Vol. 5, No.UNMIL 01 FOCUS September - November 2008

Elite Police Unit Takes Shape

Rice, More Rice? - Exclusive Interview Together as One

MARTTI AHTISAARI Message from the Special Representative of the Secretary-General

urgent security incidents, and to give . She urged Member States to con- operational support to the Liberia tinue to support UNMIL until peace is National Police. properly consolidated in Liberia to pre- The government of Liberia has taken vent a relapse into conflict as has hap- commendable steps since the end of the pened elsewhere in the world. civil war in spurring economic growth As Liberia emerges, slowly but and improving public financial adminis- steadily, as an inspirational story of how tration and better management of the a shattered nation can put its troubled country’s natural resources. The past behind and embrace a promising Government of Liberia and the UN future, the international community must Country Team are working together to continue to assist the nation’s develop- ensure the successful implementation of ment efforts as peace without develop- the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS), ment is unsustainable. Moreover, eco- the blueprint for the country’s current nomic and infrastructural development is development agenda. crucial for reducing the high level of Some progress has also been made in unemployment, especially among the strengthening and rebuilding national youth, who are most vulnerable and sus- security institutions. Efforts aimed at ceptible to detracting factions. turning the Liberia National Police into a UNMIL remains committed to fulfill- fully independent and operational institu- ing our mandate to maintain peace and briefed the UN Security Council in tion are continuing and capacity-building stability in Liberia at this critical stage in September on the Secretary- initiatives are being implemented to tack- the country’s peace building process. We General’s 17th progress report on le systemic logistical and management will continue to support and boost the Liberia, highlighting the achieve- challenges facing the security sector. Government’s rebuilding efforts, while ments and challenges in delivering However, a lot still remains to be done. enhancing the capacity of Liberians to Ithe peace dividend to Liberians, while Inadequate infrastructure, outdated take ownership of their nation’s develop- preserving the gains made so far. I also legal frameworks, shortage of qualified ment. seized the opportunity to visit personnel and other limitations in the During my recent visit to New York Washington D.C. to meet with some US country’s judicial and correctional sys- and Washington my message to the Administration Officials and members of tems need urgent attention. Such limita- Council members and my interlocutors in Congress. tions are often reflected in widespread Washington was that Liberia has come a In late September, the Council unani- public frustration, resulting in extra-judi- long way in the past five years since the mously adopted a resolution to extend the cial measures and mob violence. Further, end of the conflict. There is, however, a mandate of UNMIL for another year. It gender-based violence, especially rape, lot more to be done in order to consoli- endorsed the Secretary-General’s recom- continues to be disturbingly high and is date on the gains that have been achieved mendation to reduce by 1,460 UNMIL often perpetrated on very young girls. thus far. It is therefore not yet the time to military personnel, including troops, offi- In her address to the General declare victory and leave Liberia, rather cers, observers, and engineering and Assembly in September, President Ellen it is time to redouble our collective administrative units. At the same time, it Johnson Sirleaf highlighted the critical efforts (Government of Liberia, UN and also approved the proposal to increase role of UN peacekeepers and the interna- members of the international community) the number of police personnel from 605 tional community in revitalizing the to ensure that the peace process becomes to 845 to provide strategic advice and economy, rebuilding infrastructure and truly irreversible. expertise in specialised fields, to react to consolidating peace and security in

Ellen Margrethe Løj Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Coordinator of Operations in Liberia

2 UNMIL FOCUS September - November 2008 IN THIS ISSUE

04 Elite Police Unit Takes Shape 06 On a Night patrol 18 Armed Forces Activate First Battalion 10 Weeding Out Marijuana 12 Interview: 14 More Liberians Return 16 Together As One 18 A New Chance 20 Interview: Henrietta Mensa-BBonsu 24 Rice, More Rice? 26 From Guthrie To Sinoe 28 Battling for Survival Elite Police Unit Takes Shape 30 It’s not about us... 4 An elite special police unit is being trained to deal with violent 34 Training Accountable Leadership crimes as part of strengthening the Liberia National Police (LNP). The Emergency Response Unit officers will also deal with riot 37 Legislative Internship Set to Begin control, engage in anti-crime patrol and provide assistance in 38 Liberians Speak major disaster situations.

Special Representative of the Secretary- General and Coordinator of United Nations Operations in Liberia Ellen Margrethe Løj

Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Recovery and Governance Jordan Ryan

Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Rule of Law Henrietta Mensa-BBonsu

Chief of Public Information George Somerwill

Editor and Head of Publications 24 16 Mathew Elavanalthoduka Staff Writers Sulaiman Momodu Rice, More Rice? Together as One Carly Learson J. Wesley Washington

Despite plenty of rainfall and abun- As the UNHCR embarks on local Design and Graphics dant fertile land, Liberia heavily relies integration in the West African Paddy Defoxy Ilos, II on imported rice, its staple food. As region, Sierra Leonean refugees in Thomas Blidi the sharply rising food prices begin Liberia have begun to live together to bite ordinary Liberians, the Food with their local hosts. The pilot proj- Photos and Agriculture Organization (FAO) ect in Low Cost village, on the out- Christopher Herwig is assisting Liberian farmers to skirts of , is becoming a increase productivity of their rice model for local integration of Published by the Public Information farms. refugees. Office, United Nations Mission in Liberia Printed by Buck Press Ltd., , Ghana September - November 2008 UNMIL FOCUS 3 [email protected] Elite Police Unit Takes

By J. Wesley Washington At the graduation ceremony, President able to respect the law. I expect you as a reiterated her gov- citizen to do the same,” she reminded the midst persisting concerns ernment’s determination to build a profes- new graduates. over armed robberies in sional security agency that will respect The ERU officers are trained to deal Monrovia and its environs, human rights while enforcing the law. She with crimes which may require the use of an elite special police unit said those charged with enforcing the law firearms -- specifically the arrest of armed is being trained to deal with must first obey the law themselves in order criminals, violent crimes in progress, violentA crimes in Liberia. Recently, the to win the trust and confidence of the peo- hostage situations and armed terrorist first group of 139 officers of the ple. “You are the ones to uphold the law; activities. They will also deal with riot Emergency Response Unit (ERU) of the you are the ones expected to enforce the control, engage in anti-crime patrol in Liberia National Police (LNP) graduated law; therefore, you yourself must obey the crime prone areas and provide assistance after completing eight months of intensive law so that when you stand to tell some- in major disaster situations. By June 2009, classroom and physical training at the body that they had violated the law, you the ERU is expected to reach its target of National Police Training Academy. can say because I know the law and I’m 500 trained personnel.

4 UNMIL FOCUS September - November 2008 more support to the ERU and the LNP, of law, their conduct must follow standard noting that the UN understands the impor- operating procedures (SOPs) so that tance of training and equipment, but they Liberians will not only feel safe and secure are not the only ingredients for a success- but also respect and appreciate them. ful future. “The successful future of the UNPOL Commissioner Henrik ERU depends on the success of the entire Stiernblad said he was very pleased with LNP which will bring a brighter future by the progress being made by ERU person- improving security.” nel. He underlined that they are expected The United States Chargé d'Affaires, to live up to the highest professional stan- a.i., Brooks Robinson, on behalf of her dards, especially when it comes to use of government, noted that the US is assisting force. “Very strict SOPs have been devel- in the process because security for all oped and agreed between the Justice Liberians is essential for the country to Ministry, LNP and the UN, and the unit end the cycle of violence, injustice and will be held accountable for all its actions poverty, and move forward on the path of as they will be carefully monitored by an development. “Without peace and securi- UNPOL ERU Advisory Unit,” he said. ty, there cannot be development,” she “Their weapons will be controlled, noted. every weapon will be accounted for; The US Government has committed checked in and out daily and will only be more than US$7 million to the ERU proj- available when they are on duty. All ect. It has provided specialized trainers, weapons will be kept in our control until protective and tactical equipment, firearms such time when we are ready to deploy the and is now constructing the new ERU men basically only in emergency situa-

The US Government has committed more than US$7 million to the ERU project. It has provided specialized trainers, pro- tective and tactical equipment, firearms and is now con- structing the new ERU headquarters complete with a com- mand centre and communications capabilities near the James Spriggs Payne Airport which will be completed by July 2009.

Newly graduated ERU personnel demonstrate their skills headquarters complete with a command tions,” says Thomas Sears, in charge of the centre and communications capabilities training of the ERU. near the James Spriggs Payne Airport At its full strength of 500 trained per- which will be completed by July 2009. sonnel, the ERU is to have its resources s Shape Robinson affirmed that the US will contin- and capabilities available throughout ue its strong support to rebuild Liberia’s Liberia by dividing the unit into three tac- security sector. During this fiscal year, the tical operations groups - one in Monrovia Deputy Special Representative Jordan US will spend over US$56 million in sup- and two strategically placed in the leeward Ryan noted with optimism that every offi- port of the country’s security agencies. counties. The exact location and timing of cer of the ERU would be ready, willing Also providing support is the the deployment are yet to be decided by and able to provide security in a fair, pro- Government of the Republic of Ireland the Government of Liberia. fessional, and just manner. “We urge you which has so far provided 30 vehicles to Training of ERU personnel began on 2 to respect the rule of law and uphold the ERU and funding for police training January 2008. Those selected are active human rights,” he reiterated, adding, “You related building projects. LNP officers. Each candidate underwent a have trained long and hard, you have per- Justice Minister Cllr. Philip A.Z. vetting process that included another back- severed and your commitment to serve and Banks vowed to spare no effort in ensuring ground investigation by the UNPOL staff, protect the Liberian people has been that Liberians and foreign residents alike medical and psychological screening, demonstrated during the last months of are secure in the country. “We are coming physical agility test and an interview your training.” after you,” Banks warned criminals. He process. Ryan pledged that the UN will work reminded the ERU personnel that as the with the donor community to encourage first line to the justice system and the rule

September - November 2008 UNMIL FOCUS 5 On a Night Patrol

By Carly Learson A check point is set up on each side of itants are sick or have wounds and infec- the road, with blue flashing lights alerting tions which the UNPOL officers treat. errified by a spate of armed drivers. The UNPOL officers advise on Some of the men resist, but most com- robberies hitting the capital, how to alert the cars approaching the ply without question. Williams says it is Monrovia, the Liberian public checkpoint so they can be searched. about perceptions. “Everything speaks,” has been eagerly waiting for The drivers and passengers obey the he says. “We are being polite. We don’t Emergency Response Unit instructions without any resistance. ERU need to shout. We don’t need to scream.” T(ERU) to start patrolling the streets. Operations Commander Amos Williams is He points to the weapons that are clearly Tonight they are stopping and searching not surprised. “Of course people are happy visible on the outside of the brand new vehicles heading to the suburbs around to obey. They understand that we are uniforms the men wear. “This speaks for Paynesville and Red Light on the outskirts trained, they understand that we carry itself.” of Monrovia, where several armed rob- weapons,” he says. The officers thorough- At 6 a.m. the officers from different beries have taken place. They are accom- ly search each car, paying particular atten- teams assemble at the Liberian National panied by American UNPOL officers tion to places where potential armed rob- Police Headquarters to debrief with the Dave Busch and Larry Mihalovich who bers could hide their typical weapon of UN Police and return their weapons. have decades of experience working in the choice, a cutlass. “In the past they would Without electricity they rely on flashlights USA, Kosovo and Afghanistan. not stop,” Williams says. and the rising sun. An UNPOL Officer Before they begin their night patrol, When traffic dies down the teams set from Nepal watches as each officer the ERU officers line up to be taken one by out to look for armed robbers. One patrol removes the ammunition from his gun. All one into a secure room where the weapons drives to a section of land between the weapons and ammunition are safely are stored. Each officer is handed a pistol, beach and Monrovia city centre, notorious returned. The Commander of the ERU, while each team of five officers is also as a meeting point for drug dealers and Sebastian Farr, watches on. He admits given two long-range rifles. Once they users. Amongst burnt-out buildings and there is a long way to go but thinks his have their weapons they are taken to a sep- piled-up garbage dozens of men, many officers are doing well. “The public really arate room to collect their ammunition. By seemingly under the influence of drugs, wants to see us out there,” he says. “And 10 p.m. the officers are ready to depart in are sleeping. The team searches the area so far these men are doing a fine job.” a convoy of ERU-branded vehicles donat- for weapons and drugs and questions the ed by the Irish Government. men living in the area. Some of the inhab-

6 UNMIL FOCUS September - November 2008 March - May 2008 UNMIL FOCUS 7 Armed Forces Activ

By J. Wesley Washington army. With the assistance of the UN all your dealing and wherever duty may Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and other call,” she reminded the soldiers. he restructured Armed Forces partners, the AFL was soon demobilized President Sirleaf commended the sol- of Liberia (AFL) has activat- and deactivated. In 2006, the restructuring diers and officers for the successes made ed the 1st Battalion of its 23rd commenced as the US Government con- so far and their patriotism to serve, and Infantry Brigade. The fifth tracted DynCorp and the Pacific promised the government’s continued sup- and final Initial Entry Architectural Engineering (PAE) to train port to do their job properly. She said the TTraining Class of 496 soldiers also has and equip the new army. newly restructured army was expected to graduated, thus bringing the total strength Speaking at the activation ceremony at help contribute to the nation’s reconstruc- of the Armed Forces to 2,133 officers, the Barclay Training Centre (BTC) two tion by engaging in civil works, outreach, slightly above the initial target of 2,000. years on, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf clinical services and other community- Of the total, 66 are female, 78 are college said the activation of the 1st Battalion based activities in addition to its core man- graduates and 19 are ex-AFL soldiers who marks an historic change which represents date to protect the country’s national sov- were retrained and reinstated to active the hopes and aspirations of the Liberian ereignty and respond to natural disasters. duty. people. However, she cautioned the AFL “I expect that by the end of 2011, During the 14-year civil war, Liberia’s to be lawful in order for them to win back depending on our revenue capacity, the armed forces had become factionalized, the confidence of the public. “Lawful strength of the AFL would have risen to turning from protectors to predators. The order is the foundation for military profes- more than the current 2,000 so that we 2003 Accra Comprehensive Peace sionalism. You are citizen’s soldiers. You have enough of a force of professionally Agreement that led to the end of the civil must strive to maintain the confidence trained military personnel,” President war endorsed the restructuring of the reposed in you by the Liberian people in Sirleaf said. It is expected that the

8 UNMIL FOCUS September - November 2008 President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf inspects the first battalion of the new Army vate First Battalion

Engineering Company of the AFL will be ership is necessary. A sense of duty is a seconded mentors to assist in the training developed and expanded to a full necessary quality of a soldier. An army of the soldiers. Engineering Battalion to assist in Liberia’s runs on integrity. Integrity means standing AFL’s Command-Officer-in-Charge, reconstruction effort. Already plans are up for what is right and setting the exam- Maj.-Gen. Suraj Alao Abdurrahman afoot to reactivate the National Coast ple for others around you to follow,” said expressed his delight over the progress Guard to protect the country’s maritime Gen. Ward. made so far; but acknowledged that more shores. For his part, Defence Minister needs to be done. “There’s still a lot of The Guest of Honour, who is also the Brownie J. Samukai stressed that the work to be done but I can assure you that Commander of the US-Africa Command restructured army is geographically, tribal- this new AFL will not fail because of the (US-AFRICOM), General William E. ly, and religiously balanced. “We are very competency, motivation and professional- Ward, cautioned that the technical and tac- pleased that all of the counties are repre- ism of the soldiers,” he said, adding that tical training they’ve received is only half sented in the AFL. There is no single coun- they are the finest Liberia has to offer and of what makes them good soldiers. The ty or group that dominates any segment of they will do well in their upcoming mis- observance of selfless-service, respect, this present composition.” Samukai sions. duty, courage, integrity and loyalty is praised the enormous efforts made by the The activation of the 1st Battalion of essential to the success of their unit, mili- US Government since the start of the the restructured AFL is a boost to strength- tary and country, he added. AFL’s restructuring process as well as ening Liberia’s security sector reform, a “Selflessness requires you to put the other international partners. He cited the key benchmark linked to the phased draw- welfare of your nation, its army and your immense contributions made by ECOW- down plan of the UN Mission in Liberia. subordinates before your own. Respect for AS Member States, notably, Ghana, The activated battalion comprises of five yourself, your counterparts and your lead- , Benin, and , which companies.

September - November 2008 UNMIL FOCUS 9 Weeding Out Marijuana

By Sulaiman Momodu destroyed in six operations in Nimba and habitual drug users. Bong counties. The marijuana problem is particularly iberia’s marijuana traffickers “A lot of marijuana has been prevented acute in Bong and Nimba counties where are almost as ingenious as any from reaching the market and the users,” it is grown as cash crop. Although impres- in the trade. Stuffed in plastic says UN Police Commissioner Henrik sive gains have been made to curb the drug containers sprinkled with Stiernblad, apparently pleased with the trade, mammoth challenges remain. “As palm oil, or in bags layered success of the operation. He adds that you can see, there is nothing in this build- Lwith charcoals, they ply cannabis sativa, 440,000 plants and 920 kilos of dried mar- ing: no doors, no windows, no chairs, no known also by other names such as weed, ijuana, worth several thousands of dollars, desks, we have no vehicles, no motor- grass, Indian hemp, and more. Instead of were seized during the project. During bikes, nothing,” says Officer-in-Charge planting food crops in a country that ‘stop and search’ of vehicles, lots of mari- Col. Alphonso G. Rancy, presiding over depends heavily on importation of its sta- juana was discovered being transported to the derelict DEA office in Gbarnga, the ple food, rice, some parts of Liberia’s fer- Monrovia, some of which were packed in Bong County capital. DEA personnel say tile land are used for cultivating marijua- bags used for rice. Six single-barrel shot- their efforts have, however, minimised the na, obviously for better financial returns. guns were also found during the operation practice of people selling and smoking Marijuana has a more sinister history and sent to court. Once seized, the drug is marijuana with impunity on the streets of in the country. During its 14-year civil war usually publicly burnt by the courts. The Gbarnga - once a former rebel stronghold. known for heinous atrocities, many com- aim of the project was to map the extent of “Now in our storage we have 5,380.4 kg of batants, especially child soldiers and juve- the problem of marijuana being cultivated, marijuana. If we have logistics, we will do niles, are believed to have been riding high identify smuggling routes, and to train the more,” says Col. Rancy, pointing to the on drugs such as marijuana deliberately local police to plan and coordinate opera- bags of confiscated marijuana. supplied by their superiors. Emerging tions, and to show how to treat people to from the devastating civil conflict and fac- willingly come forward with information. ing multiple challenges, effectively break- During the country’s civil war, smok- ing the drug chain is an up-hill task, espe- ing of “grass” became a way of life, espe- cially for the ill-equipped Liberia National cially among combatants. Although the Police (LNP) and Drug Enforcement guns have fallen silent, many former fight- Agency (DEA). In May this year, howev- ers are either reluctant or unable to quit the er, the United Nations Mission in Liberia habit which has far-reaching health and (UNMIL) launched a marijuana project in social implications. Security personnel say cooperation with the LNP and DEA during there is a link between unemployment, which thousands of marijuana plants and drug use and crime. Many of those tons of dried marijuana were seized and involved in violent crimes are known to be

10 UNMIL FOCUS September - November 2008 A major problem facing Liberia is lack of drug laws. “We are using the Public Health Law, so when we arrest and send people to court, they sign a 2,000 – 3,000 Liberian Dollar bail bond, get out, relo- cate, and continue trafficking,” says Rancy, disclosing that several times they had gone to court to report people released on bail who attack their building and pelt them with stones. “We are ready to fight against drugs but we also are not protect- ed. We have nothing to fight back when attacked.” He reveals that they are advo- cating for drug trafficking crimes to be non-bailable. DEA Officer-in-Charge in Grand Bassa County, Lt. Ericson M. Vaye, says without vehicles or motorbikes, some- times they walk several miles or pay their own way when duty calls. County Superintendent Julia Cassell notes that they are bordered by the sea coast and Liberia does not have any coast guards. “Drugs and other criminal activities hap- pen by the sea. There is need for the secu- rity to be beefed up and provided with logistics,” she says. Both the DEA and the LNP are under the Ministry of Justice, which itself faces many challenges. If left unchecked, the consumption of drugs has the potential to ruin the future of many Liberian youths whose contribution is vital to the recovery of the post-war nation. DEA officials are appealing for anyone’s help to save Liberia’s future gen- eration from becoming drug addicts. The marijuana project, which lasted about six months, ended in October and is being evaluated. In the meantime, UN peace- keepers continue to support the local police in law enforcement activities, including clamping down on drug traffick- ing and marijuana cultivation.

Marijuana concealed in bags of cassava

LNP and UNPOL personnel in search of marijuana cultivations

March - May 2008 UNMIL FOCUS 11 IN CONVERSATION: MARTTI AHTISAARI I hope Liberians will maintain the peace…

The 2008 winner and former Finnish President, Martti Ahtisaari, was in Liberia on a two-dday visit in late November. Staff Writer Sulaiman Momodu and UNMIL Radio’s Isaac Yeah met with the Nobel laureate to discuss his visit and Liberia’s challenges as the country consolidates peace after the long civil war. Excerpts:

What is the purpose of your visit to Liberia? We have been discussing with the Liberian government for sometime on how we could cooperate in establishing a birth registry programme in the country because at the moment, as far as I have seen the statistics, less than six per cent of the births are registered. When we get that established, hopefully it will expand in years to come to the whole population. For development emphasis, it is of vital impor- tance that government has statistics of the registry of birth. My visit is meant to start the preparatory work.

As this year’s Nobel Peace Prize winner visiting a country which is emerging from a brutal 14-year civil war, what are your impressions? It is long since I have been in Liberia. I have tried to follow the developments and I must say that I am impressed, first of all, by how people know what needs to be done, which is very important. When a country goes through a civil crisis period, many institutions are down... there is recognition that at the moment you have to somehow use stop gap measures that will attract those Liberians who have been liv- ing abroad to come back and also other nationalities to come and help in the mean- while.

One of the reasons for your visit is to launch your pilot project, Government out of the Box. How will your project impact on the lives of ordinary Liberians? Indirectly. It is easier to see how gov- ernment plans and direct services. I hope it

12 UNMIL FOCUS September - November 2008 will ease out planning so that services can sustain the peace? The Crisis Management Initiative was be rendered. The good beginning is that From my long experience -- I have formed immediately after you left office census was carried out earlier this year. now worked for over 30 years. I started in as President of Finland in 2000. Was Hopefully through this exercise, the devel- the UN in 1977 -- I have worked with five there any specific reason for coming up opmental inputs can be directed also to the UN Secretaries-General -- and I always with this initiative? right places. say Ban Ki-moon is my last one because I Retired Presidents in my country get am 71. I think the important thing is the an office. I thought that it would have been There have been instances of the UN cooperation between government and the much better that I try to bring young col- withdrawing peacekeepers precipitous- international community starts producing leagues to work with me. I also have ly from conflict-ridden countries and results, people seeing the benefits of learned from my experience at the UN that after a few years, we see the conflicts peace. Secondly, I think in any nation gone there is a lot that we can do to make the returning. How long do you think through war and military crisis, what you UN operations more effective. We started peacekeepers should remain in Liberia? really need is reconciliation -- I know that working with the peacekeepers, civil- It is very difficult to put an artificial it is taking place -- the people discuss ians…and CMI was asked to mediate in deadline. I think it is important that we among themselves. The outsiders don’t Indonesia and that was the first peace should learn from the past, not only have to come in. They can only facilitate agreement that I have been associated Liberia but other countries too. It is much the process but the work is done by locals. with. It did not take half a year and we better from everybody’s point of view that It is important for everyone to sit down, have peace. The peace agreement is only the international community stays as long even those who have been in different the beginning. Then there is reconciliation, as the government feels comfortable that camps during difficult times, and start dis- development activities start, and it is a now is the time that we can take over some cussing in all honesty: “How do we avoid long, long process. of the functions that the international com- this kind of situation so it cannot be munity has been helping with. I am always repeated?” I have seen that it works, for Do you have any special message for on the side of caution on this. I would example in Mozambique. So it requires Liberians as they rebuild their country? rather see that the international communi- reconciliation and that also takes time. We I sincerely hope that Liberians will ty stays a little bit longer than short. The have seen it in South Africa. In some coun- maintain the peace and work together with problem is that there are other demands in tries it has taken two years to find even the the President. Sometimes a country can be other countries -- African continent and team that is acceptable to every group in very lucky to get a President who has all elsewhere -- but I would rather that the the society. I have been following the plan- the qualifications and background and is international community stays a bit longer. ning in Northern Ireland. These are not very determined to improve the living con- only African issues and problems. I think ditions of all Liberians. So I hope the As Liberia emerges from war, and as it has to be done in every country where country can move together. Unity now. I the UN mission gradually draws down, there has been conflict or gone through wish everybody good luck. what would you say to Liberians is the similar experience. most important thing they need to do to Thank you so much for your time.

September - November 2008 UNMIL FOCUS 13 More Liberians

By Sulaiman Momodu Tripartite meetings among the United Commission (LRRRC) John Saah Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Nyumah says throughout that repatriation s the Boeing 757 aircraft (UNHCR) and the Governments of Ghana process, the biggest operational challenge takes off on a regular and Liberia reached an agreement on repa- was Ghana with “only a very discouraging UNMIL flight from the triating the refugees to Liberia. The regu- figure of about 5,000 refugees returning Kotoka International lar flights operated by the United Nations home out of a registered caseload of Airport in the Ghanaian Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) transport the 35,000.” capital,A Accra, panic-stricken children on refugees free of charge but the UN refugee There are also an estimated 15,000 board break into screaming, amusing adult agency pays for the expenses when the unregistered Liberian aliens in Ghana, but passengers. The Liberian refugee children, flight is chartered. Nyumah says this group will be looked most of them born in exile, knew no other As the plane lands after a two-hour into at the end of the return process. For place as home but Ghana. Now, however, flight at Liberia’s main Roberts the ongoing exercise though, as of they were leaving their friends and school International Airport, they suddenly find October, more than 8,700 persons had behind, as they returned to Liberia, the themselves transformed from refugees to returned from the sub-region, place their parents called their home. “I am returnees. And as they step on Liberian including 8,176 persons from Ghana, 237 happy to be going back. There is no place soil, some of them, especially the children, from Nigeria, 170 persons from , like home,” says Sarah, a mother of six. are not impressed. They immediately draw and 102 from Sierra Leone. Return has Sitting rather pensively as the plane parallels between Ghana and Liberia. “Is also been facilitated from Côte d'Ivoire, cruised towards her home country, Etta, this the airport?” one queries. and Senegal. UNHCR Field another mother of six, says she left Liberia On arrival, the returnees are welcomed Officer Henok Ochalla says so far the nine years ago. “I don’t have anything as I back home by Liberian government offi- process is going smoothly, adding that return, but I tell God thank you for sparing cials, UNHCR and partners. They are then they work in close collaboration with the my life and my children,” says the single transported to the transit centre where they UN mission’s Humanitarian Coordination mother, with three of her children born in spend the night before heading to Section, Office of the Director of Mission refuge sitting by her. Sarah and Etta are Monrovia and other destinations to start Support and Movement Control (MOV- among thousands of refugees returning life anew. CON). home in the ongoing repatriation of the so- Organized voluntary repatriation of Although the current return process called “residual caseload.” Liberian refugees that lasted four years was schedule to end in October lasting The process started in April this year ended in June 2007. Most of the logistical about six months, following another tri- after demonstrations in Accra by the support used for the repatriation exercise partite meeting to review the process, it Liberian refugees demanding resettlement such as trucks has since been diverted to has been extended to March 2009. “At the to a third country in Europe or America, or other countries facing emergencies. end of March 2009, there will be another US$1,000 per person to return home. Deputy Executive Director of the Liberian review,” says Nyumah. During the large Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement scale repatriation, refugees were given

14 UNMIL FOCUS September - November 2008 Return

food rations but for the residual caseload, voluntarily returned home but several the food component is absent. “We used to thousands are still in exile. take refugees to their communities of ori- gin or choice. Now we give US$100 per adult and $50 for children below 18 years to facilitate their return from Monrovia,” explains the deputy LRRRC boss. The grant is given in the country of asylum and is the last thing that refugees receive before boarding the plane. Some of the refugees return home with skills acquired in exile and have been making meaningful contributions to the rebuilding process of Liberia. “I feel great that God has kept me up to this time to return to my country,” says James, who was schooling in Ghana. “We now have peace, but no one can build that peace, but us the Liberians.” In September, a road convoy through Côte d'Ivoire, lasting about a week, was piloted. Unlike the flight which accepts only 50 kg of luggage, the road convoy enables refugees to return with 80kg lug- gage per person. In addition to air and land, return by sea is also being looked into. Some of the challenges of repatria- tion include jump-starting the reintegra- tion programme. “For the return to be sus- tained, donors should assist with the rein- tegration programme. People need to have skills to earn a decent living. This is a security concern,” stresses Nyumah. According to UNHCR, since October 2004, more than 120,000 refugees have

September - November 2008 UNMIL FOCUS 15 Together as One

By Sulaiman Momodu of brutal conflict, have begun to live at a colourful ceremony. Prior to the relo- together as one community. Thirty-two cation, “go and see” visits were organised ow Cost village, once a new blue and white painted houses are wherein the refugees interacted with their sleepy community on the out- currently being occupied by the Sierra future hosts. Cultural and sporting activi- skirts of the Liberian capital, Leoneans and their Liberian hosts as 50 ties were also organized, and World Monrovia, is gradually others are being constructed. Refugee Day on 20 June was celebrated in becoming a model for local Large-scale organized repatriation of the community all in preparation for the Lintegration of Sierra Leonean refugees Liberian refugees ended in June last year relocation process. who fled their country’s civil war and while that of Sierra Leonean refugees After 18 years of nomadic life as a sought asylum in Liberia. Although wars ended in December 2004. UNHCR and refugee, 75-year-old Kadaka now consid- in the sister countries ended more than five partners estimate that about 14,000 Sierra ers Liberia his home. “Wherever I can live years ago with UN missions Leonean and 75,000 Liberian refugees in peace is my home,” he says in fluent contributing to the restoration of peace and remain in asylum in many West African Liberian English, happy that he now has a thereby facilitating the voluntary return of countries. Reintegration Officer Henok roof over his head and his family. “We refugees, thousands of Liberian and Sierra Ochalla of UNHCR says 2,433 Sierra have a good relationship with our hosts. Leonean refugees still remain in asylum Leoneans have opted for local integration We thank God for everything,” says countries. in Liberia with 70 per cent of them opting Mawata, his wife, who is engaged in petty As the United Nations High for naturalization. business. Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) In September this year, the first group The 32 buildings occupied by Kadaka embarks on local integration in the West of 16 Sierra Leonean refugee families con- and others is a pilot project. The houses Africa region, Sierra Leonean refugees sisting of 118 individuals moved into their were built by the Liberian govern- and their Liberian hosts, who had both new homes at Low Cost village experienced long years

16 UNMIL FOCUS September - November 2008 ment in the 1980s but were vandalised and the 50 under construction at Low Cost vil- S. Stephen is all smiles for what is going abandoned during the country’s civil war. lage, another 60 are being constructed at on in his community. The father of eight, Sixteen of the houses were allocated to the Memeh Town on the Monrovia – who is a beneficiary of the renovated host beneficiaries who were identified Tubmanburg highway. “By December, we houses, says the ongoing construction based on a community vulnerability analy- believe we would have completed all the work is giving jobs to both skilled and sis. UNHCR through its partner, the 110 houses. Twenty of them will go to the unskilled labourers hired from among the Christian Children Fund (CCF) is imple- host communities and 90 to the refugees,” host community and the integrated menting various training programmes for says Ochalla. In Low Cost village, the refugees. “Right now the community is very engaged,” he says. But all has not been smooth sailing with the integration In Low Cost village, the construction of a multi-ppurpose process though. In Memeh Town, some community centre is nearing completion. It will include a institutions claimed ownership of parts of the land allocated for construction work, meeting hall, three classrooms for kindergarten, reading an issue that is being addressed by the room for children, health clinic to treat minor ailments, a Liberian Ministry of Land and Mines, children’s playground, among other facilities. Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Office of the Vice President. While local integration picks up in the former refugees and their hosts. They construction of a multi-purpose communi- Liberia, Liberians in Sierra Leone are also have been organized into four cooperative ty centre is nearing completion. It will going through the same process. Both groups to undertake agricultural activities. include a meeting hall, three classrooms Sierra Leoneans and Liberians are also They have also benefited from a business for kindergarten, reading room for chil- integrating in Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, training workshop and each of the 16 dren, health clinic to treat minor ailments, Nigeria and Guinea. Such local integration refugee families integrated and vulnerable a children’s playground, among other of refugees will contribute to regional members of the host community has facilities. peace and stability, experts believe. received US$250 to start small businesses. Community Development Chairman Added to the 32 renovated houses and Tamba

September - November 2008 UNMIL FOCUS 17 A New Chance

By Carly Learson peace has arrived, these children are Today is a special day for the Klay returning to school, anxious to learn after Town ALP class – the students are each t Klay Town School, grade years of only dreaming about getting an getting a new UNICEF backpack with sto- one students are arriving education. In many schools it is not rybooks, writing paper and pencils inside. for the start of the school uncommon to see a grade one class with Some of the children rip open the plastic day. Dressed in blue tunics twelve-year-olds sitting beside their five- wrapping and dig straight into the con- and white shirts, they run year-old classmates. tents, while others are very careful to keep andA shout, oblivious to the heat of the sun Among the 800 children at Klay Town the plastic intact to protect their new pos- that burns even at 8 in the morning. Some School are several hundred who are part of session. Without further ado the teacher queue to get a drink from a new hand a new programme run by UNICEF and the starts the class reading one of their new pump, thirsty after the long walk to school. Ministry of Education designed to encour- books together. A whole generation of Liberia’s chil- age older students who want to learn. This The programme is being run at schools dren and youngsters lost out on education is their best chance to get some education. in most counties in Liberia, with specially due to the civil war that lasted 14 years. The Accelerated Learning Programme trained teachers engaging students ranging Most have had their schooling interrupted offers older children the opportunity to from 7 to 20 years. Klay Town School has at some point, while many have never had complete their primary education in three seven special ALP teachers for grades one any formal education at all. Now that years, rather than the regular six. to five. The ALP students are divided into

18 UNMIL FOCUS September - November 2008 two sessions, with younger children going with their education.” Tubmanburg, a half hour drive away, or attending in the mornings and older ones Bendu Boakai is one of the students Monrovia, even further. The lack of public in the afternoon. who began her schooling this year in the transport makes it difficult for many stu- The teachers are taught to focus on Accelerated Learning Programme. She is dents to get to school regularly. Social and those aspects of the curriculum which will 11 years old, and is starting second grade. family pressures to marry or start earning give older students the best practical ways She spent many years dreaming of going money also weigh on the minds of stu- to advance more quickly through the to school but was never able to. “I wanted dents. A shortage of qualified teachers is grades – skills like reading, writing and to cry,” she says. Now she is dreaming of also a major challenge. mathematics. With these skills the children not just finishing school, but going on to But UNICEF is supporting the govern- will be better able to comprehend the more university. She loves all her classes, but ment by providing training and incentive difficult work when they reach junior high her favourite is spelling. pay to teachers who participate in the level. The programme has been an over- Accelerated Learning Programme, and County Education Officer Amos whelming success in the school. Quaye D. working with the Government to ensure Folley says the programme is working Russell teaches 6th to 9th grade classes salaries are paid on time and directly to well at the school. “Somebody who is 12 and he says he can generally see no differ- teachers so that they don’t need to take will now be more likely to be ready to start ence between the ALP students and those time off work to go and collect their junior high,” he says. “Before they would who have gone through the regular pri- salaries. only be up to fourth grade.” He says the mary school programme. “They do very In a country where the challenges to ALP programme makes it much easier to well,” he says. “The students are very the education system can be overwhelm- retain students. “The older children would motivated to learn.” ing, the Accelerated Learning Programme feel embarrassed about being in classes Yet, challenges abound. Russell esti- is proving a valuable investment in the with small children. This way they can mates that less than 5 per cent of the stu- future of Liberia’s children. move more quickly, meaning they stay dents he teaches go on to finish high interested and are more likely to keep school. The closest high schools are in

September - November 2008 UNMIL FOCUS 19 IN CONVERSATION: HENRIETTA MENSA-BONSU Liberians are more conscious of their rights…

As Liberia recovers from 14 years of civil war, entrenching the Rule of Law in the country has been a major priority of the United Nations Mission in Liberia. In an interview with Editor Mathew Elavanalthoduka, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary- General (Rule of Law), Henrietta Mensa-BBonsu, discusses Liberia’s continuing transforma- tion from a lawless society to one that adheres to the Rule of Law.

How would you describe Liberia’s Security Institutions in New York. graduated and been deployed out of a tar- progress in the area of the Rule of Law They’ve brought down a strategic plan- get of 500. We do have challenges in during the last one year? ning team to help develop an implementa- recruiting women into it because apart The Rule of Law sector has always tion plan. from its higher standards of physical fit- been identified as the weakest part of our ness and others, personnel in the ERU can reconstruction efforts. This has meant Personal security still remains a major only be recruited from the LNP, which has engaging constantly with the Minister of concern among many Liberians and the itself not achieved the 20 percent female Justice and with the Chief Justice or with LNP is yet to evolve as a professional benchmark despite arrangements for spe- the Ministry and the Judiciary. We have outfit and stand on its own feet. What cial recruitment of females. actively supported the Poverty Reduction needs to be done to get LNP become We are conscious of the fact that it’s Strategy pillar of Governance and Rule of fully professional and capable of offer- from the police operations that the average Law to help the national partners to set out ing a sense of security to the popula- person can feel a sense of security and so their immediate priorities as well as longer tion? term rebuilding of the justice sector. A The restructured LNP is only about retreat of the Rule of Law sector in five years old. There’s the issue of maturi- September brought the national partners ty that faces every such new institution. It together, leading to enhanced collabora- was important first to recruit enough peo- tion between the Judiciary and the ple and train them and make the force Ministry of Justice. operational. Before recruitment, these A major challenge facing the Judiciary people had to be vetted, but we have since is capacity building. So we have enabled had a lot of complaints about the quality of the Judiciary to launch a Judicial Training the recruits. Admittedly, at the time of the Institute which will train not just those on original recruitment exercise there was the job but also their potential recruits. still a lot of fear in the system and not Rebuilding the Liberia National Police many people challenged those who had was always a major task of UNPOL. stepped forward to be recruited. A recerti- Unlike in the case of the Armed Forces, fication process is soon to be undertaken there was no assessed contribution devot- and this will again involve the public and ed to rebuilding the police. This has meant so in the much improved security situation that unless one has a donor to take on the it is hoped that the public will assist in responsibility of funding, whatever pro- ensuring that the exercise will achieve grammes have been drawn up do not hap- what the original vetting may not have pen. Under the direction of SRSG Løj, an achieved. We have also now put in meas- initiative has been launched to develop a ures to make sure that people who are strategic plan for the LNP and it’s pro- trained in the force are disciplined. gressing quite well. We’ve had support The Emergency Response Unit (ERU), from the Office of Rule of Law and which is an armed unit in the LNP, is also under training. Already 139 persons have

20 UNMIL FOCUS September - November 2008 we are working on enhancing people’s being rehabilitated and it is important for Government of Liberia and the UN aimed sense of insecurity. the public to be aware that judicial options at harmonizing all activities to counter now exist for them to use. The challenge is sexual and gender-based violence. We are Many people do not still have faith in to attempt to change habits formed in 14 assisting the Ministry of Justice to estab- the Judiciary. That leads to mob vio- years of civil unrest within five years. We lish a sexual and gender-based violence lence, reconciling issues outside the are hopeful that working with the unit to speed up prosecutions. We also par- realm of courts. For example, a rapist Judiciary to develop its strategic plan and ticipated in a Ministry of Justice initiative pays LD$200 to the victim’s father and supporting the Ministry of Justice to to standardize the medical forms that have goes scot- free. What are the things that develop a similar plan, a reversal of the to be filled by medical personnel who first the Judiciary needs to do to regain con- fortunes of the Justice sector will occur. receive rape victims so that the report that fidence among the population? We are also supporting the restructur- they write can be tendered as evidence in These are not just problems of the ing of the Corrections sector. Many exist- court. Judiciary but the judicial sector in general ing Corrections facilities are warehouses coupled with the effect of the civil war. or some other structure that was convert- In the area of human rights, what Cases can be heard by the Judiciary only ed. UNDP is involved in a project with the progress has Liberia achieved since the when they are put forward by the State. So Ministry of Justice to assess these facilities end of civil war five years ago? we have had to help strengthen County to determine their rehabilitation needs. Once a war ends, people have to be re- Attorney offices and provide Defence We are trying to use Quick Impact educated on proper ways to co-exist in counsel to enable trials to take place. Projects (QIPs) funds to build detention times when there is civil law and order. Currently ten new County Attorneys, centers particularly in the areas which The Human Rights and Protection Section who are all law graduates, have been have none, like Grand Kru, Rivercess, etc. (HRPS) of the Mission has been very appointed by the Ministry of Justice. The money available from QIPs is not instrumental in doing this, not just by Defence Counsels are also being appoint- enough to build a fully fledged correction- monitoring the human rights situation and ed by the Judiciary. Before this time, there al institution but we’ve been lucky to link bringing to the attention of those who can were many County Attorneys who did not up with a trust fund that is supporting us to affect the situation but also by impacting have law degrees, and a few did not even build a correctional facility in River Gee. the human rights culture through various have high school diplomas. We are helping We also worked with the Government of programmes. It has set up human rights to train the new County Attorneys and we Liberia on operationalizing the Palace of clubs in schools in order to educate them should see some improvement soon. Corrections in Zwedru, which is now on human rights. No doubt, Liberians are The justice system is progressively housing convicted persons from various more conscious of their rights now. prisons. HRPS has also been working very closely with the Truth and Reconciliation Rape happens to be the most frequently Commission to shape it and to get it to committed serious crime in Liberia. Do deliver on its mandate. TRC’s public hear- you think this high number is linked to ings have helped to alert the public as to the legacy of civil war? What can we do how low people sank during the civil crisis to reduce the incidents of rape which in and how unacceptable certain practices are many cases involve very young chil- which must be stopped. dren? HRPS has also embarked on a cam- We launched an anti-rape campaign in paign to ensure that some harmful tradi- all of the 15 counties in conjunction with tional practices are discontinued, in partic- the Ministries of Gender and Justice. We ular trial by ordeal and lynching based on are currently working on the second phase allegations of witchcraft. There have been of the campaign. We formed the UN a number of convictions and not too long Response to Rape Group within the ago some of those were pardoned by the Mission and the Country Team, which was President on condition that they would do the moving spirit behind the anti-rape community service. HRPS has taken this campaign. This group also has commis- up and has devised a programme for them sioned a research on rape to establish why to be advocates against the practice that rape incidents are high so that we could sent them to prison. So the Human Rights tailor the preventive measures appropri- and Protection Section is doing its bit not ately. The data collection is over, data just to create public awareness but also to analysis is going on, and a preliminary shape the culture of human rights for the report is expected in about four weeks. present and for the future. We are also part of the sexual and gen- der-based violence project between the

September - November 2008 UNMIL FOCUS 21 WFP Feeds Half a Million Children Daily By Carly Learson Government, and the slightly fermented space on the ground to enjoy their food. smell of the wheat fills the courtyard as the There is also enough food for some of the or years many Liberians have grains are boiled in a huge pot. In a second local children who have been lingering relied on food from the World pot the women prepare a sweet-smelling shyly at the entrance to the school. Food Programme as a crucial stew made from chicken and fish with The school feeding programme has backup. However, as the coun- onions, beans, Liberian peppers and palm been a great success in rural areas of try moved out of conflict a oil. The pots sit above burning coals on a Liberia as well. In November Special majorF part of the WFP work in Liberia was traditional Liberian stove. The women Representative Ellen Margrethe Løj visit- focused on its school feeding programme. take turns stirring the pots and getting the ed a school in Gbarnga, Bong County, And with Liberia slowly getting which was chosen as a Quick back on its feet, WFP scaled Impact Project. The school is back its feeding programme in running an agricultural pro- capital Monrovia to focus on gramme to teach the children rural areas where food was how to grow food. “It’s very scarce. But with the sudden important that the children learn surge in global food prices WFP early to farm the land,” SRSG recently announced that it would Løj said. “There is no reason to be bringing the school feeding import all this food.” She programme back to Monrovia. watched as the mothers cooked More than half a million chil- bulgur wheat and potato greens dren across Liberia now have for the hungry children. They access to daily meals provided line up with their green plastic by the agency. bowls before taking their food One of those schools is back to their desks. Saysay Imam Abdullah A Tunis Institute Tomah finishes his food in in Vai Town, Bushrod Island. record time. “The food is fine,” Ibrahim F. Pusah, who manages he says, before running to get the school, says he is relieved second helping. that the school feeding pro- A recent Government of gramme is starting again. “The Liberia, UN and NGO assess- majority of children are hungry ment found that surging food when they come to school,” he prices have a greater impact in says. At around 8 a.m. the chil- areas where there are high rates dren start arriving. Even the tini- of poverty, and that programmes est girls wear brilliant white like school feeding can have a scarves on their heads, matching huge impact in preventing mal- the shirts of the boys as they run nutrition. In areas where school around in the earthy courtyard enrolment is low, such as the of the school. It takes a full five south-eastern counties of minutes of yelling by the princi- Liberia, school feeding pro- pal before the children quiet Happy to be in school grammes can be the major down and hurry off to their classrooms. bowls and cutlery ready. attraction in attending school. In addition For two hours they will work in Arabic, Hadya Tunis is one of the cooks. She to daily meals older girls are given take- learning to read, write and speak. At the travels from Duala each day with her home food rations. top of their lungs 400 children read from daughter to cook the food. She likes to WFP West Africa Regional Director different sections of the Koran, the voices stick to classic Liberian food – potato Thomas Yanga says the agency is focused escaping from the twelve classrooms and greens, cassava leaf, palm butter. “We on helping the Government of Liberia to echoing through the halls and around the work hard,” she says. “We need many get all children enrolled in school. “As the courtyard. things, like spoons, dishes and pans. But Government of Liberia responds to the While they are learning, a group of six we are happy to have the food here again. impact of high food prices WFP remains in of the children’s mothers prepares the For many children this is their first meal of the forefront of efforts to lessen this meal. Huge sacks of bulgur wheat have the day.” At ten thirty the rush begins as impact, and to help children in the face of been donated by the Saudi Arabian the children take their bowls and find a food insecurity,” he said.

22 UNMIL FOCUS September - November 2008 UN mission. The West African nation also hosted the final peace conference in Accra that led to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and provided support to the electoral process through provision of bal- lot papers. Currently, members of the Ghanaian military, police and civilians are contributing to Liberia’s peace and recov- ery efforts. More than 700 members of the Ghanaian contingent are deployed in Grand Bassa and River Cess Counties with a mandate that also includes ensuring rule of law in the flashpoint Liberia Agriculture Company rubber plantation. “We never fail to acknowledge this immense contri- bution made by Ghanaians for the peace that Liberians enjoy today,” said Deputy Special Representative for Recovery and Governance Jordan Ryan, expressing grat- itude to the President and his Government for the support to the Liberian peace process and to peacekeeping in general. Noting that the UN mission has come a long way, Ryan noted that many chal- lenges lie ahead. “There are concerns over crime, especially armed robberies and rape – these will not be solved overnight…as President John Kufuor inspects a guard of honour by UNMIL peacekeepers UNMIL embarks on the next phase of its drawdown, the support of your Government is even more crucial in terms Ghanaian President of Liberia’s peaceful transition and devel- opment,” he said. “The greatest needs lie in strengthen- Pledges More Support ing Liberia’s rule of law institutions and restoring public confidence in the justice By Sulaiman Momodu community tackle emerging conflicts in system,” said Ghanaian-born Deputy other parts of the world. “Besides political Special Representative for Rule of Law, hanaian President John conflict, emerging global phenomena, Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu. She acknowl- Agyekum Kufuor has such as climate change with its consequent edged Ghana’s support to Liberia in assured senior United cataclysms, have forced even the most diverse ways and highlighted trainings and Nations personnel of his powerful nations to accept that they are no meetings held in Ghana, including the country’s continued sup- longer insular islands,” he said, alluding to recent UN-facilitated Judiciary Strategic portG to Liberia. “Ghana will provide what- the interdependence of the world’s Planning Meeting for the Liberian ever support it can to Liberia and we will nations. “The UN can help make global Judiciary in Accra. Mensa-Bonsu reiterat- do so, in the name of humanity, because governance work and it has shown this by ed that the close collaboration between that is what any Government should do,” providing leadership to trouble spots in the UN and the Ghanaian and international he said at a meeting with the UN officials world,” said Kufuor, who earlier inspected partners, as well as the Government and at the United Nations Mission in Liberia a guard of honour at UNMIL headquarters. the people of Liberia, “is yielding a peace (UNMIL) headquarters in Monrovia on Ghanaian peacekeepers have played a dividend.” the sidelines of his State visit to Liberia in crucial role during various stages of During his visit, Kufuor received November. Liberia’s civil conflict with a number of Liberia’s highest national award for the During his two-day visit at the end of them sacrificing their lives in the cause of role he played in restoring peace, democ- his second and final four-year term as peace in Liberia. In 2003, Ghanaian peace- racy and stability in Liberia. Ghana is cur- President, the Ghanaian leader pointed out keepers were among the first to arrive in rently hosting the highest number of about that the UN could learn from what tran- Liberia to bring the carnage to a stop and 20,000 registered Liberian refugees in the spired in Liberia to help the international prepare the way for the deployment of the West Africa sub-region.

September - November 2008 UNMIL FOCUS 23 Rice, more rice?

By Carly Learson an individual farmer to grow rice, self-suf- sub-Saharan Africa is 1,500 kg per ficiency on a national scale becomes diffi- hectare. Worldwide, average production is very week ships enter cult to achieve. 3,500 kg per hectare. Monrovia’s Freeport laden This is not a new phenomenon. Chinese rice is cheap because it is effi- with sacks of Chinese rice. In President Tolbert was faced with a similar ciently produced. Liberian rice is grown in 2007 Liberia produced 40 per market dynamic. Almost every Liberian some of the most labour-intensive, ineffi- cent of the rice its people was buying imported rice while farmers cient environments in the world. Chinese Eneeded. Why, when the country has so were planting other crops which were sub- farmers have state-of-the-art equipment much rainfall, more than nearly any other sidised by the Government to encourage such as tractors, processing mills and har- in the world, good conditions and fertile exporting. The Government recognised vesting machines, so that rice can quickly land, is there such a dependence on the vulnerability of its position and inter- be planted, harvested and processed. imported rice? This question has become vened by applying huge import tariffs, Processed rice is transported on high- the focus of UN agencies, including FAO, effectively doubling the price of imported grade roads through an established logis- WFP and UNICEF, as they try to help the rice, in the hope that this would make it tics chain to an efficient port where it is government of Liberia address the issue of more viable for poor farmers to start grow- shipped in bulk. In Liberia most rice farm- food security. ing their own rice rather than buying it. ers don’t have a road connected to their Surveys show that annual consumption But the decision simply meant rural people farm, they have problems with pests and of rice in Liberia is around 240 kg per per- couldn’t afford to eat, a consequence that work is mostly done by hand. The Food son. For every hectare of land planted, an led to the 1979 rice riots believed to be the and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is average of 815 kg of rice is produced. For precursor of the civil war. now working on implementing sustainable upland areas the yield is even lower. The Now the sharply rising food prices are and effective programmes to increase the average size of a plot of land, which is making many Liberians unable to afford productivity of Liberian rice farms. farmed either by one family or collective- enough rice for their families. Since Rebecca Sumo and Lydia Flomo are ly, is 0.9 hectares, enough to feed only December 2007 rice prices have risen by two women who are trying to make rice three people. Thus, at current levels, there 60 per cent internationally. Given the fail- farming work for them. Their 75-acre farm are few reasons for a family to start plant- ure of market intervention to force people in Careysburg was bought for them by ing rice when it is cheaper to buy Chinese onto the land, the Government, in collabo- Oxfam. The rice is at harvesting stage, so rice while growing other crops to sell. ration with UN agencies, is instead focus- they work by cutting the long stalks with a Dependence on imported rice has ing on increasing productivity. Liberia’s small knife. made Liberia vulnerable to rising food yields are incredibly low at less than one Sumo, Flomo and the other women prices. But when it doesn’t make sense for tonne per hectare. The average yield in used to grow rice in Lofa before the war. When they fled as refugees they lost all their property. Now living in Monrovia, they got together to form the Gbarlin Women’s Cooperative, and approached Oxfam to get help to start their farm again. “We started when we were in the refugee camp,” Lydia says. “We begin to cry around for help. Farming is hard work – it takes a woman to do this.” Back in Lofa they used to thresh the rice manually, using their feet to separate the grain from the husk. On their new farm FAO has provided two threshing machines, built by local blacksmiths. For a farm like this the machines are ideal. There is no access to the farm by road, so tractors and large scale threshing machin- ery is impossible to transport. When the rice is packed into the 50kg sacks they will

24 UNMIL FOCUS September - November 2008 carry it back to the road on their heads. The women at the Careysburg farm are dealing with huge challenges to make rice farming work. Further into the country’s interior the problems only increase. The poor state of the roads makes transport prohibitively expensive, so rice is generally grown for subsistence only. Even then the pre- and post-harvest losses add a huge burden. Pre-harvest losses include crops being destroyed by animals such as grass cutters (groundhogs), which eat the entire crop, and birds, which attack the grains. The main culprits of post-harvest losses are rats, which find their way into huts where the grains are stored. Estimates put aver- age losses from rats at up to 19 per cent of the total harvest. FAO has developed cheap and effec- tive ways to tackle pre- and post-harvest losses. One farm that benefits from FAO belongs to Tamil Gortor. Until recently birds had been regularly attacking the farm located in the jungles of Bong County. Today however, the farm is eerily silent. That’s because FAO has provided them with 352 metres of reflective tape, which have been strung across the crops. The tape, shimmering red and silver, seems to instil mortal fear in the birds, keeping them away from the farm since Tamil strung it up. A fence has been built round the perimeter and trap wires, also from FAO, installed to catch the groundhogs. The harvested rice is now stored in a struc- ture up on stilts, with zinc sheets attached to the legs. The zinc is incredibly slippery, and rats cannot get past it to reach the rice. With tape costing just US$4 per roll, FAO has been able to help 81,000 farmers across Liberia through the provision of pest management inputs and training. “Already we have seen higher yields where the zinc, reflective tape and trap wires are being used,” says J. Kanie Merfee from FAO. “It’s great to be able to make such a difference for so little cost.” Tamil is optimistic about her farm. “The help has been welcome,” she says. With the help of FAO, Tamil and others like her may be able to move beyond subsistence farming and start growing rice for sale. And that may lead to fewer ships with Chinese rice docking at Monrovia’s Freeport.

September - November 2008 UNMIL FOCUS 25 By J. Wesley Washington

ark Monjolo, originally from Gbarzon District in Grand Gedeh County, is an ex-com- batant who fought for twoM different rebel factions during the civil war. As the war came to an end in 2003, Monjolo and several hundred other ex- combatants like him ended up at the Guthrie Rubber Plantation, deprived of any income and no skills to earn a living. All they wanted was to pillage the govern- ment-owned plantation, spread over 300,000 acres across the north-western counties of Bomi and Grand Cape Mount, as their new way of life. Guthrie soon became a hotbed of eco- nomic crimes and human rights violations. Former combatants lay siege to the planta- tion, tapping and selling latex and terroriz- ing the local community. Opened in 1957, the plantation was last managed by a Malaysian company, Guthrie Rubber Company, from 1981 to 2000. A national Disarmament, Demobilization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DDRR) programme launched by the United Nations Mission in Liberia soon after the end of the war suc- cessfully reintegrated tens of thousands of ex-combatants. However, a research con- ducted in 2006 by the UK-based NGO, From Guthr Landmine Action, revealed that a sizeable number of combatants occupying Guthrie, vocational training. Over 350 other ex- ber culture, rice, vegetable, tree crop having handed in their weapons to their combatants of Guthrie, who were not qual- (palm oil) production and animal hus- commanders, were excluded from the ified for the formal rehabilitation pro- bandry. In addition, the graduates received DDRR process because their weapons had grammes, were selected to receive six- formal and informal reintegration training, been reallocated elsewhere. month vocational skills training after con- delivered by ex-combatants who have Though the negotiation process was cerns were raised that such individuals themselves been reintegrated. They also long and tedious, with support from the were vulnerable to militia re-recruitment received business, literacy and numeracy UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and in Côte d’Ivoire or Guinea, or were likely training to enable them to perform com- other UN agencies, the government of to pose a public order and criminal threat petitively in the agricultural economy. Liberia managed to convince a majority of within Liberia. At the graduation, a proxy for Vice the hard-core former combatants to leave Working in collaboration with the Guthrie while it gradually restored State Ministry of Agriculture, Landmine Action authority around the plantation, after being designed and implemented the Tumutu occupied and looted for nearly three years. Agricultural Training Programme (TATP). While gradually curbing illegal tap- In early September 2008, 357 ex-combat- ping, the rehabilitation and reintegration ants and a number of community members component of the Government-UN Joint were proud graduates of a six-month agri- Rubber Plantation Task Force commenced culture and social integration training. The a screening process to verify the eligibility training provided graduates with liveli- of ex-combatants for the official reintegra- hood skills in five agricultural areas: rub- tion programmes in formal education or

26 UNMIL FOCUS September - November 2008 bush (Guthrie) destroying ourselves, but thank God our brothers came and rescued our lives.” Christine Lang, the Country Manager of Landmine Action-Liberia, noted that although the TATP was originally designed as a security sector reform proj- ect aiding the peaceful dismantling and reintegration of ex-combatants, it has also facilitated other highly desirable develop- ments. She highlighted the creation of a specifically designed training curriculum which has involved a partnership approach and engagement with various stakeholders such as the Agriculture Ministry, the Liberian Rubber Development Authority (LRDA), Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), community leaders and the ex-combatant trainees themselves. Working at a local level has also ensured community participation and ownership. Lang notes that while Landmine Action’s projects are aimed at addressing short and medium term needs and provi- sion gaps as a method of ensuring contin- ued peace and stability, its specific approach links directly to Liberia’s long term economic strategy. “By producing highly skilled agricultural graduates, Ex-combatants tending their vegetable farm Landmine Action’s programmatic approach will assist in creating a self sus- taining and highly robust agricultural economy in Liberia.” rie to Sinoe The Sinoe Rubber Plantations (SRP) in Sinoe County is another hotbed of eco- nomic crimes and human rights violations. President Joseph Boakai reminded them food security,” the graduates were advised. Following the successful intervention in that they should take advantage of Each graduate received a start up kit to the Guthrie Rubber Plantation and the Liberia’s vast agricultural resources and facilitate their reintegration process in TATP, Landmine Action will begin the chart a bright future for themselves. He their original community. In addition, the construction of its second training site in urged them to give agriculture a new Ministry of Agriculture facilitated the allo- Sinoe County in January 2009. image by pursuing it as a business. “Go cation of a piece of land to each graduate, The Sinoe Agricultural Training back to your various communities and use providing an incentive to invest in the Project (SATP), as it will be known, is a your newly acquired knowledge to face development of their communities. The response to a request by the Ministry of the challenges of Liberia’s recovery and project recognises the centrality of com- Agriculture and UNMIL, and will include reconstruction, especially in the area of munity in the reintegration process and detailed research into the organization and includes active measures to encourage Graduates from the agricultural training programme demographics of the Sinoe Rubber community participation. Landmine Plantation to ensure an appropriate Action is expected to do a follow-up on response to illegal activities and communi- each graduate and based on their progress ty concerns. The SATP intends to deliver will provide a second package. the same standard of focused agricultural “I feel so proud going back to my com- training that has been successful in TATP munity with skills that can feed me and my and will be designed to maximise the family for life. I will take advantage of development impact upon the district in what I’ve learned and share with others,” which the training is to take place. said a proud Monjolo. “We were in that

September - November 2008 UNMIL FOCUS 27 Battling for Survi

By Carly Learson to the clinic. They gather in the waiting room on chairs arranged in rows, watching t the Sasstown Clinic, five- short educational videos shown on a tele- month-old baby Fatah vision at the front of the room. By 8 a.m. clings on to her mother as the chairs are all taken by mothers holding she receives a vaccine that their babies on their laps. Children find could save her life. Unlike spots on the ground or run around outside Fatah,A her mother grew up in very differ- the building. Newcomers find a shady spot ent times, and she hopes her little daughter under a tree after they have registered their will never experience the kind of brutality names with the nurse. she witnessed as a child. There is just one doctor at the clinic to The civil war is over and the young perform the vaccination. He sits in a Liberian children of today are spared the cramped corner of the waiting room, his nightmares of their parents. Yet, Liberia’s supplies on a small table next to him. One children face an uphill task as the legacy by one he calls the women to him so he of the civil war -- such as poverty, lack of can quickly but gently slide the tiny nee- medical care, dilapidated infrastructure dle, filled with measles, diphtheria and and hunger -- continues to haunt them. penta vaccines, into the chubby arms of For every thousand babies born in Liberia, their babies. The babies are sleepy after 157 won’t live to see their first birthday. the long wait, and the unexpected jab puts More than a quarter won’t reach five them in a foul mood as they leave the clin- years. ic. The vaccines are stored in a refrigerator Children in Liberia are dying every powered by kerosene which is transported day from illnesses that are easily prevent- from Monrovia regularly. There are plans ed in other parts of the world. One of the to install solar panels to provide a cheap biggest killers is measles – a disease easi- and reliable energy source to keep the vac- ly eliminated through routine immunisa- cines at their required temperature. A devi- tion. But without effective refrigeration ation of just 2 degrees can make the vac- and transport, vaccination programmes are cine unusable. far more difficult in Liberia than else- The program is managed by Shirley where. However, the UN’s agency for chil- Kialen, an experienced nurse who moved dren, UNICEF, is taking up the battle by from Buchanan in Eastern Liberia a year rolling out an extensive immunisation pro- ago. She has been overwhelmed by the gramme using local expertise to give number of women who are desperate to Liberia’s children protection from measles get their children vaccinated. “We have up and other diseases. to 75 patients each day. There are many Sasstown Clinic is a small, freshly children around here who were not immu- painted building behind the local market- nised as children and now their parents are place on a quiet section of the Monrovia - bringing them so they can catch up.” The Tubmanburg road. Inside are three private clinic also specialises in anti-natal care, consultation rooms, a storeroom and a and administers treatment for malaria. waiting room. Every Thursday new moth- One in five deaths of children under ers and mothers-to-be leave their homes five in Africa can be attributed to malaria. early in the morning to make the journey For those children who survive the endem-

28 UNMIL FOCUS September - November 2008 The immunization programme is a huge step towards improving the sur- vival chances of Liberia’s children. The challenges are immense, and such programmes require extensive long-tterm investment. But as laugh- val ing mothers strap their weeping, freshly vaccinated children to their backs for the walk home, the glow on their faces is unmistakable.

ic disease there are complications, most prevalently malnutrition as a result of vomiting, anaemia, and loss of appetite. Liberia is one of the rainiest countries in the world. During the rainy season many homes become islands surrounded by water. The warm, stagnant water where children play and mothers wash clothing offers malaria-carrying mosquitoes a per- fect environment to breed. Malaria affects most countries in sub-Saharan Africa. However in Liberia the combination of low standards of housing and lack of access to treatment result in high mortali- ties. At Sasstown Clinic, UNICEF, in con- junction with the Global Fund, is provid- ing treated mosquito nets as well as pre- ventative drugs, especially for pregnant women. Kialen says the clinic is providing much needed help in tackling the two biggest threats to young children. “The relationship with UNICEF is very strong,” she says. The clinic functions extremely efficiently given its limitations – the women are attending in droves, holding onto the cards the doctor gives them which outline the immunization schedule for their children. The immunization programme is a huge step towards improving the survival chances of Liberia’s children. The chal- lenges are immense, and such programmes require extensive long-term investment. But as laughing mothers strap their weep- ing, freshly vaccinated children to their backs for the walk home, the glow on their faces is unmistakable. The fear of losing one’s child is very real here, but every woman leaving the clinic knows she has greatly improved her child’s chance of sur- vival.

September - November 2008 UNMIL FOCUS 29 It s not about us

By Sulaiman Momodu “With the skills I have acquired, I will no authorities to render assistance in various more go about begging in order to feed my humanitarian and development pro- or over eight years since he family.” grammes. completed high school, John Five years after the restoration of “It’s not about us, it’s about them,” could not stop wondering peace, UNMIL’s focus has shifted from says Col. Christopher Holshek, Chief of about what the future holds for winning hearts and minds to capacity CIMIC, noting that the catchphrase is the him. With a wife and two chil- building. “Liberians must and should be in main theme of their programme. “The drenF to support, the 35-year-old has no the driver’s seat,” says Special message is simple. Liberians should be in regular source of income. For thousands of Representative Ellen Margrethe Løj, the lead as they build their future. We are Liberians like John, eking out a living is a stressing the need to involve Liberians here to help them build that future as long daily struggle. more in all aspects of work in order to as we can, before we draw down to the “When a man lives from hand-to- strengthen their capacity as the UN mis- point where we can’t.” CIMIC experts say mouth, even his own children will not be sion gradually draws down. their focus now is sustainable capacity proud to call him father,” John says, hop- Since 2003, UN military personnel development assistance in close coordina- ing for better days as he recently graduat- have been supporting relief, recovery, and tion with County Support Teams (CSTs) ed as a carpenter after attending a voca- development efforts under the aegis of and UNMIL’s Civil Affairs. tional training course conducted by United Civil-Military Co-ordination (CIMIC). Liberia’s Poverty Reduction Strategy Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). The peacekeepers collaborate with gov- (2008-2011) has four pillars including ernment ministries, agencies and local Peace and Security; Economic

30 UNMIL FOCUS September - November 2008 Revitalisation; Governance and Rule of them road worthy. To address this prob- will be working in close collaboration with Law; and Infrastructure and Basic lem, interested persons are now being the Ministry of Public Works to train peo- Services. UNMIL is rendering support to trained as motorbike mechanics. Other ple in basic road construction skills. all these areas. The UN mission is looking vocational training includes masonry, car- Currently, there are not many engineers in to get both the AFL and LNP involved in pentry, welding, tailoring and designing, the country which has enormous work to civil-military efforts, in order to bring animal husbandry, computing, first aid and do to recondition deplorable roads. “If them to the forefront of recovery and help basic medical care, generator and vehicle Liberians are looking for their golden them improve relations with their own mechanic, different types of agricultural hour, this is it. Now’s the time for them to people. One upcoming initiative involves capacity-building, and more. use us as much as they can to help them be public service train-the-trainer packages in More than 1,000 Liberians have so far able to help themselves. Once we’re gone, road and traffic safety, public health edu- been trained this year in various fields. that window of opportunity closes,” stress- cation, first aid, sexual exploitation and CIMIC is also seeking to synchronize es Col. Holshek. abuse mitigation, and rape prevention. By these efforts with others, align training In the face of high unemployment and training local security personnel in first aid standards, and link vocational skills train- rising food prices, UNMIL’s peacekeepers for example, in the event of an accident, ing with opportunities for small business have been supporting various agricultural police officers could fill an important first development and micro-financing. In projects throughout the country, endowed response gap and save lives. Grand Bassa County, some peacekeepers with fertile agricultural land. In Bong In order to improve collaboration and today teach science subjects in one of the County for instance, peacekeepers are sup- co-understanding, CIMIC organises train- high schools in the absence of qualified porting 400 ex-combatants and others cul- ing courses targeting UNMIL military and Liberian teachers. tivate some 25 acres of land. Rice, cassa- civilian staff, non-governmental organiza- A major challenge to security and va, corn, pumpkins and other vegetables tions, Liberian National Police, and the development in Liberia is the poor state of are some of the crops cultivated. new , among oth- the road network. UNMIL’s engineers As UNMIL peacekeepers leave ers. From March to October this year, four have been doing repairs and maintenance Liberia eventually, John the carpenter and such courses have been organized. of roads with about two-thirds of the work many other Liberians will hopefully Post-war Liberia has witnessed a pro- funded by organizations like the United remember the blue berets who came from liferation of commercial motorbike taxis, Nations Development Programme, World far away lands not only for restoring peace known as penh-penh. Yet there are not Bank, and Africa Development Bank. As to Liberia but also for giving them skills to many skilled persons to repair and keep another dry season approaches, UNMIL rebuild their lives. Peacekeepers demonstrate ways of modern farming Training Accountable Lea

By Sulaiman Momodu It is not uncommon to hear of discon- the training of county superintendents and tent in communities as a result of improp- their deputies drawn from all the 15 coun- s the people of Liberia con- er implementation of development proj- ties in the country. tinue to consolidate peace ects and misuse of funds. Addressing the Jointly organized by UN-HABITAT, and begin taking ownership training workshop, Deputy Special the United Nations Mission in Liberia, the of the country’s develop- Representative for Recovery and United Nations Development Programme, ment, accountable leader- Governance Jordan Ryan urged Liberian Liberia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and shipA is emerging as a crucial element that local government leaders to be account- Liberia Institute of Public Administration would determine the nation’s progress. A able to their people as they implement the under the theme “Recovery through Enhanced Local Leadership and Governance”, the capacity building train- “A leader has to be accountable, focused, responsive and ing is part of the efforts to make county relentless about results that will make people’s lives better,” administrations effective in delivering development to the people. Noting the Jordan Ryan said at the training of county superintendents important efforts undertaken by the UN and their deputies drawn from all the 15 counties in the County Support Team, including the col- country. laboration with USAID, leading to the successful rehabilitation of 14 of the 15 county administrative buildings, Ryan leadership training for local government development agendas of their counties. said: “As county leaders, you need infor- leaders held in October in Buchanan, cap- “A leader has to be accountable, focused, mation, to know exactly what is going on ital of Grand Bassa County, has been part responsive and relentless about results that in your counties – how you are meeting of the efforts to address this issue. will make people’s lives better,” he said at the goals of the Poverty Reduction

32 UNMIL FOCUS September - November 2008 nical know-how. He urged the superin- the next 12 months. tendents to use the training to acquire But will the leadership training result skills that will make them better planners in change of attitudes? The Civil Affairs and implementers of projects. In this chief, whose section will be involved in respect, leadership competencies such as conducting more training, said the UN is ‘Communicating’, ‘Decision-making’, in Liberia to support the government and ‘Negotiating’, ‘Managing Finances’, expressed the hope that those trained, and ‘Institution-Building’ and ‘Using Power’ who appeared genuinely satisfied and will- were some of the relevant topics discussed ing to change, will put into practice the at the training. knowledge gained. “We want the superin- “The training was very interesting, tendents to translate to reality what they rewarding and fruitful,” remarked Grand have learnt. We want to see real improve-

Liberia’s Internal Affairs Minister Ambulai Johnson acknowl- edged that county administrators were facing serious chal- lenges such as limited resources, broken-ddown infrastruc- ture and lack of technical know-hhow.

Bassa County Superintendent Julia ment,” he said, adding: “It is an enormous Cassell, who hosted the training. “It gave challenge, but this training programme us the opportunity to compare notes.” will help enormously if people are open to About 3,000 District Commissioners and making the most of the learning opportuni- Mayors, Legislative Caucus members, ty.” Jordan Ryan opens the leadership training workshop Paramount, Clan and General Chiefs, Project Planners, Line Ministries and Civil Society Organisation representatives could Faylene Woolley of Civil Affairs con- dership benefit from similar trainings planned for tributed to this report

Strategy; the pace of development in your counties, and reporting to your people about progress being made.” UNMIL’s Chief of Civil Affairs Francis Kai-Kai says local leaders have been given resources but still require more training on how to use them for the good of the whole community. He said the train- ing idea came out of a needs assessment of county administration, which identified capacity building of superintendents as crucial. “The objective is to improve the overall management of county develop- ment processes in Liberia. The training had to do with many fields, both human and material and also how to use power to mobilize people and resources,” says Kai- Kai. Liberia’s Internal Affairs Minister Ambulai Johnson acknowledged that county administrators were facing serious challenges such as limited resources, bro- ken-down infrastructure and lack of tech-

September - November 2008 UNMIL FOCUS 33 Legislative Internship Set

By Sulaiman Momodu Affairs Committee and is very excited ing while supporting the work of the about it. “Sometimes we are outside here Legislature through its committees, whose ome 62 Liberian University and we don’t know what is happening in work is impeded by inadequate research students are eagerly looking the Capitol Building. This is an opportu- and documentation capacity. forward to the New Year as nity to know what happens inside the The Liberian Legislature received a they have been selected for the National Legislature and to know how grant for the programme in October 2006 first ever Legislative democracy works,” she says, revealing but the selection of interns was sluggish InternshipS Programme in Liberia, set to that her dream is to become a diplomat. and marred by politicking forcing some begin in January. “I wish we could start The Legislative Student Scholarship students to march to the Capitol Building now. I can’t wait to start,” says final year Programme is sponsored by the UN in protest. The rigorous selection process student, Wilhemina. Democracy Fund and is implemented by involved 400 applicants and took into con- The programme will introduce the the United Nations Development sideration regional diversity and gender young Liberians to the working of democ- Programme (UNDP) with technical sup- balance. The selected interns represent all racy in the post-war nation by acquainting port provided by the UN Mission in the 15 counties of the country with about them with legislative norms and processes. Liberia (UNMIL) and the National four from each. The students will be work- They will be assigned to the various Democratic Institute. Pundits say it is a ing with Legislative committees over a Committees and will provide support in unique ‘win-win’ arrangement wherein period of two years. research and analysis, bill drafting, note student beneficiaries gain exposure to a The Political Policy and Planning taking and other related tasks. Wilhemina learning experience in democratic gover- Section (PPPS) is UNMIL’s focal point for says she has been assigned to the Foreign nance, rule of law and public policy mak- the Legislature. The section, in collabora-

34 UNMIL FOCUS September - November 2008 ture, Badejo adds. The programme is also a way of grooming potential leaders in dif- ferent aspects of life such as compromises that are necessary in decision making. “As the future leaders of Liberia, you will be in a position to better understand the checks and balances of government, the mechanisms for bringing a bill to the legislature and its passage into law, the negotiations that take place and how bills impact on the lives of citizens,” noted the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General, Jordan Ryan, at a two- day orientation programme held in October at the Capitol Building in Monrovia. The orientation was facilitated by legislators, the University of Liberia, UNDP, UNMIL and National Democratic Institute personnel during which a variety of topics covering legislative procedures and processes were discussed. The Chairperson of the Joint Legislative Modernization Committee, Senator Blamoh Nelson, advises the interns to see themselves as technical “aides” primarily to facilitate the work of the Legislative Committees. Convinced that the programme will help improve the Interns at their induction image of the lawmaking body, which is the country’s main University but will sometimes mired in controversy, the legis- eventually expand to other universities and lators have already allocated some funds institutions of higher learning. Since com- for the programme in the budget for next mittees meet on designated days of the year. to Begin week, the work of the interns will not sig- The support UNMIL has been render- nificantly impact their university classes. ing to the Legislature for a viable demo- The Head of PPPS, Babafemi A. cratic process will continue. The UN mis- tion with members of the Legislature, Badejo, is very positive about the pro- sion has two staff based at the Legislature designed the internship programme, which gramme. Even the smallest inflow of – the Senate and the House of is now being handled by the UNDP as the money is very significant for students who Representatives – to follow the debates entity for the disbursement of funds. happen to be very good but having prob- and engage individual legislators on leg- UNDP’s Policy Specialist Cleophas O. islative reform, constitutional changes and other issues without being intrusive. “We The support UNMIL has been rendering to the Legislature will continue to constantly interact with for a viable democratic process will continue. The UN mis- the students in terms of sharing ideas and explaining legislative processes. We will sion has two staff based at the Legislature – the Senate and continue to be one of the resources that the the House of Representatives – to follow the debates and students will count on for support,” says engage individual legislators on legislative reform, constitu- Badejo. The Legislative Scholarship Grant tional changes and other issues without being intrusive. Programme is part of a global project with similar internships programmes in other Torori says the innovative programme will lems in paying tuition, he says. The inten- parts of the world. The UN Democracy cover the full tuition of the students pro- tion of the programme is much more in Fund was established at the 2005 World vided they maintain the academic stan- that the quality of the Legislature is Summit at the UN headquarters in New dards set by the programme. At the expected to improve and the students York and is funded for the promotion of moment, the programme is limited only to themselves will imbibe democratic cul- democracy and human rights.

September - November 2008 UNMIL FOCUS 35 Indian Female Police Reach Out

By Carly Learson

s the first ever all-female unit in a UN peacekeeping mission, the Indian Formed Police Unit made headlines all over the world when the contingentA arrived in Liberia in January 2007. After a year, the first contingent has returned home and the second contingent of women is now well into their time in Liberia. Apart from their regular duties of guarding the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, conducting night patrols and anti-robbery operations and guarding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the female officers are assisting the local community in various ways. Commander Rakhi Sahi has been extremely active in encouraging her officers to become involved in their community and learn about the people and culture of Liberia. “Our camp here is divided into three locations, and in between there is a school, the Victory Chapel School,” she said. “When we opened up a hospital on our premises I noticed small children from the school coming and asking for help. That’s what inspired us to get into community polic- ing.” The contingent started a medical out- reach programme welcoming children from the school and their families to the Indian hospital at any time to seek medical treatment. The success of this programme encouraged the contingent to explore other ways to support the children. The contin- gent has since developed self-defence training and dancing classes for the kids. “We are integrating ourselves with the community,” says the Commander. “Without doing that you can’t get the con- fidence of the country you are serving in.” The Principal of Victory Chapel School,

36 UNMIL FOCUS September - November 2008 Jason Sargeor, is grateful for their help. selves too big, they came to us and now we being.” “The Indian women established a friend- are one.” The meeting room of the Indian FPU is ship with our school, and help with things Once the self-defence class ends the a container filled with sofas and a wide- like medical treatment and water for the children run inside ready for their screen television. A portrait of Mahatma children,” he said. “The children like to favourite part of the Indian FPU visits – Gandhi hangs on the wall. The women are see the Indian women.” dancing. Bhangra music blasts from a part of an elite unit in India, chosen Twice a week the children are split into sound system at the back of the room. The because of their abilities to deal calmly junior and senior classes for their training. Liberian children start shaking their hips with any situation. The work can be diffi- In the morning heat they stand in rows as though they’ve been doing it all their cult, particularly when the women go out divided by gender in the school’s fore- lives. The Indian women in their pink t- on night patrol with the Liberian National court. The Indian Officers position them- shirts are swarmed by children shimmying Police. “Sometimes people can get aggres- selves at the head of each line while offi- and waving their arms in the air. sive with the LNP officers,” Sahi says. cer Kimnu Kipgen takes the microphone Commander Sahi says she is particu- “When this happens we can only advise, to start the warm-up. It’s important for the larly keen about helping Liberian girls, not intervene. We do our best to assist children to do star-jumps and stretches to who face so many challenges growing up them.” prepare before they start their self-defence including sexual violence. She is hoping to The contingent has 125 members. 105 training with ‘Ninja’ Kim Lhingjakim. The expand her programme to other girls’ form the all-female FPU, while the twenty officers demonstrate karate poses which schools in the area, and is working with men are support staff such as cooks and the children emulate with varying degrees NGOs to find ways for her officers to help drivers. The women have been in Liberia for nine months now, and are feeling like of success, but lots of enthusiasm. Nursery more through self-defence training. But the country is their second home. “I am teacher Gloria Adjei says she is very grate- she also hopes to address the problem at its very excited to be teaching the children of ful for what the Indian women are doing root – by getting through to boys. “It’s the Liberia, I have enjoyed being in Liberia,” for her children. “Our girls need to be outlook of the male child,” she says. Kim Lhingjakim says. Kalpana Sreeniwas physically fit,” she says. “They need to be “Boys should be comfortable to live with a agrees. “I have really enjoyed it here, I am able to defend themselves. The Indian girl child and should be able to view the very happy here. I have a lot of friends women are fine, they didn’t think them- girl child as one of his own, as a human now.”

September - November 2008 UNMIL FOCUS 37 Liberians Will Liberia benefit from the election of the fir

Amos Harris (Student – University of Liberia) “Liberia will definitely benefit because both countries come a long way. President George W. Bush increased his country’s assistance to post-conflict Liberia and I do believe that his succes- “sor will do much more.”

” Edgarlyn T. Freeman (Student/Cuttington University) Samuel Swaray (Petroleum Inspector/Real International) “We hope and pray that Liberia benefits from the election of President-elect “My answer should be yes. Africa as a Obama. I don’t see that in the immedi- whole will benefit from the election of ate future but as an optimist, his presi- , not only Liberia. You dency will ensure that peace is consoli- know he has Africa at heart because dated as well as continue to lend more that is where his roots come from. To “support to improving our educational ensure peace and stability in the country, and health system, our infrastructure we“ hope that he enhances his support to etc.” the security sector reform. Secondly, he should support education and lastly infrastructural development.” ” J. Cole Bangalu (Assistant Minister of Labour / Trade Union Affairs) ” “Well, I say yes. Indeed we will benefit. Let me just say that Liberia has come from 14-years of political instability as a result of our civil conflict attributed to tribal groups. As a country over the peri- od, we did not appreciate each other. The“ election in the US shows that despite being a black man, the nation is above race, colour or creed. This should demonstrate to us that no matter your George Barpeen (President/Press Union of Liberia) colour, tribe or where you come from, it is not important; rather what you can do “I’ll like to just say that Liberia will con- to ensure that your country remains tinue to benefit from the US peaceful, stable and developed.” Government. I say that from the per- spective that government is continuity Agnes Ayo Freeman (Student/Inter- whether it’s President-elect Barack digital Computer School) Obama“ or anybody else, Liberia stands ” “I believe that Liberia would benefit, to immensely benefit from the American being the first black to set that historical Government as it has continued to do. record in the United States. I believe he Whatever plans the US Government has will assist Africa where his roots are. For for Africa and Liberia will continue. Liberia, I’m of the opinion, during his Though the US Government is undergo- administration, he will ensure that peace ing a lot of financial difficulties, his con- “is consolidated in the country.” centration will be rebuilding his coun- try’s economy but at the same time no matter the situation, it has a policy for ” Liberia and Africa that remains.” 38 UNMIL FOCUS September - November 2008 ” s Speak rst African-American President Barack Obama?

Dr. Laurence K. Bropleh (Minister of Information, Culture & Tourism)

I hope that Liberians will not have less than pragmatic hope when it comes to the election of an African-American in the United States. Let me draw the “analysis from South Africa. When President came from prison and was elected president many South Africans had less than pragmatic hope. They believed that finally a black African was president so everything Israel Akinsanya would be well for black South Africans. (National Chairman/Liberty Party) It doesn’t work that way. We in Liberia, I don’t think in the short term Liberia the Liberian Government for example, will benefit from the election of engage the US Government, not indi- President Barack Obama. I don’t think viduals. America’s foreign policy will even during the first two years of his remain America’s foreign policy. presidency Liberia will benefit. You have Presidents come and go, they bring a to understand that the economic crisis slant to the policy but it does not uproot “that he has inherited will have a great that policy. However, what Liberians can impact on how the country proceeds say is that we believe that President especially when the crisis besides affect- Obama will have a special sensitivity ing Wall Street is also affecting Main towards Liberia’s plight because he Street. For now, while the reforms are understands. He’s never forgotten his being put in place to give confidence to parental roots coming from Kenya. He the markets, Liberia and other third comes with a certain sensitivity that I world countries would be given little think will play a role in the advocacy attention. when it comes to Africa, especially post- conflict Liberia. Professor Dr. Togba-NNah Topoteh (2005 Presidential Candidate) ” Liberians will benefit from Barack ” Obama’s elections because his election has raised the consciousness of Liberians into believing that this country belongs to them and they have a right to work and benefit from their work. “Certainly most Liberians don’t feel a sense of ownership; no sense of nation- alism amongst Liberians. Now, with his election as the US first African-American President, this has given Liberians a Massa Kallon sense of belonging and ownership. Also (Student/University of Liberia) someone who is coming along as a Mardia Mason (Contractor/UN symbolism for peace is of great interest The late civil rights leader Martin Luther Mission in Liberia) to Liberia, especially coming from a King said that one day blacks will not super power. Liberians now know that be judged by the colour of their skin but Liberia will benefit because as most they have a responsibility for moving the content of their character. Look at Democrats are black, they will favour their country forward. Having said that, what has happened today. The election Africa in general. Despite the change in there are other benefits; but I should “of President-elect Obama might not administration, there will not be much of caution that we should not always think bring immediate benefits; but in the a policy change. Liberians expect to about benefits in a relationship. We near future considering our historical benefit through policies already set in have to think about what is it that we “motion by his predecessor. ties, there will be some benefits. have to offer as well. ” ” September - November 2008 UNMIL” FOCUS 39 UNMIL FOCUS, Vol. 5, No. 01 A publication of the United Nations Mission in Liberia Public Information Office www.unmil.org