Refugees and Idps Return Reintegration Picks up Interview with Jacques Paul Klein UNMIL Mandate

Vol . 1, No. 02 February 2005

Refugees and IDPs Return Reintegration Picks Up Interview with Jacques Paul Klein UNMIL Mandate

The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) was established by Security Council resolution 1509 of 19 September 2003 with the following mandate:

Support for Implementation Protection of United Nations Support for Security Reform of the Ceasefire Agreement Staff, Facilities and Civilians to assist the transitional govern- to observe and monitor the imple- to protect United Nations person- ment of Liberia in monitoring and mentation of the ceasefire agreement nel, facilities, installations and equip- restructuring the police force of and investigate violations of the cease- ment, ensure the security and freedom Liberia, consistent with democratic fire; of movement of its personnel and, policing, to develop a civilian police to establish and maintain continu- without prejudice to the efforts of the training programme, and to otherwise ous liaison with the field headquarters government, to protect civilians under assist in the training of civilian police, of all the parties’ military forces; imminent threat of physical violence, in cooperation with the Economic to assist in the development of can- within its capabilities; Community of West African States tonment sites and to provide security at (ECOWAS), international organiza- these sites; Support for Humanitarian tions, and interested States; to assist the transitional govern- to observe and monitor disengage- and Human Rights ment and cantonment of military forces ment in the formation of a new and of all the parties; Assistance restructured Liberian military in coop- to support the work of the Joint to facilitate the provision of eration with ECOWAS, international Monitoring Committee (JMC); humanitarian assistance, including by organizations and interested States; to develop, as soon as possible, helping to establish the necessary secu- preferably within 30 days of the adop- rity conditions; Support for Implementation tion of this resolution, in cooperation to contribute toward international of the Peace Process with the JMC, relevant international efforts to protect and promote human to assist the transitional govern- financial institutions, international rights in Liberia, with particular atten- ment, in conjunction with ECOWAS development organizations, and donor tion to vulnerable groups including and other international partners, in nations, an action plan for the overall refugees, returning refugees and inter- reestablishment of national authority implementation of a disarmament, nally displaced persons, women, chil- throughout the country, including the demobilization, reintegration, and repa- dren, and demobilized child soldiers, establishment of a functioning admin- triation (DDRR) programme for all within UNMIL’s capabilities and under istrative structure at both the national armed parties; with particular attention acceptable security conditions, in close and local levels; to the special needs of child combat- cooperation with other United Nations to assist the transitional govern- ants and women; and addressing the agencies, related organizations, gov- ment in conjunction with ECOWAS inclusion of non-Liberian combatants; ernmental organizations, and non-gov- and other international partners in to carry out voluntary disarmament ernmental organizations; developing a strategy to consolidate and to collect and destroy weapons and to ensure an adequate human rights governmental institutions, including a ammunition as part of an organized presence, capacity and expertise within national legal framework and judicial DDRR programme; UNMIL to carry out human rights pro- and correctional institutions; to liaise with the JMC and to motion, protection, and monitoring to assist the transitional govern- advise on the implementation of its activities; ment in restoring proper administration functions under the Comprehensive of natural resources; Peace Agreement and the ceasefire to assist the transitional govern- agreement; ment, in conjunction with ECOWAS to provide security at key govern- and other international partners, in ment installations, in particular ports, preparing for national elections sched- airports, and other vital infrastructure; uled for no later than the end of 2005.

2 UNMIL FOCUS February 2005 From the Editor s the curtain gramme is reshaping the lives of dis- Secretary-General Jacques Paul Klein Acame down armed combatants. had said, flagging off the first group of on 2004 and The voluntary disbandment of the homebound returnees. The return of Liberia ushered in three warring parties -- LURD, refugees and IDPs will pick up more the New Year peace- MODEL and ex-GoL -- in line with the speed in the coming months and, fully, there were gen- Comprehensive Peace Agreement was hopefully, a large number of them will uine reasons for yet another milestone on the path to be able to participate in the elections Liberians to cele- lasting peace in the country. Liberians scheduled for October 2005. The brate. The past year was a watershed from all walks of life have hailed the hopes, aspirations and angst of those in the country's history as Liberians dissolution of the factions. They hope who are returning home after years of decidedly turned a new leaf by dis- the nation's destiny will be decided in forced exile are captured in our cover arming and demobilizing. In collabo- the future through free and fair elec- story on refugees and IDPs. ration with the UN, over 100,000 com- tions, never again by power-hungry Huge challenges remain. Many batants -- protagonists of the civil war war-lords. Liberians are still in exile. Additional that had brought the country to its Meanwhile, as peace prevails, donor assistance is urgently needed knees -- disarmed. many of those who had to abandon for the rehabilitation and reintegra- With the destruction of over 27,000 their homes and flee during the civil tion programmes for the ex-combat- weapons, 29,700 pieces of ordnance war have begun returning. Over ants. Unemployment and poverty lev- and more than 6.1 million small arms 100,000 internally displaced persons els are unacceptably high. Yet, with ammunition, Liberia has effectively (IDPs) have already returned sponta- peace prevailing in the country and parted ways with the culture of vio- neously while another 30,000 have the prospect of democratic elections in lence that ruled the country for been assisted by the UN to return to sight, Liberians have every reason to decades. Today, thousands hands that their places of origin. As of mid- be optimistic about a better future. once wielded weapons are busy January, UNHCR had helped more You will sense that optimism in the ploughing fields, laying bricks, stitch- than 7,500 Liberian refugees return stories we bring you in this issue. ing clothes, baking cookies and writ- home from neighbouring countries. ing notes in classrooms. Elsewhere in “A new day is upon us. Yesterday's this issue we describe how the dreams are today's realities,” as Mathew Elavanalthoduka Rehabilitation and Reintegration pro- Special Representative to the

Special Representative of the Contents Secretary-General and Coordinator of United Nations Operations in Liberia Jacques Paul Klein Mandate ...... 2 From the Editor ...... 3 Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Operations The Homecoming ...... 4 Steinar Bjornsson To Sleep Under My Own Roof ...... 7 When the Ivorians Came ...... 8 Deputy Special Representative of the Assisting Returns ...... 10 Secretary-General and Humanitarian Interview: Jacques Paul Klein ...... 12 Coordinator A Second Chance ...... 14 Abou Moussa Mohammed 15 Gate ...... 15 Quick Impact ...... 16 Chief of Public Information Christine Koerner Warring Factions Disbanded ...... 19 Interview: Lt.-Gen. Daniel Opande ...... 22 Editor and Head of Publications Truth and Reconciliation ...... 24 Mathew Elavanalthoduka Interview: Mark Kroeker ...... 26 Keeping the Peace in Monrovia ...... 28 Design and Graphics Peace Dawns in Central Liberia ...... 29 Rifet Arapovic No Longer a Dangerous Place ...... 30 News Briefs ...... 32 Photos Eric Kanalstein UN West Africa Envoys Meet ...... 33 Liberians Speak ...... 36 Published by the Public Information Timeline ...... 39 Office, United Nations Mission in Liberia

Printed by Buck Press Ltd., Accra, Ghana

February 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 3 As the first group of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees return to Grand Cape Mount, one of the 13 counties declared 'ready for return,' Ashim Choudhury accompanies them on their journey home. TThhee HHoommeeccoommiinngg

errytown IDP camp was abuzz with excitment on the morning of 8 November. In the clearing near the camp crowds of men, women and Pchildren were thronging. It was a special day. The first group of IDPs was returning home. Lending to the festive mood was a woman playing the foot-tapping sa-sa. “Give me ten dollars, I'll hold it. Give me 100, I'll take it,” she sang to bemused members of the international community gathered there. The children were thrilled, posing for pictures in front of cameramen who had descended in droves on this otherwise sleepy community of displaced persons. Flagging off a convoy of 15 buses and five trucks were Special Returnees wait eagerly for the trucks Representative of the Secretary-General Jacques Paul Klein and the NTGL home was destroyed; her ma was there, faces. Chairman Charles Gyude Bryant. Mr. waiting for her. As the convoy rolled out of Perrytown Klein aptly said, “A new day is upon us. But it was not that easy for all. As the past swamps, rubber plantations and ver- Yesterday's dreams are today's realities.” returnees scrambled on to the trucks and dant countryside, the mood was jubilant. For Saidu Gulaf Ali, 56, it was indeed a buses that would take them home, two Nearly an hour and a half later, we were dream come true. He was returning to his nearing the Sinje Transit Camp. As the home in Grand Cape Mount. After spend- It didn't matter that her home convoy entered the camp, the returnees ing two and a half years in Sierra Leone was destroyed; her ma was spilled out of their trucks and buses with and then nine months at Perrytown, this there, waiting for her. their belongings. This was the last stretch was the day he was waiting for. Despite of their journey home. They headed for the the fact that he was fasting for Ramadan, anxious persons could be seen clutching reception hall where they were given their he had a spring in his step. Was he happy? their WFP ration cards. A man was holding first two-month food ration (they would “Yeah…” He broke into a grin as if asking, on to his son who was not on the transport pick up the second one later) courtesy of “Do you have any doubts?” Also waiting manifest, while a woman worriedly eyed WFP, while UNHCR was providing the at the returnee departure tent, Hawa her two little daughters, only one of whom non-food items. The returnees also Kamela wasn't exactly grinning, but was was registered. They could not board the received five US dollars each to help pay nevertheless glad this day had finally truck that would take them home. The two for the final leg of their journey home. come. “Yes, I'm happy to go back. It's my parents were desperately pleading with the For Pappa Baye, a woman in her six- own country,” said the widow, 30, echoing officials. Thanks to the intervention of an ties, it was a long day as she and her fam- the sentiments of her two daughters UNHCR officer, they could finally board ily of five waited in the queue for the food accompanying her. It didn't matter that her the truck, and the smiles returned to their and other 'goodies'. Her husband had died

4 UNMIL FOCUS February 2005 plans to grow fruit and vegetables on her Forced to Flee two-acre plot of land. “Me, will plant cas- The civil war that began in 1989 led Peace Agreement in August 2003, sava. Will you give me brush and o to a massive displacement of Liberians. which ended Liberia's back-to-back machete?” she wanted to know. The first wave of Liberian refugees fled civil war, saw many Liberians return Likewise, Musa Perry wanted to know to border towns in neighboring Côte spontaneously. To date nearly 100,000 if he would get farm implements. With his d’Ivoire, Guinea and Sierra Leone. have returned spontaneously, while old mother, wife and three grown-up sons, Others found themselves displaced UNHCR has facilitated the return of he had received several items to carry back within the country, hoping to return more than 7,500 refugees and 30,000 home. Surveying his newfound 'wealth' he soon. But as the war intensified and IDPs. This year, an estimated 150,000 said, “Me happy…Thank God.” Earlier in dragged on for years, most of those who Liberian refugees are likely to head the day we had met Musa leaving his fled across the borders remained in back home, mainly from neighbouring those countries, and were granted per- Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea and Sierra manent refugee status. There were three Leone. A promise kept major waves of displacement during UNHCR has committed $14 million Chairman Bryant made a very short Liberia's 14 year civil war - in 1990, to help the return and reintegration of 'speech' to the IDPs and refugees gath- 1999 and 2003. Thousands of Liberians IDPs in Liberia this year as seven more ered at Perrytown camp on that also moved on to countries, like Ghana, counties have been declared safe for Monday morning. He said that he was Togo, Gambia, Senegal, and Nigeria return. Of this, over $5.5 million will be invited to visit them in the camps, but with which Liberia did not share com- spent on non-food items and extra dis- steadfastly refused to do so. Why? mon borders. According to estimates, tribution outlets for returning IDPs, “Because this is not your home,” he nearly half of Liberia's three million $3.5 million on providing transportation said. “I will visit in your homes on people fled into exile. UNHCR regis- allowance to get them home, and $5 Friday. The food you eat, I will eat. tered about 350,000 Liberian refugees million on reintegration projects in The place where you lay your head, I in the various countries of asylum. areas of return. want to lay my head too. Let's hurry Another 464,000 became IDPs of which With the seven newly-cleared 'safe' and get home.” The short speech had a some 262,000 registered at official counties - Lofa, Grand Gedeh, Nimba, big impact. The camp dwellers and camps mostly around the capital Montserrado, Grand Bassa, River Gee members of the international commu- Monrovia, the rest living in unofficial and Maryland - 13 out of the 15 nity present cheered at the sheer sim- squatter camps or staying with friends Liberian counties are now ready for plicity and appeal of the message. and family. return, paving the way home for 98 per- Some doubted whether he would keep But as the Economic Community of cent of the Liberian refugees living in his promise. But come Friday the West African States (ECOWAS) started West Africa. Grand Kru and Sinoe are Chairman and his cavalcade set out for efforts to broker peace in Liberia, some the only two counties yet to be cleared Grand Cape Mount. Dressed in an of those who had fled began returning. for return. informal yellow shirt, he met the The signing of the Comprehensive By Tom Winston Monboe returnees. Not in their homes as prom- ised, but in the Sinje Transit Centre where they had gathered. They offered before the war and her house had “fallen” workers. One can only hope that some him white fowls, a token of their to the fighting. But now with her sons in good samaritan helped her out of her affection and respect. He reciprocated tow she was beaming at the prospect of dilemma. with a sack full of 250,000 Liberian For 35-year old Famata, the problem dollars “to help you return home.” The She could not leave her chil- was even simpler - she and her three little returnees cheered, “Oio! Oio! Oio!!” dren unattended to go fetch sons were hungry. “I will talk, but I'm hun- her rations and non-food gry,” Famata said when queried about how she items. felt. Her husband was returning home. Another woman whose away at the tent where loss of her husband left her in charge of the WFP was distributing the family was not as lucky. With a suckling food rations. After some child at her breast and another tiny tot tug- prodding she said that her ging at her skirt, she looked distressed. house in Dukabongoma Her problem was that she could not leave was “broke down” but that her children unattended to go fetch her she would manage the rations and non-food items. “How can I first few days sleeping at a go?” she was pleading with nobody in par- friend's house. Her parents Chairman Gyude ticular. Alice's husband had died in the were killed in the war, but Bryant and Jacques war. And here she was, left to fend for her- her spirit was not broken. Paul Klein flag off the self, lost in the melee of returnees and aid She had already made convoys

February 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 5 At the transit camp in Sinje

What's in a name? “What's the difference between IDPs and refugees?” Actually none. Just that refugees flee across the borders of their country. IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons), on the other hand, flee their homes but remain within the country. Refugees are people who flee to a foreign country because of a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opin- ion. Refugees have duties to the country Perrytown 'home' where he had lived for He would also seek the help of his stu- in which they seek asylum. They have four years. “This one was born in the dents to brush and till his land. “Anywhere to conform to the laws and regulations camp,” he said, pointing to his toddler son. you make farm. In Macca Town you don't for maintaining public order in the host Later that afternoon we found him again buy land.” The NGOs were already on the country. Unlike IDPs, it is more diffi- outside the Sinje Transit Camp. He and his ground, ready to help. Earlier in the day cult for refugees to return home since family had been waiting with their belong- Deputy Special Representative of the they have to cross international borders. ings on the side of a road for a vehicle that Secretary General and Humanitarian Like refugees, IDPs too are victims would finally take them home, but on that Coordinator for Liberia Abou Moussa had of war and other threats. However, day none came. That night, they slept at a said, “We have to move from emergency unlike refugees, IDPs have no interna- relative's house in Sinje Town. There was food assistance to sustainable food securi- tionally defined legal status. Liberia's hugging and embracing, and they felt they ty. We have to provide seeds and agricul- IDP situation was triggered by years of were almost home. tural implements and seize the planting intermittent civil war. As the war moved Unfortunately, some, like Walakewon opportunity provided by the dry season.” towards the capital, so did the displaced Saye, had no relatives in Sinje who they That was reassuring for the likes of Saye population. Some 20 camps were estab- could stay with. With his wife and five and thousands of others returning to their lished around Monrovia while a dozen small children he wondered - “How do I homesteads after a prolonged absence. others were set up in other parts of the get home,?” concern writ large on his tired Saye and his family finally got home country. Nearly 300,000 IDPs are living face. It was a long wait on the roadside. that evening. Not by a taxi or a pick-up in camps while the rest reside in local The children were hungry. But there was van, but a UN car! Seeing the plight of the communities. At any given time there no sign of any taxi or truck going to Macca family a UN vehicle going in their direc- are far more IDPs in the world than Town where Saye lived. It was an hour's tion gave them a lift. Despite the bumpy refugees. drive, and it was dusk already. We started ride, it was a happy end to a hard day for As peace began returning to Liberia chatting. He was an “instructor”, teaching Saye. The family reached home before the following the deployment of UNMIL, mathematics and social studies. It was a last rays of the setting sun had fallen on the IDP-return movement kicked off on voluntary job that did not earn him any Macca Town. 8 November 2004. Since then, nearly money. But it gave him satisfaction and a Even at that late hour, Sinje Transit 30,000 IDPs have been assisted to certain standing in his community. And Camp had not yet emptied entirely. return. However, UNHCR does not what did he need to start a new life? Returnees were still trickling out of the have the mandate to take the lead in IDP Taking a long pause, he said, “Zinc and facility, and it was already dark by the time assistance. The agency is nevertheless, nails.” Zinc was for roofing his house. last ones left. Tomorrow, more would heavily involved as part of the Joint Nails, to fix the wood and bamboo frames. arrive, and the process of return would Planning Team (JPT), including It was so basic, the need for a home! continue. UNMIL, WFP, IOM, LRRRC and NGOs. JPT coordinates the trucks, non- food items and a local transportation A young returnee allowance to facilitate the movement of people to their homes. WFP leads the food distribution effort. Justin Bagirishya, WFP Country Representative said school feeding programmes would play a key role in encouraging IDPs to return home."Many people will feel reluctant to return if they are unsure their children will be fed," he said. With inputs from Tom Winston Monboe

6 UNMIL FOCUS February 2005 By Francesca Fontanini s uprooted Liberians head home following the end of a 14-year civil conflict, they are finding out that it takes more than resilience to begin aA new life in the face of so much destruction and lack of income earning opportuni- ties. The task of rebuilding is immense. The scars of war are everywhere. In former battle zones, most houses and buildings are roofless or pocked with bullet holes and destroyed by bomb blasts. Rain forests have swallowed villages left empty for years. In many areas, only stubbles of con- “To sleep under crete can be seen poking through thick foliage where once churches and government buildings stood. Schools, hospitals my own roof…” and basic facilities are in ruins. Despite the daunting conditions, the Liberian refugees are not waiting for ideal lower Nimba County, Liberians are President Samuel Doe. As of mid-January, circumstances to return. Despite their returning to their homes following more than 6,500 Liberian refugees have enthusiasm to begin a new life back home, UNMIL's successful disarmament and been repatriated by UNHCR. some have ended up in camps for dis- demobilization programme. With 13 of 15 Counties in Liberia placed people, unable to proceed to their “Peacekeepers' deployment in all parts of declared safe, this year, an estimated homes because the government has yet to Liberia allows all of the refugees and 150,000 Liberian refugees are likely to declare some areas safe. IDPs to resettle,” said Moses Okello, head back home, mainly from neighbour- Juliet Massaquoi, a 24-year-old mother UNHCR Representative in Liberia. ing Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea and of four children, returned to Ganta in The return of stability to Liberia and Sierra Leone. northern Liberia on her own initiative. “I the efforts of the humanitarian communi- In 2005, UNHCR will initiate more came with nothing. My relatives and ty to restore basic services in areas of than 1,000 community empowerment friends are helping me, but I need food to return led UNHCR last October to launch projects in collaboration with local part- feed my children,” Massaquoi said. the organized repatriation of Liberian ners and the communities as part of the Despite the difficulties, she is happy to be refugees to areas declared safe by the 4Rs initiatives - Repatriation, home after spending years in a refugee Liberian government. Refugee camps in Reintegration, Rehabilitation and camp in Guinea. “Even if my house is rid- Sierra Leone, Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire and Reconstruction. UNHCR has set up 19 dled with bullets, I can finally sleep under Ghana host some 350,000 Liberians transit facilities countrywide in anticipa- my own roof,” she said. some of whom first went there in late tion of a large number of refugees and Reconstruction is evident everywhere 1989 when Charles Taylor began an IDPs who are expected to return before the in Ganta, a bustling commercial center insurgency against the government of rainy season. near the border with Guinea, 230 km northeast of Liberia's capital Monrovia. In the last several months following deployment of peacekeepers in Ganta, many refugees have returned and begun rebuilding the town. Today, many restaurants, beauty parlors and shops filled with goods brought in from just across the border with Guinea have reopened in Ganta. Outside the town, farm lands have been cleared and planted with rice and maize. In

February 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 7 When the Ivorians Came By Ashim Choudhury The UNMIL Force Commander Lt.-Gen. iberia was just about returning Opande was expected, as was the BBC to peace and normalcy. People media team. There was an air of expectan- who had fled to neighbouring cy when we reached the under-construc- countries were beginning to tion temporary shelters. Hundreds of return spontaneously or assist- refugees were huddled under the shade of edL by UNHCR. It was a time to feel good trees, mostly women and children. “As in and prepare for the return of the Liberian most cases, the women and children have refugees. And then a sudden turn of events come first,” explained a UNHCR official. in Côte d'Ivoire early November overtook For every woman there were at least four everything else. The first group of Ivorians children, mostly bare bodied, playing hap- fled to Liberia on 5 November 2004 (this pily. There were few men. was not the first time that Liberia was Florence Doua, a young woman with a hosting refugees in the middle of its own suckling child, said she did not know the crisis. In 1991 many people from Sierra whereabouts of her husband for more than Leone fled to Liberia to escape civil war in a week. “Men are targets, so he fled to the their country). bush,” she said. Did her husband know of What began as a trickle soon became a her whereabouts? She could not tell. In tide. By the end of November UNHCR most cases the women were alone. The had registered over 10,000 refugees. men had stayed back to protect their According to estimates more than 13,000 homes and harvest the crops. Like many Ivorians had crossed over into Liberia, other compatriots, Florence had walked mostly into Butuo and Gborplay in Nimba for weeks before crossing over to Butuo. county. In all they were coming in through Like the others, she too was hungry, wait- some 20 crossing points. The influx con- ing for the food that would be distributed tinued even weeks after the guns in Côte in due course. “Waiting on a hungry stom- d’Ivoire had fallen silent. Was it the fear of ach isn't easy,” she said. a possible war that was forcing Ivorians to Among the milling crowds around the flee? refugee shelter Ernest Kpan, 40, stood out We traveled to Butuo, on the border because he spoke English. “I've spent with Côte d’Ivoire, to find out. Onthat late more years in Liberia than in Côte November afternoon the otherwise sleepy d’Ivoire. I've done my education here,” he town centre was teeming with activity. said. With his wife and six children,

8 UNMIL FOCUS February 2005 Canoes on the Cestos river

Most refugees return With the situation in Côte d’Ivoire fast returning to normal, many Ivorians have returned home spontaneously. Canoes on the river Cestos carrying Ivorian refugees were actually headed in the opposite direction, taking many refugees back home. According to UNHCR and its partners the number of refugees soon fell from over 10,000 to less than 6000. "UNHCR will continue to watch the situation very carefully and be prepared in the event of any inflow of refugees again from Côte d'Ivoire," Moses Okello, the UNHCR Representative in Liberia had said. In view of the returns Okello, addressing a press conference at UNMIL, said UNHCR had “frozen” its plans to erect a new camp in Butuo.

Ivorian refugees at the temporary shelter

Ernest was staying with a friend in the both French and English and freelanced as community. He had fled Pepleu which was an interpreter with the Bangladeshi peace- some 60 kms inside Côte d’Ivoire along keepers. Like those who had fled, he too with five other families. “Once we hear was a Yakoba. He had sent his Liberian the shooting we run.” It took his group wife and six children to Butuo. What was some three days to reach Butuo, going he afraid of? “In the last war in 2002 they from “bush to bush.” killed my parents. How can I be sure they But travel to or from Butuo was not will not kill me this time?” he asked. new to Kpan or other Ivorians like him. However, Etienne agreed that things were Many of them have inter-married and keep once again falling into place, and people crossing the Cestos river that divides the were returning. Earlier, the Mayor from two countries. They even speak a common Bin-Houye had even sent his representa- language. Ghio in Liberia is the same as tive to Butuo, asking people to return. Yakuba in Côte d'Ivoire. So for most of the Next morning, the refugee shelter Ivorians crossing over to Liberia, it was a looked almost deserted (most refugees bit like being at home. Most of them lived stayed in the community). The few women with friends or relatives in the community. clustered around the fires were cooking fu- It's another story that the host community fu and curry. Children played happily. The in Butuo had meagre resources for them- men were out in the bush to collect wood selves, which they readily shared with the or plant cassava. One of the women com- 'guests'. It was intriguing, why the Ivorians plained, “Life this side too hard.” But had fled. despite the hard life Liberians themselves We traveled to Bin-Houye inside Côte faced, they were glad to offer shelter to d'Ivoire. Three kilometers into the country their brothers and sisters from across the we met Ouyabi Dehi Etienne. He spoke border in their hour of need!

February 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 9 By Lucas Cibor he arrival of UNMIL peacekeeping forces in October 2003 put an end to hostilities in Liberia but not to the suffering of its displaced people. WhileT Monrovia slowly returned to a state of calm, for a while the rest of the country remained at the mercy of rag-tag gangs of former rebel fighters. Any displaced person deciding to go back to the interior was doing so entirely at his or her own risk. For most, staying back in the camps was the only real option.

Not all IDPs depend on the UN for transport to return home. Many are willing and able to make the journey on their own, once their county is declared ready to receive them. They are the “spontaneous returnees”

At the peak of their occupancy, the 20 officially recognized IDP camps and 14 or AAssssiissttiinngg RReett so spontaneous settlements around Monrovia hosted over 464,000 IDPs. Although the Liberian authorities and international community did their utmost to alleviate the suffering of the displaced, living conditions in the camps were unde- niably difficult. Overcrowding, shortages of basic sup- plies, rudimentary sanitation facilities and occasional insecurity (especially for the women and girls) were routine fare for thousands of IDPs. These difficulties were compounded by high levels of unemployment, brought on by the very nature of an IDP camp which makes finding a job very challenging. Many of these problems continue to be addressed on an ongoing basis thanks to the hard work of organisations responsible for the management of the camps. Nevertheless, many IDPs can ultimately succumb to a feeling of dependency on others for survival, which frequently takes away their dignity and self-worth. The best way to avoid this pattern is to leave the camps and return home. Accordingly, the UN Family in Liberia has begun facilitating IDP returns to those

10 UNMIL FOCUS February 2005 areas of the country declared ready to the total to 13). As more facilitated and receive them. As in previous such scenar- spontanous returnees stream into the hin- ios throughout the world, attention has terland, it is critical that they arrive to find focused on providing the IDPs with trans- a functioning local administration. The port, food and household items as part of NTGL is currently working with the UN their return package. Family to ensure that county and district But given the large numbers of IDPs level officials are in place and working still living in camps around Monrovia effectively. (approximately 300,000) and the short time remaining before the 2005 rainy sea- A part of these funds will go son and elections, the traditional approach towards providing additional of trucking people home may prove inade- assistance to IDP camps, but quate. The resources available for trans- porting IDPs home are limited - not all the majority is targetted at those who want to go will find a place on creating acceptable living the IOM and UNHCR trucks. conditions in rural areas In response to this, the UN has decided to offer more assistance to all those IDPs through various community- who are willing and able to make the jour- driven programmes. ney home on their own. These “spontaneous” returnees organise their own trans- The UN is also well aware of the signif- port back and are often the first ones to icant gaps in the provision of basic servic- arrive in villages and begin rebuilding es and other key sectors which returnees facilities and restarting food production. are likely to face in their towns and vil- This makes it easier for their communities lages. To help address these, the Office of to cope with the occasionally large influx the Humanitarian Coordinator published prompted by facilitated return pro- the Integrated RFTF Humanitarian Appeal grammes. It is estimated that 100,000 in December 2004, soliciting US$246 mil- ttuurrnnss lion from donors to intervene in the most Importantly, spontaneous urgent areas. A part of these funds will go returnees are not unassisted. towards providing additional assistance to IDP camps, but the majority is targetted at Provided they hold a valid creating acceptable living conditions in WFP ration card, they will rural areas through various community- receive their allotment of a driven programmes. Much of this early development work four-month food supply, Non- will be overseen by District Development Food Items (NFIs) as well as Committees and Town Development a transport subsidy from one Councils. The two will be supported by the of the multiple distribution UN Development Programme which will help communities decide on development points set up in the counties priorities and organize themselves to of return. achieve them. They will work to empower the local inhabitants, taking care to include IDPs have already gone back spontaneous- returnees, ex-combatants and other previ- ly throughout Liberia. ously marginalized groups in the decision- Importantly, spontaneous returnees are making process. not unassisted. Provided they hold a valid By mid-January, over 30,000 IDPs had WFP ration card, they will receive their been assisted to return home, while some allotment of a four-month food supply, 67,000 more had registered for the return Non-Food Items (NFIs) as well as a trans- process. To date, most of the returnees port subsidy from one of the multiple dis- have gone back to Bomi County. The Joint tribution points set up in the counties of Planning Team (JPT), an UNMIL-led inter- return. This process is now likely to accel- agency group which includes UNHCR, erate, with the recent decleration of seven IOM, WFP, UNMIL, LRRRC and an NGO HOMEBOUND additional counties as “ready for return” representative, is coordinating their Refugees and IDPs board the (all except Sinoe and Grand Kru, bringing return. truck for their villages

February 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 11 “WE RESPOND TO THEIR You have been at the helm of the In a candid interview with Editor Mathew Mission for more than 15 months. Elavanalthoduka, the Special Representative of the What would you say are our major achievements? Secretary-General and Coordinator of UN Operations, I think the single major achievement of Jacques Paul Klein, recounts the work of the Mission and UNMIL was the disarmament of over 100,000 ex-combatants. I was told when I reveals his plans to take up a teaching position at came here that there were 35,000 combat- Princeton University soon. ants. The actual number turned out to be almost three-fold! Over 6 million rounds of ammunition have been collected and destroyed, 27,000 weapons and almost 30,000 pieces of ordnance. We are talking about mortars, machine guns, rocket pro- pelled grenades…

Over 22,000 disarmed combatants were women and more than 11,000 were children. The child soldiers, although I was told could be over 30 per cent, were only 11 per cent. What's most important about the child soldiers is that we have reunited 95 per cent of them with their families or parents.

Now, what else do we do here? We feed every day 600,000 people. We've immu- nized 1.5 million children against measles, 230,000 against yellow fever, 900,000 against polio. Thousands of teachers are being trained and schools are running as normal. Businesses are open- ing and GDP is way up as compared to last year. We have now a lower crime rate than most of the countries of Western Europe! These are some very positive developments since UNMIL came in.

In 1997, we had a similar attempt at bringing peace to Liberia and it failed. It was mainly attributed to the failure of the reintegration and rehabilitation of combatants. Now, the rehabilitation and reintegration phase is experiencing a serious financial crunch. So, are we going to fail a second time? No, I think we will find the money but it is troubling as you said. In other words, among those 100,000 ex-combatants were combatants from previous wars. The failure the last time was not to collect all the weapons, not to destroy all the ammunition and they failed to fully disarm them,

12 UNMIL FOCUS February 2005 ruption. Not the whole government certainly, but there are ministers and various departments that are corrupt. That's also a CRIES…” problem leading to donor fatigue. You have repeatedly said that there is a but to leave them as structured organiza- “deficit of political commitment” on tions. This time we disbanded them on 1 the part of some members of the tran- November. LURD, MODEL and the sitional government in fulfilling the Taylor people went out of business. terms of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Could you elaborate? The US government has come through One group does not want elections with substantial help for rehabilitation because under the Accra Accords, the cur- and reintegration and some 8,000 ex- rent Ministers and the Chairman and combatants are benefiting. We, the UN, Deputy Chairman cannot run for office. are funding a very sizable group as is the So, some of the Ministers are saying: “If European Union. The EU will probably we cannot run for office, do we need an come with some additional money, per- election at all? I'm very comfortable haps as high as 50 million dollars, in the being a Minister. Couldn't we have a two next two or three months. So I hope to or three-year UN mandate, then the elec- get over the RR problem. tions?”

But we have been fairly adamant. The paying a large part of the tab for the other African Union, ECOWAS, UN, donor equipment, the crime laboratory, etc. countries, all agree that elections should We expect to have 1,900 police officers take place in October this year in line trained and deployed by the time of the with the peace agreement. elections.

Are the preparations for elections on You have a tough, taxing job. We often course? see you working even on holidays. How Oh yes, I think we are in good shape. The do you cope? people that we have here have done elec- You see, when I came here I was a retired tions in South Africa, Croatia, Angola, General, a retired Ambassador. I was Mozambique and Haiti, so we have a about to go to Princeton to teach. Then good electoral team within the Mission. Secretary-General Kofi Annan invited me We have the expertise and we are work- to come to Liberia so the Princeton ing in close collaboration with the assignment was deferred in 2003 and Elections Commission. We will be hiring again in 2004. It cannot be deferred any about 4,000 Liberian students for voter further so I will definitely be leaving registration, and probably several thou- soon. sands more to be poll watchers around the polling stations. Now, are we doing any good here for The recent tsunami disaster in Asia has those thousands of Liberians in those IDP Can you assure a secure atmosphere diverted a lot of donor attention in that camps that we're feeding, for the many during the elections? direction. Could this affect the much children in orphanages that we are Certainly. We'll have 15,000 military per- needed donor assistance to Liberia? arranging a home for, for the several sonnel, 1,200 Civilian Police and 400 Oh, it has. You see, someone told me thousands of students that we're providing members of the formed police. recently, “You had your tsunami. Your school bags for? tsunami was between August 2003 and We are also training a new Liberian February 2004.” Had the warring factions We respond to their cries. Then you sit at Police Service although this has been a come together, put a package together your desk at night and put your feet up real challenge because Charles Taylor had with the National Transitional and ask : “What did I do today that was criminalized the police, they were instru- Government, gone on the road saying useful?” Of course, it is a rewarding, sat- ments of oppression. So back in May we “the war is over, we are dedicated to isfying experience. We do this collective- began recruiting candidates for a new building a better future for Liberia,” ly in this Mission, our staff come from 3500-strong police service. We are work- donors would have come. Instead, they over 100 countries, different religions, ing with the Belgian Government. They were busy jostling for power internally. races and yet we all find a way to work will provide the fire arms that we need to Compounding the situation now is cor- together under the UN and do the right arm the police. The U.S. Government is thing.

February 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 13 A Second Chance

ishing his course in electrical work. “I've designed rattan computer table produced finished training in house wiring…I can by students from the furniture workshop. rewind a motor,” he says with a proud One of the rattan furniture students was grin. It's difficult to believe that this little actually catering to small orders in Kakata, boy was part of the fighting forces not so where he lived. “I waiting for UN to help long ago. Mulbah Jackollie, the Principal me open shop,” he said. of BWI, is very proud of his youngest stu- Not everybody was waiting for help. dent. “He's very good, very skillful,” he Kpannah Dunorr, who was bent over a says about his favourite pupil. After the skirt on her sewing machine in the tailor- training Edwin also attends night classes. ing workshop, said she was already mak- “I want to go for academics,” says the pre- ing “small money” stitching clothes for cocious 15-year old. people from her village. The tailoring class Like little Edwin, many of the ex-com- had 19 girls and 11 boys. Steven Kamara, batants (a moniker they hate) in BWI are the instructor, was happy that his students working overtime to prove to the world, had picked up their 'threads' very quickly. and to themselves, that they are eager to “They stitch both men's and women's out- get back to a normal and productive life. fits. Many bring materials from their And if the proof of the pudding lies in the homes and take them back, stitched here,” CAKEMAKERS eating, the cakes that Mercy Gaye, 26, and he said. It was the same at the auto work- At the confectionery workshop Tina Tokpah, 23, had brought us tasted shop, where the ex-combatants repaired delicious, proving their baking acumen. cars belonging to BWI staff. At the time of “They should get ten out of ten,” someone our visit, the RR students at the auto work- With the disarmament and who had eaten a piece of the cake said. No shop were working on a major project, demobilization phase of one objected to the full marks. Both assembling a car from scratch (read scrap). Mercy and Tina, former combatants, had “After two weeks, this will be running,” DDRR over, the emphasis learnt to make cakes, jam and peanut but- their instructor assured us. At the electron- now is on successful rehabili- ter at the BWI bakery. Some of them had ic workshop another RR student was try- tation and reintegration of even started working on birthday and ing to fix a DVD player alongside regular ex-combatants. The Booker wedding orders. In all BWI's RR program students. had some 125 women, most of them train- So when Principal Jakollie said, “We're Washington Institute is ing in 'Home Economics,' which included very confident that our students will make among a handful of organi- tailoring, hairdressing, cosmetology, soap zations in Liberia trying to making and, of course, baking. In all there were seven vocational give the former fighters a courses for the RR students including second chance in life. Auto Mechanics, Masonry, Carpentry, Electricity, Electronics, Agriculture, Poultry Farming, Animal Husbandry and Home Economics. The eight-month cours- By Ashim Choudhury es which began in June 2004, will come to he Booker Washington an end in February, 2005. Unlike the reg- Institute (BWI) in Kakata, ular courses, which last four years, the RR founded in 1929 and named courses are short. after the African-American “The RR curriculum, because of the educator, was one of the few short duration, lays greater emphasis on Tinstitutions that “survived” Liberia's 14- the practicals and less on theory,” says year civil war. Today it stands as one of the Bernice Williams, who heads the depart- few symbols of hope for Liberian people, ment of Home Economics. And to test Trying their particularly the 777 disarmed and demobi- their skills the students have often worked skills at lized ex-combatants who are training there for the Institute itself. For instance, Ms soap-making alongside regular students in agriculture Williams' fancy hairdo was the work of a and various vocational courses. student of cosmetology. The students had The youngest beneficiary of the also undertaken major repair and electrical UNDP-sponsored RR program is teenager work in two of the BWI buildings. The Edwin Slocum, who is on the verge of fin- Principal's office has an ingeniously

14 UNMIL FOCUS February 2005 Children, some as young as ten years, were used as soldiers, cooks, messengers, or even sex slaves during Liberia's civil war. Mohammed Wayee, now 24, was one among them but today he is a transformed person. J. Wesley Washington met him. Engineers in the making “Mohammed a good beginning,” one knew it was not an empty boast. “We have a very strong eval- e was an innocent 10-year uation system, and we will give two differ- old in 1990 when he joined 15 Gate” ent types of certificates,” Jakollie said. the “Wild Geese” Small Some 90-95% students would get Boys Unit (SBU) of the “Achievement” certificates while the National Patriotic Front of remaining 5-10%, not attending classes HLiberia (NPFL). The SBU boys were regularly, would only get “Participation” guarding Charles Taylor who was then certificates. The students, mostly from residing in the executive mansion in around Kakata, though happy to have Gbarnga. The brutal boys were part of accomplished their courses, were also what was called the Executive Mansion eager to know if they would get a “start-up Guard Battalion. package” once they had completed their Mohammed was in the fifth grade when training. Jakollie was aware of the expec- he picked up the gun. It was pressure from tation and had requested funds from the peers that forced him to become a child the soldier. “I joined because I was continu- Joint Implementation Unit (JIU/UNDP) that was implementing the programme. ously being harassed and intimidated by boys of my age who were soldiers in the METAMORPHOSIS “We'll give seed money on a case to “ 15 Gate” at BWI case basis, for the ones who want to start Small Boys Unit. One morning while an individual or cooperative enterprise,” accompanying my mother to the market, I the Principal said. He was engaging pri- again encountered them and was humiliat- vate companies to work out 'campus place- ed. That's when I made up my mind to join ment' strategies. The idea of allowing the them,” he said. 'I would have my own gun RR students to provide services to external to protect myself from further harassment ilant, effective and fearless,” Mohammed customers at subsidized rates was also and intimidation', Mohammed told him- admitted. It is a well-known fact that child being considered. That would not only self. soldiers were forced to take drugs by their make the programme self-sustaining but Around 1993 Mohammed had already adult superiors in order to make them fight also give the students better experience. gained notoriety. By then he was head of ruthlessly. Meanwhile, for the agriculture students the “Wild Geese” Small Boys Unit that In 1996 with the initiation of the peace there may already be some good news. Of was assigned the Kakata-Monrovia high- process, Mohammed was disarmed and the 487 of them, some 200 are likely to be way at “Firestone's 15 Gate”. That's where demobilized by the ECOMOG forces. He absorbed into an 18-month rubber and he got his new name “Mohammed 15 was back at school. But then he heard his palm oil nursery project with Liberia Gate” - as a ruthless and uncompromising friends saying, 'Pappe calling us back.' Community Infrastructural Project SBU commander who, like many other Moreover life was hard without any source (LCIP), funded by USAID. When that child soldiers, committed untold atrocities of income. So by 2000 he was back in his happens, BWI could take some genuine against civilian men and women. He was old unit. And all that mattered then was credit for the rehabilitation and reintegra- brutal in ensuring that no arms left the that he could once again address President tion of former combatants. Liberians, par- frontline or entered NPFL controlled terri- Charles Taylor as “Pappe”. As the conflict ticularly prospective employers, should tory from 15 Gate. escalated in 2003, he fought alongside the make all efforts to absorb the RR students, Why was he so ruthless and uncompro- ex-Government of Liberia (ex-GOL) so they can truly participate in the recon- mising? “I was under the influence of forces during the more recent episode of struction of Liberia. drugs. We did that to be seen as being vig- Liberia's civil war.

February 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 15 When he was again disarmed last year By J. Wesley Washington by UNMIL he opted for a vocational Reintegration he Zoegowee Elementary and course in carpentry at the Booker Projects Junior High School, in Washington Institute (BWI) Former In keeping with Article VI of the Gbehlaygeh District, Nimba Combatants Rehabilitation & Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the County, over 750 kilometers Reintegration Project. “I was one of the UN is implementing rehabilitation and from Monrovia, was built in few ex-combatants selected to assist in the T1956. It was renovated in 1976. Twenty- reintegration through the JIU/UNDP in construction of cantonment sites before concert with Liberia's National nine years on, the building had nearly col- the disarmament and demobilization Commission for Disarmament, lapsed, in part due to Liberia's 14-year process commenced. And that's how I Demobilization, Rehabilitation and civil war. Moreover, being the only junior developed an interest in carpentry,” he Reintegration (NCDDRR). Several high school within the district, the school said. Mohammed, who shortly finishes the projects supported by the UNDP Trust also could not host the growing student eight-month training in carpentry, says Fund are being undertaken to provide population, particularly as the refugees he's ready to assist in reconstructing what agricultural training, vocational skills and IDPs began returning. Nearly 500 he helped to destroy. training, formal education and on-the- Even the BWI principal, Mr. Mulbah job training including psycho-social Jackollie speaks highly of him. “When he counseling, reproductive health and first enrolled here, he was indisciplined HIV/AIDS. Parallel programs support- and a law unto himself. But now, he has ed by the European Commission (EC), Quick transformed into a leader of his student United States Agency for International colleagues. When they want to cause prob- Development (USAID) and other kindergarten, elementary and junior high lems here, it is he who calms them down donors are also being implemented to school students now attending the school had and pleads with them to respect the rules give ex-combatants the chance for a to congregate under the shade of trees in the of the school.” Mohammed, still sporting new beginning. yard. And when it rained, the school had to his dreadlocks, is a transformed Christian. Of some 20 such ongoing projects, close down. Now he is a member of the Youth ten are funded by the UNDP Trust Much of all that has changed now thanks to Department of the Transient Bible Church Fund, two by the EC and USAID is the UNMIL Quick Impact Project (QIP). in Kakata, Margibi County. During a funding public works projects. Presently, three of the school's buildings, recent church conference the repentant Currently some 14,591 former combat- which will have 11 classes and two offices are former combatant requested his pastor to ants are being covered for training pro- being renovated. “The QIPs have liberated the accompany him within the community so grammes, while another 18,000 are students from their suffering.” This had, for that he could plead for forgiveness from expected to be covered soon. In addi- long, affected learning in this area,” says E. those he had offended during the war. And tion some 7, 798 ex-combatants are Daniel Mahn, principal of the Zoegowee which, he said, they accepted in good enrolled in 103 schools for formal edu- School. A seventh grader from the school, Yah faith. “I feel a free man now, ready to look cation. A total of 11,869 ex-combatants Dahn, summed it up: “Thanks to UNMIL for in the direction of a better Christian life,” are targeted for this programme. the assistance. As the words “quick impact” he said. “Mohammad 15 Gate” urges all Students undertaking the programmes suggests, we have seen quick results.” former ex-combatants to emulate his are also given a US$ 30 subsistence The Zwedru Multilateral High School example and ask forgiveness from those allowance per month besides education- (ZMHS) in Grand Gedeh County, a vocation- they offended during the war. al materials. al school, constructed in April 1978 with help Mohammed, who prior to the most Meanwhile, UNICEF is handling the recent fighting was a tenth grade student at formal education needs of ex-combatants through the Community Education BEFORE the Effort Baptist School, wants to contin- Classroom under the trees ue his education after graduating from the Investment Program (CEIP) where par- BWI RR project. “I hope that if we are ticipating schools are assisted with edu- given start-up kits after graduation, I'll like cational materials and sanitation sup- to join some friends and open a small car- port in exchange for enrolling students. pentry shop. I also want BWI to give me a This program is also being supervised scholarship so that I can do the regular by the Ministry of Education. Most of academic programme. I think I need an the RR programs are implemented by academic education to supplement my local or international NGOs and train- vocational skills,” he says. ing institutes such as the BWI. Of some Like the once notorious “Mohammed 100,000 combatants who have given up 15 Gate”, the RR programme expects to arms the current RR program is cover- transform many former fighters into ing only about 20,000. Needless to say, responsible citizens eager to contribute to there is a huge funding need to include Liberia's reconstruction and rehabilita- the remaining ex-combatants for reintegration. tion.

16 UNMIL FOCUS February 2005 well as returnees. “UNMIL's renovation of these facilities has created a positive impact on the health of the people of this area,” says general coordinator of the OPD, Timothy C. Cleta. These are just a few of the 112 projects undertaken since the start of the QIP programme over a year ago, totaling US$1.23 million. Sixty-two of these projects cost- ing US$575,000 have been successfully completed and handed over to local communities. The educational sector consti- tutes 63 percent of the total projects. With a budget of US$ 1 million for the year School building under renovation 2003-2004, QIPs provide emergency relief in the areas of education, health, water and school's administration and the United public sanitation. States Agency of International With improved security and the subse- Impact Development (USAID) funded Liberia quent disarmament throughout the coun- Community Infrastructural Programme try, UNMIL QIPs, initially limited to from the World Bank, was also vandalized (LCIP) recently signed a MoU to train Monrovia, have now spread to other coun- during the war. Equipment, training tools nearly 1,500 ex-combatants in technical ties including Bong, Grand Cape Mount, and much of the infrastructure was looted and vocational skills. Grand Gedeh, Lofa and Margibi where or damaged. Again, it was the UNMIL QIP QIPs are now focusing on facilitating over 25 schools were rehabilitated benefit- that salvaged it. “Had it not been for the resettlement of returnees into their ing nearly 20,000 students. UNMIL that rescued this institution when communities. In Bong County, for exam- In addition, over 30 school rehabilita- it was drowning, we would not have com- ple, 12 water wells around Gbarnga City tion projects are currently underway in menced school,” said T. Marvin Goah, a were rehabilitated, chlorinated and provid- Bong, Bomi, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape senior student. ed with hand-pumps giving some 24,500 Mount, Margibi, Montserrado and Nimba eooff After the renovation, the student popu- people access to safe drinking water. To counties and will benefit close to 45,000 lation climbeded to over 613 students. make it sustainable, some community students, many of them ex-combatants. Many of the students here are ex-combat- members were also trained in hand pump Rivercess, River Gee, Gbarpolu, Sinoe ants and former child soldiers. Many more repair and maintenance. and Grand Kru are some of the new coun- students would like to enroll, but due to In Lofa County, the Curran Lutheran ties to be targeted soon. limited capacity admissions are currently Hospital in Zorzor, which provided basic The QIP Unit has meanwhile sensitized closed. Christina Gobah, 20, an ex-com- health facilities to locals and people from community leaders and local organizations batant and aspiring computer scientist, neighbouring Guinea was totally throughout the country on the availability expressed her gratitude to UNMIL for destroyed. This rehabilitated hospital now and funding mechanism of QIPs. As a making learning better at the institution. provides out-patient, immunization, and result, over 700 project proposals for criti- As a follow up to the renovation, the other health services to the community as cal needs are being currently reviewed.

QUENCHING THIRST A water well in Gbarnga

February 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 17 More Funds from Sweden

emonstrating Sweden's Apart from the contribution to the commitment to peace and DDRR Trust Fund, Sweden is partici- stability in Liberia, the pating in the United Nations Mission in Swedish Ministry for Liberia (UNMIL) with 240 troops in the Foreign Affairs recently Quick Reaction Force as well as Dcontributed an additional 10 million Civilian Police and staff officers at the Swedish Kronor (ca 1 million Euro) for UNMIL headquarters. Over the years, ne way or another they all the Disarmament, Demobilisation, Sweden has consistently supported contributed to bringing Rehabilitation and Reintegration humanitarian and reconstruction efforts, Liberia down to its knees, (DDRR) efforts of former combatants contributing approximately 88 million leaving a trail of death and in Liberia. This is in addition to an ear- Swedish Kronor (about 9.3 million destruction, poverty and Odisplacement. They are the most recent lier contribution of 14 million Swedish Euro) last year alone. The country is Kronor to the UNDP Trust Fund. “The also taking an active part in the peace protagonists of Liberia's back-to-back peace process in Liberia, with a com- process in Liberia and the region as a civil war that ravaged the country for 14 prehensive implementation of the whole. The Swedish State Secretary for years. A little over a year ago, they were DDRR-programme, is of outmost sig- Foreign Affairs, Mr Hans Dahlgren, is all bitter foes. nificance for stability in the whole assigned as the Special Representative But there is always a chance to say region,” said the Swedish Minister for of the Presidency of the European enough is enough, and turn a new leaf. Development Cooperation Carin Union to the Mano River Countries. He That is what they did, collectively, much Jämtin. As the DD part of DDRR is also co-chairs the International Contact to the relief of Liberians who had borne over, the challenge now is of rehabilitat- Group for Liberia (ICGL). the brunt of the protracted civil strife. ing and reintegrating more than 100,000 It was 3 November, three days after ex-combatants. the nearly year-long disarmament of over 100,000 ex-combatants had officially come to an end. The venue: Executive Swedish troops play a crucial role in Liberia Mansion, Monrovia. Leaders of the three warring parties -- Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD), Movement for Democracy in Liberia (MODEL) and forces of the former government of Charles Taylor (ex-GoL) -- came together to announce the dissolution of their fac-

ECOWAS Chief Mediator Abdulsalami Abubakar and Jacques Paul Klein at the dissolution of the factions

18 UNMIL FOCUS February 2005 Warring Factions Disbanded tions, marking a historic milestone in the also agreed to refrain from any acts that peacekeepers, for upholding the Accra implementation of the Comprehensive would adversely affect the implementa- Peace Accord. Peace Agreement. tion of the peace accord. Nigeria's former Head of State and Witnessing the ceremony were Calling it a “historic day” for Liberia, ECOWAS Mediator for the Liberian Chairman Gyude Bryant, Special the top UN envoy said the signing of the peace process, Gen. Abdulsalami Representative of the Secretary-General joint declaration by the warring factions Abubakar, urged the erstwhile factions Jacques Paul Klein, ECOWAS Chief is a reaffirmation of their “desire for and the people of Liberia to “forgive and t” Mediator Abdulsalami Abubakar, peace.” forget” and to engage in “politics without Members of the Transitional Government “The international community will bitterness.” and the Assembly, members of the diplo- continue to assist the good and decent The Comprehensive Peace Agreement, matic community, and a host of other reli- Liberians to achieve a stable, prosperous signed in Accra on 18 August 2003, gious and civic leaders. and peaceful Liberia. We will continue called for the dissolution of the factions In a joint announcement, the three fac- the work we have set out to achieve and upon completion of disarmament and left tions stated that their fighting forces and we will honour the promise we have open avenues for them to join mainstream military commands had been “completely made to this country and its people,” Mr. politics by not imposing any restrictions disarmed and disbanded” and that all Klein said. to form their own political parties. weapons and war material in their posses- Chairman Bryant applauded the “hon- “It is great for this country that the fac- sion had been surrendered to the UN ourable, bold and courageous” step taken tions have been dissolved and they are Mission in Liberia. by the former warring parties to disband promising to work for peace,” says Having ceased to exist as military themselves for the sake of peace in the Patricia Chea, 34, who was forced out of forces, the factions agreed not to “own, country. He praised the role played by the school due to war and lost her brother to use or carry” any weapons or instruments Economic Community of the West the guns. “It is time for all of us to move of war and vowed “not to engage in any African States (ECOWAS) in the forward as Liberians, as one people.” use of force, either individually or in con- Liberian peace process and commended That is one sentiment echoed throughout cert for any reason whatsoever.” They the United Nations, particularly the Liberia today.

February 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 19

through police, customs, or administra- people have nothing to eat, they have no Outgoing UNMIL Force tion. In total, the security in the country future, they feel that they are not repre- Commander Lt.-Gen. Daniel has improved a lot. sented in the Government. The government must respond to the aspirations of Ishmael Opande in conversa- In the transition from anarchy to the people. Just taking away guns from tion with UNMIL FOCUS just peace, what do you consider as your the ex-combatants will not make the memorable moment in Liberia? country peaceful. For peace to be sus- before his departure. It was when we completed disarmament. tained, there have to be more meaningful The time I was convinced that the major- elements. ity of the ex-combatants had been dis- As you leave Liberia, what are your armed, I breathed a sigh of relief. So Apart from the troops, how important thoughts about the security situation in when we completed disarmament, I felt is the Force Commander's relationship the country? one phase of our main task was complet- with the government, people and the I leave at a time when we have improved ed. I was happy also because of the bureaucracy? tremendously on the security situation eagerness that I saw in the eyes of the ex- My relationship with the government, the since last year. Throughout the country, combatants. However, it raised another people of various counties or political one can now travel from one corner to question. I said, 'Are we going to be leadership has been excellent. I don't “Security in the country the other without harassment by armed people or ex-combatants or be in fear of being lynched or attacked whether during the day or night. In the countryside vil- has improved a lot” lagers are no longer afraid of somebody knocking at their equally successful in reintegrating them know if I'm a people's general. But I've doors to take into society, meeting their hopes and had access to nearly every leader that I away their aspirations for a better future?' needed to work with, whether they were belongings. in the diplomatic service, or in govern- We have How important is that aspect to ment or Liberians from various political made it pos- sustain peace? backgrounds. I also got a lot of support sible for the That is a major factor to maintain from certain leaders in ECOWAS. The Government lasting peace. Because it is one Chief of Defense Staff invited me every to re-estab- thing removing the weapons, it's time they held their own meetings. I lish its another thing giving them hope for could go and share my views with them authority - the future and turning them from vio- on what we were doing here, and what whether lence to be responsible citizens. they were doing in the entire region. I thank all those who have given me sup- The peace in Liberia is often port. described as “fragile” how can we make it more enduring? To the new incumbent, what's your I think that is something that is not advice? only for UNMIL but it is a com- Let me say my successor is a very sea- bined effort of everyone - soned General, well trained, professional UNMIL, the Government soldier. He's been in peacekeeping and the people of this before. From day one when he arrived country - to work here, he's been in the heat of everything. together to On the day he arrived here the balloon make went up in Monrovia, I think it was 7 peace December, 2003. I was in New York. So more he arrived in a crisis situation. Straight enduring. away, he got down to helping calm the Peace storm. cannot be There is nothing new that I would like to more offer him. I would expect that our politi- enduring, if cal leadership will give him maximum for example, support just as they have given to me

22 UNMIL FOCUS February 2005 because it's not a one-man's job. Being at the top of a Force, like this one, is not a very easy task. You need the support of everybody, the administration, the logis- The New Force Commander tics…Without that it is not easy to suc- ceed. command and staff appointments. They To the people of Liberia, what's your include the Armour parting message? Communication Instructor I am humbled and honored to know that and Technical Courses in my little participation in the peace Pakistan, the Armour Basic process has been appreciated by many in and Instructor Courses in this country. My appeal to the people of Britain (1976) and the Liberia: The way in which they have han- USA (1981), the Junior and dled themselves this one year, craving for Senior Staff Courses in peace and ensuring that peace returns to Nigeria and the Advanced Liberia, it should be the same manner in Adjutant General's Course which they should work to ensure that we in the USA. He is also a finally have sustainable peace. The gov- graduate of the National ernment has the moral obligation and War College, Abuja. He responsibility to respond to the cries of so holds diplomas in Public many who are now saying 'yes we have Administration from the peace but we have nothing to eat, no jobs, Administrative Staff no schools, no hospital.' College of Nigeria and the University of Kentucky, UNMIL Troop USA and a Master of Contributing Countries Science degree in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. His command and staff experience include appointments at Squadron, Battalion, Divisional and Army levels. He was the Training Director at the Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command ieutenant General Joseph and the Director of Administration at Owonibi was named Force the Defence Headquarters. Commander of United Lt.Gen. Owonibi was the Nations Mission in Liberia Commander of the first Reconnaissance (UNMIL) in January by Company in support of the Nigerian Secretary-GeneralL Kofi Annan. Until Battalion in the United Nations Mission his new appointment, he was the in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the Deputy Force Commander and Chief Coordinator of the Nigerian Army Military Observer of the Mission from Training Group which handled the reor- its inception. ganization and training of the Gambian Lt.-Gen. Owonibi was born on 6 National Army from 1992 to 1994. May, 1949 in Aiyetoro - Gbedde, Kogi Prior to his appointment as the Deputy State, Nigeria. He began his military Force Commander he was the General career in January 1971 as an Officer Officer Commanding, Third Armoured Cadet in the Nigerian Defence Division of the Nigerian Army. Academy. He was commissioned as a The seasoned 3-star General has Second Lieutenant in June 1973. three daughters and a son. He enjoys During his over 33 years of meritorious listening to classical and Christian service, he has undergone military and music and also plays golf. administrative courses with various

February 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 23 By Ismene N. Zarifis causes of the armed conflict in Liberia and be authorized to carry out prosecutions in recommend measures to rehabilitate vic- the future, particularly for gross human he creation of a Truth and tims of human rights violations. It will rights violations and war crimes. Reconciliation Commission investigate issues of impunity, human Developing the draft TRC Act, which (TRC) was provided for in the rights violations and war crimes during the would give the Commission its legal man- Comprehensive Peace country's armed conflict starting from the date, became one of the first tasks for Agreement (CPA) signed by rice riots in 1979 right up to 2003 when UNMIL's Human Rights Section. The TLiberia's warring parties. The Commission the civil war, that began 1989, ended. crafting of the draft TRC Act began in July was essentially meant to investigate root Though not a court of law, the TRC may 2004 through a national consultation

LOST LIMB Thousands of Liberians suffered atrocities during the war

TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION HHaanndd iinn HHaanndd wwiitthh tthhee ppeeooppllee ooff

24 UNMIL FOCUS February 2005 aimed at assessing Liberians' views and After the national consultations, a resolve differences among people. It is the expectations of a truth commission. The workshop was held involving a large rep- admission of guilt between individuals.” TRC Draft Act, presented to the National resentation of NGOs, guided by national Yet others said, “Everyone must be willing Transitional Government and currently and international specialists in the field. It to admit their wrongdoing, forgive and awaiting adoption, is one of the first pieces discussed specific issues relating to the accept those who wronged them.” of legislation in Liberia that was part of a creation of a truth commission in Liberia. Generally, people wanted the TRC to consultative process with the people and It produced recommendations on the func- be an impartial body, unbiased, trustwor- civil society of Liberia. tions and powers of the proposed truth thy, transparent, competent and inde- commission, the requisite characteristics pendent. As one respondent put it, “A for commissioners, types of reparations to truth commission should make sure that be granted, and finally, the special treat- no wrong committed goes unnoticed, that absolute documentation of all activities People wanted the TRC to be be done, and that all activities be con- an impartial body, unbiased, ducted in full transparency.” Considering that the TRC is not a trustworthy, transparent, court of law and that it cannot be expect- competent and independent. ed to issue criminal sentences, respon- dents were asked how they would like ment to be given to women and child vic- perpetrators of human rights abuses or tims. In the final phase, drawing on the war crimes to be treated. The general rec- views expressed by Liberians during the ommendation was that the accused national consultations and the workshop, a should appear before the TRC for investi- draft Act was produced during a two-week gation, and those admitting guilt, and session. The draft bill was formally pre- asking forgiveness, should be absolved. sented to the National Transitional However, those found guilty of gross Government of Liberia in September human rights violations should be banned 2004. from holding public office for at least 10 One of the key questions that Liberians to 14 years and prosecuted, some felt. -- mainly in Montserrado, Margibi, These views were taken into consider- f Liberia Nimba, Ganta and Bong counties -- were ation when formulating the draft Act, f Liberia asked during the national consultations in which designates the TRC to cover July 2004 was: “Why have a Truth and crimes from 1979 to October 2003. It also Reconciliation Commission in Liberia?” stipulates specific criteria for the charac- Answers varied. Some said, “The TRC ter of commissioners and their selection was necessary to address the atrocities and process. Commissioners can investigate other inhumane acts committed in human rights violations by reviewing Liberia.” Others said, “A TRC is necessary documents, interviewing victims and per- to look into the war years, expose the evils petrators, conducting historical research, perpetrated against innocent and unarmed and conducting public hearings. The TRC civilians, investigate crimes against will also be empowered to subpoena par- humanity, and expose those responsible ticular individuals who it feels can pro- for the crimes.” Yet another respondent vide the commission with necessary stated, “A TRC will give people the oppor- information to identify the root causes of tunity to tell their stories and to recom- the conflict and address issues of impuni- mend reforms in order to prevent recur- ty for human rights violations. Amnesty rence in the future.” will be available only to those not found The consultation team, including guilty of grave human rights violations human rights officers from UNMIL, TRC and war crimes. commissioners and NGO representatives, As the TRC draft Act awaits adoption traveled by road to remote communities by the Transitional Legislative Assembly, even in the rainy season. “What do you civil society organizations have launched understand by reconciliation and how do a massive awareness and advocacy cam- you want it to be achieved?” This was paign for the passage of the bill. As the another central question asked. Answers Liberians say -- softly, softly catch mon- included: “Reconciliation is a process by key -- the road to national reconciliation which both perpetrators and victims come may be long, but one that will be tra- together to attain genuine peace.” Others versed hand in hand with the Liberian said, “Reconciliation is an attempt to people.

February 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 25 policing. They were, in the eyes of many, counties, is it sufficient to meet the associated with the wrong doings of the requirements in the country? past, rather than the righting of the It is the beginning of a long process. Such wrongs. Public confidence in the LNP did deployments alone will not suffice in pro- not exist, corrupt practices flourished, and viding sound policing throughout Liberia. morale was non-existent. We must deploy trained officers, we must ensure democratic policing methods and How would you describe the situation we must bring to an end corrupt practices now? to which the citizens of Liberia have been We have made significant progress. subjected. It is also important that effec- Police officers in field training, both serv- tive prosecution supports the efforts of ing LNP and new recruits, can be seen the reformed police services of Liberia. throughout the streets of Monrovia, and We must let the citizens and communities in several outlying areas serving the pub- know that the police are there to serve lic. Bi-lateral donations by the US and them. We must elicit support from donors China in terms of donations of equipment to revitalize the completely run-down or have begun to arrive in the country. With non-existent police stations throughout support from the US government UNMIL the country. has renovated and opened the Liberian National Police Academy. What are the major challenges for the new LNP? We continue to undertake several core The greatest challenge will be in delivery initiatives designed to enhance the profes- of a community-based service that sional competencies of those qualified to restores public confidence. This is essen- continue in police service while jointly tial. Gaining experience that is reflective developing and implementing policies of democratic policing and built on the and procedures within LNP to raise the solid foundation of training received at institutional standards. the Police Academy will be another chal- “I will remember the

What were your major challenges in lenge. I am sure there will be many who The outgoing Civilian Police achieving what we see now? will seek to undermine this process and Commissioner, Mark The main challenges lie in the willingness return to the old ways which include cor- of the NTGL, and just as importantly the rupt practices. We cannot let that happen, Kroeker, recalls his experi- Ministry of Justice, to support the re- and I have confidence that those who ences and challenges during establishment of the rule of law in have undergone the training at the Police his tenure in a frank inter- Liberia. This must not be “cosmetic,” it Academy have the courage and integrity must be an inherent change in policy, it view with UNMIL FOCUS. to stand up for the people of Liberia, not must include ensuring that public safety the bad practices of the few. of all citizens is the overriding principle. What was the law and order situation Strong anti-corruption measures and dem- What are the major policing issues as like when you arrived in Liberia? ocratic application of law are equally far as the elections are concerned? I arrived in Liberia in early November important. We are speaking not just of elections, but 2003. Disarmament had not yet begun. free and fair elections. This requires the There was a semblance of peace in One of your main assignments was to fostering of civil reconciliation and the Monrovia coinciding with the initial train the LNP. How much have you building of community confidence that deployment of peacekeepers, yet there achieved towards that end? their environs are safe and secure in sup- was disarray in terms of law and order as The training programme is well underway port of the installation of a democratically the Liberian National Police (LNP) could with seven classes currently enrolled, five elected government. The training of the at best be described as a dysfunctional of which have been commissioned into new police and subsequent deployments police force. The years of conflict had Field Training assignments. Class Eight will play a key role in this. Further, we destroyed not only the physical and logis- began on 24 January 2005. You will see must train the police as to their functions tical capacity of LNP to provide even the first full-fledged classes of trained during the election periods in line with basic services to the public but it also officers on the streets in April 2005. the implementation of election laws, they lacked basic competencies of democratic The deployment of the police to the must know their roles in terms of security

26 UNMIL FOCUS February 2005 measures during voter registration and the e actual election. We can also expect an increase in the number of political rallies LNP heads for the counties and also demonstrations in the pre-election period. The police will continue to More than 230 police officers, had been the “source” of the problem. “I play a vital role as the first responders or including 95 Commanders, from the hope that you will respect the civil lib- detailed officers at these events. Liberian National Police (LNP) were erties of the people of Liberia and pro- deployed early December to all the 15 tect their rights, and not suppress their How do you look back at your tenure counties of Liberia, signifying rapid rights and in turn become the primary in Liberia? improvement in the rule of law in the oppressors of the Liberian people.” The I can only say that this has been a truly country. On the occasion, the Special first phase of deployments was com- positive, productive, and rewarding expe- Representative of the Secretary- pleted by 19 December 2004, and was rience. I have approached this mission General, Jacques Paul Klein urged the later supplemented with probationary with a heartfelt energy in support of not officers going back into the outlying police officers who underwent field just re-establishing the rule of law, but areas to embrace the LNP's recent poli- training. The deployment is yet another giving back to the communities and the cy on community policing. “Work in step in the restoration of police authori- people of Liberia a police service in partnership with your communities, ty and rule of law in all areas of Liberia which they can be proud, of which they solve your problems together, improve and would help implement a true com- do not fear, of which they can approach not only the security environment with- mand and control system. Acting without hesitation. And I hope that this is in your communities, but do your Director of the Liberia National Police what I have achieved, or at least laid the utmost to improve everyone's quality of Col. Joseph Kerkula expressed concern foundation for. I will remember the life,” he said. over the lack of infrastructure that was smiles of the people, the richness of the In his keynote address Charles hampering the efficiency and effective- culture. I may be moving on to anther Gyude Bryant, Chairman of the NTGL ness of the police to enforce the rule of posting, but the people of Liberia will recalled past instances, when the police law. always remain in my thoughts. e smiles”

Civilian Police Contributing Countries Jacques Paul Klein addressing the LNP officers

Motorcycles donated to LNP by the Chinese Government

February 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 27 uess who was there in One of the core tasks of Sector I was to security outfits for enhancing VIP protec- Liberia even before UNMIL ensure that the parties to the CPA comply tion and crime prevention. During the fac- stepped in? It was the with the ceasefire agreement by breaking tional struggles within the LURD in Nigerians. tactical contact between opposing military August 2004 NIBATT II maintained all- forces. NIBATT units maintained the round security surveillance around those GIn August 2003, they were here as part security at key and vulnerable points involved. At the same time the Sector of a multinational Inter-Positional Force through robust foot and mobile patrols in headquarters engaged the aggrieved par- (IPF) under the ECOWAS Mission in areas that were not covered by physical ties, bringing them to a peaceful settle- Liberia (ECOMIL). The 1,500-strong IPF deployment of troops. ment. was made up of two Nigerian battalions, a Several checkpoints were also estab- In the DDRR process the role of battalion from Guinea Bissau and a com- lished at critical locations throughout NIBATT, like the rest of UNMIL military, pany each from Ghana, Mali, Senegal and NIBATT's area of operation. Regular was to collect the armed combatants from Togo. The ECOMIL Force Commander searches at checkpoints helped recover designated pick-up points and transport Brig.-Gen. Festus Okonkwo was also a several vehicles that were snatched by ex- them to Disarmament and Demobilization combatants. The very presence of peace- sites. Troops also provided static security keepers was reason enough to deter poten- at these locations and escort protection for THE NIGERIAN CONTINGENT Keeping the Peace in Monrovia Nigerian. “It would not be wrong to say that we (Nigerians) paved the way for UNMIL to come into Liberia,” says Col. Ezekiel Olofin, Acting Commander of Sector I at its headquarters at Spriggs Payne airfield. At that time Monrovia was a city under siege. The bridge connecting Vai Town was under LURD control, Central Monrovia was under the government forces and the area around Paynesville 'belonged' to MODEL. With each faction preventing free movement of people and commodities it was a logjam. It was the Nigerians who first removed the road- blocks and facilitated the flow of com- Nigerian peacekeepers direct traffic on the streets modities specially food, of which there of Monrovia was a grave scarcity in Monrovia. The Nigerians, along with troops from tial hostile acts by the warring factions. all movements. Nigerian peacekeepers other sister ECOWAS nations, deployed With nearly 60 percent of Liberia's pop- helped to put down the crisis that came up progressively through RIA, Monrovia ulation falling in Sector I, the “security during the first DD exercise carried out in City, Bushrod Island, Po River, Red Light blanket” provided by the Nigerian peace- early December 2003. and Careysburg right up to Kakata. With keepers was critical. No wonder then, if When it comes to humanitarian assis- UNMIL coming into being on 1 October there is trouble in Monrovia they are often tance the Nigerians do not lag behind. 2003, all the ECOMIL troops were the first to be called in. “They're simply NIBATT assisted UN Agencies, such as assigned to what became Sector I, includ- good,” says an admirer. What makes them WFP, UNHCR and several NGOs to pro- ing Montserrado and Margibi Counties tick? A foot soldier from NIBATT perhaps vide security at the 12 IDP and three and Bong Town in the Bong County. Brig.- has the answer, “When we begin to make refugee camps located in Sector I. The Gen. Festus Okonkwo became the peace, we don't stop. We don't fear death.” peacekeepers' community-based pro- Commander of Sector I. On 2 June 2004 Col. Olofin says, “Our soldiers are gallant. grammes include assistance to market he handed over the mantle to another Even the ex-combatants say they can face unions, orphanages and schools. In addi- Nigerian, Brig. Gen. L N Yusuf. Since anybody but the Nigerians!” tion to presenting gifts to some schools for September 2004, Sector I has two Nigerian soldiers guard key installa- the blind and orphanages, the peacekeep- Nigerian battalions and one battalion from tions like the two airports and the Free ers have also helped in clearing the Duala Ghana after the others had repatriated. A Port of Monrovia. Even when it comes to market in collaboration with the market Pakistani Engineering Unit provides engi- VIP security, including the NTGL unions. “Winning the hearts and minds of neering support. Approximately 67 per Chairman and Vice Chairman, it's nobody the Liberian people is also at the core of cent of the operational commitments of the else but the Nigerians. NIBATT also col- our mission here,” says Col. Olofin. Sector are held by the Nigerian contingent. laborates with the LNP and other NTGL

28 UNMIL FOCUS February 2005 By Marjorea Ballada process. They also collaborated with local goods from the farms to the markets and it t never ceases to surprise how the community radio stations to sensitize ex- was possible to travel in Central Liberia villagers, especially children, get so combatants about the disarmament pro- again because of the improved road condi- excited when they see UN vehicles gramme. tions. In a country where there is no elec- passing by their communities. They From April until October 2004, tricity, this is nothing short of a miracle. wave their hands frantically and run BANSEC- I successfully disarmed a total The Bangladeshi Medical team (BAN- Inext to the road just to get a closer look at of 29,900 ex-combatants, including 6,646 MED-I), with a pool of 13 medical women and 3,048 children. This was about experts, also opened the doors of their FROM THE FIELD 30 percent of the total ex-combatants dis- Level II hospital and provided free med- Peace Dawns in Central Liberia the passengers inside. “Bangladesh! Bangladesh! Bangladesh!” they usually cheer in chorus. This just about illustrates how residents of Grand Bassa, Nimba, and Bong Counties have become so familiar Bangladeshi peacekeepers in Gbarnga with the United Nations peacekeepers from Bangladesh covering this area. It was just over a year ago that Bangladeshi Sector-I (BANSEC-I), the largest peacekeeping contingent in the mission, deployed outside the capital city of Monrovia. The peacekeepers set out for armed in the whole country. They received ical support to civilians. Everyday, local Gbarnga, Bong County on New Year's Eve several thousand weapons, UXOs, and Liberians visit the hospital for health 2003 and soon came face to face with the small arms ammunition which, if left in check and free medicines. Since BAN- harsh realities on the ground. The smell of the wrong hands, could trigger another MED-I started their operations in October, gunpowder still hung heavily in the air. it has treated more than 48,000 people. The entire county was in shambles. There From the very start the From the very start the Bangladeshi were no standing structures and properties Bangladeshi peacekeepers peacekeepers set out to win the hearts and lay looted. With no power supply, all minds of the people. However, it was not movement in the town would cease after set out to win the hearts and because of the free chop-chop (food) they sunset. The people who had fled to the minds of the people. regularly shared with the locals. Neither bush for safety remained in hiding, too was it the soccer games they played with traumatized to venture out and face the war. But recovering guns from ex-combat- the ex-combatants nor the books they dis- marauding gangsters on the streets. ants was only the first step as thousands of tributed to children in schools. It was the But this did not deter the peacekeepers civilians and demobilized soldiers had to unique Bangladeshi hospitality and charis- from Bangladesh, now the largest troop return to communities that lacked basic ma that forged the lasting bond. It was the contributing country of the UN, from services and infrastructure. And this was sincerity of their actions and the warmth of accomplishing their mission. In less than when the Bangladeshi army proved its their smiles that made their sacrifice price- three months, over 3,000 Bangladeshi sol- extensive peacekeeping experience in less. diers were deployed all over Central Africa and elsewhere in the world by With the arrival of the new batch of Liberia. Their first task was to rid the offering critical assistance on several Bangladeshi peacekeepers, Liberians whole area of weapons. It was critical to fronts. remain assured that the legacy of hard work ensure that the disarmament and demobi- Apart from constructing disarmament and professionalism exemplified by the for- lization exercise resumed in an orderly and cantonment sites in Gbarnga and mer group will continue. The people of manner. Any failure could jeopardize the Ganta, the Bangladeshi Engineering unit Central Liberia, especially the children, will peace process in the country. (BANENGR-I) implemented a “commu- always find time to wave and smile at the Initial tasks included screening of ex- nity support scheme” aimed at repairing passing UN vehicle. And when they remem- combatants, camp management and dis- roads and bridges in Gbarnga, Voinjama, ber the soldiers who helped establish the posal of unexploded ordnances (UXOs). Ganta, Sanniquellie, Saclepie, and Tapeta. new-found peace in their land, surely they Officers and soldiers undertook mock The military engineers assisted the entre- will cheer in chorus, “Bangladesh! rehearsals to familiarize themselves with preneurs in setting up local markets in Bangladesh! Bangladesh!” the disarmament and demobilization every area. People were able to bring their

February 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 29 By Alexactus T. Kaure rolling hills shrouded in the early morning mist. n 2003, Voinjama made it onto About 400 km from Monrovia, the list of “the world's most dan- Voinjama is only 48 km away from gerous places” in a book by Macenta, the nearest border town in Robert Young Pelton that goes by Guinea. When there is trouble in Guinea, the same name. During that time, the first point of entry for refugees is IGovernment forces and LURD fighters Voinjama, and vice versa. In peaceful were battling it out for the control of the times both Voinjama and Guinea stand to town that saw horrified local people flee in gain in a symbiotic fashion. all directions, becoming refugees in neigh- Most of the traders in Voinjama get boring Guinea and Sierra Leone or dis- their supply of goods from Guinea, and in placed internally. turn sell their agricultural produce there. The town changed hands several times The three major roads that emanate from during the 14 years of civil war that left it Voinjama - the Monrovia Highway, the devastated and broken. That violent past Kolahun Highway and the Macenta Road - has left some deep scars on the city -- its are all in a deplorable condition. Before infrastructure in ruins and its people trau- the civil war, Lofa County used to be the matized. The once prosperous city that VOINJAMA bread-basket of Liberia, providing the rest used to boast a population of about 30,000 of the country with rice, coffee, cocoa, now has an estimated 11,000 people. fruits, palm oil etc. With peace slowly No Longer But despite the fact that Lofa County returning, Lofa might regain its lost status. A plethora of both local and international NGOs have been arriving. And so have some agencies of the aDangerous Place UN System -mainly UNHCR and WFP. The spin-offs are evident. They was the last to disarm, Voinjama is today have been renovating some of the houses relatively calm. Both the Pakistan that were not so badly damaged, to use as Battalion II and UNMIL Civilian Police offices, store-rooms or for accommoda- here concur that things are fast returning to tion, thus providing some badly needed normal, with no major crimes reported in employment to locals. The NGOs and UN the administrative capital of Lofa, agencies on the ground have also been Liberia's second largest county that shares providing water points and wells, latrines a very long stretch of border with both and building materials. They are also reha- Guinea and Sierra Leone. However, the bilitating and renovating schools and con- name Voinjama still invokes a sense of ducting workshops in a variety of critical fear and anxiety, belying the town's beau- skill areas for the benefit of the local pop- ty - tucked away in a valley, surrounded by ulation. One of the major projects in

30 UNMIL FOCUS February 2005 Voinjama, to date, has been the renovation to be appointed at the time of writing. of the Voinjama Public School, with fund- UNHCR is frantically working to coming from UNHCR and execution by Peace plete the reception centers in Voinjama Winds Japan. and busy rehabilitating the roads, paving Things are also looking up on the the way for the eventual return of IDPs health front. In addition to the Pakistani and refugees to the county. Much of the Battalion Level I hospital, the ICRC has social dynamics of the town has changed also set up a clinic, both of which provide over the years because of the war and free medicines. ICRC is also renovating exile. The town, traditionally a Loma cen- the old Tellewoyan Hospital, at an estimat- tre, is now bereft of them as they fled to ed cost of US$100,000. Once completed, other parts of Liberia or neighboring coun- it would represent a massive boost for the tries. Interestingly, Voinjama is named after 'Voinja' - a Loma word referring to a Before the civil war, Lofa small creek that runs through the district. In place of the Loma have come people County used to be the bread- from other parts of the district and are said basket of Liberia. With to occupy buildings and land that belongs to the refugees. To make matters worse, a peace slowly returning, Lofa good number of the newcomers currently might regain its lost status in the town, according to locals, are again. Guinean nationals who have come this side of the border to escape poverty in health sector in the district and in their country. And they might be right, Voinjama in particular. because one would expect a Liberian to be What is happening here is a multi- able to speak a modicum of Liberian pronged development approach through English. However, most people on the the work of the Pakistani peacekeepers streets of Voinjama converse either in their and UNMIL, in conjunction with NGOs vernacular or some rudimentary French. and other UN Agencies. Ongoing projects Old residents of Voinjama welcome the include, among others, rehabilitation of idea of returnees which they see as a ReRett the district's infrastructure such as roads potential boost for economic recovery and and bridges and provision of lights in the rehabilitation. Already, Peace Winds Japan main street of Voinjama. is providing sinks and other building mate- With peace now holding and hopefully rials for people who are either renovating irreversible, the civil administration is also their houses or building new ones. slowly returning to Voinjama. First came One hopes this potential source for con- the immigration officers, the tax collector, flict will be resolved soon. If that happens, and now a development superintendent Voinjama would be permanently erased has also been posted from Monrovia. But from the list of the world's most dangerous the town's overall superintendent was still places.

February 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 31 News Briefs Top peacekeeping official visits Liberia UN's top peacekeep- Liberia's national elections sched- Jean-Marie Guéhenno, uled to take place in October this year ing official praised the with Jacques Paul are vital to ensuring the country's suc- UN Mission in Liberia Klein and Abou cessful emergence from a decade and for the “remarkable Moussa half of civil war and violent anarchy, progress” achieved in Under-Secretary-General for such a short time, citing Peacekeeping Operations, Jean-Marie the disarmament of over Guéhenno said during a three-day visit 100,000 combatants and to Liberia in late November 2004. the disbanding of the Stressing the inalienable right of the warring factions as people of Liberia to elect “accountable” “important milestones.” leaders, Mr. Guéhenno said the post- However, Mr. Guéhenno election scenario should not lead to a cautioned that a lot of “winner-takes-all” attitude on the part work remains to be done, especially in “real work” must be carried out by of the victors. the area of reintegrating disarmed ex- Liberians themselves and the interna- “Elections will be the foundation for fighters from Government and rebel tional community would stand by as peace only if those who win do not forces into society. “good partners.” He also urged the tran- crush those who lose. Democracy is not Referring to the gap between pledges sitional government to make an only about deciding who rules by and money “actually in the kitty,” Mr. increased effort to mobilize all sources majority vote but is also about respect- Guéhenno said shortage of funds could of income to be used for improving the ing the minority.” hurt reconstruction and reintegration, a lives of the people of the country. “critical part” of the disar- During his three-day visit to Liberia, With members of the mament and demobiliza- Mr. Guéhenno held discussions with diplomatic community tion programme UNMIL Special Representative of the Secretary- has been engaged in for General Jacques Paul Klein, the the past year. But he cau- Country Team, the Acting Chairman of tioned that donors would the National Transitional Government be unwilling to offer funds of Liberia, Wesley Johnson, Members unless there was confi- of the Cabinet, the International dence that “the govern- Monitoring Committee and members of ment structures, the judi- the diplomatic corps. He also met with ciary, the basics that make Force Commander Lt.-Gen. Daniel a country trustworthy” Opande, Civilian Police Commissioner were in place. Mark Kroeker, and UNMIL civilian Mr. Guéhenno said the staff.

Irish President Comes Calling rish President Mary McAleese, who was on a one- day visit to ILiberia on 14 December 2004, held discussions with UNMIL leadership and met with NTGL Chairman Gyude Bryant. She also visited the 400-strong Irish peacekeeping contingent deployed in the country. Mathew Elavanalthoduka/UNMIL

32 UNMIL FOCUS February 2005 UN West Africa Envoys Meet Joao Honwana, Head of UN Mission in Guinea Bissau; Ahmedou Ould-Abdullah, SRSG and Head, UNOWA; Jacques Paul Klein, SRSG UNMIL

e Ahmed Jallazo/UNMIL he heads of the five United The envoys voiced deep con- necessity for a smooth and realistic exit Nations peacekeeping and strategy for the UN and welcomed the political missions in West cern at the existence of a transitional plan aimed at moving from Africa recently decried “coalition of the unwilling” peacekeeping to peace-building. attempts to derail elections in On Guinea Bissau, the meeting called TLiberia and called on the parties in Côte who seek to derail the sched- on the need to address immediately the d'Ivoire to break the “perennial impasse” uled national elections in issue of security sector reform and the in that country's peace process. Their October and the entire strengthening of state governance as a pre- statement came in a communiqué issued in peace process. requisite for sustainable peace-building Monrovia at the end of the third high-level and post-conflict recovery. meeting of the UN envoys in West Africa, The UN envoys reaffirmed their com- held in early December. ing “on an urgent basis” an electoral law mitment to inter-mission cooperation and The envoys welcomed progress made that is in accordance with the cross-border activities including integrat- in the peace process in Liberia, but voiced Comprehensive Peace Agreement that led ed border strategies and cooperation on deep concern at the existence of a “coali- to the end of the prolonged civil war in the humanitarian issues. tion of the unwilling” who seek to derail country. The meeting was hosted by Jacques the scheduled national elections in West Africa's top UN envoys also Paul Klein, Head of the UN Mission in October and the entire peace process. The expressed concern over the lack of ade- Liberia, and chaired by Ahmedou Ould- meeting stressed the importance of enact- quate funding for the reintegration of Abdallah, Head of the UN Office for West demobilized combatants. They also Africa (UNOWA). Other participating stressed the need for resources to facilitate officials were Albert Tévoédjré, head of the return and reintegration of internally UN Operation in Côte d'Ivoire, his coun- displaced persons as well as Liberian terpart in Sierra Leone, Daudi Ngelautwa refugees who fled to neighbouring coun- Mwakawago, and João Honwana, Head of tries during the civil war. UNOGBIS, Guinea Bissau. On Côte d'Ivoire, the UN officials High-level meetings were organised appealed for good faith on the part of all following a request by the Security Ivorian parties to ensure that they live up Council for UN peace missions in the to commitments undertaken before the region to take concrete action towards international community. The also empha- implementing a regional approach, includ- sized the importance of freeing the State- ing pulling together UN assets across and Daudi Ngelautwa Mwakawago, owned media to ensure “equal access to all exploiting synergies among the operations SRSG UNAMSIL; Albert Tévoédjré, SRSG in Côte d' Ivoire parties and all views.” to achieve greater efficiency and cost-

Mathew Elavanalthoduka/UNMIL On Sierra Leone, they stressed the effectiveness.

February 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 33 News Briefs UNMIL raises $25,000 for Law School iano maestro Sasha Toperic organized by UNMIL and raised US$ dents. Handing over the cheque to Cllr. from Bosnia and 25,000 for the renovation of University Wilkins Wright, the Acting Dean of the Herzegovina, who had of Liberia's Louis Arthur Grimes Law School, Special Representative waived his concert fee, School of Law, the country's only insti- Jacques Paul Klein said, “Let this con- played at a charity concert tution teaching and training law stu- cert be another small step in bringing P Liberian society back together.” ahwElavanalthoduka/UNMIL Mathew Thanking Toperic on behalf of all Liberians, NTGL Chairman Gyude Bryant said, “The fact that you have come to help us recover, it's gratifying and appreciated. We will remember it and I'm sure the university will carry your name in their archives.” The Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, named Jacque Paul Klein after the late Chief Justice of the and Sasha Toperic Supreme Court of Liberia, was founded hand over the in 1951 and was one of the leading cheque to the institutions of legal education in West Acting Dean of the Africa. The funds raised will enable the Law School law school regain its position as a center of excellence for legal scholarship and training. “Operation Pothole” launched

“Operation Pothole,” a programme saw battles, brutality and desperation is to rehabilitate storm drainages, dam- appreciable furtherance towards recov- aged bridges and potholes along streets ery and normalcy.” and major supply routes in Liberia's United States Ambassador, John W. capital of Monrovia, was launched on Blaney said, “When people see that 28 January 2005. The project, first of its their environment is becoming more kind since the cessation of hostilities, functional and clean, they have more was launched by UNMIL in collabora- desire to build peace, normality and tion with USAID/LCIP and the prosperity.” Speaking at the launch Government of Liberia. Speaking on function Liberia's Transitional the occasion, the Special Representative Government's Chairman, Gyude Bryant of Secretary-General Jacques Paul thanked UNMIL, the US Government, Klein said, “The rehabilitation of the and LCIP for their “generosity, concern various streets that only 18 months ago and interest.”

SHOWING THE WAY Jacques Paul Klein, Gyude Bryant and John Blaney

34 UNMIL FOCUS February 2005 Mathew Elavanalthoduka/UNMIL

UNMIL RADIO When the kids took over unday 12 December was an were discussing. lowed by diverse opinions from call-in incredible day for some 60 With the phone lines opened some contributors. That was followed by a thir- children and a few friends, young callers had interesting suggestions ty-minute programme featuring as studio who came to UNMIL Radio, to make. At 10.30 it was a chance for the guest Col. Joyce Puta, UNMIL HIV/AIDS to take over the airwaves of children to let their parents and friends Policy Adviser. The topic 'AIDS and the S91.5 FM. After a careful screening process know that they were at UNMIL Radio for Teenager', addressed the issue of how to the number had whittled down from over the ICDB, which gave all the young deal with stigmatisation and misconcep- 400 to 50. The children had been put broadcasters an opportunity to say a quick tions linked with HIV/AIDS. At 2.30 p.m. through their paces by the UNMIL Radio hello to their family and friends, and play there was a brief respite as the next thirty staff the day before, and nominated for the them some music. After the 11 a.m. news minutes was spent listening to some popu- programmes they wanted to do. it was SMART TIME, a quiz programme lar tracks on the station whilst the children Rehearsals, recordings and test readings, designed to test the children's academic took time off to feast on a well deserved all took place in one long day, in prepara- skills and IQ, battled out live on air. late lunch and prepare themselves for the tion for the big event. At 8 a.m. Sunday ICDB POSTBAG featuring five pre- final stages. After the 3 p.m. news brief, they started arriving, and the invasion con- senters was an opportunity for the children listeners were treated to VOICES on tinued until airtime. to pose some hard questions to the adults ICDB, a series of short debates on three The International Children's invited. In a quick-fire session which took issues - “the pen is mightier than the Broadcasting Day (ICDB) finally com- the adult guests by surprise the children sword”, “street kids”, and “sexual menced at 9 a.m. with 'OUR WORLD'', a put them through a formidable test. Adults exploitation” - once again with some sur- programme for young children, presented facing the barrage of questions in this pro- prising views and enlightening comments by them featuring the Rights of the Child, gramme included Minister of Transport, from the budding radio journalists. Story time, Q&A with Ambassador Dr Vamba Kanneh, UNDP DDRR Policy After a long and tiring day, and with the Marron Cassels, Amazing Facts, a news adviser Dr. Charles Achodo, UNICEF sun going down, the ICDB broadcasters bulletin for young listeners and, of course, Rep. Angela Kearney, UNMIL's Gender hosted their final programme from outside lots and lots of music. At 10 a.m. the first Policy Adviser, Joana Foster and Minister the studio. This was 'GREETINGS,' giv- of the hourly news bulletins was read. The of Education Evelyn Kandakai. ing the children a final chance to get back second programme of the day was 'PROB- CHOICES was an entertaining discus- to the microphone and send out messages LEMS and SOLUTIONS'. It looked at sion, with supporting drama, on the issue to their friends and loved ones. The cur- problems of the young from their own per- of peer pressure, temptation and what tains came down with a live on-air presen- spective, and came up with a few incredi- wrong decisions or choices could lead to. tation of certificates and prizes and ble solutions to some of the issues they This programme for teenagers was fol- speeches by the organisers and representatives of the children. Finally the goodies: PROVING THEIR METTLE All participants received books donated Children at UNMIL Radio by the United States Embassy, T-shirts from UNICEF, and specially printed certificates. Prizes were also given out to the “youngest presenter,” the “most helpful,” “most punctual,” “best male voice”, “best female voice,” etc. The programme was an occasion for UNMIL Radio to identify a pool of talent to build on as future broadcasters of Liberia.

February 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 35 LIBERIANS“What Do You Think SPEAK About the Disso

Dumuwa Ballah, 32, Petty Trader, Voinjama “We can say thank God that all this is history. As an IDP residing in Bong Alice K. Kemokai, 30, Office Assistant, County, the latest development in the Voinjama peace process has made it possible for me “I'm very happy that they have been to return home and I'm very grateful.” dissolved and to have an elected government come October. People can now move freely and IDPs and refugees would be able to return.” Henry Varmon, 40, Construction Worker, Monrovia “I am pleased that at least this time around, ex-combatants received benefits which are now putting to use by engaging in small business ventures. I'll like to thank UNMIL and others who initiated the idea.”

Cecelia Massaquoi, 21, University Student, Morovia “The exercise was worthwhile and I'll Oscar Sayeh, 40, Police CID, Butuo like to commend UNMIL for doing a “I feel very fine. We don't go to war good job in seeing to it that the warring again. It will bring freedom of movement factions were disbanded and that ex-com- and true liberty to the people of Liberia.” batants were disarmed, demobilized and reintegrated into society.”

Albert B. Geninyan, 47, Police Officer “Things are improving in Lofa County and people have begun returning because of progress in the peace process. Before now, it would have been unthinkable to Musa Fiah, 12, Ex-combatant have been assigned as a policwe officerin Nasea Luar, 70, Carpenter, Butuo “We are feeling fine about the way the this area. It shows that we are now moving “I happy. Earlier I hide in the bush peace process is progressing in Liberia. back to the rule of law” because of the fighting between them. It Now that the war is over, for me, a child was problem. Now I can do my work as a soldier, I want to return to school.” carpenter.”

36 UNMIL FOCUS February 2005 olution of the Warring Factions?”

Borley Massaquoi (32) Security - INTER- Kollie K. Kamanda, 35, Voinjama CON, Monrovia “That was very fine because those guys “There should be no more support for had molested us for so many years. It's the warring factions; it's good that they good that UNMIL came in and took the have been dissolved.” arms from them. I'm very impressed that majority of these ex-combatants are in Deddeh Jackson, 21, University Student, skills building schools or seeking some Monrovia formal education.” “I'm happy about the outcome of these ex-combatants. At least after a war, these ex-combatants are benefiting from pack- ages including vocational and skills training while others are doing small skilled businesses. I think that this fine. As it relates to the disbanding of former warring factions, I think it's a good idea so that we can have an integrated society after this Seleke V. Balloh, 53, Transport Union war.” Official, Voinjama John Kollie, 32, Journalist, Monrovia “During our 14-year war, civilian trans- “You could have never brought sanity portation to rural Liberia was severely here if you had the rag tag military struc- hampered; but with the former factions ture that was in place in this country disbanded, refugees and IDPs are gradual- because they would have still had the feel- ly returning to their original communities ing of leadership of their various rebel here in Lofa” groups in our country. They would feel that they are a parallel power to the sitting government in this country.”

Ansu M. Konneh (26), Youth Leader, Voinjama “We thank God that our county is Sabah B. Kollie, 39, Secretary, Monrovia Musa V. Kelleh, 27, LURD ex-combatant, “I think the exercise was good to have Voinjama returning to normal after war. What has disbanded the ex-warring fighters and that “Our reason for taking up arms has gone wrong with us is behind us and the country is now united. Also, now that been achieved. As such, my next objective events in the peace process over the last the ex-combatants are disarmed, demobi- is to do something for myself. I will take year are encouraging to say the least. We, lized and reintegrated we can live peace- advantage of some basic skills training and the youth, have a challenge ahead of us to fully and move the country forward.” become a productive citizen.” build on this so that it is sustained.”

February 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 37 Deputy Special Representative Appointed

The United Nations Secretary- Earlier, Mr. Bjornsson worked in the General Kofi Annan has appointed United Nations Industrial Development Steinar Bjornsson as the new Deputy Organization and the United Nations Special Representative for Operations Secretariat in New York. He has also in Liberia. A native of Iceland, Mr. served with the United Nations Iran- Bjornsson has had a long and distin- Iraq Military Observer Group between guished career with the United Nations. 1990 and 1991, and the United Nations He served most recently as Director of Disengagement Observer Force from Administration in the United Nations 1991 to 1992. Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) A 1967 graduate of the University of between January 2003 and July 2004. Iceland, majoring in Economics and Prior to that Mr. Bjornsson served as Business Administration, Mr. Bjornsson Director of Administrative and was born on 11 February 1942. Common Services and Deputy Director-General at the United Nations Office in Vienna from September 1999 to May 2002. Between September 1997 and August 1999, he served as Deputy Director in the Field Administration and Logistics Division of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). He was Director of Administration in the United Nations Peace Forces in the former Yugoslavia from September 1995 to August 1997 and in the United Nations Operation in Somalia from June 1994 to August 1995. New Chief of Public Information

Christine B. Koerner joined UNMIL research on how to strengthen the infor- in January as the Chief of Public mation capacity of UNOSOM. Information. Until her new appoint- Author of several publications on ment, she was Director of the United Albania and Kosovo, Ms. Koerner was Nations Information Centre in Harare, a Research Fellow at the University of Zimbabwe. Her association with the Munich (1976-1977) on Political and United Nations first began in November Social Developments in Southeastern 1978 when she joined UNICEF in New Europe. York as Information/External Relations She graduated from the University of Officer for the International Year of the Munich with a Ph.D. (with great hon- Child (1979). ours) on how Albanian nationalism In 1981 she joined the UN expressed itself before and during Department of Public Information, Communist rule. Her dissertation, pub- serving in various capacities as Writer, lished in 1981, received an award from Editor and Media Liaison Officer. In Suedosteuropa Gesellschaft for best 1986 she was promoted to Senior Editor dissertation in its field. and Deputy Chief Editor of the She also studied at the Universities Yearbook of the United Nations. of Vienna, Rome and Prishtina In 1989 she was leader of a mobile (Kosovo). Born in Germany, Ms. team, monitoring registration of voters Koerner has spent most of her adult life and elections in Namibia. In 1993, she in the United States. went on mission to Somalia, to do

38 UNMIL FOCUS February 2005 Timeline 1 October 2003 Liberian Police is launched by the 17 August 2004 Day One of UNMIL, ECOMIL troops UNMIL Civilian Police with the Disarmament begins in Ganta. “rehatted” as UN peacekeepers. enrollment of the first class of 24 men and one woman. 29 September 2004 6 October 2003 Disarmament begins in Harper. First meeting of Joint Monitoring 5 - 6 February 2004 Committee (JMC) comprising repre- Liberia’s Reconstruction Conference 01 October 2004 sentatives of all factions under UNMIL held in New York to address short and UNHCR launches the voluntary repa- auspices. mid-term reconstruction and develop- triation. 500 refugees make the first ment needs. US$520 million pledged. trip home from Ghana and Sierra 14 October 2003 Leone. National Transitional Government of 15 April 2004 Liberia (NTGL) takes office. DDRR programme resumes. 20 October 2004 Disarmament begins in Gbarnga. The NTGL declares six counties -- 1 December 2003 Grand Cape Mount, Bomi, Gbarpolu, UNMIL stages a symbolic destruction 20 April 2004 Margibi, Bong and Rivercess -- ready of arms and formally launches the Disarmament begins in Buchanan. for the return of Internally Displaced DDRR Programme in Liberia at Camp Persons (IDPs). Schieffelin, Monrovia. 25 April 2004 Disarmament and demobilization 31 October 2004 7 December 2003 begins in Tubmanburg. The Chairman of the NTGL announces UNMIL begins disarmament at the first the official end to disarmament. cantonment site at Camp Schieffelin, 5 May 2004 Monrovia. SRSG Jacques Paul Klein and NTGL 3 November 2004 Chairman Gyude Bryant formally Liberia's three warring factions offi- 18 December 2003 launch the recruitment campaign for cially disband themselves marking an Following discussion with Liberian the new Liberian Police Service. historic milestone in the implementa- political and military leaders, UNMIL tion of the Comprehensive Peace announces the suspension of the disar- 6 May 2004 Agreement. mament and demobilization process to Disarmament recommences for ex- allow for the creation of more capacity GoL militias at Kakata. 8 November 2004 and the upgrading of living conditions The first group of 500 internally dis- at the sites. 10 -11 June 2004 placed persons and returnees begin Force Commanders of UN peacekeep- their journey home, marking Liberia's 23 December 2003 ing missions in Liberia, Sierra Leone, ongoing transition from conflict to SRSG Jacques Paul Klein addresses and Côte d’Ivoire meet in Monrovia to recovery and rehabilitation. the Security Council on the first report enhance regional coordination. of the Secretary General concerning 20 - 22 November 2004 the situation in Liberia. 24 - 25 June 2004 UN Under-Secretary General for UN Security Council mission visits Peacekeeping Operations, Jean-Marie 27 December 2003 Liberia. Guehenno visits Liberia to review UNMIL Pakistani contingent deployed UNMIL activities and the peace at Clay Junction, marking the first mil- 9 July 2004 process. itary move into LURD-controlled area. Disarmament begins in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County. 30 November 2004 31 December 2003 The Liberian National Police begins its UNMIL expands its presence to 12 July 2004 deployment to all 15 counties of Buchanan and Gbarnga, deploying NTGL Chairman Gyude Bryant and Liberia, signifying rapid improvement over 650 Bangladeshi peacekeepers. SRSG Jacques Paul Klein launch the in the rule of law in the country. training programme for the new police 12 January 2004 service of Liberia at the newly 14 December 2004 The Interim Police Training Course reopened Police Service Training The National Transitional Legislative (IPTC), designed to provide provision- Academy in Paynesville, Monrovia. Assembly adopts a revised electoral al training to current members of the reform law.

February 2005 UNMIL FOCUS 39 UNMIL FOCUS, Vol. 1, No. 02 A publication of the United Nations Mission in Liberia Public Information Office