Monrovia – Mr. Mulbah Morlu, once a strong advocate for the establishment of a war crimes court in Liberia, says implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Report is detrimental to Liberia’s national security.
Report by Henry Karmo [email protected]
Mr. Morlu, Chairman of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) is now singing a new song.
He stated on Monday, March 26, that now is not the right time for such moves—enforcing the TRC’s recommendations or establishing a war crimes court.
Mr. Morlu’s comments were in response to a recent call made by the United Nations Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed.
Ms. Mohammed, who recently visited the country, recommended that it is critical for the Liberian government to implement the recommendations of the TRC report, and for the legislature to pass key bills that will support local inclusion and reconciliation.
The UN official speaking in Monrovia at the turnover of UN radio to ECOWAS, avers – “These would be timely measures that would assure Liberians that there is strong resolve to see a conclusion to this process.”
Recalling his 12-year war crimes advocacy, Mr. Morlu said – “We campaigned for the unhindered implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recommendations to be implemented.”
“We were traded from one prison to another in the presence of international institutions they never spoke.”
“My greatest challenge came when a Deputy UNSG called for the need for the implementation of the TRC report. I respect her but I remember in 2006 when we paraded with casket for the implementation of the TRC we are denied.”
Mr. Morlu continued: “Why are we calling for the implementation of the TRC report when UNMIL is leaving?
“We had the opportunity to implement that report when UNMIL was helping to provide security. Our security is in its struggling stage.”
“We have constrains of logistics and training and at the very departure program of the UNMIL, is the day she is asking this President to implement the TRC report?”
The ruling party chairman expressed fear that there are individuals still around who are indicted in the TRC report and any attempt to prosecute them could return the country to another crisis.
“In as much as I want that report to be implemented that’s what I campaigned for. But I will not support it to be implemented at the detriment of national security because there will be no court when there is war.”
He claimed not to understand why the UN on the day of departure of the final forces of UN would call for the implementation of the TRC report in his words in the absence of genuine security.
“I am waiting for UNMIL SRSG to answer questions about implementing the TRC report in the absence of a genuine security mechanism that would protect the rule of law, protect judges and the citizenry.”
The ruling party chairman promised to continue his campaign for the implementation of the TRC recommendations if his questions are answered.
“Do I want to see that report implemented?
Yes! But the question is where is UNMIL why did we allow UNMIL to leave. People want to create a chaotic presidency?
Liberians know better unless my concerns are addressed, I will not support it. That is why we are here as party chairman. We will defend this government and defend this party. If anyone thinks they can dislodge this democracy they have us to contend with.”