I Summer 1996 Volume 23 -

fter a resurgence of violence in April 1996, relative calm has returned to parts of the A Liberian capital, . The West African peacekeeping force, known as ECOMOG, has regained US Must Act to control over the city, and armed factions loyal to different warlords have been separated. The United States contributed to this effort. Washing- ton pledged an additional $30 million to ECOMOG and warned that the international community will isolate any faction which attempts to seize power by force. Fragile Peace However, the peace process is not back on track. International action has been insufficient to address the in spite of well-documented human rights violations and humanitarian crisis, to limit the power of the warlords, a 1985 election marked by fraud and repression. or to create a climate suitable for elections. Without a In late 1989, insurgents led by Charles Taylor crossed higher level of engagement by the United States in into from the Ivory Coast in a bid to topple the particular, renewed peace efforts will be vulnerable to Doe regime. In the ensuing war, Taylor's forces, the violent and repeated collapse. remnants of Doe's army, and as many as five other armed factions inflicted numerous atrocities on the Six Years of War civilian population. Doe himself was killed by a rebel Liberia was founded in the early 19th century by leader in September 1990. African Americans who returned to Africa as settlers. Washington provided humanitarian aid-more than Their descendants, known as Americo-Liberians, $425 million from 1990 through mid-1995-but did little dominated the country's government for more than 150 more. Peace efforts were left to the Economic Commu- years. Ties with the United States were close, with high nity of West African States (ECOWAS), with Nigeria levels of aid and investment. In the 1960s and 1970s, playing a leading role. Liberia received the highest per capita level of US aid of ECOMOG arrived in late 1990, after the conflict was any country on the African continent. well under way. Its intervention has been flawed, but is In 1980 the settler-dominated government was generally credited with saving lives. West African overthrown. Many Liberians hoped for reform and a governments meanwhile have supported continuing shift of power to the indigenous 95 percent of the mediation efforts. The most recent is the Abuja accord population. But military leader established of August 1995, which provided for an interim govern- a dictatorship and favored his own ethnic group. ment involving all the warlords, and for the disarming The United States backed the Doe regime with a total and demobilization of their forces before elections, of $402 million in aid between 1981 and 1985-more planned for this year. than during the entire previous century. At the time, The Abuja accord came after almost six years of war Liberia was a key staging post for US covert operations which killed as many as 150,000 out of a population of against Libya. Washington's support for Doe continued Continued on page 2 b

Printed on Recycled Paper keeping force, which brought some stability to Fragile Peace in Liberia parts of Liberia, has been mixed. Its failure to b Continuedfrom page 1 react when violence broke out in April contrib- uted to the high level of destruction. 2.6 million. Some 800,000 people fled the country However, the international community shares as refugees, and more than a million were the blame. The United States bears particular displaced from their homes within the country. responsibility, given its 150 years of close ties with Liberia. The US failure to respond to the Accord Breaks Down initial outbreak of war in 1989-1990 cost the Implementation of the Abuja agreement de- lives of thousands of Liberians and close to pended on either the goodwill of the warlords $500 million in emergency aid. or decisive international support for their When the latest peace agreement was signed, disarmament. Neither materialized. Liberian many observers warned that it was doomed to civilians were kept out of the process, and the collapse without adequate international support predictable breakdown came in April when for the disarmament and demobilization of the warlord Charles Taylor decided to launch an militias and for the peacekeeping efforts of attack in Monrovia against a rival force. Both ECOMOG. The failure to provide such support sides had by then infiltrated armed forces into invited a costly humanitarian disaster and set the the capital, previously a relatively safe haven scene for the evacuation of US citizens and many from the conflict in the countryside. other foreign residents in April. The fighting forced the evacuation of hu- manitarian relief agencies. Their supplies were Giving Peace a Chance looted by the warlords, who used the relief The majority of Liberians want peace. But the goods for military ends. In mid-June, 13 interna- chances of achieving it are slim unless the tional agencies said they would not reestablish capacity of the warlords to make war is curbed. full operations in Liberia until minimal security Liberian civil leaders and traditional rulers, was assured. meeting with ECOWAS leaders in mid-July, Renewed fighting has recently broken out in urged strong international sanctions against several parts of the country. Despite the appar- faction leaders to enforce compliance with ent stability of the capital, Liberians say that off peace agreements. They stressed that ECOMOG the main streets there is no security. Basic should be empowered and provided with services, such as electricity and running water, logistical support to enforce peace by disarming are not available, and food is scarce. During combatants as a precondition to free elections. June over 1,500 bodies were recovered by The Liberian leaders also demanded that the health workers from shallow graves. international community impose sanctions on The primary responsibility for the war over the export of Liberian natural resources by the the last six years-and for the latest violence in warlords. "On no account should there be Monrovia-lies with the leaders of the Liberian elections without first complete disarmament, armed factions, who have put their personal encampment and integration of these combat- quests for power above Liberians' desire for ants into the society," stated the chair of the peace. The record of the West African peace- Continued on page 8 b

2 Washington Notes on Africa Ansola Makes Uneven Prowess

ngola continues to make slow and col, the peace plan agreed upon by the Angolan uneven progress in its effort to end 22 government and UNITA in November 1994. A years of civil war and establish a Govem- Implementation of the Lusaka Protocol is ment of Unity and National Reconciliation. This being monitored by the United Nations Angola would bring together members of the present Verification Mission (UNAVEM III), and the UN Angolan government and the National Union for Secretary-General has appointed a Special the Independence of Angola (UNITA). Representative, Alioune Blondin Beye, to facili- In March 1996, the Washington Office on tate the peace process. On June 27, 1996, the Africa, Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA, the Secretary-General reported to the UN Security successor to the British Anti-Apartheid Move- Council on recent developments in Angola. ment), and the Holland Committee on Southern Excerpts from the report's concluding observa- Africa (KZA) issued a joint position paper on tions appear below. $ Angola. The statement reflected insights from recent visits to Angola by William Minter, the ;rhe complete tcxt of the Secretary-General'sreport is Senior Research Fellow at WOA's affiliate, the available on APC computer netwoh in the confer- Africa Policy Information Center, and Ben ence unic.news. irhe March 19% WOA-ACISA-KZA Jackson, the Director of ACTSA. It identified statement is available on the WOMAPIC Web site potential obstacles to a durable peace in Angola (seepage 2) . A printed copy my be obtained by and called on all parties to intensify efforts to writing to the Wdshington Off? on Africa. Pleuse ensure the implementation of the Lusaka Proto- include a selfaddressed stumped envelope.

Excerpts from the UN Secretary-General's report on UNAVEM Ill

uring the last two months, the pace of implementation time, the commitments they have entered into. ... "D of the Lusaka Protocol has improved somewhat. The The demobilization and socio-economic reintegration of promulgation of the Amnesty Law, the completion of the former combatants is another essential precondition for quartering of the rapid reaction police, the partial with- lasting peace in Angola. National institutions are expected to drawal of FAA [Angolan Armed Forces1 to barracks, some take a leading role but significant external assistance will progress in the quartering of UNITA troops, and a small also be required. So far, the donor community has been beginning to the incorporation of UNITA military personnel cautious in committing resources to this process. Of $42 into FAA, are all positive factors. ... million required for the first year of demobilization and Continuing delays in the quartering of UNITA troops, the social reintegration, only $10 million has been received to high number of desertions from the quartering areas, the date. Now that initial steps have been taken to form the unsatisfactory quality and quantity of weapons and ammuni- integrated armed forces, demobilization is becoming a major tion handed over, the failure to quarter UNITA police concern. Without strong donor support, the results which personnel and the incomplete withdrawal of FAA from have been achieved so far could be undermined. forward positions all require urgent corrective action if the The rapid rehabilitation of war-tom communities peace process is to retain credibility. throughout Angola is another critical condition for the The picture is no more reassuring on the political front. restoration of peace. Donors made important pledges at the The parties have yet to take a number of steps towards the Round Table Conference in Brussels in September 1995 to formation of the Government of Unity and National Recon- fund high-priority projects to restore the economic viability ciliation. Most of the UNITA Members of Parliament have of Angolan communities and prepare them to reabsorb the not taken their seats in the National Assembly. Officials large number of former soldiers, displaced persons and designated by UNITA have not yet joined the State adminis- refugees. ... tration at the national, provincial and local levels. It is also UNAVEM 111 has become the Organization's largest peace- essential that the question of the post of Vice-President to be keeping operation. Its continued involvement, particularly at occupied by UNITA should be expeditiously resolved. ... this stage of the implementation of the Lusaka Protocol, If the peace process is to succeed, the parties, especially remains essential. I recommend, therefore, that its mandate be UNITA, must show greater readiness to implement, in good extended for three months, until 11 October 1996. ... ''

Washington Notes on Africa 3 Select Legislation Relating to Africa COUNTRY-SPECIFIC SIERRA LEONE LEGISLATION H.Con.Res. 160 (See chart on oppositepagefor other Sponsor Rep. Houghton (R-NY) I Senate: Recess August 5 - September 4 Congratulates the people of Sierra Leone country-specific legislation which has Adjournment October 4, 1996 been inactive since the last update.) on the success of their recent democratic elections. Reaffirms US House: No votes on Monda LIBERIA commitment to freedom, peace, Recess August 1 - September 4 democracy, and economic deveIopment S.Res. 248 Adjournment October 4, 1996 in Africa Sponsor: Sen. Feingold (D-WI) STATUS: Passed House on 05/21/96. Introduced: 04A8/96 . Passed Senate on 06/28/96. cosponsors: 7 NIGERIA Calls for a cease-fire and recommitment to SUDAN the Abuja peace process. Urges the US S.1419 administration to identify funds that could Sponsor: Sen. Kassebaum (R-KS) H.R. 3 766 be used to support additional non- Introduced: 11/17/95 Sponsor: Rep. D. Payne (D-NJ) Nigerian West African peacekeepers; and cosponsors: 22 Introduced: 0 7/09/96 consider the provision of excess defense Imposes limited economic sanctions Cosponsors: 24 articles for the logistical support of non- against Nigeria to promote democracy and Prohibits economic or military assistance Nigerian West African peacekeeping human rights. Prohibits assistance to or arms transfers to the Government of forces; use its influence with other nations Nigerian government; loans; air Sudan until appropriate action is taken to and with interests in Liberia to solicit transportation between Nigeria and US; eliminate chattel slavery in Sudan. further support for West African sale of defense articles or services or issue STATUS: Referred to Africa Subcommittee peacekeeping forces; and lead United of licenses for same; visas for Nigerian and Domestic and International Monetary Nations efforts to activate a Commission to leadership and their families; EXIM, OPIC, Policy Subcommittee. implement sanctions against those parties or TDA financing or activities for Nigeria; violating the UN arms embargo on Liberia. new investments. Freezes assets of ZAIRE Nigerian leadership; suspends Nigeria from STATUS: Pending in Foreign Relations H.Res.399 international sporting events; reprioritizes Committee. Sponsor: Rep. D. Payne (D-NJ) foreign assistance resources and funding Introduced: 03/29/96 for democracy-buildingand rule of law Cosponsors: 19 assistance through NGOs in Nigeria; Expresses support for Zairian nongovern- H.Con.Res. 142 requests cooperation of other nations and mental organizations seeking to promote Sponsor: Rep. Bereuter (R-NE) UN in imposing sanctions to promote the protection of fundamental human rights Introduced: 02/01/96 democracy and human rights. Permits and the transition to democracy; Cosponsors: 9 President to waive sanctions if they encourages all Zairian political parties to Calls upon the Government of Mauritania jeopardize US national interests. Requires include representatives of civil society in to: respect the Universal Declaration of President's certification to Congress that every stage of the electoral process; Human Rights and the Convention on the Nigerian government has become civilian condemns the Zairian military's continujng Abolition of Slavery, prosecute slave and democratic as a prerequisite to violation of human rights and intimidation owners to the fullest extent of the termination of sanctions. Encourages of local civil society groups; urges the country's anti-slavery law, and educate President to seek multilateral oil embargo; President to: renew indefinitely current individuals being held as slaves on their UN arms embargo; UN Human Rights sanctions on Zaire, support an extension of legal rights; abolish discriminatory Commission resolution condemning the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur practices and integrate black Mauritanians Nigerian government; and additional on Zaire, press President Mobutu to halt the into the economic and social mainstream; measures if substantial progress not made use of Zairian temtory for military investigate and prosecute officials within three months of enactment of Act. incursions into Rwanda or for training and responsible for the extrajudicial killings These include support for an international arming Hutu extremists living in Eastern and mass expulsions of black Mauritanians oil and arms embargo, a unilateral oil Zaire, and assist the United Nations Arms during the late 1980s and early 1990s; and embargo, and a ban on export of any Investigators to remove intimidators from allow all refugees to return to Mauritania refined petroleum to Nigeria. the refugee camps; recommends that the and restore their full rights. STATUS: Hearings held in Africa United States reinforce international STATUS: Passed House (as amended) on Subcommittee on 05/15/96. 07/29/96. Pending in Senate. pressure on President Mobutu, his family, and his associates. STATUS: Pending in Africa Subcommittee.

4 Washington Notes on Africa encouraging legislative action and seeking stronger measures, especially an oil embargo, to promote human rights and democracy in Nigeria.

b Legislation on Which No New Action Has Occuwe& No new action has occurred on the following legislation since the Legislative Update in the Winter 1995-1996 issue of Washington Notes on Africa. However, some items may have acquired additional cosponsors. Previous cosponsor tallies appear in parentheses.

Cosponsors Status Sen. Feingold (D-WI) Passed Senate; awaiting House action H.Con.Res. 93 Cameroon Rep. Engel (D-NY) 0 (0) Pending in Africa Subcommittee H.Con.Res. 135 Kenya Rep. Porter (R-IL) 30 (13) Pending in Africa Subcommittee Mauritania Rep. Zimrner (R-NJ) 5 (3) Pending in Africa Subcommittee Rep. D. Payne (D-NJ) 93 (59) Pending in multiple subcommittees Landmimes Sen. Leahy (D-VTl 45 (45) Pending in Foreign Relations Committee Landmines Rep. Evans (D-IL) 65 (61) Pending in Internat. Rel. & Nat. Security Torture Sen. Wellstone (Dm-MN) 10 (10) Pending in Judiciary Committee

GENERAL LEGISLATION pmgrams ($27 million) are greater than the Amends the Immigration and Nationality House version. Act to improve deterrence of illegal RELATING TO AFRICA STATUS: Passed House on 06/11/96. immigration to the US by increasing Passed Senate on 07/26/96. Pending in border patrol and investigative personnel, (See chart above for other general Conference Committee; expected to by increasing penalties for alien smuggling legislation zuhich has been inactive since receive consideration in early September. and for document fraud, by reforming the last update.) House Conferees: Callahan, Porter, exclusion and deportation law and Livingston, Lightfoot, Wolf, Packard, procedures, by improving the verification FOREIGN ASSISTANCE Knollenberg, Forbes, BUM, Wilson, Yates, system for eligibility for employment, and H.R. 3540 Pelosi, Torres, Lowey, and Obey. Senate through other measures, to reform the Sponsor: Rep. Callahan (R-AL) Conferees: McConnell, Specter, Mack, legal immigration system and facilitate Introduced: 05/29/96 Jeffords, Gregg, Shelby, Bennett, Hatfield, legal entries into the United States. cosponsors: 0 Leahy, Inouye, Lautenberg, Harkin, STATUS: Amended to remove clauses House version pmvides $11.9 billion total Mikulski, Murray, and Byrd. dealing with legal immigration. Passed fegnassistance for W97.Just as in the FY% House (as amended) on 03/21/96. Passed bill, no funds were speafically allocated to the H.R. 3 735 Senate on 05/02/96. Pending in Development Fund for Africa (DFA). However, Sponsor: Rep. Bereuter (R-NE) Conference Committee. the House Appmpriations Committee adopted Introduced: 06/2 7/96 language indicating that the promon of Cosponsors: 8 LANDMINES foreign assistance money spent on Africa Authorizes (but does not appropriate) up H.R. 3 725 should match the pmption of funds to $704 million annually for the Sponsor Rep. Moran (D-VA) designated for Africa in the -dent's request Development Fund for Africa in FY97. Introduced: 06/26/96 (appmximately 40%). House bill offers mger FY98, and FY99. Cosponsors: 24 suppolt for the African Development STATUS: Passed House on 07/29/96. To assist international efforts to improve Foundation ($11.5 million). awareness, detection, and clearance of Senate version pmvides $12.2 billion total IMMIGRATION antipersonnel landmines and explosive foreign assistance for FY97 and reestablishes H.R. 2202 ordnance. the DFA (with no specific funding Sponsor: Rep. L. Smith (R-m) STATUS: Referred to International commitment). Senate allocations for the Introduced: OW0495 Relations Committee and National Security International Development Asmiation of the Cosponsors: 130 Committee. World Bank ($700 million), and debt reduction

Washington Notes on Africa 5 Africa Trade Policy Gains Congressional Attention

n an atmosphere of growing hostility to communication and coordination among foreign assistance, Congress is devoting Executive agencies involved in Africa-related new attention to trade and investment programs. It also recognized the need to initiatives in Africa. Recent proposals have the strengthen Africa's regional economic networks potential to generate economic opportunities and to make capital and financial services more for Africa and expand US ties with the conti- readily accessible to marginalized groups, nent. However, they may also threaten Africa's especially women and rural communities. future if they divert funds from As a whole, however, the report revealed a sustainable development disappointing lack of creativity. It consisted Members of 4he Afrksr efforts. In recent hearings largely of a reiteration of existing programs. It frcrdt and Invamtnt before the Trade Subcommittee offered an uncritical endorsement of structural CalKUs (co-chairs in ZtaSIcs3 of the House Ways and Means adjustment programs, and failed to address the Rep. PbU Crane (R-ZL) Committee, the Washington pivotal issue of Africa's debt. Rep.Benjamin Gilman (R-NE3 Office on Africa called on Members of the House of Representatives Rep. Jmes McDemzotE, (22- WA) Congress to ensure that trade responded by forming a bipartisan Africa Trade Rep. Charles Ra7ngel {D-IVY) and investment measures and Investment Caucus (ATIC). In June, Rep. Rep. Barney Frank CD-MA) complement and reinforce Jim McDermott (D-WA), one of the Caucus' co- Rep. Vie Frazier Q-Vl) continued development assis- chairs, outlined proposals for new Africa trade Rep. Mac Thornbury (R-TX) and investment initiatives. Rep. Amo Houghton (R-NY) tance programs. Rep. Carrie Meek (D-FL) Trade relations have at- McDermott called for: Rep. Don Payne (D-NJ) tracted increasing attention b the formation of a US-Africa Economic Rep. Eleanor Holmes N~rton(D-DC) since 1994, when Congress Cooperation Forum, which would bring Rep. Elliot Engel @-NY) considered the agreements together US and African government Rep. Donald Manzullo (R--IL) which emerged from the officials at the ministerial/cabinet level to Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) "Uruguay Round" of negotia- discuss economic policy; Rep. Bob TorriceHi (D-Nj) tions on the General Agreement Rep. Villiam Jefferson (D-LA) on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). b the creation of a US-Africa Free Trade Rep. Elizabeth Furse (D-OR) GATT is the multilateral treaty Area by the year 2020; and Rep. Louis Stokes (D-OH) which regulates international b the establishment of a $300 million Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) commerce. Critics of the equity fund to leverage investment in Rep. Thomas Ewing (R-IL) Uruguay agreements warn that African businesses. The equity fund Rep. J.C. Watts (R-OK) Rep. Tom Barrett (D-WI) poor countries will be less able would be privately managed, but would Rep. Doug Bereuter CR-NE) to take advantage of the new be set up with public money, much of Rep. Tom Campbell (R-CA) trading opportunities expected which would be diverted from existing to result from the negotiations. US Agency for International Develop- In acknowledgment of these ment (USAID) programs in Africa. concerns, Congress required the Hank C&m, CWMK Caatirim onAm Willie Campbell, Afdcan President to prepare and These proposals are expected to be introduced Development Eotsvsdazfon implement a comprehensive in legislative form when Congress reconvenes Stan Straughter, Mitchell ll Gtw, UP trade and development policy in September. Given the current congressional Sandra Taylor, Eastman Kodak for sub-Saharan Africa and to enthusiasm for cutting foreign assistance, the James Crowley, 67GM Intematioraal report annually on its progress. package is likely to receive a favorable recep- Mudziviri T. Nziramasanga, Pmfes5or The first report, issued by the tion in both the House and Senate. Indeed, of Economics, IY55U (Zimbabwe) US Trade Representative's office "Trade not Aid" is becoming an increasingly Tom Sheehy, Heritage Fwndation in February 1996, received a common refrain in Washington. Ken Ofori-Am, Lkztb~knkFinancial mixed reaction from members WOA and other supporters of development Services (Ghana) of Congress and non-govem- approaches that emphasize economic justice Janet Hall, SolSIe G Assoc&tef mental organizations. and sustainability have consistently opposed David Gordon, Overseas Dwelop- ment Counca'E The report contained several reductions in foreign assistance programs, provisions designed to promote pointing out that the US already ranks last

6 Washington Notes on Africa among all industrialized countries in the human resource development. percentage of its Gross National Product which is committed to aid. At the same time, they 4. Funds should not be transferred from have called upon USAID to focus more of its existing programs without a prior evalua- resources on reducing economic inequality and tion comparing the effectiveness of these ensuring that the recipients of assistance have hdsin their current deployment with the greater control over the identification of devel- projected effects of their redeployment. opment priorities. Some existing US programs have demonstrated In testimony to the August 1 hearing of the success in stimulating private sector growth, House Subcommittee on Trade, WOA empha- trade, and investment, often in highly creative sized the following points: ways. In contrast, the mixed record of the ten enterprise funds created for Eastern Europe and 1. Trade and aid policies should be seen as the former Soviet Union emphasizes the need complementary, rather than as mutually for adequate planning. exclusive options. The effectiveness of both will also be significantly affected by the 5. Any new initiatives will require careful adequacy of measures to diminish the consideration and a full elaboration of indebtedness of African states. The issue of details prior to implementation. This what policies are most effective in promoting planning process should include extensive sustainable development that can benefit the consultation with African states, representatives majority of Africa's people is complex. There of African civil society, multilateral agencies, are no magic formulas to ensure success. US and expert advisors. policy must integrate a range of components- 6. To achieve long-term success, bilateral including substantial reduction of African trade initiatives must dramatically enhance debt-without portraying sustainable develop- African access to US markets. This includes ment and private sector approaches as contra- not only the extension of preferential terms of dictory alternatives. trade to African nations, but also the encourage- 2. Aid should not be viewed as "charity"or ment of investment in both the physical and "welfare,"nor restricted to humanitarian social infrastructure which undergird sustain- relief. Aid is more properly seen as a counter- able development. US policy should promote part to government support and subsidies for emerging African industries in a manner which private sector initiatives. It should represent does not invite worker exploitation or environ- public investment in sustainable development mental destruction. to produce long-term benefits for both "donor" 7. Eligibility for participation in any new and "recipient" countries. Short-sighted and trade or investment program should be indiscriminate cuts in aid programs not only established on the basis of transparent endanger human lives today, but also seriously conditions relevant to the programs them- diminish the chances for future economic selves, and not exclusively conditioned on growth in Africa and other regions-growth participation in larger schemes. For ex- which could benefit the United States, too. ample, once the scope of a particular invest- 3. Private sector trade and investment is a ment fund is determined by its charter, applica- necessary component of any sustainable tions for financing should be open to projects development strategy, and government in any sub-Saharan African country, perhaps subsidies to faditate the acceleration of such with preference to projects which demonstrate private sector activities are amply justified regional rather than single-country impact. $ However, private sector trade and investment is not a substitute for adequate and sustainable For a copy of WOA's full I I page statement, levels of aid. The diverse experiences of East and please write to us, enclosing a self-addressed, Southeast Asian countries show that taking stamped envelope. Excerpts of the US Trade advantage of market opportunities requires not Representative's report and WOA's response are only liberalization and export orientation, but available on our Web site (seepage 2). also massive investments in state capacity and

Washington Notes on Africa 7 b Continued from page 2 The warlords likely will only comply with such demands if Liberian Bar Association, Frederick Cherue. action is taken to block the flow of arms. This includes At a meeting on August 17, factional leaders and strong and effective pressure on neighboring countries, ECOWAS officials agreed on a new disarmament plan, particularly Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, to adopted a revised timetable for elections (now scheduled for restrict the supplies of arms to the factions. May 19971, and named Ruth Perry to chair Liberia's transi- Disarmament will not be possible without simultaneous tional Council of State. Perry, a former Liberian Senator, planning for demobilization. Successful reintegration of . replaces Prof. Wilton Sankawulo. Her appointment raises former combatants into civilian life in turn depends on the hopes for a strong leadership, though it remains to be seen creation of economic opportunities within the civilian how much authority she will have in practice. economy. Such a comprehensive plan will be costly, but it is In sum, three basic steps are needed if Liberian civilians more practical-and, in the long term, less expensive-than are to have a chance to rebuild their society. The United responding to repeated humanitarian emergencies. States must support these measures with diplomatic pressure and financial resources. 3. Steps must be taken to guarantee a more active role in the transition for the vast majority of unarmed Liberians and 1. The international peacekeeping force already on the Liberian civic institutions. The peace process must not be held ground must be maintained and upgraded. West African hostage by any of the armed faction leaders. Unless new states must continue to play a central role in peacemaking measures are taken to protect and encourage civilian political and peacekeeping, regardless of the shortcomings of their activity, the peace process will be again be doomed to fail. past involvement and doubts about the future. (ECOWAS One option might be the convening of a broad national leadership is shifting, as Ghana's President Jerry Rawlings conference with international sponsorship and support. ended his term as chair in late July. His successor is General What You Can Do Sani Abacha, head of the Nigerian military regime.) However, West African states do not have the diplomatic b Write to National Security Advisor Anthony Lake and clout, the credibility, or the logistical resources to do the job Secretary of State Warren Christopher. Urge that the United entirely on their own. The ECOMOG force needs adequate States become more actively engaged in the search for logistical support. Its efforts also need to be supplemented by peace in Liberia. consistent backup and monitoring from the wider international Mr. Anthony Lake Secretary Warren Christopher community, including an expanded United Nations peacekeep- National Security Council US Department of State ing presence which can balance the West African role. Washington, DC 20500 Washington, DC 20520 Fax: (202) 456-2883 Fax: (202) 647-6434 2. The peace process must be linked to plans for disarma- ment, demobilization, and reintegration of combatants. b Stay informed! For updates on the situation in Liberia, Continued participation by faction leaders in the political contact Ezekiel Pajibo, Africa Faith and Justice Network, 403 process should be contingent on their cooperation with Michigan Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20017. Tel. (202) 832- disarmament, as specified in the Abuja peace agreement. 3412. Fax (202) 832-9051. E-mail: [email protected]

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