Monrovia — Former Liberian Cultural Ambassador Juli Endee has called for the equitable distribution of the country’s resources, especially to citizens in the leeward regions, and for greater investment in young people as key strategies to sustain peace and reconciliation in Liberia. Ambassador Endee made these remarks at the opening of the Diaspora Annual Return Peace and Reconciliation Dialogue, held recently in Congo Town, outside Monrovia, emphasizing that reconciliation in Liberia has often been more rhetorical than practical.

By Obediah Johnson

She observed that citizens remain deeply divided despite large budgetary allocations for reconciliation initiatives and said the government has a responsibility to provide essential social services, including access to health care and electricity, to promote national unity and peace. “Reconciliation has been a lip service maybe for budgetary allotment or for donor support,” she stated, highlighting the gap between policy intentions and tangible outcomes on the ground.

Ambassador Endee further pointed to the lingering psychological effects of the Liberian civil war, noting that hate, jealousy, and envy persist among Liberians because many perpetrators and victims have yet to reconcile. She warned that post-traumatic disorder, which sometimes leads to the abuse of minors, is another scar left by the failure to achieve genuine reconciliation.

She called for the crafting of a genuine reconciliation framework grounded in community dialogues, peacebuilding initiatives, and reparations, among other measures, stressing that all stakeholders must face reality and engage in honest discussions to drive and sustain peace. Ambassador Endee also highlighted the importance of economic empowerment, particularly through investment in young people by both the government and Liberians in the diaspora, as a means to prevent anti-peace activities and foster national unity.

“Liberians as a whole—we are divided. We must change our attitude and mind. We must learn to love one another,” Ambassador Endee said, urging citizens to stop bullying and hating one another on social media platforms. She further emphasized the need to support competent professionals in public service, explaining, “Some of us are inept, and so when we see professional people we are afraid. But if you know and understand yourself—and you have psycho-social competence, you will love your neighbor as you love yourself.”

Monrovia – In the case involving Liberia’s Cultural Ambassador Juli Endee and Nayapougma Oldpa Yeazeahn, also known as ‘Prophet Key’, the Monrovia City Court of Liberia, presided over by Judge Ben Barco, has released Prophet Key on personal recognizance.

By Victoria G. Wesseh

Judge Barco has rescheduled the trial for Monday, February 19, 2024.

Prophet Key’s lawyer pleaded to grant his client personal recognizance, citing Chapter 13, Section 13.5, of the criminal procedure law.

In response, the Prosecution prayed to the court that Prophet Key adhere to the writ of arrest issued by the Monrovia City Court and served on the Defendant.

The Prosecution was represented by Cllr. Swahilo Sesay, acting County Attorney for Montserrado, Atty Young, and Cllr. Joseph Sammy, while Prophet Key was represented by Atty. Samwar Fallah and others who may join later during the trial.

It can be recalled that ‘Prophet Key’ accused Liberia’s Cultural Ambassador Juli Endee of being sexually involved with former Presidents and the Unity Party Secretary General.

Yeazeahn alleged on his online platform that Ambassador Endee engaged in relationships with former President Charles Taylor and past President George M. Weah to solicit job opportunities. He also claimed that she is currently involved with the Unity Party Secretary General, Amos Tweh, to maintain her position as Cultural Ambassador of Liberia.

In response, Ambassador Endee filed charges against Prophet Key, accusing him of criminal coercion, menacing, and disorderly conduct.

Ambassador Endee informed the court that Prophet Key threatened her on his social media platform, stating that he would ensure she never has the opportunity to work in any government in Liberia, which caused her fear and distress.

She further stated that Prophet Key’s actions were intended to bring her to public ridicule and shame.

Ambassador Endee appeared before the Monrovia City Court on February 5, 2024, to file her complaint against Prophet Key, alleging that he intentionally spread false information about her character during his social media podcast in December 2023.

Ambassador Endee is seeking damages from Prophet Key, including not less than US$5,000,000.00 for general damages, US$300,000.00 in punitive damages, and US$250,000.00 for attorney fees.

The case was brought before Magistrate L. Ben Barco of the Monrovia City Court, Temple of Justice, by Ambassador Endee, who filed a Writ of Arrest against Prophet Key.