2024 adjusted B-visa refusal rate was 79.38%.
Those facts do not establish that every visa refusal is discriminatory. Visa decisions involve individual circumstances and statutory criteria.
But the historical relationship between Liberia and the United States makes the disparity worthy of public discussion.
Liberia was established through an American colonization project.
Americans were able to settle there.
Liberia’s early constitutional documents referred to rights associated with U.S. citizenship.
Today, Liberians face substantial barriers to visiting the United States.
That is why I believe reciprocity should become part of the conversation.
Rather than simply asking why Liberians are denied visas, we should ask what a new relationship between Liberia and the United States could look like.
Could it include expanded educational exchange?
Could it include greater freedom of movement?
Could it eventually include Visa Waiver Program eligibility?
These are diplomatic questions that Liberia can pursue peacefully and constructively.

FROM BOSTON TO MONROVIA TO GANTA

The resurrection of The Bushchicken creates a symbolic and practical bridge:
Boston — Monrovia — Ganta.
Boston represents the revolutionary language of representation and liberty.
Monrovia represents the complicated history of American colonization in Africa.
Ganta represents the possibility of a new chapter centered on citizen participation.
The purpose is not to transfer American history to Liberia.
It is to encourage Liberians to examine their own history and exercise their own constitutional authority.
Mumbet’s example remains instructive.
She did not have modern technology.
She did not have a political party.
She did not have an international organization behind her.
She had the courage to use the legal principles available to her.
Liberians today have something Mumbet did not have:
A Constitution that explicitly says all power is inherent in the people, combined with modern communication technology capable of connecting citizens across Liberia and around the world.

A NEW DEMOCRATIC CONVERSATION

Gerald, your article says that Sirleaf urged citizens to use the Freedom of Information law and encouraged journalists to continue asking hard questions.
I agree.
But I would add:
Let us ask the historical questions too.
Why was Liberia created?
What purposes did colonization serve?
Who possessed political power?
Who was excluded?
How did those exclusions shape the republic?
And what parts of that historical structure remain visible today?
The answers should come from documents, archives, constitutions, treaties, legislative records, court decisions and testimony.
That is what Exile by Design is asking Liberians and Americans to do.
And that is what the resurrected Bushchicken intends to pursue.

FROM HISTORY TO PARTICIPATION

The goal is ultimately larger than exposing corruption.
It is about developing citizens capable of participating in democracy.
Liberia does not merely need stronger laws.
It needs citizens who understand those laws.
It does not merely need independent institutions.
It needs citizens who know how to hold those institutions accountable.
It does not merely need elections.
It needs informed participation.
And it does not merely need politicians.
It needs citizens.
The Bushchicken is returning from Boston to join that conversation.
And Ganta, on December 26, 2026, is proposed as the beginning.
Perhaps it will become Africa’s first Sovereign Citizens Convention for Participatory Democracy.

Perhaps Liberia can also become Africa’s first participant in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.
Those are aspirations, not accomplished facts.

But every democratic transformation begins as an idea before it becomes an institution.
Mumbet’s story reminds us that one person can challenge an institution that appears too powerful to change.
Liberia’s Article 1 reminds us where legitimate governmental power is supposed to reside.

All power is inherent in the people.
The next chapter is for the people to learn how to exercise it.

Boston to Monrovia.
Monrovia to Ganta.
History to participation.
Colonization to sovereignty.

The Editor,

I wish to extend our sincere thanks, appreciation and heartfelt gratitude for your outstanding work as Editor-in-Chief of FrontPage Africa.

Your unwavering commitment to truth, justice, accountability, and responsible journalism continues to inspire many across Liberia and the diaspora.

Your brilliance, intellectual discipline, and remarkable investigative abilities have distinguished you as one of Liberia’s most respected media professionals.

Time and again, you have demonstrated that journalism, when practiced with courage and integrity, remains one of the strongest pillars of democracy and good governance.

Your willingness to pursue facts, expose unrepentant and hardened criminals, corrupt and transnational drug cartels, injustice, and illuminate issues of national importance, even under difficult circumstances and threats to your life, reflect exceptional character, courage and unwavering commitment and conviction to our nativity.

Throughout your professional journey, you have exemplified resilience, independence, and an uncommon devotion to the public interest. You have shown that leadership is measured not by comfort or popularity, but by the courage to stand for what is right, regardless of the personal cost to your life.

In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

I captured your brilliant calling of investigative journalism in this manner:

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
Dr. King Jr.

Theodore Roosevelt
admired men with courage more than comfort. His famous words are especially befitting in your own circumstance.

“It is not the critic who counts… The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena… who strives valiantly… who spends himself in a worthy cause.”

Rodney, your work has strengthened public discourse, encouraged transparency, and reminded many that truth remains the foundation upon which lasting nations are built. Kudos!

Rodney, you have been there many times and you are still:

“in that arena, accepting criticism and personal threats and making sacrifices, while still pursuing the truth.”

You are an embodiment of Abraham Lincoln’s commitment to principle that is reflected in this statement of his:

“Let the people know the facts, and the country will be better and safe.”

President Kennedy famously observed:

“The rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.”

This underscores the broader purpose of exposing injustice and defending the rights of all Liberian citizens.

Thomas
Jefferson’s enduring defense of a free press is especially appropriate in this case:

“Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.”

This quote has become one of the defining affirmations of the indispensable role of independent journalism.

Edmund Burke
Though Irish rather than American, Burke’s famous warning is universally applicable:

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

It reflects the moral imperative to act against wrongdoers and kleptocrats.

The timeless principle that “fear nothing but to do wrong” is clearly reflected in your life’s work. A person whose actions are guided by conscience, truth, and honorable purpose need not live with regret, for integrity itself becomes the greatest defense.

History consistently remembers those who chose principle over convenience and courage over silence, as in your case.

May the Lord continue to strengthen your heart, enlarge your wisdom, protect your family, and grant you many more years of fruitful service.

May your pen remain a voice for Liberians and justice.
May your convictions remain steadfast, and your influence continue to inspire future generations of journalists and patriotic Liberians.

Allow me to leave you with these timeless words of Scripture:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for we ourselves, have traveled this road many times. We are now thick-skinned just like you.

Our Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

“The wicked flee when no one pursues them but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely.” Proverbs 10:9

Thank you once again for your Patriotism and distinguished leadership and service, your steadfast integrity, and your invaluable contribution to Liberia. May God’s abundant grace continue to guide your path, preserve your health, and reward your faithfulness.

May your legacy forever be remembered as one marked by courage, excellence, honor, humility, and an unwavering commitment to truth.

Permit me to conclude with an enduring African proverb that beautifully captures the essence of your life’s work:

“Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter.”

Your work has helped ensure that the voices of the ordinary Liberians are heard, that facts are not buried beneath power, and that history is recorded with honesty rather than convenience.

By giving voice to those too often unheard, you have helped the lion tell its own story.

And may you always remember these timeless words of wisdom:

“Truth may walk slowly, but it never arrives too late.”

As a true Patriot, May Almighty God continue to bless you with wisdom to discern, courage to speak, strength to persevere, and grace to finish your course with honor and distinction. May your name forever be associated with integrity, justice, and faithful service to Liberia and to humanity.

With profound respect, admiration, and highest appreciation,

The proverb, “until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter,” is one of Africa’s most celebrated sayings. In the context of investigative journalism, it serves as a fitting climax, emphasizing the importance of giving voice to truth and ensuring that history reflects the experiences of all people, not only those who hold power or the most powerful in keeping with our Liberian mediocrity.

With profound respect and highest appreciation,

Gayah Fahnbulleh
Maryland, USA

Joe Zadrozny,
Chargé d’affaires,
U.S. Embassy, Monrovia,
Liberia, West Africa

Dear Joe Zadrozny,

I write to respectfully bring to your attention a matter of urgent national concern regarding ongoing United States support to the Liberia National Police (LNP), and to call for an immediate review, suspension, and investigation into how such support is being utilized.

The intent of U.S. assistance to Liberia’s security sector has long been understood as strengthening democratic institutions, promoting accountability, and ensuring the protection of citizens human rights. However, there is a growing and deeply concerning shift in how the Liberia National Police under the watch of Gregory Coleman is perceived and experienced by the public. Increasingly, the institution is no longer seen as a neutral enforcer of the rule of law, but rather as a body that, in practice, operates in ways that undermine public trust and, in some instances, appear to act against the very state and people it is meant to protect.

There have been repeated reports and public allegations highlighting a troubling pattern of inaction and selective justice. The police have, in several instances, failed to effectively investigate and prosecute serious crimes, particularly those involving drug trafficking, organized violence, and systemic corruption. This failure not only weakens the rule of law but also creates an environment of impunity and respect for democratic accountability.

Reported cases of direct police involvement in serious misconduct, including sexual violence, drug abuse, and abuse of power have emerged. These actions fundamentally contradict the purpose of a professional police force and raise critical concerns about internal accountability mechanisms within the LNP.

Recent events have further intensified these concerns. Reports of the physical assault on peaceful students and activists who marched the principal streets of Monrovia demanding jobs and justice. Liberians, predominantly from the Students Unification Party, were met with unlawful arrest and detention. In a secret recording from police custody, students and peaceful political activists were seen stripped naked and tortured by masked men of the Liberia national police. Even more worsening, was the assassination attempt on Representative Saah Foko by state security actors, which points to a dangerous pattern where the police and associated security apparatus may be used to intimidate, suppress, or harm both public officials and ordinary citizens. Such incidents, whether fully investigated or not, contribute to a growing perception that the police have been transformed into a state-sanctioned malicious force.

Gregory Coleman has become a self-decorated national instrument of terror against the sovereignty of the Liberian people. Evidently, he now runs a dangerous police torture chamber where innocent liberians are taken into for death-defying punishment.

Mr. Coleman, who is reported to have influenced the appointment of the Drug Enforcement head, is allegedly collaborating with dangerous drug cartels in Monrovia, turning the country into a hub and transit point for regional and international drug trafficking networks.

In this context, continued external support, particularly from the United States, raises serious ethical and policy concerns. There is a legitimate fear among citizens that U.S. taxpayer funding, intended to support peace, stability, and democratic governance, may instead be enabling or sustaining practices that are inconsistent with those very goals. If left unaddressed, this risks not only undermining U.S. credibility but also contributing, even if unintentionally, to the erosion of democratic norms in Liberia.

More troubling is the pattern of alleged police involvement in human rights violations, including brutality, unlawful killings, and deaths in custody, with little to no evidence of investigation or prosecution. Notable cases include:

1. Amanda Nebo – Murder (April 14, 2024)
   https://www.liberianobserver.com/news/serial-killer-roaming-japanese-freeway/article_9ce7f01a-07c3-11ef-978b-1f2bff092054.html

No state prosecution

2. Morris Gomo – Died in government custody while awaiting trial (July 2, 2024)
   https://frontpageafricaonline.com/legal-issues/liberia-man-61-dies-in-custody-at-cocopa-magisterial-court-judge-arrested/
   https://thenewdawnliberia.com/61-year-old-inmate-found-dead-in-prison/

3.No state investigation
Franklin Dargor – Police brutality (March 12, 2024)
https://frontpageafricaonline.com/crime/liberia-police-charge-man-with-murder-for-allegedly-stabbing-to-death-16-year-old-boy/

4.No state prosecution
Austine Yarkpawolo – Death linked to police brutality (April 17, 2024)
https://thenewdawnliberia.com/police-brutality-leads-to-death/

5.No state prosecution
Bangalie Kamara – Shot by police (February 28, 2024)
https://analystliberiaonline.com/this-brazen-security-impunity-must-stop-grassroots-defenders-welcomes-kinjor-fatal-violence-probe/

6.No state prosecution
Essah Massaley – Shot by police (February 28, 2024)
https://analystliberiaonline.com/this-brazen-security-impunity-must-stop-grassroots-defenders-welcomes-kinjor-fatal-violence-probe

7.No state prosecution
James Kandy – Shot by police (July 1, 2024)
https://analystliberiaonline.com/police-officer-shot-to-death-17-yr-old-student/

8.No state prosecution
Prince Wreyou – Died in custody (April 12, 2024)
https://gnnliberia.com/man-32-dies-in-prison-family-blames-inhr-commissioner-fahnbulleh/

9.No state investigation
19-year-old suspect – Found dead in police custody (January 2025, Voinjama)

These cases point to a consistent pattern of alleged abuse, excessive use of force, and deaths in custody involving police actors, without corresponding accountability measures.

This trend reinforces a growing perception that the police have been transformed into what many describe as a state-sanctioned malicious force.

In this context, continued U.S. support raises serious concerns. There is a legitimate fear that U.S. taxpayer resources, intended to support democratic policing, may instead be contributing to practices that harm citizens and weaken the state.

Given the seriousness of these issues, I respectfully urge the United States Government through its Embassy in Liberia to take the following actions:

Advocate for the immediate launch of an independent, transparent, and comprehensive investigation into the use, oversight, and impact of U.S. support to the Liberia National Police.

Such an investigation should assess whether funds, training, and logistical support are being used in alignment with their intended objectives.

Consider a temporary suspension or conditional restructuring of U.S. assistance to the LNP, pending the outcome of such an investigation.

Future support should be explicitly tied to measurable reforms, including strengthened accountability systems, human rights compliance, and demonstrable improvements in professional conduct.

Encourage greater transparency and public reporting mechanisms, so that Liberian citizens can better understand how international assistance is being used within their national institutions.

The people of Liberia value the longstanding and traditional partnership with the United States, particularly its role in supporting peacebuilding and democratic development.

It is precisely because of this relationship that these concerns must be raised clearly and constructively.

International support must reinforce institutions that serve the public good,not those perceived to act against it.

I trust that your office will treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves and take the necessary steps to ensure that U.S. engagement in Liberia remains aligned with the principles of accountability, justice, and respect for human rights.

Thank you for your attention and consideration.

Sincerely,

Jefferson T. Koijee
Secretary General
Congress for Democratic Change

Many times, fire trucks arrive at scenes of fire without water to put out the fire., making one to wonder to why they went there. In fact, a fire truck left the house of a President of Liberia without water ostensibly to put out fire.

By Togba-Nah Tipoteh

Fire workers were also not on the fire trucks, making one to wonder as to whether the fire hoses would move by themselves. Wonders shall never cease is a widespread expression relevant to the fire truck situation.

Well, wonders are ceasing as the awareness raising about the bad fire truck situation spreads. Foreign partners of the State of Liberia have sent fire trucks which can be seen on Ashmun Street, Monrovia at the National Headquarters of the Fire Service.

Through awareness raising, the bad prevailing system of injustice is being changed into the good enduring system of Justice. This change is taking place through the Rule of Law.

Through this way, persons with good records are being elected and they are taking action that is changing the bad prevailing system of injustice into the good enduring system of Justice, the indispensable ingredient for Peace and Progress in Liberia and in any other country.

Dear Editor,

This is a public policy prescription to the Legislature to enact a bill to be signed into law for the establishment of: A Rental History Tracking System in Liberia – to keep track of a tenant’s past rental behavior, including payment history, lease compliance, property condition at move-out, outstanding balances and court actions and positive references (HUD, 2023.)

Problem: The rental housing sector in Liberia continues to face growing tension between landlords and tenants due to the absence of a formal system to track rental history.

Evidently and on a daily basis, this policy gap continues to create an endless imbalance that affects not only property owners, but responsible tenants and the housing market as well – many people are becoming very reluctant to invest in the housing industry. Currently, there are no verifiable records of rent payment behavior, lease compliance, or property damage, and landlords are unable to properly assess risk. As a result, habitual defaulters and lease violators can move from one property to another without accountability. Similarly, responsible tenants are often and unnecessary subjected to unfair screening practices. These situations fuel mistrust and frequent disputes, many of which end up in our already uncertain court system.

This is why, we prescribe that a regulated rental history tracking system be established through legislation and managed by relevant authorities or local governments to promote fairness, transparency and accountability in the housing sector. Such a system should require regular landlord reporting, protect tenant rights through dispute mechanisms and ensure information collected are solely for housing purposes.

The policy goal here is not to punish tenants, rather to protect responsible renters by rewarding good rental behavior and creating a more predictable and stable housing environment in Liberia. For landlords, it would reduce financial losses and encourage continued investment in Liberia housing market.

As Liberia continues to urbanize, especially in Monrovia and other growing cities, we ask our Legislative branch to know that a sustainable housing sector requires modern system. So, we call on the lawmakers and relevant entities to initiate discussions toward enacting rental history tracking System and lease registration policies that serve both tenants and landlords. Undoubtedly, a regulated housing market benefits everyone. That is why, we are prescribing this policy for the lawmakers to enact a bill to be signed into law – A Rental History Tracking System in Liberia.

A housing market without regulations is like a country without a constitution.

Thanks,

Jesse Fahngon

Ref: An Open Letter to Exercise Leadership, Avert the Unholy attributes of Traditional Methodism, Reconcile and Return the Church to Christ Jesus

Dear Bishop Quire:

Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whose foundation our faith and cornerstone of the Church was established.

As a member of the flocks entrusted to your care, (NOT the most saint of all however); I write to you with heavy heart, burdened by the growing tension and division within our beloved United Methodist Church- Liberia Annual Conference.

The recent trends of deep conflict within our Church since the Unholy decision of the General Conference plus unwarranted actions of authoritative showmanship and greed by all parties to this huge nightmare is fast degenerating into chaos and public shame as a result of the lack of Leadership.

For example, the suspension of key officials of the Annual Conference without uniting in the wake of a whole host of hurt burning issues’, is a recipe for more conflict and renewed split of the already divided flocks(members) who were charged to “go into the world and make Disciples unto Christ for the Transformation of this World” his becoming more evil.

I am wondering IF the soul of Father John Wesley, founder of the once Great Church and People Called United Methodists is at peace when our current generation of Bishops, officials and of members are taking sides and partaking in unchristian deals out of selfish motives for deep pockets by desecrating the sacredness of the sweet, Godly fellowship at whole sale scale against the original – traditional doctrines of the Church.

Why are we willfully ignoring our Responsibilities and Watchfulness that can be referenced to one of Father John Wesley’s greatest Hymns under the caption ‘A Charge to Keep I Have ‘in the face of our fading love for the Church and harmonious fellowship that is being strained from Grace to Disgrace?

Who is shepherding the lost flocks? beheaded could be a very strong adjective though, but, I am just deeply Concern… Look at what’s happening at UMU-six months, NO pay for employees with credible reports about that the Annual Conference is sucking the lifeblood- funds thereby leaving our main faith-based University to be rivulet despite impressive news and headways of some of our former students… This is total abuse of human labor – how then can the Church speak against societal odds? Is the UMC human rights department muted to address the Press?

Well, Bishop, it is out humility and renewed hope for the Church, that I implore you to kindly avert the growing wave of potential conflict within the Conference so as to ensure unity and restore its aged old traditional values and sacredness.

Call for Leadership

Leadership, as modeled by our Lord, is one of service, humility, and sacrifice. Hence, the unique authority and influence to intervene in these critical moments is essential Christ –Like discussions for greater good of the Church—to glorify God and reflect His love.

A strong and impartial stance from you will not only calm the brewing storm but also set an example for future generations on how conflicts should be handled within the body of Christ.

Averting Impending Conflict

There is a need for immediate action to prevent the current disagreements from escalating further. We must remember the apostle Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 2:2-4, urging us to be of the same mind, having the same love, and being united in spirit and purpose.

I humbly beseech you to convene a meeting with all concerned to address the grievances openly, honestly, and prayerfully. By providing a platform for dialogue and understanding, the Church can avoid a deeper fracture that would be difficult to mend.

Reconciliation: The Heart of the Gospel

Reconciliation lies at the very heart of the Gospel we proclaim. Christ died to reconcile us to God, and as His followers, we are called to the ministry of reconciliation. As such, it is our responsibility to strive for peace and unity within the Church, remembering that a house divided cannot stand. I implore you to lead us in the difficult but necessary work of forgiveness, healing, and restoration.

Your Grace, the time to act is now. The body of Christ depends on your wisdom and leadership to steer us through these turbulent times. I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you as you discern the best path forward, and that peace will once again reign in our Church.

May the Lord continue to bless and strengthen all of us as we serve His Church

Yours in Christ,

 [Malcolm W. Scott]

Council/Administrative Chair, Emeritus, M.F Bailey UMC

Vice President/Operations, Monrovia District Men Organization –LAC, UMC

Chair, Media Relations, Conference Men, LAC

Part Time Lecturer, Economics, United Methodist University

It’s exactly four months since you took office to steer the affairs of the State.  Among several local government officials to be appointed in Rivercess, only the county superintendent, alongside a few district officials was appointed. River Cess doesn’t have a finance officer, district development officer, county administrative officer, city mayor, project planner, statutory district superintendents and administrative district commissioners. This is so because there have been disagreements among relevant political actors on names suggested for consideration.

Mr. President, we will, in the coming days, recommend qualified Rivercess citizens to occupy the remaining positions if the relevant actors fail to submit names to your office for nomination, even though the constitution gives you the power to nominate any Liberian to positions in government without consulting anyone.

Best regards.

Yours Sincerely,

Trokon A. Freeman

Prominent Citizen

0777973957/0886973957

trokonfreeman@gmail.com

Dear President Boakai:

                  The Coalition for Justice in Liberia (CJL) welcomes you and your delegation to the United States of America.  The CJL is a group of Liberian expatriates and war victims living in the United States, who are seeking justice for the victims of Liberia’s civil wars. 

We are writing to express our deep gratitude to you for your work toward establishing a war and economic crimes court in Liberia.  As you are aware, such a court is greatly needed in Liberia.  Your Executive Order establishing an Office of War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (the “Office”) and commitment to establishing a war and economic crimes court are important steps forward in bringing justice to Liberian war victims.  The CJL strongly encourages you to take further swift action in this direction.   

                  To be specific, the CJL requests that you ask the United Nations for support in establishing and operating the war and economic crimes court. The United Nations has resources that can greatly assist our nation in the operation of the new tribunal. 

In the recent past, the United Nations has helped establish special courts to deal with war crimes in Rwanda, former Yugoslavia, Sierra Leone, Cambodia, and Lebanon.  Thus, the United Nations has knowledge, experience and resources that can greatly help Liberia with the tribunal.  We should take advantage of the lessons learned in these other jurisdictions.  Doing so will enable Liberia to establish a respectful, impartial, and effective court, that can lay the foundation for a stronger society.  

It is possible to act on this immediately.  Your delegation can approach the United Nations while you are here in the United States.  As you know, the United Nations sits in New York City — merely a phone call away from your current visiting locations in Dallas, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia.  We recommend a call to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Office of the Legal Advisor at the United Nations, to get their advice on the next step. 

It is imperative that this project continues to move forward. Crimes committed against humanity are not a victimless crime. Liberia’s war victims are real people — they are your fellow citizens who have been forced to live with the scars, agony and sorrow of the civil wars that devastated Liberia.  The victims’ prolonged quests for justice have for the most part been ignored.  Mr. President, as you are aware, justice delayed is tantamount to justice denied.  Peace, political stability, and economic development are undermined by the absence of justice.

For these reasons, the CJL implores you to approach the United Nations for guidance, direction, and expertise in establishing and operating Liberia’s war and economic crimes court. The time for acting on this matter is now.

                  In addition to involving the United Nations, the CJL strongly recommends that your government staff the Office with international experts and ordinary Liberian citizens, whose characters are above reproach. Specifically, we entreat your office to look beyond the Liberian Judiciary and Bar Association. As you know, the Liberian Judiciary is plagued by corruption, incompetence, and pervasive bribery. The Liberian people do not have faith in the judges and most lawyers who practice law in Liberia.  As a process, this important office needs to be credible, impartial, and driven by the highest moral and ethical considerations. This cannot be done solely on the age-old political and economic connections. If necessary, the CJL encourages your administration to consider staff for the Office and the court from outside of Liberia, including persons in the Liberian diaspora.

Finally, Mr. President, the CJL encourages you to include Liberian war victims in the Office and the court.  The victims of the Liberian civil wars should have a place at the table, have voice in the process, and take ownership of the court.  We are concerned that certain persons are attempting to undermine the work of the Office and the eventual court, for political and/or financial reasons.  Mr. President, the CJL calls on you to reject these outside efforts, and to embrace the concept of victims’ participation in this process.  

                  Mr. President, we hope you have had an enjoyable and productive trip to the United States.  Once again, the CJL welcomes you and your delegation to the United States. The CJL looks forward to a favorable response from your office.

The Editor,

Come what may, Cllr. Kabineh Ja’neh, former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia is not and should never be viewed and considered as the only Liberian Jurist, and therefore, there is no moral or legal reason to re-nominate, re-commission and reappoint an impeached, removed and disbarred Justice of the Supreme Court back to the Supreme Court.

Let, Cllr. Kabineh Ja’neh, an impeached Associate Justice NOT be nominated and re-appointed to the Supreme Court of Liberia. Cllr. Ja’neh, was impeached, removed and disbarred from public office.

Though Mr. Justice Ja’neh was awarded a judgment by the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, the Community Court, has no jurisdiction to review and setaside the judgement of the courts of Liberia.

Liberia and the people of Liberia need to not place on the Supreme Court Bench, a major REBEL LEADER. A LURD REBEL LEADER should never be permitted to sit on our Supreme Court Bench again!

Cllr. Frederick A.B. Jayweh
fjayweh.criss@outlook.com
Mobile: 720-731-7994

The Editor,

LEC is killing productivity in Liberia on a scale never seen before.

For example, I am self-employed. I have been working on funding proposals. If there is no power, I can’t use my internet router to work.

Today, there is no power. I realized I had two options. Go to TRIBE’s office on Capitol Hill since it’s closer and it means less money on transportation. Alternatively, go to my partner’s office on 19th Street.

Arriving there, their office is locked due to power outages from LEC since morning. The staff, led by the boss, has to find a location in Sinkor to continue working.

What’s my next option, I thought as I walked toward the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Let me go across the street and buy $500 worth of sour milk near Stella Maris.

I crossed the street and the milk lady booth was closed because there was no power to freeze the milk. Her production for today is no use, thanks to LEC.

Now, imagine the number of small businesses that are experiencing losses a la the sour milk lady near Stella Maris. Also, imagine the self-employed like me whose zest is being killed daily because we can’t work from the comfort of our homes.

This is pure incompetence at the helm of LEC’s leadership. Mr. Monie Captan is doing a terrible job at LEC.

Under his leadership, this is the worst power outage we have experienced. Also, under his leadership as a member of the board before he was self-appointed as its CEO, LEC hired Prish Govender, a fugitive from South Africa who’s wanted for fraud.

Charles Yates and the Daily Observer published the information. Charles was threatened by Govender’s lawyer, Cllr. Benedict Sannoh, former Minister of Justice. The Observer wrote a strongly worded editorial that later disappeared.

But there is hope. Mr. Captan’s contract expires in November, according to executive mansion sources. Will President Joseph Nyumah Boakai vis-a-vis the board of LEC retain him amid the dismal performance that can be heard in cries from Paynesville to West Point that after nearly two decades, Liberia Expects Current (LEC)?

Time will tell. And so it goes.

Gboko Stewart

He/Him

News Curator