Liberia Gets Set for Elections

Vol. 1, No. 03 May 2005

Liberia Gets Set For Elections Refugee Returns Continue Military Doctors Reach Out Farewell Message from the Outgoing Special Representative of the Secretary-General n Sunday, the long are only now reopening. Education her natural heritage. 1st of May, I must be open to all, from children to People like Leyma Gbowee, a great Oshall depart adults. Training and the opportunity of Liberian who heads the Women in Peace Liberia to return to skilled jobs must be sought for all Building Network, which has been qui- the United States of Liberians, men and women, returning etly and patiently working to build peace America, and leave displaced persons, victims of the war woman to woman – not only in Liberia, my post as head of and ex combatants themselves. but across West Africa as well. the United Nations Mission in Liberia. Nutrition, health care and the prevention Liberians like the new recruits and It has been an honour and a privilege of diseases such as malaria and polio graduates of the new United Nations- to have played a part in the establish- will ensure that the children of Liberia trained Liberian National Police ment of this Peacekeeping Mission, and can lead long healthy and productive Academy in Paynesville, young men to have helped in bringing Liberia out of lives. and women, trained public safety offi- conflict, and step by step, onto the path Liberia must now rely on its people cers, ready to protect and serve all toward peace and prosperity. to learn how to work together to rebuild Liberians. UNMIL today includes civilians, and to make better this great nation. And Liberians like the countless international police officers and 15,000 Liberians must return home to help in children that I have seen in my travels peacekeepers from almost 50 countries. this process. Liberians living in refugee around this great country: in school, This is the largest peacekeeping mission camps in Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire and learning how to read, being fed, at play, in the world. Liberians know the differ- in Ghana must return home to their com- in their homes, with their families. No ence the presence of these peacekeepers munities and villages, to rejoin their longer are the children of Liberia at risk has made. country. Liberians living abroad, in the of war and conflict. These children are The United Nations came here to United States and in Europe – must all the future of Liberia. help a small country to finally escape the hear the clarion call to return and to lend To succeed in the challenge before violence of 14 years of war and increas- a hand and help rebuild Liberia. all Liberians, it is my hope that ing and desperate poverty. There were Step by step, we are succeeding. The Liberians will dedicate themselves to failed efforts, failed elections, and bro- next test for Liberia will be to hold fair, the ideals on which the UN was found- ken agreements, along the way. But free and democratic elections and then ed: faith in fundamental human rights today I believe that I can say that will come the greatest test of them all, and in the dignity and worth of the UNMIL is succeeding, and this peace is which is really getting everybody back human person, the equal rights of men holding. to work. and women, tolerance, and living Our work together – The UN, other Of course, our achievements will be together in peace as good neighbours. agencies of the international community, sometimes accompanied by setbacks, In parting, I want to thank Liberia, the transitional government, local civic and as there are always those who are and all Liberians, for the friendship, sup- organizations – has had only one goal: to quick to take credit for success, there port and encouragement that I have ensure that Liberia rises from the ashes also exists a considerable number of received over the past 18 months of the and regains its place in the family of people equally fast and adept in finding United Nations Mission in Liberia. nations. And as peace is restored, as we fault with somebody else’s work. It is Liberia will always be in my heart and in prepare for the October elections, the not ultimately, the critic who counts; nor my thoughts. responsibility for meeting that important the man who points how the strong man I wish all Liberians success and challenge will fall more and more – stumbles, or where the doer of deeds good fortune in the years to come as you upon Liberians themselves. could have done better. The credit continue to work together to make this This country is immensely rich. It is belongs to those who are actually in the nation great. I met many fine people rich not only in gold, diamonds and tim- arena. Over the past two years, I have during my all-too-brief time here, and I ber, about which we hear so much. The met many Liberians who have met that am sure that I will see many of you main resource of Liberia is its people. test. again as we continue our respective Investing in people – in their education, Liberians like the artist Mr. Fato walks through life. health, culture, standard of living - Wheremongar, who, by helping children God bless you all, and God bless always carries the promise of the great- to develop their creative talents, is help- Liberia. est benefit for the state which is wise ing to make Liberia a better place. enough to make such an investment. People like Alexander Peal, a great Emerging from so much conflict and Liberian who, through determination bloodshed, the task of investing in the and effort, helped to create Sapo Jacques Paul Klein people of Liberia will not be easy. National Park, Liberia’s only environ- Schools that have been closed for so mental preserve and the crown jewel of

2 UNMIL FOCUS May 2005 From the Desk of the Officer-in-Charge

s we go to power, are emerging as a political force contingents, these doctors have offered press, thou- to reckon with. They have succeeded to free treatment and surgeries to hundreds Asands of eligi- include in the Electoral Reform Law a of thousands of ailing Liberians. In this ble Liberians are provision calling for 30 per cent repre- issue we bring you the medical face of queuing up every day sentation of women in the selection of the peacekeepers in a country where the at some 1,500 voter candidates by political parties. Their health sector lay in ruins due to the pro- registration centres struggle to be recognized as equal part- longed civil strife. We also carry a story scattered across the country to register ners in shaping the country’s destiny is on the efforts by the UN family in in the national elections scheduled to an inspiring story we bring to you in Liberia to rid the country of polio by take place in October. This mammoth this issue. vaccinating more than one million chil- exercise, crucial to the success of the While the political process is well dren. ballot, will enable Liberians choose on course, the “blue helmets” deployed Meanwhile, refugees and internally their government democratically. A in the country -- often the unsung displaced persons (IDPs) continue to massive voter education campaign has heroes of peacekeeping -- are vigorous- stream home from neighbouring coun- been going on in the country since ly engaged in a host of activities beyond tries and IDP camps within Liberia. We January to encourage eligible citizens to their traditional role of maintaining also bring you a story on the return of a register and to exercise their right to peace and security. Many of the peace- group of Liberian ex-combatants who pick leaders without fear or favour. In keeping contingents are involved in were interned in Sierra Leone, the first our cover story on the upcoming elec- reconstruction -- repairing roads and such operation undertaken by the tions, we highlight the role played by bridges, rehabilitating dilapidated United Nations in West Africa. the United Nations Mission in Liberia buildings and even assisting orphanages in preparation for this final political with their donations. Abou Moussa step in the peace process. But touching the lives of ordinary Officer-in-Charge, Liberian women, among the worst people more intimately is the work Deputy Special Representative of affected by the country’s civil war and done by the military doctors. Through the Secretary-General and long neglected in the corridors of the military hospitals set up by various Humanitarian Coordinator IN THIS ISSUE Officer-iin-CCharge, Farewell Message from the outgoing Special Representative ...... 2 Deputy Special Representative of the From the Desk of the Officer-in-Charge ...... 3 Secretary-GGeneral and Humanitarian Liberia Gears Up for Elections ...... 4 Coordinator Abou Moussa Campaign Heats Up ...... 6 The Road to Elections ...... 8 Deputy Special Representative of the Women Campaign for Political Rights ...... 10 Secretary-GGeneral for Operations Crowds throng Road Show ...... 12 Steinar Bjornsson For Fair Election Coverage ...... 13 Frequently Asked Questions - Liberian Elections 2005 ...... 14 Chief of Public Information Hospital Ship brings Hope, Healing ...... 15 Christine Koerner The Medical Face of Peacekeeping ...... 16 Heading for a Polio-Free Liberia ...... 18 Editor and Head of Publications Refugees Flock to Liberia’s Breadbasket ...... 22 Mathew Elavanalthoduka Liberia Gets a Human Rights Commission ...... 25 Design and Graphics Plight of Child Vendors ...... 26 Paddy Defoxy Ilos, II Return of the Internees ...... 28 Ex-Combatants Return to Farming ...... 30 Photos Police Recruits Graduate ...... 32 Eric Kanalstein Zero Tolerance ...... 34 Ethiopians in the Service of Peace ...... 35 Published by the Public Information Office, Liberians Speak ...... 36 United Nations Mission in Liberia Printed by Buck Press Ltd., Accra, Ghana www.unmil.org

May 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 3 Liberia Gears Up for Elections Liberians a second chance -- many say the The national elections - the final political step in the peace last chance -- to choose ballot over bullet and return to the league of civilized process - offer Liberians a window of opportunity to replace nations after the prolonged civil war. This a violent contest for political power with a non-vviolent one time around the prospects look brighter. and to accord popular legitimacy to government authority. The reasons are many. Unlike in 1997, when the balance was The prospects of democracy, lasting peace and national tipped heavily in favour of Taylor, the reconciliation in Liberia will largely rest on the success of the 2005 elections offer political aspirants a forthcoming elections. level playing field. Members of the Transitional Government, mostly functionaries of the warring factions, are not Voter sensitization through music eligible to run for political office, according to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in Accra that led to the end of hostilities. Over 100,000 combatants have been disarmed by the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). Many of them have joined reintegration programmes, including vocational training, agriculture and education, funded by the international community, including the UN, European Commission and the United States Agency for International Development. More programmes are in the pipeline to accommo- date the remaining ex-combatants. A whopping 98 per cent of the former child soldiers have rejoined their families with the assistance of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). UNMIL has collected and destroyed over 28,000 weapons, 33,600 pieces of heavy munitions and more than 6.4 million rounds of small arms ammunition, By Mathew Elavanalthoduka brief interlude, Liberia again plunged making Liberia a largely weapons-free ome October, Liberians go deeper into crisis, taking a massive toll on society today. The three warring factions, to polls once again, eight civilian lives and leaving the country in after dissolving their military outfits, have years after the elections that ruins. The bloodbath continued unabated vowed not to take up arms again. Some of brought Charles Taylor to until the UN-backed ECOWAS troops them have opted to join mainstream poli- power. Although imperfect were deployed in August 2003 and Taylor tics in line with the avenues provided in inC many ways, the 1997 elections, backed had to leave for exile in Nigeria. the peace deal. Liberians from all walks of by the United Nations, had raised the hope The forthcoming national elections, life clamour for a peaceful future for their of ending the brutal civil war that had rav- two years after peace dawned in the coun- country. aged the country since 1989. That hope try following the deployment of a 15,000- The national elections - the final polit- proved to be tragically misplaced. After a strong UN peacekeeping force, offer ical step in the peace process - offer

4 UNMIL FOCUS May 2005 Liberians a window of opportunity to decisions affecting the elections are made various segments of the Liberian popula- replace a violent contest for political by Liberians themselves. tion, including women, youth and ex-com- power with a non-violent one and to With the establishment of the National batants. It will provide support to the civic accord popular legitimacy to government Elections Commission and the approval by and voter education campaigns through its authority. The prospects of democracy, the Transitional Legislative Assembly of radio, video and community outreach pro- lasting peace and national reconciliation in the Electoral Reform Law, the legal foun- grammes. Scores of print and broadcast Liberia will largely rest on the success of dations for the electoral exercise are in journalists have already benefited from the forthcoming elections. place. The guidelines for the registration UNMIL’s media development training of political parties have been adopted and programmes specifically tailored to the Unlike in 1997, when the an Inter-Party Consultative Committee has elections. been established. The 15,000 international peacekeepers balance was tipped heavily The UN Mission in Liberia has hired deployed in the country will play a major in favour of Taylor, the 2005 and trained 4,000 Liberian national staff role in supporting the electoral process by elections offer political aspi- members, out of 27,000 applicants, for the providing security and offering logistical voter registration process taking place support. With support from UNMIL’s rants a level playing field. from 25 April to 21 May. Approximately international civilian police, almost 2,000 Members of the Transitional 1,000 registration teams, some of them UN-trained Liberian police officers will Government, mostly func- mobile, are currently registering eligible supplement the peacekeepers in ensuring a Liberians aged 18 and above at 1,500 reg- secure atmosphere during the elections. tionaries of the warring fac- istration centres spread across the country. They will have full responsibility for the tions, are not eligible to run Internally displaced persons living in immediate security around registration camps are allowed to register in any one of centres and polling stations. for political office, according the 64 electoral districts. Some 240 inter- Some 18,000 Liberians, hired and to the Comprehensive Peace national staff from UNMIL’s Electoral trained by UNMIL as polling staff, will Agreement signed in Accra Division offer support to the voter regis- assist the voting exercise on polling day tration exercise. when eligible voters will cast their ballots that led to the end of hostili- In December 2004, the UN to choose a President, Vice President and ties. Development Programme (UNDP) funded members of the Senate and the House of a Liberian observer mission to the Representatives. The newly elected gov- “This is a golden opportunity for Ghanaian elections, providing members of ernment will mark the end of the current Liberia to shed its violent past and the NEC an opportunity to experience transitional arrangements established by embrace democracy. Investing its first-hand the operational and technical the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. resources heavily in the peace process, the issues involved in planning a nationwide With a popularly elected government international community has once again ballot. UNDP is also providing technical in place by January 2006, Africa’s oldest intervened to assist this unfortunate coun- expertise in financial planning and budget republic will begin a fresh chapter in its try,” says Jacques Paul Klein, the outgoing development to the Elections history, hopefully one that shuns violence Special Representative of the Secretary- Commission. and embraces democracy, rule of law and General and Coordinator of UN UNMIL is working closely with NEC peaceful co-existence. Operations in Liberia. “As the internation- to develop election messages targeting al community grapples with an increasing number of problems worldwide, including Voter registration natural disasters such as the recent Asian began on 25 April and tsunami, this may be Liberia’s last chance will continue till 21 May to rescue itself,” he added. Despite the end of the civil war and the prevailing peace in the country, the challenges involved in conducting nationwide elections are formidable. By providing technical assistance and capacity building support to the National Elections Commission (NEC), responsible for organizing and conducting the polls, the United Nations family in Liberia is striv- ing to ensure a successful culmination of the electoral process. As a Liberian-owned process, the policies, regulations and key

May 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 5 By Yuko Maeda s the countdown to the national elections begins, grass-roots information Campaign campaign on voter registration is in full swing all over theA country. From street performers to community organizations to electoral officials, all those involved in this massive Heats Up ! campaign have a single message to deliver: register to vote on election day! Lester Varkon, Assistant Magistrate for lower Montserrado, was not worried about no one paying attention to her when she stood up on a display table clutching a flip chart at the Rally Town Market in Monrovia’s downtown on a late March morning. “Once it gets started, people’ll come.” Curious grocery shoppers and market vendors gathered around her as she started talking about how to participate in the upcoming general elections and where to go for voter registration. “If you’re 18 years old or above, you got a right to vote,” Varkon told the crowd of a dozen people, pointing out a colourful drawing in the voter education flipchart. In the picture were a blind person with a stick, a man on a wheelchair and women with children walking toward a voter registration centre. “If you want to vote, you need to register first.” As she explained every step of the election process following the nine-page flipchart, which starts with a scene of post- war poverty and ends with a picture por- traying a rosy future after the elections, the crowd responded with approving nods or puzzled looks. “I don’t have my passport. People jostle for election leaflets How can I register without it?” a vendor asked as soon as the storytelling was over. born and grew up in Monrovia although every day in all 15 counties of Liberia. The Varkon answered she could register as she has no paper to prove. Varkon told her officials visit schools, churches, markets long as she has a birth certificate or anoth- if she could find witnesses to prove her or just stand at street corners to motivate er official document of proof. “I was born Liberian nationality she could register. people to participate in the elections due here but went to school in another country. “I’m happy to know I can vote,” the on 11 October by registering to vote dur- I don’t have my birth certificate. Can I still woman beamed afterward. Once their ing the registration period from 25 April register?” a man in his early 20s cut in. questions were answered, the crowd through 21 May. Varkon persuaded him to find two witness- quickly dispersed and Varkon moved to “What we are doing is informing peo- es who could prove he was born in Liberia. another spot to repeat her storytelling with ple about the elections and motivate them “My ma and pa are from Nigeria. Can the flipchart. to register in a more personalized I still vote?” a middle-aged woman asked, It is a face-to-face civic education approach,” said Luzerino Oliva, Civic apparently worried about her eligibility. activity 36 electoral officers, 18 each from Education Coordinator with the UNMIL Varkon said unless she could prove she the National Elections Commission and Electoral Division. He said not only elec- holds a Liberian citizenship, she has no the UN Mission in Liberia, and 40 newly toral officers but also other community right to vote. The woman insisted she was hired national civic educators conduct groups and non-governmental organiza-

6 UNMIL FOCUS May 2005 tions are working together to hit the goal accredited campaigners. Deputy Special on to people gathering at events organized of 1.5 million registered voters. “It’s pro- Representative of the Secretary-General by the outreach office. During a Peace gressing. We’re on the right track. We just Steinar Bjornsson said UNMIL’s task is to Concert in February, when top West need to heat up a little.” ensure that Liberia will have a good gov- African musicians performed for peace After building up a comprehensive ernment. “This can only be possible if the and reconciliation, 35,000 people received civic/voter education campaign strategy to civic and voter education campaign is suc- election messages. reach out to every eligible voter inside cessful.” In late March, Community Outreach Liberia, the NEC together with UNMIL In the civic education campaign, elec- kicked off the first stage of its quick Electoral Division launched the election toral officials encountered a growing con- impact elections sensitization campaign cern over the difficulty to prove Liberian with the performance groups, targeting 24 citizenship and age as the great majority of densely populated communities in Liberians do not possess official docu- Monrovia, Zwedru and Gbarnga and dis- ments due to the prolonged war. In mid- tributing 16,000 flyers and 2,000 T-shirts. April, the NEC issued new regulations to The Musician Union of Liberia and the ease potential voters’ burden of proof, no longer requiring a person to present proof country’s top comedian Georgio Boutini of eligibility—a birth certificate, a valid on board a truck made a stop at Matadi Liberian passport, a certificate of natural- estate of Monrovia on 31 March, while ization, or the testimony of two registered another group, Traditional Peace Theatre, witnesses or a traditional leader—unless conducted a street performance in one’s claim is questioned by a registrar at Monrovia’s downtown. the Registration Centre. “You should be a Liberian, at least 18 years old,” Boutini spoke in his trademark The general elections will be attire of clown hat and huge card-board glasses. “I don’t’ care if you are 200 years for President, 30-sseat Senate old or 300 years old, but you should be and 64-sseat House of 18!” Laughter broke up in the crowd of Representatives. It would locals rushing to see the comedian. As he cost US$18 million, or gave educational messages on the election process with a spice of jokes, people US$12 per voter became more relaxed and attentive. “Boutini will be our president. I’ll vote for The general elections will be for him,” a woman screamed, smiling. President, 30-seat Senate and 64-seat In the downtown performance, a House of Representatives. It would cost singer from the Peace Theatre sang an US$18 million, or US$12 per voter, most election song in a various local languages of which are funded by international while young women danced with upbeat donors including UNMIL which pledged drums. Once the performance was over, US$8.6 million. The NEC has allocated US$2.2 million for the voter education the audience joined a quiz on the elections campaign. process and received T-shirts when they campaign on 31 January. On that day the In addition to those accredited cam- won the quiz. NEC commissioned 18 Election paigners, UNMIL Public Information “It’s a fine drama,” said Moses Budu, Magistrates and another 18 County teams are also backing up the elections 43, who won a T-shirt after he correctly Coordinators to start the election process campaign. While UNMIL Radio carries answered questions on the election process at the county level, and accredited 150 out various programmes on voter educa- in his Bassa language. “It’s easier for community groups and organizations to tion and airs election-related public everybody to understand how the elections carry out the voter education campaign. announcements, the Community Outreach will be held.” Melton Charles agreed with At the launching ceremony, NEC office teamed up with 12 traditional artis- him: “I feel good about it. I will tell every- Chairwoman Frances Johnson-Morris said tic groups to run road shows and street body to come to register. I want to change it is crucial for the campaign operators to performance to reach out to all the poten- the country. That’s why I want everybody reach out to all the electorate, most of tial voters. to go and vote.” whom are illiterate and uninformed. “The About 30,000 T-shirts with apt mes- outcome of 2005 elections will depend on sages will have been distributed by the end how effective you can perform the duties of voter registration in May in addition to With inputs from J. Wesley Washington you have volunteered for,” she told the 200,000 posters and 300,000 flyers passed

May 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 7 The Road toElectio The road conditions, particularly with the onset of rains, will be a mojor concern for the smooth conduct of elections.

By Ashim Choudhury convoy of trucks, on 14 February 2005, hen flying over trundled past them without any major hic- Liberia's land mass, cup even though they had to virtually one cannot miss the grind to a halt when negotiating the orange ribbons occa- bridges. sionally cutting This was the first convoy, of over a throughW the green forest cover below. dozen trucks, carrying 141 refugees com- These are Liberia's lifelines, the roads prising 39 families and their belongings. connecting various towns and counties. In the days to come there would be dozens From the air they look beautiful. But down of such convoys taking the same road. there, many of them are un-negotiable, lit- Carrying refugees and IDPs to Lofa erally, even in the dry season when the County. The question on everybody's going is supposed to be good. mind was: Could the roads sustain the With the begining of voter registration weight of such heavy trucks? Two days later Voinjama's Road for the elections, the task at hand for the Committee, led by UNHCR, met at the 4000 electoral registration staff, who Pakbatt II headquarters. A young Engineer would be fanning out to the counties, is a from Pakbatt, which held huge one. More so, keeping in view the poor road conditions that will only get worse with the onset of rains. Sarwar But then the small puddles Ashfaq, an UNMIL County Electoral gave way to large pools of Advisor, based in Voinjama, reflected liquid chocolate through some of the anxiety facing the electoral of the roads from Voinjama to Zorzor, to teams travelling to the villages. "In Lofa which our car waded. At one allow sunlight penetration and reduce alone there will be 71 registration teams point, trying to avoid one dampening of the road. who would have to be visiting a total of such pool, the car nearly When the road committee meeting 123 sites for registration of voters," he ended that evening, they had a ready plan said. Much of the success of the voter reg- skidded off the road into the to fix the roads, at least the main supply istration and electoral process would forest. route from Zorzor right up to the Guinea depend on the road conditions particularly border. Towns like Kolahun or Vahun, in October when the elections take place. responsibility for the 100 km road from close to the border with Sierra Leone, To see for ourselves we were on the Voinjama to Zorzor, briefed the meeting were still inaccessible, the roads probably forest road from Voinjama to the border on the several soft patches that needed to overrun by forests and shrubs. The town of Macenta in Guinea. The occasion: be reinforced with gravel. "When the rains International Rescue Committee (IRC) the first group of Liberian refugees return- come the 'soft spots' will not be able to ing from Guinea to Lofa County. sustain the weight of big trucks unless was concentrating on such feeder roads After every few hundred meters there reinforced with gravel," he said. connecting small towns and isolated vil- were soft wet patches that had been The meeting agreed to farm gravel lages. The IRC representative urged the 'bridged' with planks of wood keeping off from the rocky mountain side around road committee to undertake a trip to the surrounding pools of water. The Vonjama. UNHCR would supply the ham- Vahun which she described as "the most bridges had been recently put in place by mers and other equipment needed to break backward area in Lofa County." the German NGO GTZ, UNHCR's imple- the rocks. WFP had already agreed to a To get a feel of the main Voinjama - menting partner. Due to the precarious 'food for work' arrangement to pay the Monrovia road we took to the wheels in a road conditions it took our seasoned driv- labourers, 50 of whom would be supplied cloud dust. On the way we also saw some er over two hours to do the distance. Our by Liberia Community Infrastructure of the LCIP workers clearing the bushes fears that the wooden 'bridges' would give Project (LCIP). The latter had already on the sides of the roads. The quality of the way, however, proved unfounded. The engaged workers in “brushing” either side dirt road was fairly good, hardened by the

8 UNMIL FOCUS May 2005 ons LIBERIA’S ROADS he roads in Liberia constitute the collaboration with the military engineers Main Supply Route (MSR), from Bangladesh, China and Pakistan. TSecondary Supply and other The Pakistani engineers look after the routes. The MSR connects Monrovia to section from Zorzor to Voinjama and Gbarnga and through to Ganta and from Monrovia to Tumanburg, which is Zwedru. Another MSR branches off from tarred. The Bangladeshi engineers take Gbarnga to Voinjama. Yet another MSR care of the tarred section from Monrovia is a tarred road between Monrovia and to Gbarnga and the mud road from Tubmanburg. Of the 700 km MSR some Gbarnga to Zorzor, one of the more diffi- 320 km are tarred roads, Morovia - Ganta cult sections. The Chinese focus on the and Monrovia -Tumanburg. Of the 600 roads emanating from Zwedru to Tapeta, km secondary supply route some 170 km Greenville, Fish Town and Harper. are tarred. These roads act as life lines Currently major repair and rehabilita- not only for the people of Liberia but also tion of roads are taking place in prepara- for the UNMIL battalions, keeping their tion for the forthcoming national elec- supply and operational lines open. In tions of Liberia. Some of the major addition to the two supply routes, there works being undertaken are in the sec- are smaller networks, some of which are tions from Voinjama - Zorzor - Gbarnga, passable only for small vehicles. There Tumanburg - Bopolu, Zwedru - Tapeta - are others which are no more passable Ganta in addition to the repair of the having been over run by bushes and tarred road between Monrovia and shrubs as a result of long disuse during Gbarnga. In addition there are efforts to and after the war. open the road between Greenville and Though roads are basically the Zwedru. "We're undertaking repairs that STUCK! On the road to Voinjama responsibility of Liberia's Ministry of can be realistically completed before the Public Works but in practice it is elections," says Pierre Dourrho of the regular movement of vehicles. That was UNMIL's Engineering Section that main- Roads Unit in UNMIL's Engineering until we reached Zorzor. tains the repair and upkeep of the roads in Section. After Zorzor the quality of the road

2 3 4 5 6 7 deteriorated fast. The potholes and bumps o 0E0 E o 0 o 0 0 0 o 00EE o 12 11 10 8 7 o 9 o Guéckédou became more common. What we were not The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map Mendekoma do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations. Voinjama GUINEA UNMIL Kolahun prepared for were sudden patches of wet SIERRA LEONE Kailahun Irié Road Map Mt. Wuteve 90 90 Pendembu As on 17 February 2005 o 8 LOFA Zigida mud and slush. A few we went past with- Vahun 8° Passable to all vehicles

Yella out much difficulty. But then the small Gelahun Passable to light vehicles Zorzor Nzérékoré

Mt. Gletohn Mt. Nuon-Fa Not passable

puddles gave way to large pools of liquid Yekepa GBAPOLU Pujehun Belle Yella Saniquellie Kongo Wiesua 2 Danané chocolate through which our car waded. Belefuanai Kahnple Winsue 80 Camp Nama Gahnpa Loguata 80 Bendaja Gbange (Ganta) BONG Kpein At one point, trying to avoid one such GRAND Bopolu o Sulima CAPE o 7 Bo Palala Sagleipie 7 MOUNT Suakoko SawMill Gbarnga Gbatala NIMBA Tubmanburg Zienzu Yela pool, the car nearly skidded off the road Sinje Butlo Robertsport Vonzuahn LIBERIA Baha BOMI Kle O Suehn D MARGIBI Kpeaple A Zekera Toulépleu Guiglo into the forest. A more seasoned driver Todee R R 3 E TS Kakata Tapeta Brewerville N MO GRAND Gboyi Virginia Roberts Tobli International from the car following us had to be called 70N0 N Monrovia 1 BASSA 70 Harbel Kola (Kola Town) CampScheiffelin Poabli Towabli Marshall Guata SOS Village (Towai Town) BokayTown Y Junction Debli in. After much effort on the four wheel Tchien o Hartford o 6 RIVER CESS GRAND GEDEH (Zwedru) 6 Edina Babu Harlansville Tai Buchanan Drubo drive we managed to rescue the car. After Ghapo (Dubwe) Gonglee Trade Town Galio Duabo St. Paul's Bridge, which marked the begin- Pelokehn Timbo Timbo Bokoa 4Shabli River Cess RIVER GEE 60 Yibuke 60 ning of Bong County, we were once again Juazohn Yakakahn (Kaobli) CÔTE SINOE Kopo Tiehnpo Sehnkwehn Kanweaken D'IVOIRE on a better surface. Tatuke Tawake o Greenville o 5 5 M A Kodeke We saw trucks and bulldozers of the R Nana Kru GRAND Y Nyaake L KRU A N Sasstown Barclayville D Bangladeshi army coming in to repair the Webo Grand Cess Plibo Nemeke 50 50N0 N Tabou roads. Obviously, with their efforts much Harper o 9 (C. Palmas) o o o o o 12 11 10 8 7 of the road would become smoother. 200EE 30 40 50 60 70E0 E

May 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 9 Liberian women, long side- lined from the country’s decision-mmaking process, WWoommeenn are today determined to rebuild their war-rravaged nation. As the UN-bbacked national elections CCaammppaaiiggnn approach, they are demanding a fairer share of the political cake and have formed a united front ffoorr PPoolliittiiccaall to advocate for their rights.

By Yuko Maeda undreds of women in RRiigghhttss colourful lappas and fancy dresses thronged the conference room in Monrovia’s City Hall in lateH February. They were not there just to sit and listen to messages politicians would deliver, but to challenge politicians’ lack of agenda on issues women face day to day, demand that political parties incor- porate women’s perspectives and vow to elect their own representatives during the forthcoming national elections. The first National Political Forum on “Women’s Participation in the Political Process: Challenges and Opportunities,” which invited representatives from the 18 registered political parties to present their agenda, attracted over 600 women from around the country. Attending the three- day forum were not only members of the Parliament, District Commissioners or party members but also farmers from remote villages and single mothers living in camps for internally displaced persons. “This forum is the first of its kind to train women to be aware of candidates, and to become voters and campaign sup- porters,” said Ruth Caesar, a Parliamentarian who chairs the Forum’s oordinating committee. She said many of the participants came with little or no knowledge of politics but all were quick to learn what politics means for them. “We made great progress in the last three days. We now know we have equal rights; we now know who political candidates are;

10 UNMIL FOCUS May 2005 we now know where they can be reached; force herself to carry on without a break to and we also know who to elect as our rep- maintain her profession, look after chil- resentatives.” dren and do house chores. “Life is hard for The forum marked the kick-off of a a single woman. If we get a chance, we nation-wide campaign on women’s partic- will make Liberia a better, peaceful coun- ipation in politics. The idea was born out try where we can enjoy ourselves.” of consultations with UNMIL’s Office of the Gender Advisor, which is also provid- The forum marked the kick- ing technical and material support to the year-long campaign to enhance women’s off of a nation-wwide cam- political rights. paign on women’s partici- In Liberia, women represent little over pation in politics. The idea 5.3 per cent of the National Transitional Legislative Assembly (NTLA), taking up was born out of consulta- only four seats out of 76. The figure is far tions with UNMIL’s Office of below the world average of 15.9 per cent, the Gender Advisor, which is making Liberia among the world’s lowest countries ranked by the Inter- also providing technical and Parliamentary Union. The NTLA has material support to the year- apparently failed to comply with UN long campaign to enhance Resolution 1325 and Article 28 of the 2003 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, women’s political rights. which calls for active involvement of women in post-conflict situations and a It was evident women were eager to gender balance in the implementation of join the political process to have their the peace agreement. voices heard. At the forum no single repre- Liberian women are not keeping quiet sentative from the invited political parties about it. With support from UNMIL’s was spared the participants’ tough ques- Office of the Gender Advisor, the Ministry tions. Women after women grabbed the of Gender and Development and women’s microphone to voice their concerns on a organizations, they have already succeed- number of topics from domestic violence ed to include in the Electoral Reform Law to child abuse to economic hardship, a provision calling for 30 per cent repre- demanding their concerns be incorporated sentation of women in the selection of in the political agenda of their country. party candidates. Now they want to go a “What we are trying to do is to educate step further and see that their sisters actu- women,” said Hawa Bropleh, one of the ally win the seats to represent them in the few female speakers from political parties, House of Representatives, the Senate and after her presentation. “They can express even the Presidential Office. themselves, but we have to train them how Roberta Franklin, a political activist, to channel their voice to be heard. We want them to speak up on their behalf.” sees an opportunity has come for Liberian At the end, all the women approved in During the forum, participants devel- women to speak up to change the course of unison a resolution seeking a full partici- direction their country has to take. “As far oped a first draft of a women’s political pation of women in the electoral process as I can see at the forum, these women are manifesto which is now being debated at by running for office, joining political par- ready to participate in politics,” she said. the county level political forums for adop- ties or electing only those candidates who “These women have suffered very long. tion. In the 10-point manifesto women include women’s issues in their platforms. Now we have peace, we (women) have to demand, among others, that the govern- A middle-aged woman from Bomi come out to use our own sense to rebuild ment include at least 60 per cent women in the country.” all peace missions and conflict manage- County felt liberated after the three-day Fannie Quaye, a rank-and-file member ment teams; the authorities enact and forum. “We, the women, have suffered a of a political party, says a woman like her implement various acts to combat violence lot,” she said as she departed from the con- can build a better nation. Quaye, a single against women; and affirmative action be ference room. “We care for children; we mother of four children, has experienced a taken to reserve at least 50 per cent of care for husbands; we care for our country, hard life, while men were fighting each seats for women in the Legislature, but no one listens to us. Now we need other during the 14-year civil war. “I’m District Councils and other local govern- more power for ourselves to stand up. We tired,” she said, explaining that she has to ment positions. want to be part of the country.”

May 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 11 CCrroowwddss TThhrroonngg RRooaadd SShhooww By Yuko Maeda housands of Monrovia residents in early February thronged a troupe of traditional musicians and dancers carrying messages on the up- Tcoming national elections. It was the first day of a nationwide elections sensitization road show. The troupe, consisting of four local artist groups and Liberia’s top comedian Georgio Boutini, travelled around the city educating residents on the eligibility criteria for voter registration. “It is the way local people like it,” said Mohan Raj Sharma, a Community Relations Officer with UNMIL Public Information which organized the caravan. The road show, aimed at raising awareness among the local population, called on citizens 18 years old and above to register so they could vote during the elections. “This is the time for you to make a decision for your future,” shouted Bennie Johnson, another UNMIL Community Outreach Officer, leaning from the truck amidst rhythmic drum beats. “You have the power. Power is in your hands. It’s you who will decide Liberia’s future,” he said. While the music and dance went on, On the roads, voter sensitization Public Information staff handed out flyers to the cheering audience. Tiwior Queateh, 45, from Sinoe County, watching the show at B.W. Harris Geeplah Browne, 28, who greeted the High School on Broad Street, welcomed troupe in front of the Rally Town Market the campaign message. “This is good for in town, echoed the same sentiments. us to receive right information from the “We’ll elect real Liberians who will care right source,” he said, adding that people easily get confused with rumours and false for the poor people,” he said. “A majority information on the elections. of people were afraid of another civil war National elections for President, when the last elections were held in 1997 Senators and House of Representatives are and voted for wrong persons,” he added. scheduled to take place on 11 October with “We should know better this time. This is voter registration running from 25 April the last chance for us to rebuild our through 21 May. The elections will be nation.” Liberia’s first free and fair multi-party In the coming months, the caravan will elections in more than a decade. As prepa- continue travelling to all of Liberia’s coun- rations for the UN-backed elections gear up, expectations for a better future among ties, disseminating messages aimed at edu- citizens soar. “We are very happy to have cating the local population on the impor- elections finally,” said Queateh. “We’re tance of exercising their democratic right tired of all kinds of disturbance.” to choose their government.

12 UNMIL FOCUS May 2005 For Fair Election Coverage By J. Wesley Washington She said although the media in Liberia is “By openly discussing media practice ore than 50 journalists plagued with a “litany of problems,” the over the past two days, top media ma- from newspapers, radio coming elections provide an opportunity nagers have shown a willingness to tackle and TV, recently partic- for them to rise “to new heights of profes- the challenges facing the media in a post- ipated in a two-day sionalism with balanced and objective conflict situation,” commented Jacques symposium on reporting.” Paul Klein. Calling upon the media to pro- “DevelopingM the Media in Post-Conflict The media executives critically exam- vide balanced reporting, he said, “In doing Liberia: Challenges in the Run-Up to ined their current practices and discussed a so, the media will not only play a historic Elections.” The symposium was organized number of topics on ethics, gender main- role in ensuring free and fair election in by the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) in streaming, technical issues and legal mat- Liberia, but will also contribute greatly to conjunction with the Press Union of ters to prioritize media development needs lasting peace.” He urged the media to Liberia (PUL) and the Ministry of in the run-up to the elections. develop a plan of action to establish a Information to develop the local media, Participants suggested more training proper legal framework to guarantee press which still lacks basic journalism skills workshops for election reporting be con- freedom in Liberia. and professional ethics to practise objec- ducted both in Monrovia and rural areas Over 200 Liberian journalists have tive reporting. where community radios play a vital role benefited from the “Empowering Liberia’s The symposium was organised in view in information dissemination. They Media for Sustainable Peace” series of of the forthcoming elections, to help emphasized on building the capacity of workshops on basic skills and media ethics media persons in objective and unbiased journalists so they could cover all parts of being conducted by UNMIL in collabora- reporting in the run-up to the elections. At the country without depending on political tion with the Press Union of Liberia since the end of the symposium the media per- parties, and recommended increased par- June last year. In the run-up to the elec- sons called for the adoption of a code of ticipation of female journalists at all lev- tions, the focus of the workshops has shift- conduct for journalists covering the elec- els. ed to political and election reporting. tions, and the removal of anti-media laws that hinder freedom of speech. “The responsibility of the media is Journalists with UNMIL PI Staff huge,” said Information Minister C. William Allen at the symposium held in early March. He noted that the media’s primary role is to inform and educate the people on social and political issues and be a watchdog on wrongdoings while maintaining a high standard of ethics. “To be a watchdog in a post-conflict society, we have to go beyond being traditional media practitioners,” he said. Guest speakers at the symposium re- iterated the importance of media’s role in facilitating free and fair elections to restore sustainable peace in the war- rav- aged country. “This election is crucial to put our country together, help reunify and give rebirth to a new Liberia,” said Frances Johnson-Morris, Chairman of the National Elections Commission (NEC).

May 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 13 On 17 December 2004, How will elections be held for the Where can eligible voters vote on Chairman Bryant signed the House of Representatives? polling day? The House of Representatives will A registered voter must vote in the Electoral Reform Law adopt- have 64 seats. Each seat will correspond to electoral district for which he or she is reg- ed by the National an electoral district. The candidate who istered. He or she cannot vote at another Transitional Legislative obtains a simple majority in his or her location. electoral district will be elected to that Nevertheless, every registered voter Assembly. What does this law seat. Voters will vote for a candidate, not will have the option of changing the place say, and what impact will it for a party. of registration some time before elections have on the elections in 2005? by providing written notification to the NEC (for example, if a person has moved Below are some key questions How will these electoral districts be to another county following the registra- and answers. defined? How will the 64 seats be tion period in connection with work). allocated? What kind of elections will be held in The 64 districts will be defined by the Who may vote? 2005? NEC on the basis of voter registration Every Liberian who is at least 18 years Nation-wide elections will be held for results, by dividing each of the 15 counties old at the end of the registration period and the offices of the President and the Vice- into districts that correspond to an approx- who holds a valid registration card may President, the Senate, and the House of imately equal number of voters. The more vote. The law makes some exceptions to Representatives. voters registered for a county, the more this provision to exclude those who have seats that county is likely to receive. been declared by a court to be incompe- However, each county is guaranteed by the tent, or those who have been disenfran- How will elections be held for law to receive no less than 2 seats/districts. chised as a result of a conviction. President and Vice-PPresident? An eligible Liberian citizen needs to There will be a two-round system for Are the electoral districts the same as be registered by the NEC before he or she the offices of President and Vice- can vote, and before being able to run for President. (The two candidates will run on the existing administrative districts? office. a single ticket). A candidate needs to get an No. The NEC will define the electoral absolute majority of the votes, meaning at districts only after the voter registration least 50% of all valid votes cast plus one data has been collected. The NEC will first vote. If none of the candidates has an and foremost ensure that each electoral absolute majority, a second round will be district is fair and corresponds to an held with only the two candidates who had approximately equal number of voters. the highest votes. If a second round is held, the candidate with the majority of Will eligible Liberians be able to vote votes is elected. outside Liberia? No. Voter registration and polling will How will elections be held for the take place only within Liberia. Therefore, Senate? eligible Liberians who wish to vote have Each of the 15 counties will have two to be in Liberia during voter registration seats in the Senate. Elections will follow a and on polling day. simple majority system: the two candidates who obtain the highest and second highest numbers of valid votes cast shall be elected.

14 UNMIL FOCUS May 2005 HHoossppiittaall SShhiipp BBrriinnggss HHooppee,, HHeeaalliinngg

World Health Organization. The figures are far below Africa’s average ratio of 12 doctors per 100,000. In the developed world, the average number of doctors for 100,000 persons is around 200, according WHO. In addition to medical services, Mercy Ships is also carrying out development projects and educational programmes with local organizations in Bomi County. About 400 volunteers from 30 countries onboard Mr. Klein greets Mercy Ships Anastasis help build latrines, rehabilitate Executive Director Daslin Small wells and distribute farming tools in vil- Pewee Flomoku lages in addition to helping train school By J. Wesley Washington Liberia and the Liberian Council of teachers and run adult literacy pro- Churches. After touring the ship at the grammes. A rousing welcome awaited Freeport, Klein thanked Mercy Ships’ The international charity, founded by the arrival in Monrovia of Executive Director Daslin Small and sen- Don and Deyon Stephens, has run a grow- MV Anastasis, the flagship ior officials for their commitment to ing fleet of hospital ships in developing nations since 1978. Mobilising people and vessel of Mercy Ships, a Liberia. “It sends a message of hope to everyone that people still care about resources worldwide, Mercy Ships has global charity operating Liberia,” he said. visited more than 500 ports in over 50 hospital ships that offer free “Against the backdrop of a 14-year developing countries and 17 developed medical services to the ail- civil war and a large population that needs ones, performing more than two million immediate and specialized medical care, medical services, valued at US$250 mil- ing population in develop- the mission of Mercy Ships acquires vital lion, and impacting over 2.5 million lives ing countries. significance to Liberia and its people,” so far. Its volunteer professionals from said Abou Moussa, Deputy Special around the world have treated 300,000 ercy Ships will offer Representative of the UN Secretary- people in village medical clinics, per- life-changing surgical General, at a ceremony welcoming the formed 18,000 surgeries and 110,000 den- treatment free of charge arrival of the ship. “It is a fulfilment of a tal treatments, according to the charity. In to needy Liberians dur- dream that we have had over the last 10 the last 10 years Anastasis visited West ing its initial three- years,” said Health Minister Dr. Peter African countries including Ghana, Sierra monthM stay in the country. The medical Leone, Senegal, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire. Coleman. staff on board the ship correct facial defor- In war-ravaged Liberia, only 72 physi- Following the initial three-month visit, mities such as cleft-lips, operate on benign cians are currently available to serve a the hospital ship plans to return in early tumours and offer a specialized obstetric population of 3 million, about two doctors November for a further eight-month stay surgery to repair vesico-vaginal fistula. per 100,000 Liberians, according to the in Liberia. Nearly 500 patients, who were screened at the John F. Kennedy Medical Hospital in Monrovia and the Ganta United Methodist Hospital in Nimba County, would have undergone medical surgeries in the three on-board operating rooms before the ship departs Liberia on 17 June. Initiated by Jacques Paul Klein, the outgoing Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Coordinator of UN Operations in Liberia, the visit of the ship was made possible by a collaboration of D

the National Transitional Government of Pewee Flomoku

DSRSG Abou Moussa and US Ambassador John Blaney await the arrival of the ship May 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 15 The Medical Face of Peacekeeping With hospitals and clinics with life threatening conditions. A larger medical treatment and medicines to about Level III hospital has also been established 80 local patients daily. “At present, we are ruined or destroyed, at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in giving anti-helminths drugs to all children Liberia’s health sector has Monrovia for referrals. through our de-worming programme for been in a shambles for In Tubmanburg, the Pakistani-run children,” the acting Medical Commander, Field Level II hospital which became fully Major Kishore Mutsuddy told UNMIL many years. The military operational in early January 2004 has a 50- FOCUS recently. hospitals, hurriedly set up by bed in-patient capacity. The hospital, with state of the art equipment, various peacekeeping con- A Liberian patient at the has 17 qualified doctors of different Chinese hospital tingents deployed in the medical and surgical specialties. country, are a boon to the Medicines are provided by the ailing local population today Government of Pakistan. By early March 2005, over as tens of thousands of 117,000 patients among the local needy patients have be- population have been treated free of nefited from free medical charge by Pakistani doctors. Of this, nearly 60,000 have been treat- help. ed at the hospital, while the rest have benefited from free medical By J. Wesley Washington camps conducted by the Pakistani peacekeepers in Sass Town and iberia’s civil war has had a Gbah Plantations in Bomi; Sinje devastating effect on the and Robertsport in Grand Cape country’s health sector as Mount; Fassama and Bopolu in hospitals and clinics were Gbarpolu, and Voinjama in Lofa. looted or destroyed while These camps provide free medical Lqualified medical personnel were dis- check-ups, food for anaemic placed or fled the country due to insecuri- patients as well as health and ty. Today, with a population of some three hygiene education. Medicines are million, Liberia has only 72 physicians, provided free. less than three doctors for every 100,000 Later last year, Pakistani med- people. ical personnel donated several ref- No wonder then the deployment of erence books to University of “blue helmets” has been a great relief to Liberia’s A. M. Dogliotti College the people of Liberia not only because the of Medicine. They have also offered their People come with acute illnesses and country has regained peace but also specialists to teach some courses at the chronic diseases. “We do our best to give because of the massive medical help they college free of charge. them whatever medicines we can afford offer the ailing population as part of their In Gbarnga the Level II Hospital is run from our stock provided by our govern- humanitarian assistance. by the Bangladeshi peacekeepers. Since ment,” Maj. Mutsuddy says. The United Nations Mission in Liberia commencing operations in early 2004, the Lt. Col. Majid Bhuiyan, part of the (UNMIL) has set up Level II hospitals in hospital has provided treatment to over Bangladeshi medical corps and a specialist Tubmanburg, Gbarnga, and Zwedru. In 53,000 local civilians. With a staff of 60, in tropical medicine, currently engaged in addition to serving the military and civil- including 12 doctors, this hospital also Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) ian staff of the Mission, these hospitals provides specialized surgical operations. study on Lassa Fever and HIV/AIDS, provide medical and surgical services to The Bangladeshi doctors provide free spoke of the prevalence of these diseases the local population, especially patients

16 UNMIL FOCUS May 2005 in the area. “My focus at the hospital is patients. “We have dealt with more than “JorMed III” hospital has treated a number encouraging people to avoid endemic 16,000 local patients on a humanitarian of difficult surgical cases that otherwise health risks prevailing in Liberia like basis since our arrival here,” says the would have been referred to Accra, Ghana malaria, Lassa Fever, HIV/AIDS and Medical Commander, Col. (Dr.) Omar Al in addition to three Lassa Fever cases. meningitis,” he says. Momani. Since its establishment, the The Chinese Level II hospital in Zwedru was a godsend to the local population as most patients in south-eastern Liberia had to travel to Côte d’Ivoire or Senegalese Doctors endure long travel to Monrovia for treatment during the civil war. Since its estab- Reach Out lishment in May 2004 the Chinese hospital new addition to the peacekeep- three nurses from its 33 staffers including has treated thousands of local patients in ers’ medical assistance to addition to regularly conducting free two physicians, two surgeons and an Liberians is the Senegalese mobile clinics in Pello Zohn, Putu A anaesthetist and a dentist. A mobile team Contingent’s Level II Hospital in Harper, Pelloken and other surrounding villages in now visits the local clinic daily to see an the capital of Maryland County that Grand Gedeh County. average of 100 patients per week. Among opened its doors in late December last The Chinese Level the most common diseases among local year. The hospital now sends its medical II Hospital also sup- population are malaria, sexually transmit- ports local hospitals in team to a local clinic daily to treat hun- ted infections and high blood pressure. the Sector including the dreds of patients free of charge. When patients need a surgical operation MSF-Belgium and “We can’t leave local people out there or laboratory tests, they are referred to the Merlin-run Martha untreated when we have expertise and Senegalese hospital. Tubman Memorial means,” said Dr. Lt. Col. Modeste According to Dr. Ogougbemi, the Hospital with its X-ray Ogougbemi, head of the hospital, who hospital treated 123 Liberians in February and laboratory facili- initiated a mobile medical team project alone, in addition to a few hundred con- ties. With the rainy sea- when he took over the position in mid- sulted at the local clinic. As emergency January. Upon arrival, he visited J. J. son fast approaching, intervention, the hospital conducted six Dossen, Harper’s only public health cli- the hospital is bracing surgical operations including two cases of nic, to assess its operational conditions itself for the seasonal amputation and another two cases of and needs only to find that not a single malaria outbreak and is Caesarean-section. doctor worked in the clinic. That is when now distributing anti- Senegalese health practitioners were he decided to send a part of his medical malaria medicines as not strangers to Harper residents before team to treat the ailing among the local part of its support to the the Level II hospital opened. Its Level I population. “Some of them have serious sector’s clinics and hos- Hospital, established last August for the health problems. If we don’t help, people pitals. military contingent, started treating local The largest and best might die,” says Dr. Ogougbemi. patients free of charge soon after it equipped hospital is the J. J. Dossen was once one of the opened its doors. It treats about 1,000 out- Jordanian Medical largest hospitals in Liberia but was com- patients every month. “At 6 O’clock in Level III hospital situ- pletely vandalized during the 14-year the morning, patients are already lined up ated at the John F. civil war. All the buildings including outside,” says Dr. Capt. Malick Ndiaye, Kennedy Medical operation rooms were ruined and medical pointing out the hospital’s gate. “We can’t Centre Compound in equipment destroyed or stolen. The hospi- capital Monrovia that tal remained dysfunctional until a year let them down,” he says. began its operations in ago when a German NGO came forward Patients applaud the Senegalese December 2003. With 115 medical and and rehabilitated part of the building to efforts to provide medical services to non-medical staff, including 20 doctors, offer basic medical services. Then anoth- local population. Evon Wilson, mother of the Jordanian hospital offers specialized er NGO, Merlin, started providing medi- three, who for the first time saw a treatment in a host of areas such as inter- cines late last year after a cholera out- Senegalese medical team at J. J. Dossen nal medicine, surgery, orthopaedics, break in Harper. Still, the clinic lacked in early March, said she could finally get anaesthesia, ENT, ophthalmology, derma- qualified health practitioners to diagnose proper treatment. “We’re very happy to tology, gynaecology, psychiatry, paedi- and treat patients. have Senegalese doctors helping us,” she atrics and dentistry, among others. Equipped with an intensive care unit, said after she was diagnosed with a urine By mid-March 2005, the Jordanian laboratory and X-ray facility, the Level II infection. “Before they came, I just car- hospital had treated over 10,000 military Senegelese Hospital in mid-January ried on with it whenever I had a health patients and more than 4,500 civilian formed a rotating team of a doctor and problem.”

May 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 17 Heading for a Polio-FFree Liberia

With the launch of the in this remote capital of River Gee County Immunization Days. Over 6,000 vaccina- was to kick off Liberia’s final polio immu- tion teams, 2,100 community social mobi- national immunization cam- nization campaign. lizes, 400 boy scouts and 600 guides and paign for 2005, the stage At the large tent put up for the purpose several women groups fanned out to the for a polio-ffree Liberia is set. mothers with suckling children had gath- remotest communities and villages in the ered from distant villages, some from even country. In River Gee County alone some beyond Fish Town, braving the hot sun. 12,981 children were targeted. By Ashim Choudhury After the welcome festivities and speech- Launching the campaign, Mr. Klein n the morning of 24 es, Chairman Bryant and Mr. Klein got appealed to parents to ensure that every February the tranquil air of down to the most important business of the child under five was immunized. “The UN Fish Town was broken with day -- administering polio drops to the involvement in the polio eradication initia- the splutter of two helicop- kids. Also joining in were the tive is a collaborative effort to ensure that ters bringing Special Representatives of UNICEF and WHO, every Liberian child has the opportunity to RepresentativeO Jacques Paul Klein from the two prime movers behind the polio receive the free and safe polio vaccination Monrovia along with the Representatives campaign. By the time the day’s inaugural drops,” he said. The first National of UNICEF and WHO. The dust raised by polio campaign was over, some 200 of Immunization Days (NIDs) were launched the helicopter had hardly settled when Fish Town’s 750 eligible kids were immu- in Liberia in 1999. Ever since, the United NTGL Chairman Charles Gyude Bryant nized against polio. Nations in Liberia, led by UNICEF and drove into town along with Health For the next five days some 970,000 WHO, has remained a close partner of the Minister Peter Coleman and a host of sen- Liberian children under five were immu- Government and people of Liberia in their ior government officials. The rendezvous nized during the first round of National efforts to rid the country of the crippling

Mothers with infants throng vaccination centres

18 UNMIL FOCUS May 2005 Mr. Klein administering polio drops polio virus. tors backed by 74 social mobilizers would and coordinators. UNMIL provides elec- Speaking to the large gathering of chil- go throughout the county touching every tricity for powering the cold chain in eight dren and parents, Chairman Bryant too home. “Of these some 72 vaccinators of the 15 counties. urged all parents to ensure that their chil- would have to walk four to eight hours to According to UNICEF, the persistent dren were immunized. “Polio is no ‘drag- reach remote villages,” Chea said. A team Wild Polio Virus (WPV) transmission in on’ as is widely believed but it is real and of six district surveillance officers would the West and Central Africa region, despite can be avoided by taking the polio drops,” oversee the operations in each district of numerous immunization rounds clearly he told the mothers who had brought the the County. indicates that the vaccinations are not children for immunization. “If you get the reaching some children. Although no ‘dragon’ even after taking the drops, then According to UNICEF, the WPV has been found in Liberia in recent come to me,” he challenged the crowd. In times it remains as a priority country due Liberia it is popularly believed that polio persistent Wild Polio Virus to the fact that polio campaigns were strikes because of a ‘dragon.’ (WPV) transmission in the stopped in 2003. With the improvement of Why was the remote north eastern West and Central Africa the security provided by UNMIL, in 2004, town chosen to launch the national polio two rounds of polio NIDs were carried out campaign? region, despite numerous and 970,000 children received their vac- Dr. Coleman, the Health Minister, said immunization rounds clearly cine and Vitamin A. the choice was deliberate, to “demonstrate indicates that the vaccina- the NTGL’s promise to provide health In the current year, two more rounds of access in all parts of the country.” Angela tions are not reaching some polio NIDs are planned. Monitoring by Kearney, the UNICEF Representative children. independent observers during and after the spoke similarly: “This is an isolated place; campaign will find the gaps with the door- the message is the commitment to reach UNICEF provides support for main- to-door strategy and would suggest ways out to the remotest place.” taining the cold chain process and the vac- to ensure 100 per cent coverage. Based on The County Health Officer Johnson T. cine procurement, conservation and distri- the previous experience in the fourth quar- Chea was confident that “100 per cent of bution. WHO monitors the coordination ter of 2004, Liberia, it may be safely the children in the target population” of activities at all levels and supports assumed, can be declared polio-free by the would be vaccinated. Some 172 vaccina- the training of vaccinators, supervisors end of 2005.

May 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 19

May 2005 RReeffuuggeeeess FFlloocckk Pewee Flomoku

With most of Liberia ttoo LLiibbeerriiaa’’ss declared safe for return and national elections approaching, more people BreadbasketBreadbasket in exile start heading home back home," a middle-aged man from neighboring countries. approached the staff of the UN refugee In mid-FFebruary, UNHCR agency, beaming happily. Forkpa K. Zaza, principal of Borkeza's only primary Refugees’ p began its organized repatri- school, couldn't be happier to see the first isiting top officials of the United ation to Lofa County, the group of "official" returnees from neigh- States and the European Union largest area of return in bouring Guinea. For him it signaled more Vacknowledged late February that people to follow in the coming months. Liberia faced massive challenges in view Liberia, Yuko Maeda "We have nothing to farm yet, but we have of the large number of refugees and reports. more people coming home day by day so Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) we can work together," he said, his eyes returning to the country. The officials elcome to smiling at new returnees who will lend were on a four-day tour to evaluate Zorzor! their hands to fix houses, repair roads and Liberia’s humanitarian and development Welcome to wells. "We are very happy to work togeth- situations. “We have been moved by the Liberia!” At er to rebuild our own community," Zaza surge of Liberians returning home,” said the sight of said. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Deputy “WUNHCR trucks, a woman wrapped in a On 14 February, UNHCR organized its Assistant Secretary of State for first facilitated repatriation to Lofa, the colorful traditional cloth sang, tapping her Population, Refugees and Migration who largest refugee producing county account- feet hard and shaking her body to cheer co-led the US-EU delegation. A large more than 50 former villagers stepping off ing for a third of Liberia's 340,000 number of people are returning sponta- the trucks. This was her day of celebration refugees in exile. It was a test case for the neously and voluntarily to their home to welcome old friends returning to her agency's planned repatriation to Lofa of communities where, in many cases, no Borkeza village on Voinjama-Zorzor 5,400 people this year. In this first six- schools, hospitals or even roads are avail- Highway. With her song as a cue, many truck convoy, 39 families -- 140 people able, she said. “We’ve got the message villagers rushed to find familiar faces including a few-months old baby and an that people are ready to go home” no mat- among the returnees, waving their hands octogenarian woman -- departed ter how little their home communities can and hugging the new arrivals. Kouankan Camp in Guinea and travelled offer them, she said. "Thank you for bringing our people through Macenta border town to the transit The joint delegation visited

22 UNMIL FOCUS May 2005 HOMECOMING Refugees disembark at Voinjama

center in Voinjama, the capital of Lofa was very bad to live in the camp," he said That's why I decided to come back county, where they received start-up kits while waiting for lunch with a crowd of because people said it's safe to return." including food and blankets before head- fellow villagers. There wasn't enough food Having done a vocational training in metal ing home the next day. for his family of six in the camp so he was work in the camp, Gbozee hopes he can Galakpai Gbozee, 40, a father of four forced to find work outside the camp to find a job as a blacksmith once he gets children, said he was glad to be back. "It feed his family. "Life was hard there. back to his hometown. Lofa County, once the breadbasket of Liberia, became a deserted jungle as result of the civil war. But as UN peacekeepers plight moves delegation began disarming former fighters those Liberia from February 20 to 24 to evaluate they will continue to support Liberia’s who had fled the county began returning the efforts to improve conditions for the reconstruction efforts, strengthening social spontaneously. When Lofa was declared return of refugees and IDPs. Traveling services and development activities for safe for refugees to return early this year, through Grand Cape Mount to Bomi, Lofa, local population. nearly 30,000 people had returned from Bong and Nimba counties, the delegation “This is a very crucial time,” said camps on their own since last October. visited UNHCR transit centers, drop-off Steffen Stenberg, Head of EC’s Head of "We're encouraging more voluntary points, health centers and schools to meet Humanitarian Aid Unit for Africa, repatriation to Lofa," said Theophilus officials of the government, UN agencies Vodounou, head of UNHCR sub-office in and NGOs as well as local people who had Caribbean and Pacific countries and Head of EU Delegation. He said Liberia is shift- Voinjama which opened last August to returned from neighboring countries and help create favourable conditions for the IDP camps in recent months. The delega- ing from the process of demobilization to returnees. The office has since provided tion also met with the outgoing Special the process of mass-repatriation of shelter kits for housing, rebuilt schools Representative, Jacques Paul Klein. refugees and IDPs and the preparation for and renovated health clinics in collabora- The US and EU are the largest donors the upcoming national elections scheduled tion with other UN agencies and humani- to Liberia, closely working with Liberian in October. “We have no time to waste; tarian aid organizations, while ex-combat- authorities, the UN and other international you have no time to waste, to get the ants are being enrolled in reintegration organizations to help rebuild the country. process going on time in order to help programmes. "Police are in place. The US has pledged to contribute US$500 Liberia move forward.” million to support the peace process, Superintendents are here. There's a job After the visit, the delegation travelled humanitarian efforts, disarmament and opportunity for skilled returnees with by road to Guinea to visit refugee camps demobilization, reintegration and other NGOs… We're ready to assist refugees to aspects of Liberia’s reconstruction for the where thousands of Liberian refugees still repatriate to their home communities." two-year period of 2004-2005. The EU’s live. The returnees took off early next contribution totals US$313 million morning heading to Zorzor, about 92 km between 2003 and 2005. Both donors said Y.M. south of Voinjama, on a bumpy dirt road

May 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 23 vital to take an "inter-agency" approach to create better conditions for returnees to rebuild their lives. The current UN assistance, particularly from the UN ASSISTANCE At the transit centre Development Programme and the World Food Programme, whose US$155 million programme for 2005/2006 covering Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea was severely under-funded. Without sufficient assistance from humanitarian aid organizations, challenges ahead of returnees appear tremendous. However, that did not deter people from returning home. In the hope of building a foundation for her family and friends, 31-year-old single mother Malay Mulbah moved from an IDP camp back to Konia village where small businesses were popping up along the Voinjama-Zorzor Highway. "We go to bush everyday to get woods and leaves to build our houses," she said, her hands busy turning over a bush meat on an old char- coal stove outside her small mud house which she shares with a dozen women and children. Mulbah said many spontaneous returnees left their relatives behind in camps to prepare for them to follow. "We Pewee Flomoku have nothing here yet, but we're very along dense forests. happy to see more people coming home," On reaching Barzewen, a tiny village "Police are in place. she said. with a handful of thatched-roof houses, Superintendents are here. Back in Borkeza, one of the largest vil- Frances Zeva, a mother of three small chil- There's a job opportunity for lages along the way, Forkpa Nazare, a vil- dren, was excited. This was her home. "All lage elder, said returnees are now united to my friends are here already. I want to help skilled returnees with help each other to restore a strong sense of all these families to do good for the com- NGOs… We're ready to community. Spontaneous returnees have munity," said Zeva, patting her baby girl's assist refugees to repatriate organized various committees to work on back. However, her village suffers food to their home communities." community improvement projects. shortage, lack of job opportunities and "Before we had so many conflicts," he said scarcity of shelters. Yarkpawok Kolopele, of the 14-year civil war that devastated the Although international and local humani- Zeva's old friend who returned late last entire country. "We're together now tarian aid organizations - all of which are year by himself, said problems were all because of peace. We're here preparing for over. "Our main concern is food," he said. partners to UNHCR - work hard to con- others to repatriate to build our communi- "We have no axe to farm, no rice seeds to struct basic infrastructure and provide nec- ty again." plant, and no shelter to sleep. We want to essary social services, it is hardly enough According to UNHCR, more than welcome her home, but we don't have any- to support all the returnees to sustain 341,000 Liberians were in exile in neigh- thing to give her." themselves. This is partly because the Barzewen was not alone facing such money donors pledged to support those boring countries in early 2004 and another hardship. Many villages in which the con- activities has yet to come and partly 500,000 people internally displaced. voy stopped to drop off returnees possess because the massive influx of returnees is About 100,000 refugees returned sponta- virtually no communal assets. Rich farm- beyond the capacity of aid agencies. neously last year while UNHCR facilitat- lands are now covered with bush, houses "We need more cooperation in a more ed the return of some 7,200 refugees. This are all ruined if they still exist, wells are practical way," said Vodounou, head of year the UN refugee agency plans to facil- unusable. UNHCR office inVoinjama. He said it is itate the return of 119,000 refugees.

24 UNMIL FOCUS May 2005 Liberia Gets a Human Rights Commission By Bipin Adhikari INCHR Act, the Commission shall have he Independent National the general competence to protect and pro- Commission on Human mote human rights in the Republic of Rights (INCHR) of Liberia Liberia. The INCHR is empowered to - was created on 23 March (a) to inquire or investigate, suo motu or 2005 when NTGL Chairman on a complaint presented to it by a victim TCharles Gyude Bryant signed the INCHR or any person on his/her behalf, into a Act 2005, adopted by the National complaint of violation of human rights or Transitional Legislative Assembly on 1 abetment thereof or negligence March. in the prevention of such viola- The establishment of INCHR as the tion by the State, any of its national institution for protection and pro- functionaries, or public ser- motion of human rights in Liberia is a goal vants, or any other related person; and (b) of the Transitional Government called for to exercise powers to handle such com- necessary; and in Article XII 2a of the Comprehensive plaints, investigate human rights viola- (c) recommend to the Government or Peace Agreement (CPA). The CPA pro- tions and conduct hearings consistent with the concerned authority for the grant of the due process of law. The Commission vides that the INCHR will monitor such immediate interim relief to the victim has been guaranteed with all the powers of Liberia’s compliance with international or the members of his/her family as the human rights standards, promote human a civil court trying a suit under the Civil Commission may consider necessary; rights education and work with national Procedure Law of Liberia, and also the The Commission may make an order and international partners to strengthen subpoena powers to bring within its juris- for compensation to victims whose rights human rights protection in the country. By diction those accused of human rights vio- passing this law Liberia has created the lations based upon complaints from the have been violated by the State, any of its necessary norms, values, procedures and aggrieved parties, or on suo motu basis. functionaries, public servant, or any other institutions for the operation of the However, the Commission is not a related person. Such compensation shall INCHR. substitute for a court of law or the judicial be paid by the concerned authority of the A national institution such as the branch of the government. Where an State as though the victim has been award- INCHR is an important institution in the inquiry or investigation under this Act dis- ed damages by a judge. But where it human rights movement going around the closes to the Commission a human rights deems necessary, the Commission may world. The 1993 World Conference on violation, or negligence in the prevention order the concerned violator to bear the of a human rights violation by the State, or Human Rights in its Vienna Declaration cost of the compensation, either in full or any of its functionaries the Commission and Programme of Action had reaffirmed in part. can take one or more of the following the important and constructive role played The Act will become enforceable fol- by national institutions like the INCHR in steps: lowing its publication in the government promoting and protecting human rights. (a) recommend to the Government or Handbills, which is expected shortly. The The UN General Assembly and UN the concerned authority the initiation of appointment of the Commissioners can Commission on Human Rights have proceedings for prosecution or such other repeatedly called for the establishment of action as the Commission may deem fit then be implemented in accordance with national human rights institutions, in pro- against the concerned person or persons; its provisions. UNMIL supported the cre- moting and protecting human rights and (b) approach, according to the law of ation of INHCR by providing expert tech- enhancing public awareness of those the land, the Supreme Court or the Circuit nical advice and will continue supporting rights. Court concerned for such directions, the establishment and effective operation According to the newly enacted orders or writs as that Court may deem of the Commission.

May 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 25 Plight of Child Vendors By Priscilla Ciesay ngel (not real name) was on the street selling cakes to support her family when her class teacher approached her to buy a pieceA of cake. Instead of buying the five Liberian Dollars worth cake, the middle- aged man gagged her mouth, put a plastic bag over her head and forced himself on her 12-year-old tiny body. She was left with a sexually transmitted disease, uri- nary tract infection and other ailments. When the incident was known in her community, she was ostracised, as her peers were discouraged by their mothers to play with her because she was no longer a vir- gin.

In post-cconflict Liberia, the plight of child vendors remains dire. They often become prey to attacks and violations of their human rights. Child vendors suffer all forms of exploitation and WORKING HOUR Children abuse and are often denied sell their wares their right to education and protection she should have been afford- late evenings because he doesn’t steal healthy development. ed—neither from her family, members of from the sales. the community or the government. Angel and Gaflor are among hundreds Later, the teacher paid 50 Liberian Like Angel, second grader Seye of vulnerable child vendors who sell food Dollars to her family to compensate for his Gaflor, 15, works as a cake bread vendor commodities or household items on the act, expecting to walk free, but was even- to earn a school registration fee of 65 streets of Liberia’s capital and townships tually caught, tried and convicted for a Liberian Dollars, which he says his family to support their families financially. crime of rape after the intervention by cannot afford. He is on the streets at seven In post-conflict Liberia, the plight of human rights officers from the UN in the morning carrying 150 Liberian child vendors remains dire. They often Mission in Liberia. Although the convic- Dollars worth of cake bread and walks become prey to attacks and violations of tion might be a victory for human rights around until all are sold or night falls. their human rights. Child vendors suffer advocates, it means little for Angel who According to UNMIL human rights offi- all forms of exploitation and abuse and are suffers family shame, social stigma and cers who interviewed him, Seye suffers often denied their right to education and lasting emotional scars. She did not get the hunger throughout the day and only eats healthy development. In many cases, they

26 UNMIL FOCUS May 2005 UN Expert on Human Rights lthough Liberia has presented many positive developments in Athe area of human rights, more has to be done to combat gross human rights violations, said a visiting UN expert who was soon to report on Liberia’s situation to the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva. Addressing the media in Monrovia early April, Dr. Charlotte Abaka, UN’s independent expert on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in Liberia, said the completion of disarmament and demobilization, the increase in economic activities and the passage of the Act establishing the independent National Human Rights Commission have helped improve the human rights situation in the country. She also welcomed the bill to establish the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, currently awaiting approval by the Transitional Assembly. “I’m glad to see that lots of positive developments have been made,” she said at a press conference held at the UNMIL headquarters. “But there are still many major concerns and challenges in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.” She said although hundreds of thousands of ex-combatants are disarmed, they still remain idle because of lack of funds to support their Rehabilitation and Reintegration activities. “Every effort should be made for RR to avoid the danger of re-grouping of ex-combatants,” which might pose a threat to Liberia’s human rights situation, she said. And she are exposed to myriad dangers, such as cause of child labour. noted it is necessary to keep monitoring sexual violence, street fighting or public UNMIL’s Human Rights and for the existence of guns and arms to disturbances amounting to violation of Protection Section advocates for the pro- ensure security for people to participate their basic rights and fundamental free- tection of Liberian children engaged in in the upcoming elections. doms. economic activities on the streets. It has Dr. Abaka said widespread corrup- Liberia is a signatory to international called on the government to take measures tion hinders the disbursement of donor human rights protocols including the to ensure that children receive the funda- moneys to social services for the local Convention on the Rights of the Child, mental guarantees as provided in the population, and the lack of justice would which prohibits the use of children in Constitution and other international create instability and lead to more vio- activities hazardous to their health. The treaties Liberia has signed. The Section lence and human rights abuses. She said country’s Constitution guarantees the right also plays a proactive role to protect chil- the country must take concrete measures of the child and prohibits forced labour of dren by taking steps to make sure victims against corruption and develop a better children. However, these provisions are receive proper redress and perpetrators are justice system to avoid “perpetuating not enforced. Many cite poverty as a major dealt with appropriately. impunity.”

May 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 27 Return of the Internees By Tammi Sharpe internment sites located at significant dis- crimes, including gang rape, were better pril 6, 2005 marked the tances from the border and from the protected from the perpetrators and shield- start of return to Liberia for refugee camps. ed from constant reminders of the injus- a group of 385 disarmed tices which were inflicted upon them. As Liberian fighters who had a result, the refugee populations enjoyed until now been interned in The internees were offered greater protection in the camps. campsA in Sierra Leone. The fighters had three meals per day and Political and security considerations fled the conflict in Liberia in 2002 along- provided with health care, also played a role in Sierra Leone’s deci- side civilian asylum seekers, making it dif- sion to disarm and intern the Liberian ficult for Sierra Leonean authorities to recreational activities and fighters. For one, the country did not want separate the two groups. Sierra Leone certain non-ffood items. to be seen as supporting dissident activity could easily have chosen to close its borders, blocking the entry of armed fighters Training programmes were against the government of Liberia. but at the same time preventing genuine later implemented to equip Perhaps more importantly, since these armed combatants had arrived in the first asylum seekers from fleeing conflict in them with skills to reinte- Liberia. half of 2002 -- in the early stages of the Fortunately, Sierra Leone chose to grate back into society. peace process in Sierra Leone -- it was keep its doors open, allowing tens of thou- essential for the government to neutralize sands of Liberians to seek refuge there. To This separation of combatants from any possible threats to peace, particularly avoid combatants mixing with refugees, refugees significantly contributed towards as the country’s own Disarmament and the country’s police enhanced their screen- the maintenance of the civilian character Demobilization programme had only ing abilities along the borders, at refugee of refugee settlements in Sierra Leone. recently concluded. reception locations and around refugee Refugees, in particular children, were not With legal support and advice from the camps. Once identified, combatants were exposed to intensive military conscription International Committee of the Red Cross separated from refugees and transported to pressures, while the survivors of horrific (ICRC) and UNHCR, a total of two intern-

28 UNMIL FOCUS May 2005 Internees at the reception centre in Sinje

ment sites were established - one in Leone, with funding support from the refugees, along with tool kits relevant to Mapeh, Port Loko District and the second European Union. The returning former the skills training they undertook while in Mafanta, Magburaka District. Security interned. Many of them were previously was maintained by the Sierra Leone Army, Refugees, in particular chil- associated with the Armed Forces of Police and Prisons department. The dren, were not exposed to Liberia and will be eligible to receive ben- internees were offered three meals per day efits accruing to them under the current and provided with health care, recreation- intensive military conscrip- programme of restructuring of the army. al activities and certain non-food items. tion pressures, while the sur- Although the number of internees return- Training programmes were later imple- vivors of horrific crimes, ing from Sierra Leone is relatively small mented to equip them with skills to reinte- when compared to the 103,000 ex-combat- grate back into society. including gang rape, were ants who were disarmed and demobilized in Now, almost three years later, these better protected from the Liberia in 2003 and 2004, the establishment former fighters are finally coming home. perpetrators and shielded and maintenance of internment sites like Their release and repatriation is governed these has broad implications for peace in the by a Memorandum of Understanding, from constant reminders of sub-region. which was prepared with the support of the injustices which were In particular, it offers states a means to UNMIL and signed by the governments of inflicted upon them. As a address political and security concerns while Liberia and Sierra Leone on 24 March result, the refugee popula- fulfilling their international humanitarian, 2005. To ensure the voluntary nature of refugee and human rights obligations. The the return, ICRC teams conducted individ- tions enjoyed greater protec- successful conclusion of this operation also ual interviews with the internees in the tion in the camps. marks a dramatic step forward in the way internment sites prior to departure. This countries approach the problem of detention process has been facilitated through assis- fighters receive reintegration packages and subsequent repatriation of foreign fight- tance offered by the government of Sierra similar to those given to returning ers in West Africa.

May 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 29 Ex-CCombatants Return to Farming

By Durudee Sirichanya Prkic ly and engages in farming. His wife to buy seeds and tools.” uluyee in Liberia’s Nimba Mamie Konah and three year old son Mike Tiah, another ex-combatant who County is thick with forests. Emmanuel Dahn, also called Papee, are has decided to go back to the soil, is grate- In the heart of the dense dark sitting a few yards away, looking at the ful for the services rendered by WFP. forest Josiah Dahn, a 25 year sole bread-winner of their family manipu- Thirty-five year old Mike is the only child old ex-combatant cuts down lating the cutlass. of his aged father and mother, 85 and 76 Ztrees as he hums a popular reggae song “I am here every day with Josiah. I respectively and he doesn’t have a wife –That’s the way it goes. The song talks of cook for him and my presence is an yet. “I have these old people to look after the ups and downs of life that we have to encouragement for him. Maybe if I stay so I don’t have any intention of having a cope with. Dahn is clearing the forest to home he will be thinking of me and will child now. They are my responsibility, so make a farm. not concentrate on his work,” says a beam- they are my children,” he says. “I fought for so many years for Charles Taylor”, Dahn says. He was eight years ing Mamie. “My food ration helps me to feed these old when he took up arms to follow fight- Josiah says, “My family have been liv- old people for sometime. Now that gun is ers of the National Patriotic Front of ing on the food ration I got from the disar- no more the way to get food, I have to Liberia (NPFL) of former President Taylor mament camp. I have to help myself make farm. In doing that WFP is my only who was in the bush as the rebel leader. because I will not always be fed by WFP. hope for support,” he says. “My parents were massacred in my pres- But I have to rely on WFP for farming In Liberia, WFP interventions will pro- ence and I had no choice but to join the materials and seeds. WFP is our hope gressively shift from emergency to recov- revolution,” he says as a matter-of-fact. because had it not been for it I wouldn’t be ery activities such as school feeding, Food Josiah has decided to take life positive- here today making farm. I had no money Support to Local Initiatives (FSLI) and

30 UNMIL FOCUS May 2005 From Food Emergency to Food Production fter 14 years of unrest that progress. For each of them WFP provides claimed almost 150,000 lives, full food rations for four-months, given in ALiberians finally have a chance two instalments. The first installment is for normalcy more so as UNMIL prepares provided prior to their return, while the to ensure a credible election to be held on second entitlement is distributed two 11 October 2005. Over 100,000 displaced months later at the place where they have persons and 15,000 Liberian refugees resettled. As of mid-April, 110,000 IDPs have been assisted to return home so far and 15,000 Liberian refuges have been but more than 500,000 are still living in repatriated and reintegrated. On a daily displaced camps and neighbouring coun- basis, many more are coming sponta- tries. Those returning home are facing neously. lack of basic necessities like shelter, clin- • WFP Emergency School ics, and schools. But, things are looking Feeding programme (ESF) is currently up “small, small,” as the Liberians say. reaching 350,000 school children. The More than 350,000 children are back in agency aims to increase its reach to school, and are being fed hot lunches 450,000 Liberian school children in 2005. everyday, often their only meal for the • WFP also provides food support day. Communities are able to join hands to an average of 22,000 vulnerable people and build farms, roads, clinics, with basic each month. The support includes supple- food support keeping them going. mentary and therapeutic feeding to moth- During the first three months of 2005, ers and children, institutions caring for the World Food Programme in Liberia orphans, the elderly, and the handicapped, focused on the following: as well as people affected with • Providing food rations for an HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and leprosy. average of nearly 300,000 Internally • WFP and its partners recently Displaced Persons (IDPs) and returnees conducted a Vulnerability Assessment, residing in camps and transit centres Food Security, and Nutrition Baseline every month. Due to pipeline constraints, Survey for Lofa, Bomi, and Grand Gedeh WFP was only able to distribute 1,300 counties, recognising the need for accu- kcal per person per day (two thirds of the rate and reliable data to guide its pro- daily recommendation) to the IDPs and gramming. To follow up, an independent Food for Training (FFT) in a bid to create refugees living in camps. The repatriated Emergency Food Security Assessment basic conditions for the resettlement and returnees and resettled IDPs are given a was held in April 2005 for Lofa, Nimba, reintegration. WFP plans to assist 943,000 full ration at recommended 2,100 kcal. Montserrado and Gborpolu to asses the beneficiaries in 2005 and 835,000 in 2006 • The voluntary repatriation of humanitarian food assistance needs in the with 156,000 metric tonnes of food valued Liberian refugees and IDPs to their pre- country during the remaining period of at US$ 180 million. ferred areas of return is making steady 2005 - 2006. WFP provided food assistance to all ex-combatants under the UNMIL’s Disarmament, Demobilization, FARM HANDS Ex-combatants at work Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DDRR) programme. Wet feeding rations were served to disarmed ex-combatants at can- tonment sites and Interim Care Centres, plus take home rations were given upon completion of the Disarmament/Demobilization exercise. Over 95,000 former combatants benefited from the WFP Disarmament Demobilization support and they are welcomed to participate in FSLI and FFT activities countrywide.

May 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 31 Police Recruits at the ceremony. He said the new officers should maintain a high standard of integri- ty and ethics. “You are the first men and Graduate women, internationally trained police officers… I want you to go out as a role model for our society. I want you to respect people when you serve the country.” During the 10-month training, the graduates learned skills in general policing, tactical training, criminal investigations, firearms, Liberian legislation and gender issues, among others. They under- went in-house instruction for the first three By Yuko Maeda The police academy was established in months, six month of field training and a retha Farley was just 11 July 2004 by the UN Mission in Liberia one-month training at the academy just and the National Transitional Government years old when the civil before the graduation. of Liberia to create a better-trained police war first began in Liberia. Addressing the new officers, service to protect and promote the consti- Although she didn’t wit- Bjornsson commended their hard work tutional rights of the citizens. With an ini- ness any murderous acts and dedication to succeed. “Your presence tial plan to train a 3,500-strong service duringO the 14-year civil strife, she heard shows your persistence and determination. within two years and to have 1,900 new enough gruesome tales of meaningless We honour you for your achievement,” he officers fully operational by the national killings. For Farley the sound of gunshots said. elections in October, the academy has was part of her daily life until the interna- Bjornsson noted that interaction with since trained about 700 new recruits. The tional peacekeepers ensured a ceasefire citizens is critical in bringing peace and 123 new officers were the first group that deal among the three warring factions in stability to Liberia as they represent the successfully completed a 10-month train- late 2003. “We were tired of all of that,” government and the rule of law. ing programme. she says. “One of the highest achievements to “Performing your duties, maintaining law It is the lawlessness she grappled with date of the United Nations Mission has and order, carrying out investigations, you in her formative years that motivated been the establishment of this National are the face of a new Liberia to the people Farley to join the Liberia National Police Police Academy,” said UNMIL Officer-in- of this proud country,” he reminded the Service. Farley, now 26, is one of 123 new Charge Steinar Bjornsson at the ceremony, new graduates. “You are here to protect police officers who graduated in March noting creating a new police force was the citizenry, to prevent violence and to from the Liberian National Police Training essential to sustain the new-found peace in Academy. “I love this profession,” she Liberia. From the inception of the acade- said at the graduation ceremony. “I’d like Mr. Bjornsson congratulates a new my to the day-to-day operation, UNMIL graduate to stay in the police, working in criminal Civilian Police with more than 1,000 inter- justice and public administration because national police officers from 37 countries there’re so many ways I can serve my have been helping Liberian counterparts in country.” such efforts. That dedication and a strong sense of Liberia’s criminal justice system has commitment are common features among long been dysfunctional. The police used the new officers. Dressed in neat dark blue to be a source of fear for many citizens as uniforms and well shined black boots, 116 police officers took part in fierce fighting men and seven women swore to serve the and terrorized people during the war. The people of Liberia at the graduation cere- Transitional Government, with help from mony held on 26 March. After receiving a UNMIL, is now trying hard to mend the certificate of completion each, all took an defaced image of the Liberian police. oath in unison to devote themselves to “Our people have seen the police as investigate any offences, protect life and intimidators, fierce people. They have property of Liberians and respect human been afraid of you,” NTGL Chairman rights in accordance with the law. Charles Gyude Bryant told the graduates

32 UNMIL FOCUS May 2005 restore law and order to Liberia. Take these responsibilities seriously.” Belgian Weapons for Police Academy Sipply Monsue, 27, heard him right. “embrace the concept that a firearm is not “This is a new world. I’d like to make sure a tool of power; it is a tool of last resort to the country is secured by the rule of law, protect your life or that of another in respecting the rights of all people of grave danger.” The CIVPOL Police Liberia,” Monsue said with renewed dedi- Commissioner Mohammad Alhassan cation. He said while in the training he described the weapons as “very timely nurtured a great interest in the criminal and helpful” for development of the justice system and human rights. “No mat- Liberian National Police. ter who you are, everyone has rights that “We hope this donation will help the should be respected equally,” he said. “I Liberian police to meet future chal- know it’s not going to be easy, but it’s our lenges,” Mr. Rob Kuijpers, Executive Chairman of SN Brussels said. The airline duty to make it happen.” had assisted in transporting the weapons. The Government of Belgium also provid- During the 10-mmonth trained the services of two weapons inspectors ing, the graduates learned A police cadet undergoes weapons for one week to assist the police academy training training staff in launching the firearms skills in general policing, programme. n 21 April 2005 the Liberian tactical training, criminal The donation, facilitated by the National Police received another Mayor of Antwerp, Mr Janssens and Mr. investigations, firearms, shot in the arm when the Belgian O Paul Van Goethem of UNDP, is not a Government and the city of Antwerp Liberian legislation and direct contribution to the Liberian donated US$ 500,000 worth of arms and gender issues, among oth- Government. It will only be used by ammunition for training the police to UNMIL for the purpose of training the ers. UNMIL. Among them were 680 Smith & new Liberian police. After completion of Wesson .38 Cal revolvers, 40 Browning the training, the weapons and surplus At the graduation ceremony, the acad- 9mm pistols, 90 shot guns and over ammunitions will be destroyed. emy recognized three distinguished gradu- 60,000 rounds of assorted ammunition. The .38 revolver is ideal as an intro- ates. Marcus A. Freeman received the The arms and ammunition will be ductory weapon for firearms training. In Academic Achievement Award for his used to train students at the Police use since World War II, until recently it highest academic marks while the Academy in basic firearms shooting skills was the weapon of choice by most demo- Distinguished Leadership Award was pre- and the technical workings of the hand- cratic police forces throughout the world. guns. The weapons will contribute sub- sented to Richard S. Scottland for his lead- The .38 revolver is also a very “safe” stantially to the reform and development ing role. The academy also recognized weapon easily maintained, reliable, and of the Liberian National Police. Vera K.V. Manly as the Most Inspirational performs in all climates. The weapon Formally handing over the weapons Recruit. also has a limited number of moving Jacques Paul Klein, the outgoing Special “I feel very honoured to receive the parts, making it readily adaptable to first Representative of the Secretary-General award,” Manly said after the ceremony time training initiatives. and Coordinator of United Nations while friends and family surrounded her to Ashim Choudhury celebrate her achievement. She said her Operations in Liberia, urged students to achievement was the result of support from her colleagues who encouraged her UNMIL Civilian Police contributing Countries along the way during the hard training. Manly, who was an experienced police officer before joining the academy, said she would apply new techniques in criminal investigation as soon as she gets to the field. The first graduation ceremony in March marked a historic day in the country’s law enforcement. In every four weeks untill the end of 2006, hundreds of newly trained officers from the academy will join the Liberian National Police Service.

May 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 33 Zero Tolerance! n recent times the issue of sexual of UNMIL staff. Earlier, Special where there are large numbers of benefici- exploitation and the United Nations Representative Jacques Paul Klein sent a aries under one’s authority - like refugees, has consumed more media space memo to all UNMIL staff cautioning IDPs, returnees or victims of natural dis- than pressing development issues. them. “I want to ensure that all allegations aster or calamity. The focus has been many peace- of sexual exploitation and abuse are prop- Sexual acts involving children are Ikeepers in various parts of the world erly investigated,” he said in the memo. simply not tolerated. Under Section 3.2 including Liberia. The seriousness with “It is the responsibility of managers at all (b) of the Secretary-General’s bulletin which the UN views sexual exploitation levels and military commanders, to create ST/SGB/2003/13, sexual activity with and abuse can be gauged from the fact that and maintain an environment that pre- anyone under 18, regardless of local age some 180 peace keepers from seven coun- vents sexual exploitation and abuse,” he of consent, is strictly prohibited. tries are currently under investigation in added. Adam Abdelmoula, Deputy Chief Even the Under Secretary-General, the Congo. One French peace keeper has of the Human Rights and Protection DPKO, Jean-Marie Guéhenno, laboured been sent home, disgraced. If found guilty, Section, was appointed UNMIL Focal the point when speaking to UNMIL staff the others too will be sent home and face Point on the issue. on the evening of 22 November 2004. charges in their own country as the UN What does sexual exploitation and has adopted a “zero tolerance” policy abuse constitute? There could be varying “Everybody is accountable,” he warned, against sexual exploitation and abuse. definitions, depending on the scenario. emphasizing that sexual exploitation or The UN Deputy Secretary-General But typically it involves a situation where inappropriate behavior at a senior level Louise Fréchette’s recent visit to Liberia one uses a position of power to take sexu- could mean “reason enough to leave the was to ensure compliance with the code of al advantage. The use of force or threat in mission.” As the Deputy Secretary- conduct by staff. “The Secretary-General an unequal relationship to seek sexual General put it, “It’s extremely important is determined that every staff member is favours also constitutes sexual exploita- that the United Nations credentials be aware of and abides by the standards of tion and abuse. More commonly sexual impeccable. We stand for justice and equi- conduct,” she said, addressing a gathering exploitation takes place in scenarios ty.”

Deputy Secretary-General Louise Fréchette addresses UNMIL staff on the ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy

34 UNMIL FOCUS May 2005 riot in Harper following a report of ritual But in recent months, they have also Ethiopians killing, when the Ethiopians were called in been called upon to deal with issues poten- to lend a helping hand to contain the situ- tially disruptive to the security and stabili- ation. During that time, a unit from ETH- ty of the country. In late November they in the BATT V in Zwedru was dispatched to had to respond to the riots that took place Harper to provide reinforcement to the in Côte d’Ivoire as Sector IV shares a long Service of Senegalese peacekeepers deployed there. stretch of border with the neighbouring Like the rest of UNMIL contingents, country and many Ivorians crossed the Ethiopian peacekeepers successfully over- border to escape the mayhem. Ethiopian Peace saw the formal Disarmament and peacekeepers began robust and intensive By Alexactus T. Kaure Demobilization process in their area of patrols along the common border, thiopia, in the forefront of UN operation. Currently they are actively increased troop deployment in critical bor- peacekeeping today, has involved in facilitating the return of IDPs der areas and instituted a coordinated com- responded to successive calls and returnees by providing security escorts munication flow with other sectors of the by the UN for troops since and transport. Mission. early 1950s. The country’s Awarding UN service medals to the In January this year UNMIL author- Eparticipation in peacekeeping began with Ethiopian peacekeepers recently, Special ized a joint military and civilian mission to the deployment of 5,000 soldiers to Korea Representative Jacques Paul Klein praised enter Sapo National Park in Sinoe County. in 1951. Between 1951 and 2005, Ethiopia has participated in five peacekeeping missions in Africa and beyond, says Sector IV Commander Brig. Gen. Tsegaye Tesema proudly. Currently a battalion of 900 Ethiopian soldiers is serving the cause of peace in Burundi since 2003. Other missions have included Congo and Rwanda. But in Africa the largest contribution to peacekeeping by Ethiopia is in Liberia with 2,534 of its soldiers proudly wearing the blue helmets, six of them women. The Ethiopian Contingent has been in Liberia almost since the beginning of the Mission, Donning the blue helmet, Ethopian Soldiers having arrived in the country in December 2003. They are currently deployed in the commitment and dedication of the con- The Park, home to more than three thou- Grand Gedeh, River Cess, Lower Nimba, tingent. “You have successfully disarmed sand people engaged in illegal mining and Sinoe, River Gee and Grand Kru. Divided thousands of fighters and combatants from hunting, is one of the most inaccessible into Headquarter staff and three battalions, the warring factions of Liberia’s civil war terrains in Liberia and had remained out- they provide both scheduled and unsched- – and for that, all Liberians are truly grate- side the reach of peace and security pro- uled patrols. ful. Your work has earned the gratitude not vided by the UN. It was Ethiopian soldiers The scheduled patrols are carried out only of the United Nations, but even more who escorted the team that entered the regularly and mainly in the cities and importantly, of those for whom your help Park to demonstrate the resolve of the towns both during the day and at night. means the most – the people of Liberia,” United Nations in bringing peace and The unscheduled patrols are conducted in he said. security to all areas of the country, howev- places where there is no permanent pres- Of late, the Ethiopian peacekeepers er inaccessible. Tragically, however, dur- ence of UNMIL peacekeepers and could have turned their attention in another ing the more than 10 hours of trekking either be aerial or ground patrol. direction – election support. They provide under a scorching sun, one Ethiopian sol- Deployed in the largest sector of the security escorts as well as transport and dier died on the way back. country, the Ethiopian peacekeepers also accommodation for both UNMIL and The loss of one of their own has not share responsibilities with the Senegalese national electoral personnel involved in dampened the spirit of the Ethiopian contingent in Maryland and the preparations for the elections. This support peacekeepers in Liberia. Asked how long Bangladeshi contingent in Nimba County. would become even more crucial in the the Ethiopians are going to stay in the A good example of this collaborative work months ahead as the country gets closer to country, the Commander simply answered, happened in late January this year during a the elections in October. “until the mission is complete.”

May 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 35 “HowL DIBo YEoRu IVAieNw Sthe Upc

Ahmed Sheriff (32) Meiway Doe (31) Secretary “ I would like see free, fair and trans- Journalist Angeline Boikpah (34) I would like Liberians to go to the parent elections this year. ” “ Security polls en masse and elect trusted leaders “ I only like to see free and fair elec- because that’s the only way we can build a tions. This time around let’s open our eyes new Liberia. ” and elect a leader for Liberia. I don’t want Liberians to repeat the mistakes of the past.”

Dixon F. Holmes (33) Inter-Con Security Guard “ I think that as Liberians, we should work together towards free, fair and democratic elections. Having over 18 or Comfort Toe (30) more political parties should not be a Businesswoman problem but we as Liberians must make “ We urge those in authority conduct- Waunica Roberts (40) the right decisions this time around. We ing elections to ensure that these elections Christian Leader should not make the same mistakes as was are free and fair. Voting Liberians should “ I want to urge politicians to reduce done in the past. We must make sound and be reminded that those being voted into the numerous registered and proposed informed decisions when we cast our bal- office should be able to deliver to the political parties to only about two or three. lots. ” Liberian people. Our children need a Liberians will be confused with too many future. ” political parties which will not be good for the country. ”

Evangeline Kennedy (40) Housewife “ I think the elections should be held and it should be held on schedule. I would Maleva Marvie (24) want to see most of the registered political Elijah Dee (39) Manager Health Science Student parties merge to a maximum of maybe “ I would like all Liberians to look at “ What we want is free, fair and demo- three or four parties. On voting day, let all people who will put the nation first, above cratic elections. I want all Liberians to Liberians choose the right person. When self interest and will make a difference. register and on voting day, vote your con- casting our votes, cast it not for rice but for Liberians should look at the best amongst science and do not follow the crowd.” rights. ” all the candidates. ”

36 UNMIL FOCUS May 2005 coming NaStioPnEalA ElKections?”

Anthony Washington (35) Frank Sainworla (40) Oretha Juwle (38) HIV/AIDS Unemployed Liberian PANA Correspondent Counselor/Social Worker Politicians come to us (voters) with “ I’ll like to see competitors respect “ Liberians should come together; “ flowery rhetoric. At the end of the day they the outcome of the elections. Let personal consolidate their forces in voting for want to get power and enrich themselves. ambition give way to national interest. prominent and God-fearing people who We should be mindful of such politicians. People must learn to respect the democrat- will steer this nation to success. ” ic wishes of the people. There should be Another thing, the number of political par- no mind-set as to if Mr. X wins, no matter ties should be reduced to a maximum of what, the elections is not free and fair. ” two or three because with more than 18 parties the electorate will be confused . ”

Charles M. Harris (22) Sociology Student “ I hope that this time around, we can Fatu Conneh (27) Student have a faithful person who can serve the Lawrence Gardiner (45) As we approach the elections this “ Liberian people, because Liberians have Chauffeur year, I want to urge all Liberians to vote been going through trying and difficult “ I hope that Liberians will vote wise- for a qualified and God-fearing leader who times over the last 14 years. We hope that ly rather than vote for a bag of rice or wants to see Liberia rise out of the ashes of whoever is elected will see the need to money. I also want to see political parties destruction to one of reconstruction and cater to the Liberian people to the best of reduced to two or three so we don’t get development. ” their ability. We hope that whoever is confused. ” elected fears God because it’s the beginning of wisdom. ”

Flomo Z. Pewu (35) Returnee/Agriculturalist Masu Brown (20) Student, Victoria Bryant (38) “ I would like to tell every Liberian to Bishop Marwiah Institute Secretary come out and exercise your political “ I would like to see Liberians come “ I encourage every Liberian to vote frachise because if you sit home and say, ‘I out and vote in the upcoming elections, and elect the right people during the elec- am not going to vote’, it would have an put into office the correct person. Though tions. I urge both the young and the old to impact on us. If you come out, your one it’s my first time voting, I urge all come out on voting day to exercise their vote will be able to put into office the right Liberians to take advantage of this oppor- franchise. That’s the first step to building a person. ” tunity and vote wisely. ” new and better Liberia. ” May 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 37 New Director of Administration Ronnie Stokes was appointed February 2001 as Director of Director of Administration of the United Administration and continued to serve in Nations Mission in Liberia on 15 the same capacity with the United February 2005. Nations Mission of Support in East Timor Mr. Stokes began his UN career in (UNMISET) as the country gained inde- June 1993 with the United Nations pendence in May 2002. He was once Operation in Somalia (UNOSOM II) again appointed Chief Administrative where he served in various capacities as Officer of UNLB in September 2002. The Deputy Spokesperson, Chief of Buildings following year in June Mr. Stokes was Management, and Chief of Logistics appointed Director of Administration for Control Centre. In October 1995 he was the Office of the Special Representative assigned to the United Nations Peace of the Secretary-General, Sergio Vieira de Forces (UNPF) located in Zagreb, Mello, in Baghdad, Iraq, until 4 Croatia, as Chief of Logistics Control September 2003. From July 2004 he Centre and reassigned in April 1996 as served as Interim Director of Chief of Integrated Support Services of Ronnie Stokes Administration of the United Nations the United Nations Transitional to the United Nations Transitional Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) Administration in Eastern Slovania Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) until his assignment to UNMIL. (UNTAES). where he served for six months as Chief of Born in January 1948 in Texas, In March 1997 Mr. Stokes was Integrated Support Services before being United States, Mr. Stokes attended the appointed Officer-in-Charge of the assigned as Chief of General Services at University of Texas where he obtained a United Nations Logistics Base (UNLB) in the International Criminal Tribunal for the Bachelor of Arts degree in International Brindisi, Italy, and became the Chief Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in August the Studies. Prior to joining the United Administrative Officer of UNLB in June same year. Nations, Mr. Stokes served with the U.S. 1998. In January 2000 he was transferred Mr. Stokes returned to East Timor in Marine Corps for 26 years. New Police Commissioner

Born in Accra, Ghana, on 21 January Commander of Police Adbraka and 1954, Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan did Suame. By 1991 he was Divisional his early schooling at St. Martins Commander of Police Nkawkaw and then Secondary School and T.I Ahamadiyya Hohoe. By 1994 he had risen to become Secondary School. Later he graduated Regional Commander of Police,Tema. from the University of Ghana, Legon, in His career with the United Nations 1979 and then obtained his Masters in started in 1989 as Station Commander, Police Administration and Criminology UNCIVPOL/Khorixas, Namibia from the University College of Cardiff, (UNTAG).The same year he became United Kingdom, in 1984. District Commander, Starting his professional career as a UNCIVPOL/Otwijarango, Namibia high school teacher in 1974, he later (UNTAG). In 1997 he joined UNMIBH joined the Ghana Police Training School as Police Monitor, IPTF, and then became as an instructor in 1979. Later he served IPTF Weapons Inspector at Siroki as Special Assistant to the Regional Brijeg/Mostar. In 1999 he joined the UN Minister (Security Affairs) from 1982- headquarters in New York as a Civilian 1983. The ‘teacher’ policeman was also a Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan Police Officer. He was the Deputy part-time lecturer (Police Administration) starting as an Assistant Staff Officer to Commissioner of Civpol at UNMIL from at the University of Ghana from 1987- Inspector-General of Police from 1981- 2003 until March 2005 when he was pro- 1989 after which he was Visiting Lecturer 1982 which was followed by a stint as moted as the Civilian Police at the Armed Forces Staff College, Accra Staff Instructor at Ghana Police College Commissioner. Alhassan specialises in from 1998-1999. from 1984 to1985. In 1985 he became the community policing and has also written Mr. Alhassan held various command District Commander of Police, Tesano, on the subject. He is married and has positions in the Ghana Police Service, followed by two more postings as District three children.

38 UNMIL FOCUS May 2005 Timeline 1 October 2003 5 - 6 February 2004 20 October 2004 Day One of UNMIL, ECOMIL troops “rehat- Liberia’s Reconstruction Conference held in New The NTGL declares six counties --Grand Cape ted” as UN peacekeepers. York to address short and mid-term reconstruc- Mount, Bomi, Gbarpolu, Margibi, Bong and tion and development needs. US$520 million Rivercess -- ready for the return of Internally 6 October 2003 pledged. Displaced Persons (IDPs). First meeting of Joint Monitoring ommittee (JMC) comprising representatives of all factions 15 April 2004 31 October 2004 under UNMIL auspices. DDRR programme resumes. Disarmament begins The Chairman of the NTGL announces the offi- in Gbarnga. cial end to disarmament. 14 October 2003 20 April 2004 National Transitional Government of Liberia Disarmament begins in Buchanan. 3 November 2004 (NTGL) takes office. Liberia's three warring factions officially dis- 25 April 2004 band themselves marking an historic milestone 1 December 2003 Disarmament and demobilization begins in in the implementation of the Comprehensive UNMIL stages a symbolic destruction of arms Tubmanburg. Peace and formally launches the DDRR Programme in Agreement. Liberia at Camp Schieffelin, Monrovia. 5 May 2004 SRSG Jacques Paul Klein and NTGL Chairman 8 November 2004 7 December 2003 Gyude Bryant formally launch the recruitment The first group of 500 internally displaced per- UNMIL begins disarmament at the first canton- campaign for the new Liberian Police Service. sons and returnees begin their journey home, ment site at Camp Schieffelin, Monrovia. marking Liberia's ongoing transition from con- 6 May 2004 flict to recovery and rehabilitation. 18 December 2003 Disarmament recommences for ex-GoL militias Following discussion with Liberian political and at Kakata. 20 - 22 November 2004 military leaders, UNMIL announces the suspen- UN Under-Secretary General for Peacekeeping sion of the disarmament and demobilization 10 -11 June 2004 Operations, Jean-Marie Guehenno visits Liberia process to allow for the creation of more capaci- Force Commanders of UN peacekeeping mis- to review UNMIL activities and the peace ty and the upgrading of living conditions at the sions in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Côte d’Ivoire process. sites. meet in Monrovia to enhance regional coordination. 30 November 2004 23 December 2003 The Liberian National Police begins its deploy- SRSG Jacques Paul Klein addresses the Security 24 - 25 June 2004 ment to all 15 counties of Liberia, signifying rapid Council on the first report of the Secretary UN Security Council mission visits Liberia. improvement in the rule of law in the country. General concerning the situation in Liberia. 9 July 2004 14 December 2004 27 December 2003 Disarmament begins in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh The National Transitional Legislative Assembly UNMIL Pakistani contingent deployed at Clay County. adopts a revised electoral reform law. Junction, marking the first military move into LURD-controlled area. 12 July 2004 11 January 2005: NTGL Chairman Gyude Bryant and SRSG UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan appoints 31 December 2003 Jacques Paul Klein launch the training pro- Steinar Bjornsson as his new Deputy Special UNMIL expands its presence to Buchanan and gramme for the new police service of Liberia at Representative for Operations in Liberia. Gbarnga, deploying over 650 Bangladeshi the newly reopened Police Service Training peacekeepers. Academy in Paynesville, Monrovia. 31 January 2005 The National Elections Commission (NEC) 12 January 2004 17 August 2004 launches civic/voter education ahead of the The Interim Police Training Course (IPTC), Disarmament begins in Ganta. upcoming elections. designed to provide provisional training to current members of the Liberian Police is launched 29 September 2004 7 February 2005 by the UNMIL Civilian Police with the enroll- Disarmament begins in Harper. The NEC announces timetable for the presidential ment of the first class of 24 men and one and legislative elections. woman. 01 October 2004 UNHCR launches the voluntary repatriation. 500 24 March 2005 refugees make the first trip home from Ghana and First group of 123 police officers graduate follow- Sierra Leone. ing nine months of intensive training.

May 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 39 UNMIL FOCUS, Vol. 1, No. 03 A publication of the United Nations Mission in Liberia Public Information Office www.unmil.org