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Mrs. Cythia Yormie Mr. & Mrs. Yormie in happy mood WEDNESDAY AUGUST 22 2018 www .thenewdawnliberia.com NEW DA WN 2 Continental News Priest arrested after ‘drug gangs’ curse 9 4 - y e a r - o l d traditional priest has Abeen arrested in Nigeria after cursing the alleged perpetrators of a recent spate of violence. Anazo Ilomuanya was hired by a group of youths attempting to end killings affecting Ozubulu town, in the south-east of the country, police say. The police arrested the traditional priest after local people complained. The conflict, thought to be between rival drug gangs, led t o t h e k i l l i n g o f 1 3 churchgoers last year. It is believed that the perpetrators mistakenly thought the intended target of the attack was attending the St Philip's Church. At the time, police said the shooting was the result of a feud between Nigerians from Ozubulu who were living abroad and that the violence THE killing of 13 people at the St Philip's Church last year was thought to be connected to rival drug gangs could be linked to drug- trafficking. in seeking a means to end the police spokesperson Haruna priest and the youths to the unclear what they will be "The youths of the town, killings, consulted the Muhammed told BBC Igbo. police, Mr Muhammed added. charged with as it is not a under the name of Concerned traditional priest to lay curses But others in the town were Those arrested are due to crime to lay a curse on Indigenous People of Ozubulu on the people involved," unhappy and reported the appear in court, but it is someone under Nigerian law.- BBC Comoros ex-president Russia and CAR deepen ‘taken into custody’ military relations h m e d A b d a l l a h But an investigating judge reforms on the Indian Ocean Sambi, the former has now ordered he be archipelago.Last month, the Ap r e s i d e n t o f formerly detained. opposition called for a boycott Comoros, has been taken into Mr Sambi denies the of a referendum on changing custody amid an investigation accusations levelled at him the constitution to stop the into an economic citizenship linked to money that has rotation of the presidency programme introduced by his allegedly gone missing from a between the islands every five government, his family says. scheme to sell passports to years. He has been under house fund development. The successful “yes” vote arrest since May and denied Observers say his arrest means current President Azali a c c e s s t o p h o n e s a n d came amid a crackdown on Assoumani can seek another computers. opponents of constitutional five-year term.-BBC

CAR's President Faustin-Archange Touadera made his second trip to Russia in less than a year in May he Central African train the forces and some Republic (CAR) has security agents to be part of Tsigned a military co- President Faustin-Archange operation agreement with Touadera's presidential guard. Russia, deepening relations The Russian journalists who less than a month after three were killed were investigating Russian journalists were killed Russian mercenaries alleged in the African nation. to be active in CAR. Russian Defence Minister R u s s i a n a n d C A R Sergei Shoigu said the deal authorities labelled the killing would "help strengthen ties in as a robbery, but exiled the defence sphere" after a former tycoon Mikhail signing ceremony in Moscow Khodorkovsky, who was with his CAR counterpart funding the journalists' Marie-Noelle Koyara. investigation, said the A UN arms embargo on CAR argument did "not stand up to The former president has been under house arrest since May was lifted for Russia in 2017. scrutiny", the Reuters news Moscow sent specialists to agency reports. WEDNESDAY AUGUST 22 2018 www .thenewdawnliberia.com NEW DA WN 3

Editorial Commentary arBy Shlomoy Ben-Ami Escaping war crimes Colombia’s Peace responsibility Agreement Is Under Siege

PRESIDENT GEORGE MANNEH WEAH and his ruling Coalition Thanks to the historic peace agreement reached by his government seem unwilling to yield to increasing demands both predecessor, Colombian President Iván Duque Márquez now in Liberia and from abroad for the establishment of a war crimes court for Liberia to prosecute ex-warlords and other key actors in presides over a country that, after more than five decades of hideous crimes committed during the 14 years of civil war here. violent conflict, is on the path toward lasting peace. But Duque THE PRESIDENT HAS every reason to feel uncomfortable seems determined to derail implementation of the deal. whenever calls for a war crimes court for Liberia is raised, because senior members of his government, including his ADRID – In 2016, Colombia’s government massive size, the country’s peace and stability have personal advisors are members and leaders of defunct warring reached an historic peace agreement with always depended on the state’s ability to provide factions. Mthe Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia services and institutional support to historically (FARC), ending a 52-year-old war that had killed marginalized areas. more than 265,000 Colombians and displaced THE SECOND IN command of his government, Vice President another seven million. The deal has been hailed as a Now, areas that have been evacuated by FARC lack Jewel Howard Taylor, is not only former First Lady and former new model for resolving seemingly intractable such support, leaving them vulnerable to renewed Senator, but estranged wife of jailed former President Charles conflicts. But it is now being tested like never volatility, reflected in a rise in politically motivated Ghankay Taylor. Mr. Taylor currently serves a 50 years sentence in before. assassinations. Small landowners, intimidated by the Britain for aiding and abetting disbanded RUF rebels in Sierra violence, are now being forced to sell at bargain Leone. He led a rebel invasion of Liberia through the disbanded Eradicating the root causes of such a protracted prices the stolen lands they recovered as part of the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) in 1989 that conflict would be difficult enough in the best of Law of Victims and Land Restitution – another pillar of decapitated the despotic regime of President Samuel Kanyon times. With Iván Duque Márquez taking over the peace agreement – to major agro-industrial Doe. Colombia’s presidency, however, it will become companies. much more so. Duque’s mentor was former NOT ONLY THAT, a breakaway faction of Mr. Taylor's rebels – President Álvaro Uribe, the political nemesis of Such companies are also gaining access to areas of the Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia under the Duque’s immediate predecessor, Juan Manuel Colombian Amazon evacuated by the FARC – areas command of Field Marshall Gen. Prince Yormie Johnson, now a Santos, the architect of the peace accord. covered in virgin forests that are now in danger of senator in Weah's government, captured Doe in the Freeport of being destroyed. Last year alone, Colombia lost Monrovia in September 1990 and butchered him to death. Senator Already, Duque has refused to recognize key pillars almost a half-million hectares of forest cover – a 46% Johnson is a former presidential candidate and key political ally of the deal, beginning with the FARC’s status as a increase over the previous year. The destruction of of Weah. legitimate political party that can participate in this vital ecosystem threatens to accelerate climate democratic elections. He has also rejected the change. JOHNSON'S MOVEMENT FOR Democracy and Reconstruction Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), a new (MDR) party supported Weah in the 2017 runoff presidential extrajudicial court system created as part of the These are serious challenges, which can be overcome elections and the party is member of the ruling Coalition for deal to manage transitional justice – the legacy of only with deep and long-term structural reforms. But Democratic Change likewise Mr. Taylor's former ruling National abuses by FARC guerrillas and the right-wing that is no excuse to give up on the peace deal. After paramilitary organizations that fought them. all, such challenges were to be expected: unlike Patriotic Party (NPP) of which Vice President Jewel Taylor is peace deals between functioning states – which former standard bearer. Colombia’s powerful conservative establishment would focus on, say, delimiting borders – agreements has never been happy with the liberal spirit with non-state actors are virtually always followed by BUT IN SPITE of his apparent sympathy for war criminals, underlying the JEP, which aims to be more complex and protracted state-building efforts. President Weah is under immense pressure to halt the culture of restorative than punitive, putting the victims – and impunity in Liberia with the latest from Mrs. Cyenthia Yormie, the truth – front and center. The results might Consider the Good Friday Agreement that brought widow of the late John Yormie. Mr. Yormie was a senior member of include reparations and acknowledgements of peace to Northern Ireland after three decades of the dreaded rebels INPFL, commanded by now Senator Prince perpetrators’ guilt. But top FARC leaders would be violence. The deal was signed in 1998, but it was only Johnson. Yormie was bundled away by Mr. Taylor's frontline able effectively to avoid prison sentences for their seven years later that the Irish Republican Army commander, fugitive Gen. Benjamin Yeaten along with former crimes. agreed to disarm. Another two years elapsed before Deputy Minister of Public Works, Isaac Vaye and subsequently Protestants and Catholics reached a definitive power- murdered in cold blood. Colombia’s Senate, however, has now removed sharing agreement. When power-sharing from the JEP’s jurisdiction high-ranking military, governments have faltered, the UK government has MA CYENTHIA IS calling for justice. She wants all those business, and political figures suspected of temporarily reimposed direct rule. responsible for her husband's murder to face the law. In 2008, the colluding with the right-wing paramilitaries. The government of ex-President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf formally senators argue that the military needs a new Like the Good Friday Agreement, Colombia’s peace indicted Gen. Yeaten in absentia. He is widely believed to be in tribunal with “impartial justices,” rather than the agreement is based on a simple bargain: political exile in Togo, but this has not been independently verified. “leftists” of the JEP. In this manner, the deal was participation for disarmament. But the only way to undermined before Duque was even inaugurated. implement the deal is to reconstruct the country’s OFFICIALS OF THE Weah administration continue to argue abandoned rural periphery – a highly complex task against war crimes court for Liberia. They say it is not expedient The good news is that, thanks to a ruling by made all the more difficult by resistance from vested for the country. In fact, some remind advocates for the Colombia’s Constitutional Court, the president economic interests and the conservative politicians establishment of such court that warring parties agreed in Accra, cannot substantively change the peace deal’s who serve them. terms. But Duque could still weaken the agreement Ghana during the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord in by denying the resources and political attention Owing partly to such resistance, Colombia’s 2003 for truth and reconciliation, rather than retributive justice. needed to implement it. The question then government, according to the International becomes whether he will choose a pragmatic Commission on Human Rights Verification, has so far BUT THOUSANDS OF victims of abuses across Liberia are dying in approach, even if it means clashing with Uribe, just achieved only 18.5% of the reforms, laws, and silence, while others who can muster enough courage like Mrs. as Santos did. promises – from economic reparations and security Yormie think justice should be served. Who speaks for them if guarantees to assistance to farmers who agreed to President Weah and his pro poor government are turning blind Even without Duque actively undermining the end coca production – stipulated by the peace accord. eyes and ignoring the many calls to bring perpetrators to book and peace agreement, however, the implementation Duque’s presidency will be judged by his willingness stop the culture of impunity? Surely, these are responsibilities challenges are profound. While FARC has officially to challenge vested interests and advance the peace that no responsible government should sweep under the carpet. demobilized, some FARC fronts have refused to give process. up the fight. They are now locked in an all-out war with paramilitary groups, some of which arose from The peace deal is not perfect. But the fact remains the right-wing paramilitaries that demobilized in that Santos bequeathed to his successor a country the early 2000s; the National Liberation Army that is free of the scourge of the FARC insurgency and (ELN), a Marxist militia that resisted Santos’ offer on the path toward lasting peace, not to mention a of a separate peace deal; and criminal bands vying roadmap for a potential peace deal with the ELN. He to take over FARC’s illicit economy. also laid the groundwork for rural reforms that, if completed, would produce nothing less than an That economy included coca, the raw material for agrarian revolution in Colombia. Duque must not cocaine. Most of the fight for control of this and waste a golden opportunity to deliver to his country other illicit assets is concentrated in about one- the durable peace and stability of which Colombians Published by the Searchlight Communications Inc., Crown Hill-Broad Street, quarter of the country’s municipalities, just 5% of have long dreamed. Adjacent Afriland Bank Monrovia-Liberia. which are under state control. Given Colombia’s Tel: +231-0886484201, +231-0777007529, +231-0886551057 E-mail: [email protected]; www.thenewdawnliberia.com Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2018. www.project-syndicate.org WEDNESDAY AUGUST 22 2018 www .thenewdawnliberia.com NEW DA WN 4

O-ped By Michael J. Boskin Opinion By Gordon Brown The US Economy and A Man for All the Midterm Elections Diplomatic Seasons DINBURGH – Kofi Annan will be mourned on every continent. Under his TANFORD – The US economy is growing, inflation has finally hit the US Federal Reserve’s 2% target, and unemployment is quite low – and at an all-time low for African- leadership of the United Nations, internationally shared goals for SAmericans and Hispanics. For the first time in memory, there are more job openings Edevelopment (the Millennium Development Goals) were agreed for listed by US companies than there are unemployed people. Such conditions usually the first time. But there were other important firsts that occurred on foreshadow rising real (inflation-adjusted) wages, which would indicate that American Annan’s watch: The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria workers, many of whom were left behind in the anemic post-crisis recovery, might finally was created; $100 billion of African debt was forgiven; aid to the poorest reap benefits from the strong economy. countries rose fast; the Responsibility to Protect principle moved from one Electoral models predict that a strong economy favors the party in power, and that a weak man’s aspiration to unanimous endorsement by the United Nations General economy dooms it to crushing losses. And yet, with the economy in its best condition in over Assembly; and the first steps toward the Paris climate agreement were a decade, most polls show a substantial Democratic Party lead in the run-up to the 2018 taken. midterm congressional elections this November. Moreover, most political pundits predict that the Democrats will take back control of the House of Representatives. And some even foresee a “blue wave” in which Democrats also retake the Senate, despite having to defend These were just a few of the causes that Annan championed. His far more seats than the Republicans. In several recent special elections, Republicans have achievements confound those who write off the UN as a mere talking shop. held on by far narrower margins than in past elections for the same congressional seats. I remember attending, at his invitation, a meeting of the Kofi Annan There are a number of plausible explanations for this anomaly. For starters, the pollsters Foundation in Geneva and discovering how in his retirement he was and pundits could simply be wrong, as many were in the 2016 election. At the same time, President Donald Trump may be hurting his and his party’s electoral prospects, especially advising, in one way or another, a half-dozen countries in Asia, one or two in among suburban women, by launching personal attacks against those who criticize him – Latin America, and the majority of countries of Africa on human rights, including the popular basketball star LeBron James. And it is possible that, despite high elections, or poverty alleviation. For that reason, no single assessment can ratings for his handling of the economy, many voters may not attribute the economy’s do justice to the breadth and depth of the successes of a leader who strength to Trump’s policies. brought the UN’s decision-making out of smoke-filled rooms and into the But another possibility is that the “economic effect” on elections no longer holds true. twenty-first century. While economic distress may harm the party in power, economic strength might not help it as much as in the past. As voters become wealthier, more have the luxury of focusing on Each advance made during Annan’s ten years as Secretary-General owed other issues. everything to his personal commitment, determination, and faith in the future. And it is a tribute to the moral force of his vision that he made In the Democratic primary election for New York’s 14th district earlier this year, democratic socialist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez trounced incumbent Representative Joseph Crowley, the progress at a time when the Security Council was split on almost every fourth-ranking Democrat in the House. Clearly overconfident, Crowley barely even major issue – as on Iraq – and the UN’s major financier, the United States, campaigned. Since then, Ocasio-Cortez has become a media darling, appearing alongside did not view him with affection. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, a self-described socialist who narrowly lost the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016. While much of the energy among Democrats is Soft spoken, personally modest, gentle, and almost self-effacing, Annan on the far left, the party has made a point of selecting candidates with a real chance of winning in November. was both a UN insider, promoted from within the organization’s ranks to be the first African to hold the office of Secretary-General, and an anti- Meanwhile, in the Republican primaries, candidates endorsed by Trump, or closely aligned establishment campaigner who galvanized and mobilized the international with him, have tended to prevail. But Republicans do not currently have as much NGO community to force change on often-reluctant states. enthusiasm as Democrats, which may affect turnout among the party’s supporters in November. Of course, the new global order he sought has been long delayed by great- Midterm elections are almost always a referendum on the president and his policies. In the power rivalries, nationalism, and protectionism. Despite his good 2010 and 2014 midterm elections, strong Republican majorities were viewed as a intentions, the UN failed to prevent the genocide in Rwanda before he repudiation of President Barack Obama. Accordingly, Democrats have been framing the became Secretary-General, as well as the wars in Bosnia, Iraq, and, more midterms as a referendum on Trump. At the same time, Republicans have tried to make the midterms about Nancy Pelosi, the liberal House Minority Leader from San Francisco who recently, Syria, where for a time he was a peace envoy. But even when it would likely return as Speaker if the Democrats gain a House majority. The problem is that a came to peacemaking, he was more than a witness to history. His charisma potential Speaker is a tougher target to hit than a sitting president, let alone one as made him friends everywhere, and his patience rivaled that of a saint. persuasive in the media as Trump. Despite setbacks and disappointments, he persevered, and ultimately changed our view of what international cooperation could make possible. For now, attention is being paid to the economy’s potential role in the election. But after Election Day, the results will, in turn, affect economic policies, and thus the economic outlook. If Republicans retain the House and Senate, the pro-growth tax and regulatory Supported in his Foundation’s work by his wonderful wife Nane, Annan reforms enacted thus far will be sustained, and perhaps even expanded. Likewise, if they continued to champion, in his retirement, the environmental, democratic, keep the Senate, conservative federal judges will continue to be confirmed. and anti-poverty causes he had made his life’s work – and he never gave up. I recall working with him ten years ago as he labored night and day to bring By contrast, a Democratic majority in the House will predictably block Trump’s legislative proposals; and a Democratic majority in the Senate (a long shot) will stonewall conservative together both sides after Kenya’s disputed presidential election and post- judicial appointees. Though divided governments sometimes produce policy compromises election ethnic violence. Annan’s mediation undoubtedly prevented the and preside over a strong economy, it is hard to imagine that happening if Democrats retake loss of more lives. either or both chambers of Congress. In the last few months, I talked with Annan about Myanmar and the After all, even supposedly moderate Democrats have moved further to the left to ward off socialist challengers. And more Democrats are coalescing around an agenda of greatly pathbreaking proposals put forth by his Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, which, even now, offer the best chance of reconciliation and an end expanded government spending and higher taxes (though they haven’t yet spoken much about the latter). to the crisis that has been destroying lives in that strife-torn country. He loyally supported the international work to fill a gap in the global A widely circulated Gallup poll recently found that a higher percentage of Democrats are architecture for development, by backing the Education Commission’s plan amenable to socialism than to capitalism. Hence, most of the Democrats veering to the left are proposing universal government-provided health insurance (“Medicare for all”), – along the lines of The Global Fund – to create a $10 billion International tuition-free college, and a federal job guarantee or basic income. Finance Facility for Education to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal on universal education. Of course, enacting that agenda would require a Democratic president and majorities in both chambers of Congress. And even then, it would cost tens of trillions of dollars. Paying Even in the last few months of his life, Annan was, as ever, active and for it would require a large European-style value-added tax (VAT) or dramatically higher income and payroll taxes, most likely leading to European-style economic stagnation. available to help – advising on the elections in Zimbabwe, championing youthPlease leadershipnote that this pos witht is a National his Pprogramost and is opened to tinspireo applican tsa of eithernew se x.generation Preference will of be given to equally qualified women candidates. For their part, the Republicans are divided between traditional free-market, free-trade internationalists, and calling for more attention to human rights and conservatives and Trumpian “economic nationalists” who want to restrict immigration and democracy through the recent reports and conferences run by his trade in lieu of concessions by America’s trading partners. foundation. So, after the November elections, the strong US economy may be threatened by an escalating trade war or the specter of higher taxes. With growth slowing in China, Europe, Annan’s journey is over. But the legacy of this leader of leaders will live on and elsewhere, the global economy will need America to avoid those dangerous policy in the impact his work continues to have on the lives of people on every mistakes. continent.

Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2017. www.project-syndicate.org Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2017. www.project-syndicate.org

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 22 2018 www .thenewdawnliberia.com NEW DA WN 5 From Where I See SOS Liberia graduates 43 President Weah’s Government OS Children’s Villages Liberia for Action Aid Liberia urges the H e r m a n n G m e i n e r graduates to be creative. She says SInternational School (HGIS) many people fear to fail, therefore By: Jones Octavious Mallay, Esq. graduates 43 students from six counties they withdraw from activities that [email protected] Cell: 4015720775; @jonesmallay in Liberia. could benefit them, informing the The graduation marks students' graduates that lots of inventions today departure from HGIS, but also marks are the results of trying. Justice Min. Dean, where the beginning of a new chapter in their Madam Moore adds, “You have lives, as some go on to University, studied in a unique institution where is Your Legal Forbearance? College, or entrepreneurships. The talent and creativity is nurtured and Class of 2018 program was held at the he Liberian Presidency is a sacred, inscribed and intricated civic democratic institution. you have become empowered with the However, the presidency can easily be ruined at the mercy of some opportunistic Monrovia Christian Fellowship in Sinkor, skills and attributes you need to be the Tpresidential appointees who may be potentially and indirectly antagonistic to President Monrovia. next generation of global leaders who Weah, purposely to advance the concept of a rule of law, efficiency, effectiveness, At the 13th graduation ceremony can make the impossible possible.” pragmaticism and or political stopgap, since President Weah is a proportionately a pubescent recently, SOS Children’s Villages Liberia She urges the graduates to keep political actor in the Executive Mansion. awarded the valedictorian, Nelly focus and keep trying, adding, “Many President Weah has not been fortunate to fully comprehend the dynamics and the political Wende two-year scholarship to any leaders didn’t get what they wanted for sophistication of the Liberian presidency that would enforce his political might in the direction University of her choice in Liberia. the first time”, making specific of him making a critical independent assessments and informed judgement taking into National Director Mr. Augustine A.K. references to Liberia’s first female consideration all the enormous technical facts that are directly embedded within the ambit of Allieu thanked the students for their President Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf the Liberian presidency since the cradle of Liberia’s second democratic dispensations in achievements thus far, noting “Today sequence. But pieces of political experiences have unearthed that the Liberian presidency is and current President George Weah. virtually a symbol of perpetual African prestige, enormous wealth accumulation vehicle, a well- is a very important day not only in the Special guests at the occasion calculated affluence festivity, and the crafting of a rich developmental resume in pursuant of a lives of the students that are included Senator Company B. Wesseh of presidential aggrandizement as means of suppressing perpetual poverty throughout the graduating, but for SOS and River Gee County, who lauds SOS president's lifespan. undoubtedly for the country as well.” Children’s Villages Liberia for the level Mr. Allieu says he was gratified to Since President Weah is still adventuring around the inner workings and the ramifications of the of work done in Liberia. Senator Liberian presidency, he will for the next three years be vulnerable to political thieves, recognize the great effort by parents, Wesseh, whose daughter was among betrayers, falsehood, detractors, pretenders, pathological liars and doubled standard care-givers, teachers, and the the 43 graduates, praises SOS for giving personalities among and between his political appointees’ orbit. President Weah will be duped administration, amongst others whose awards and honors to deserving and hoodwinked a thousand times during his presidency to even affix his signatures on many contributions culminated into the day’s individuals. “Institutions including papers. He will welcome multiple unwise economic and security decisions unknowingly to event. “For us at SOS, we feel fulfilled government should follow the good himself that could eventually plunge his presidency into perpetual political crises beyond his that we can proudly turn out their control. examples demonstrated by SOS”, says

One such political hoaxed come from the deceptive decision made by President Weah’s Justice Minister Dean when he placed a ban on authorized public assembly in any manner and form quoting an Act Requiring the “Obtaining of Permits for Public Marches and Demonstrations, approved February 10, 1975, and Section 22 of the Liberia National Police Act of 2015, any person or group of persons wishing to stage a march or demonstration must first obtain a permit from the Ministry of Justice before staging such a demonstration.”

Justice Minister Dean’s decision is a dangerous game intended to betray President Weah, especially where the minister willfully kept his silence on the Liberian constitution which clearly stipulated in Article 17 “All persons at all times , in an orderly and peaceful manner, shall have the right to assemble and consult upon the common good, to instruct their representatives to petition the Government or other functionaries for the redress of grievances and to associate fully with others or refuse to associate in political parties, trade unions and other organizations” Minister Dean is vehemently aware that the Liberian constitution takes precedence over the Justice Ministry and the LNP’s versions on demonstration. The Minister however by his false and advanced intentions to fool President Weah that the Liberian constitution doesn’t count in this SOS National Director, Augustine A.K. Allieu poses particular scenario. It is the Justice Ministry and the LNP versions that counts, contrary to the with the HGIS valedictorian Nelly Wende and her parents interpretations provided for by the Justice Ministry and of the LNP which betrays President Weah.

To prove further that Minister Dean wants to destroy the Weah’s Presidency, he has prompted precious potentials after years of the River Gee Senator. Weah to believe that Section 10.1 of the Code of Conduct, entitled, “Declaration of Assets and teaching, modeling and grooming.” He stresses that awards or honors Performance Bonds” is not compulsory for President Weah. This is a clear indication of how The SOS National Director should be given based on merit, and President Weah is being thrown under the bus by Minister Dean. Minister Dean has also ignored continues, “As part of encouraging thanks SOS Children’s Villages Liberia the fact that Liberia is highly fragile with 16000 ex-rebels’ fighters and their warlords living side- striving for excellence among our for awarding the two-year scholarship by-side in Liberia waiting for the least crisis to happen for them to be in motion once again. The Justice Minister is aware of this type of fragility is affecting Liberia’s security network, yet he is young people as well as supporting the to the most deserving student. “I am of making a crisis decision to put the Weah’s government into perpetual crisis thus betraying the efforts by government to support girls’ the conviction that student Nelly very government he is working for. education, I have the honor to extend Wende deserves this scholarship to our valedictorian Nelly Wende two- judging from her track records which Sources closed to the Justice Ministry revealed that foreigners are smuggling arms and year tuition payment scholarship to any include the different prizes won due to ammunition into the country and nothing is done about that, yet the minister is making a higher institution in Monrovia.” her hard work.” terrible crisis decision to mess President Weah’s government. It has also been revealed in security circles in Liberia that 9 out of 10 LNP recruits are former ex-rebel fighters and 50% of In her Valedictory speech, Nelly Also amongst the 43 graduates were the so-called 4000 Liberian soldiers are former rebels who are pretending to be loyal to Wende congratulates her colleagues, four children who grew up in SOS President Weah when they are not, yet in the midst of these fragilities, the Justice Minister is reminding them that their graduation Village. “Born in a remote village but making dangerous decisions for a potential crisis that would jeopardize the Weah’s government. was a culmination of a long and grew up in SOS, meant I found a home, a challenging, but ultimately rewarding place where I belongs” says Finda Ironically, the Justice Minister once lived in the U.S. and in England for many years. The Minister is in acknowledgment that citizens of those countries assembled freely, expressed their opinions journey. Flomo. “Ever since the first time that I freely, conduct peaceful demonstration without any permit, not even one from Jesus Christ the She notes that they have expanded crossed the gate of Juah Town SOS son of God. Cllr. Dean once served as Deputy Minister of Justice and Deputy Attorney General the SOS vision of “no child should grow Village, up until today, I’m truly from July 1996 to February 1997 and knows that Liberia is highly fragile since the 16-years civil up alone.” Student Nelly thanks the fascinated by all of the amazing people wars were not persecuted yet he is making crisis decision to destroy the Weah’s government. teachers for constantly acquainting coming from different background, Mister Dean where were you when on September 7, 1984, the late Doe’s Justice and Defense them with content that have bringing along not only their unique Ministers Jenkins Z.B. Scott and Gray D. Allison ordered the flogging, stripping, raping and the challenged their minds to attain that culture and personality, but also their killing of over 60 University students on UL campuses because they violated the so-called Justice level and beyond. “I am fully persuaded aspirations and desires. Here I found Ministry and LNP permit to freely assembled against the fundamental principle provided for that SOS passion for taking children out that people were just like me, under Liberia constitution? Which was basically wrong. Do you know the aftermath of such a from the dungeon to the higher height looking for their better self, and crisis decision like the one you have just signed? The late Doe’s regime fell. Minister Scott died like a pet on garbage site and Allison died dishonorably? Where were you when those events is one among none.” constantly trying something new.” She unfolded in 1984? You need to ask your former boss President Sirleaf and Dr. Amos Sawyer who Lakshmi N. Moore, Country Director notes. lived with those bad memories—Put on your thinking cap Minister Dean.

Furthermore, be educated that constitutional laws are a fundamental bear rock of any society that believes in the tenets of democracy. President Weah cannot claim to be a law-abiding democrat but vehemently and willfully undermines the laws of Liberia and at the peril of presidential power and are the same time ignoring all those blatant violations of the laws by President Weah and at the same time compelled Liberians to abide by a demonstration laws of Liberia that is wrongly being interpreted. This is a doubled standard and a lip-service to Mama- Liberia, especially at the time when Liberia is at a severe security risk from within. WEDNESDAY AUGUST 22 2018 www .thenewdawnliberia.com NEW DA WN 6 More headline news More headline news Who replaces Cllr. Nagbe? Doctor Kateh By E. J. Nathaniel Daygbor A source, who is a resident tenure of the former senator is ince the nomination of of the county, says many expected to expire in January tours Lofa Sinoe County Senator names are being speculated, 2020, meaning, anyone who SCllr. Joseph Nagbe to but prominent among them contests and wins the seat will -Welcomes US$80k health facility in Salayea the Supreme Court bench by are former Development barely serve for less than two President George Manneh Superintendent Romeo Quiah, years, and get ready for mid- he Chief Medical He says the tour covers Weah, and his subsequent Cllr. Augustine Chie and a term senatorial election. Officer (CMO) of Curran Hospital in Zorzor confirmation hearings by the staffer in the office of Sinoe On August 08, President TL i b e r i a , D o c t o r District, Telewoyan Hospital in Liberian Senate, citizens of County Senator J. Milton Weah nominated Cllr. Joseph Francis Kateh, commends the Voinjama, Kolahun Health N. Nagbe as Associate Justice people of Kpayakolleh Town, Center besides meeting with to the Supreme Court of Salayea District, Lofa health workers in Vahun where Liberia, replacing retired County for constructing a a surgery room is currently Justice Philip A. Z. Banks. health facility at an estimated being constructed by the During his confirmation cost of US$80,000. residents. hearing last Friday, Senator Doctor Kateh, also Deputy According to the CMO, he Nagbe promised he will not be Minister of Health, says the assured the people of the town a weak or wicked Associate money was provided to the of government’s commitment Justice. people of Kpayakolleh Town by to equip the operation room “I promise to respect the a logging company operating in upon its completion. rights of all who will appear the area, in fulfillment of an The Deputy Health boss before me in the discharge of agreement reached between notes that the visit also my duties, because I will not be a weak Justice, neither will I be a wicked one, so help me God,” he vowed before the Senate. Also the longest-serving Senator of Sinoe County (since 2003; NTLA-to present), Nagbe told the open hearing presided over by Senator Varney Sherman, chairman of the S e n a t e c o m m i t t e e o n Judiciary, that the Justice he Sinoe have been on the search Teahjay, Mr. Othello Nagbe. aspires to be will be a person for a replacement in the Ex-superintendent Quiah is dedicated to duty, maintaining county. a partisan of the ruling a cordial and cooperative Information gathered so far Coalition for Democratic posture with his colleagues at by this paper indicates there Change. the Supreme Court.- Editing are three possible aspirants It is not clear whether by Jonathan Browne already eyeing the county’s Othello has any relations with seat in the senate. Cllr. Joseph Nagbe, but the

the company and the town. extended to Foya District Making the disclosure where a health center was Government fines Poro Society 10,000 LRD following a two-week tour of constructed through the Lofa County, he describes the i n i t i a t i v e o f t h e l a t e By Thomas Domah/Nimba initiative as “a huge task” Representative Eugene Fallah intended to complement Kparkar. he administration of government’s intervention in Meanwhile, Doctor Kateh Nimba County headed the health sector of Liberia. assures health workers in Lofa by Superintendent T The CMO explains to of government’s continued David Dorr Cooper has fined reporters in Monrovia he was support in seeking the welfare members of the Poro Society, a privileged to dedicate the of healthcare providers across traditional bush school for health facility during his tour the country. -Editing by forcibly initiating a pastor of of the county when he made a Jonathan Browne the Liberia Inland Church in stop in Kpayakolleh Town. the county. The Poro Society forcibly enrolled 45-year-old Pastor Joseph Saye recently into the traditional institution in Read the NewDawn everyday Leesonnoh Kpaikoah town, e l e c t o r a l d i s t r i c t # 8 , prompting protest from the & Church. County Inspector Reginald Advertise with us! Mehn imposed a fine of 10,000 Liberian Dollars on executives Mr. Peter Ballon, head for the Nimba Traditional Council of the Poro for executing the forceful initiation. complete his studies. Officer Moses S. Dologbay Pastor Saye was arrested by and Sende (female) are until otherwise. This paper gathers that called on those involved in members of the Poro recently traditionally held sacred, and Inspector Mehn says the despite Ministry of Education’s such practices to desist as they and taken in, but the Inland not to be discussed in public, penalties are in line with mandate for schools across the were obstructing the kids’ C h u r c h c o m p l a i n e d t o b u t g o v e r n m e n t h a s regulation from the Ministry of country to open on September education process. government, demanding his emphasized initiation should Internal Affairs, which 3, for 2018-2019 academic In the traditional schools, immediate release. be voluntary. oversees traditional rituals period, school-age kids in both children and adults are County Inspector Mehn also The county authority has here. Nimba are being forcibly taught basic family leadership fined the Christian community also suspended 30 chiefs for Meanwhile, it is not clear initiated in Poro and Sende and home upkeep, norms and in Nimba for taking the issue on their handling of the situation, whether members of the Poro societies, traditional schools v a l u e s , i n c l u d i n g t h e a i r w a v e i n p u b l i c and suspended all activities of would yield to the demand for male and females, creating responsibilities for husbands discussions. traditional institutions, from the church and release problems in the county. and wives. -Editing by Activities of the Poro (male) specifically the Poro and Sende Pastor Saye or keep him to Recently, County Education Jonathan Browne WEDNESDAY AUGUST 22 2018 www .thenewdawnliberia.com NEW DA WN 7 More headline news More headline news GOL, ADB sign US$ 10 million financing agreement By Lewis S. Teh payment obligations. Bank and Liberia remains He says the Project is making sure that bank he Government of S u b s e q u e n t l y, t h e strong.” expected to lead to improved resources are used effectively, Liberia through the agreement will also support According to the ADB boss, p r i v a t e s e c t o r and I think those efforts were TMinistry of Finance economic growth by improving the support has two aims: to competitiveness, improve realized, and this is why and Development Planning, a c c o u n t a b i l i t y a n d contribute to promoting Liberia’s scores and ranking in President Weah is committed and the African Development transparency in public sustainable and inclusive the global competitiveness to working with the bank in its Bank or ABD sign another financial management, and e c o n o m i c g r o w t h b y index, including improved efforts to revitalize”, says financing agreement to enhancing private sector supporting government efforts access to electricity for Tweah. s t r e n g t h e n i n g t h e competitiveness in Liberia to improve transparency and industries, SMEs and domestic He notes that no way the government’s budget and from 2018-2020, according to accountability in public consumers and regulatory ADB can have a huge level of other activities. Mr. Amu. financial management; and framework. i n f l u e n c e i n A f r i c a ’s Addressing a cross section He expresses delight over secondly to enhance private Finance Minister Samuel transformation when the of officials from both the smooth working relations sector competitiveness in Tweah expresses sentiments capital structure of the bank institutions on Tuesday, August between the ADB, and the Liberia by creating the on behalf of President George remains at it is, adding, “So I 21, at the official signing Government of Liberia saying, enabling environment that will Weah and the people of Liberia want to use this occasion to ceremony in Monrovia, the ADB “I’m very happy to note that a t t r a c t i n v e s t m e n t to the ADB, for the support assure the ADB family of the Country Manager Mr. Orison the cooperation between the opportunities. given to help address the President’s support to working Amu says the US$10 million urgent needs of Liberians. with bank in order to have its financing agreement is to “I was at the Bank when the goals achieved.” Editing by support government in president of the bank was Jonathan Browne achieving its pro-poor agenda. moving through lot of reforms “This signing ceremony here to today is to support the Economic Governance and Competitiveness Support Liberians must Project or (EGCSP)”, he says. Mr. Amu explains the EGCSP is the third Budget support to the support Pres. Weah government and people of Liberia over the last 18 years. He says the Project was approved by the African -Caldwell youth Development Bank Board of By Lewis S. Teh Executives and Directors on outh of Caldwell 31st July 2018 with a loan of 7 initiatives, not waiting for T o w n s h i p i n government. million or an equivalent of US$ Montserrado County 10,000 from the ADF 14 Y He says the Mayor of the are calling on Liberians to allocations to support the Monrovia City Corporation support President George Jefferson Koijee calls on Government of Liberia in Weah’s Pro Poor Agenda for the meeting its balance of citizens across Liberia to join country. the cleaning up exercise in The group, under the their various counties, banner Association of Caldwell communities, and districts, LIMPAC trains 80 Finance staff Youth says if the government something he says will help to will succeed, Liberians must give the city a decent look. h e L i b e r i a efficiency and productivity at Samuel D. Tweah and the support it. “We thought it wise to Macroeconomic Policy the Ministry of Finance and entire Senior Management It says the situation of undertake this initiative Analysis Centeror Development Planning (MFDP). Team at the Ministry for the T Liberia cannot be solved by ourselves, because we all are (LIMPAC within the Ministry of Deputy Minister McGill tremendous support shown Finance and Development challenges the beneficiaries to towards accelerating LIMPAC’s Planning with support from the share the skills acquired with activities, including capacity African Capacity Building their colleagues, terming building initiatives. Foundation (ACBF) completes knowledge-sharing as a Meanwhile, he says the circle one of its capacity m u l t i p l i e r i n c a p a c i t y second cycle of the training building program for Liberia. d e v e l o p m e n t i n a n y exercises is already ongoing The exercise, which lasted institution. She describes and the LIMPAC facilitators over three weeks, focused on c a p a c i t y b u i l d i n g a s have placed more emphasis on the usage of MS-Word for “ s t r e n g t h e n i n g s k i l l s , Advanced Excel skills, and report writing and MS- Excel competency and ability”, STATA for more robust for data calculation and appeals for more support from statistical and data analysis. analysis, attracted trainees the African Capacity Building Mr. Wreh explains the STATA and employees from different F o u n d a t i o n , e s p e c i a l l y t r a i n i n g c o m p r i s e s 3 6 departments and units of the e q u i p m e n t t o e n a b l e employees from the LISGIS, Ministry of Finance and employees put their newly LRA, Ministry of Commerce President George Weah Development Planning. acquired skills to practice. and Industry, the Economic Speaking at the occasion LIMPAC’s Executive Director Management Department and recently at the Ministry, Del-Francis Wreh, giving an the Tax Policy Division of the D e p u t y M i n i s t e r f o r overview of the program, pays Ministry of Finance and President Weah and his aware of the message the Administration Rebecca McGill tribute to former Finance and D e v e l o p m e n t P l a n n i n g , officials alone, but rather it mayor gave, it is against this conveyed appreciations to D e v e l o p m e n t P l a n n i n g respectively. requires collective efforts of backdrop that I contact my LIMPAC and its partner, the Minister, Boima S. Kamara, The center, which is funded all citizens in supporting the team to carry on this ACBF for affording employees whose efforts, he notes, had by the Government of Liberia President’s pro-poor agenda. exercise”, Toe explains. training opportunity and for its laid to the establishment of the and the African Capacity It made the call over the He says it is shameful to broader goal of implementing training lab within the Ministry. Building Foundation (ACBF) weekend at the beginning of a listen to Liberians coming capacity building programs He discloses former Minister conducts policy research and one-day cleanup campaign in from the United States of across the public sector in Kamara encouraged the ACBF provide advisory services to electoral district#15, Caldwell America, and other parts of Liberia. to provide fund for both the lab the Government of Liberia To w n s h i p t o g i v e t h e the world raining praises on She encourages the trainees a n d p a y m e n t s f o r t h e through the Ministry of Finance community a facelift. t h o s e c o u n t r i e s a b o u t to apply knowledge acquired in facilitation of the training and Development Planning In an exclusive interview, cleanliness, noting those the execution of their various during a visit of a high-level b e s i d e s i m p l e m e n t i n g youth leader Adolphus Toe says success stories are achieved responsibilities, and expresses delegation of the Foundation capacity building initiatives. - the initiative is in support of thru citizens’ involvement, hope that the utilization of to Liberia early 2017. Press Release President Weah’s agenda, not government alone.- acquired skills will enhance Mr. Wreh also lauds current which calls for Liberians taking Editing by Jonathan Browne WEDNESDAY AUGUST 22 2018 www .thenewdawnliberia.com NEW DA WN 8 Français Ça fait 10 ans que Benjamin Yeatan est inculpé, mais son procès n’a jamais eu lieu andis que le débat région ouest-africaine, mais Quoique les appels à la Libériens qui pensent que directeur du SSS et « sur la création d’un depuis la condamnation de création d’un tribunal de Yeatan et tous ceux qui sont commandant de première tribunal des crimes T son patron Taylor pour avoir crimes de guerre deviennent soupçonnés d’avoir commis ligne ». Il était désigné sous le de guerre s’intensifie, le aidé et encouragé des anciens de plus en plus intenses, le des crimes atroces pendant titre de général. dossier de Benjamin Yeatan, rebelles de la Sierra Leone président Weah, lui semble les conflits armés qui ont Mais en route, les deux le chef impitoyable de la voisine, il ne fait plus aucun observer un mutisme inouï au duré près de deux décennies ministres furent abattus par garde rapprochée de l’ancien signe de vie. grand dam de plus en plus de répondent de leurs crimes trois agents des forces président Charles Ghankay devant un tribunal spécial. spéciales sur les ordres de Taylor, continue de pourrir L’administration Weah Yeatan. Ils ont pris le soin de dans le temple de la justice, semble totalement opposée à les ligoter avant de tirer sur 10 ans après son inculpation u n e t e l l e e n t r e p r i s e . eux à bout portant sur la pour meurtres. D ’ a i l l e u r s c e r t a i n s route du comté de Nimba Yeatan, connu sous le nom r e s p o n s a b l e s autour du camp CNC qui était de P40 pour sa cruauté, a été g o u v e r n e m e n t a u x utilisé par Yeatan comme inculpé en 2008 sous le continuent d’affirmer que la base militaire. Le procureur r é g i m e d e l ’ a n c i e n n e création d’une telle cour c r o i t q u e Ye a t a n a présidente Ellen Johnson- entraînera une charge personnellement tiré sur Sirleaf pour le meurtre de financière supplémentaire Yormie à la tête à un l’ancien ministre des Affaires sur le pays qui est déjà carrefour entre Biipa et intérieures Samuel Dokie et confronté à des difficultés Bainlakpala dans le comté de de sa famille en 1997, de économiques. Nimba. Après quoi, les corps l’ancien ministre adjoint Au fait, la position du des victimes auraient été John W. Yormie et de l’ancien pouvoir en place ne devrait jetés dans un puits près de vice-ministre des travaux étonner personne d’autant l’entrepôt de LPRC à Ganta, publics pour les services plus que la vice-présidente dans le comté de Nimba. techniques, Isaac Vaye en Jewel Howard Taylor est l’ex- Selon le procureur, quand 2003. épouse du président Taylor l’ancien président Taylor a La dernière fois qu’on a qui purge actuellement une appris les nouvelles de la entendu parler de lui, on peine de 50 ans dans une mort des deux ministres, il a disait qu’il sillonnait la sous- prison britannique. En plus, envoyé son vice-président, b e a u c o u p d e p r o c h e s feu Moses Blah, ainsi que collaborateurs du président Harrison Narnway et Prince Taylor et l’ancien seigneur de Myers pour informer leurs guerre Prince Johnson, qui veuves. aurait lui aussi commis des E n o u t r e , s e l o n l e L’UFM pleure Kofi Annan atrocités, et d’autres ex- procureur, le général Yeatan rebelles ont soutenu M. Weah aurait tué et ordonné L’Union du fleuve Mano assumé le poste de secrétaire le Ghana, le 18 août 2003. l o r s d e s a c a m p a g n e l’assassinat de M. Samuel (UFM) se dit très attristée par général des Nations Unies en Kofi Annan a fait campagne présidentielle en 2017. Dokie, de son épouse Janet la perte irréparable de 1997 lorsque le bassin du pour le déploiement de l’une Revenons au dossier de Dokie et d’autres membres l’ancien Secrétaire général fleuve Mano était encore des plus grandes forces de B e n j a m i n Ye a t a n . L e de sa famille en novembre des Nations Unies, le Dr Kofi considéré comme l’épicentre maintien de la paix de l’ONU procureur de la république a 1997 dans le comté de Bong. Annan, le 18 août. des conflits ouest-africains. et d’autres membres du fait valoir que, dans la nuit du M. Dokie et sa famille se Un communiqué publié L’UFM note que pendant personnel des Nations Unies 5 juin 2003, l'accusé Yeatan a seraient rendus dans le par l’UFM a décrit Annan son mandat de Secrétaire d on t le rôle d a n s le fait appel à la victime Yormie comté de Nimba pour assister comme un artisan de paix général, le Dr Annan n’a rétablissement de la paix et comme quoi l'ex-président à un mariage d’un parent où accompli, un humanitaire ménagé aucun effort jusqu’à de la démocratie dans la sous- Taylor voulait le voir. Les le général Yeatan les a tués. passionné et un leader ce que le Libéria, qui était en région a été important. ministres Yormie et Vaye M. Yeatan a été inculpé en visionnaire. proie à plusieurs années de " A u j o u r d ' h u i , n o n furent donc accompagnés à 2008 au cours du premier Selon l’organisation sous- conflits armés, ait signé un seulement ces pays sont bord d’un véhicule 4x4 par mandat de l’ancienne régionale, le Dr Annan a accord de paix dans son pays, stables, mais ils sont tous d e u x h o m m e s a r m é s présidente Ellen Johnson – identifiés comme Junior Sirleaf, il n’a pas encore jugé Nyantee et Banana (Aide de et cela est moins probable camp auprès du Président) sous le régime actuel. chez Yeatan qui était

r e t o u r n é s d a n s l a dirigeants, pour rendre le communauté des nations en monde plus sûr. t a n t q u e m e m b r e s L’organisation sous- r e s p e c t a b l e s e t régionale qui regroupe la responsables", poursuit le Sierra Leone, le Liberia, la communiqué. Guinée et la Cote d’Ivoire a L’UFM a déclaré qu'il déclaré que le peuple de espérait que les idéaux d'un l’UFM n'oubliera jamais Kofi monde pacifique que le Dr Annan pour son rôle dans l Annan a prônés resteront 'instauration d’une paix actifs dans l'esprit de tous les véritable sur le continent citoyens du monde, et plus africain et dans le monde p a r t i c u l i è r e m e n t l e s entier. WEDNESDAY AUGUST 22 2018 www .thenewdawnliberia.com NEW DA WN 9 Français Guinée / de faux résultats pour la Commentaire Par Shlomo Ben-Ami paix ( ?) : Dalein, encore maladroit

’est une inopportune mutuelles. L’accord de paix sortie médiatique que Selon lui, l’UFDG a « gagné à Cvient de faire encore Kindia 22 conseillers sur 41. colombien est menacé Dalein Diallo, à la faveur de Nous allons renoncer à 5 l ’ a s s e m b l é e g é n é r a l e conseillers pour nous ADRID – En 2016, le gouvernement colombien a publique. Étant donné la taille importante de la ordinaire de l’UFDG, le contenter de 17 que la conclu un accord de paix historique avec les Colombie, la paix et la stabilité y ont toujours dépendu samedi dernier, à Conakry. centralisation nous a donnés. MForces armées révolutionnaires de Colombie des capacités de l’État à fournir des services et un soutien L e c h e f d e f i l e d e C’est un sacrifice. A Matam, (FARC), mettant un terme à une guerre de cinquante- institutionnel à ces zones historiquement marginalisées. l’opposition guinéenne dit on a renoncé aux conseillers, deux ans, qui a tué plus de 265 000 Colombiens et en a avoir accepté les faux à Matoto, on a renoncé aux déplacé sept millions. Le pacte a été salué comme un Ce soutien fait aujourd’hui défaut dans certaines zones résultats au nom de la paix et conseillers. Il ne faut pas nouveau modèle de résolution de ce type de conflits évacuées par les FARC, vulnérables à un regain de inextricables. Mais il est aujourd’hui mis à l’épreuve, volatilité, que traduit la hausse des assassinats de la quiétude sociale. « On qu’on pense qu’on n’a comme jamais auparavant. politiques. De petits propriétaires terriens, intimidés par accepte les faux résultats concédé que Dubréka. On a les violences, sont désormais contraints de vendre à publiés et on renonce aux accepté les faux résultats Il serait suffisamment difficile, dans le contexte le d’importantes sociétés agro-alimentaires, pour des prix s i è g e s q u ’ o n n o u s a contre lesquels on s’est battu plus favorable, d’éradiquer les causes profondes d’un dérisoires, les terres volées qui leur avaient été arbitrairement enlevés. pendant des mois : il y a eu conflit qui a duré aussi longtemps. Ivan Duque Márquez rétrocédées au titre de la loi sur les victimes et les ayant gagné la présidence de la Colombie, cela le restitutions de terres – autre pilier de l’accord de paix. C’est pour la paix et pour des morts, des prisonniers deviendra beaucoup plus. Le mentor de Duque était sortir de la crise », lâche-t-il. détenus arbitrairement. l’ancien président Álvaro Uribe, ennemi juré, dans Ces sociétés obtiennent aussi l’accès aux régions Cette déclaration rappelle si Nous l’avons accepté pour la l’arène politique, de Juan Manuel Santos, architecte amazoniennes de la Colombie évacuées par les FARC – des étrangement celles déjà paix et pour la sortie de crise de l’accord de paix et prédécesseur immédiat du zones où la forêt vierge est aujourd’hui en danger faites antérieurement, à parce qu’on a tendance à nouveau président. d’abattage. Lors de la seule année passée, la Colombie a l’issue de la présidentielle de faire croire qu’on n’a perdu presque un demi-million d’hectares de sa Déjà, Duque a refusé de reconnaître les principaux couverture forestière – une hausse de 46% par rapport à 2010. Si Dalein Diallo sait renoncé qu’à Dubréka. A piliers de l’accord, à commencer par le statut de parti l’année précédente. La destruction de cet indispensable qu’il finira par tout accepter, Dubréka, nous avons gagné politique légal pouvant participer à des élections écosystème menace d’accélérer le changement même les faux résultats, 23 sièges sur 41. Nous démocratiques obtenu par les FARC. Il a également climatique. pourquoi alors il invite les n ’ a v i o n s p a s b e s o i n rejeté la Jurisdicción Especial para la Paz (JEP – militants à battre le pavé d’alliance pour composer juridiction spéciale pour la paix), un nouveau tribunal, Ce sont là des problèmes graves, qui ne peuvent être pour se faire tuer ou chopper l’exécutif, nous renonçons indépendant du système judiciaire ordinaire, dont la résolus que par des réformes structurelles profondes et création fut un des points de l’accord, en vue d’établir conçues pour le long terme. Mais ce ne sont nullement par des forces de l’ordre ? au poste de maire pour le une justice transitionnelle – suite aux séquelles des excuses pour abandonner l’accord de paix. On Dalein aurait mieux fait s’il RPG. Mais, on a l’impression laissées par les exactions des FARC et des organisations pouvait en effet s’attendre à ce que surgissent de tels se taisait, sans donner que c’est le RPG qui a été paramilitaires d’extrême-droite qui les combattaient. problèmes : contrairement à des accords entre États d’explications sur le choix brimé. » institués – qui s’attacheraient, par exemple, à résoudre politique fait : concessions Les puissantes élites conservatrices colombiennes un différend territorial – les négociations conclues avec n’ont jamais été à l’aise avec l’esprit libéral qui des acteurs non étatiques sont pratiquement toujours présidait à la JEP, organe d’une justice plus réparatrice suivies de mesures complexes et longues à mettre en que punitive, mettant les victimes – ainsi que la vérité – œuvre afin de construire une infrastructure étatique. Présidentielle au Mali : la Cour en avant et leur donnant une place centrale dans le processus, censée aboutir à des réparations et à la Il n’est qu’à considérer l’accord du Vendredi saint, qui a reconnaissance de leurs crimes par ceux qui les ont ramené la paix en Irlande du Nord, après trente ans de perpétrés, les principaux dirigeants des FARC étant violences. Il fut signé en 1998, mais l’Armée républicaine constitutionnelle confirme la victoire d'IBK effectivement susceptibles d’éviter des peines de irlandaise (IRA) n’accepta de désarmer que sept ans plus prison. tard. Deux années s’écoulèrent encore avant que L a v i c t o i r e d ' I b r a h i m obtient une large et protestants et catholiques ne parviennent à un véritable Boubacar Keïta, surnommé « confortable victoire, loin Le Sénat colombien a pourtant déjà exclu du pouvoir accord de partage du pouvoir. Lorsque les gouvernements juridictionnel de la JEP de hauts gradés et des figures multipartites ont été paralysés, l’État britannique a IBK » par la population, a été cependant du plébiscite de des milieux d’affaires ou de la politique suspectées de rétabli temporairement son administration directe. confirmée au Mali par la Cour 2013 où il avait réuni 77% des collusion avec les paramilitaires d’extrême-droite. Les constitutionnelle, qui a suffrages exprimés. sénateurs avancent, à l’appui de leur décision, que les À l’instar de l’accord du Vendredi saint, l’accord de paix annoncé les résultats La Cour a quasiment validé militaires doivent être jugés par un nouveau tribunal, colombien se fonde sur un compromis fort simple : la officiels du second tour de la les résultats provisoires composé de « juges impartiaux », plutôt que par les « participation politique en échange du désarmement. Mais gauchistes » de la JEP. Ainsi l’accord était-il fragilisé il n’est d’autre façon de mettre en œuvre cet accord que présidentielle ce 20 août. Le donnés par le ministère avant même que Duque n’entre en fonctions. de reconstruire les périphéries rurales abandonnées du président sortant rassemble malien de l’Administration pays – une tâche extrêmement complexe rendue plus 67,16% des voix contre territoriale. Elle a quand La bonne nouvelle, en revanche, est qu’en raison d’un difficile encore par les résistances de certains 32,84% pour son rival m ê m e r e t r a n c h é u n arrêt de la Cour constitutionnelle de Colombie, le groupements d’intérêts économiques et par une classe Soumaïla Cissé. Cinq ans centième du score provisoire président ne peut changer significativement les termes politique conservatrice qui les soutient. après son accession au d’Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta. de l’accord de paix. Mais Duque peut toujours l’ébranler en refusant d’accorder les moyens et En raison, pour partie, de cette opposition, le pouvoir en 2013, IBK repart Le taux de participation au l’attention politique nécessaires à sa mise en œuvre. gouvernement colombien, selon les informations dont donc officiellement pour un second tour est plus faible La question devient alors de savoir s’il optera pour une dispose la Commission internationale de vérification des second mandat. que lors du premier tour : il approche pragmatique, même si celle-ci doit le mener, droits humains, n’a jusqu’à présent mis en œuvre que « Je proclame élu Ibrahim s’élève à 34%. Sur 8 millions comme Santos avant lui, à l’affrontement avec Uribe. 18,5 % des réformes, des lois et des engagements – qui Boubacar Keïta », a déclaré d’électeurs pour un pays qui vont des réparations économiques et des garanties de la présidente de la Cour c o m p t e 1 8 m i l l i o n s Quand bien même Duque ne chercherait pas sécurité à l’assistance aux cultivateurs ayant accepté de activement à saborder l’accord de paix, les difficultés cesser leur production de coca – contenus dans l’accord constitutionnelle du Mali, d'habitants, moins de trois de sa mise en œuvre abondent. Si les FARC ont de paix. La présidence Duque sera jugée à l’aune de sa Manassa Danioko, ce 20 août. millions d'entre eux se sont officiellement démobilisé, certains fronts de volonté de s’imposer contre les groupes d’intérêts et de Les scores sont donc de déplacés pour aller voter. l’organisation ont refusé d’abandonner la lutte. Ils faire avancer le processus de paix. 6 7 , 1 6 % p o u r I b r a h i m Lors de la lecture de l’arrêt, sont désormais acculés à une guerre totale avec les Boubacar Keïta, surnommé « la présidente de la Cour a groupes paramilitaires, dont certains se sont L’accord de paix n’est pas parfait. Mais force est de IBK » par la population, et de révélé que les avocats des reconstitués à partir des milices d’extrême-droite constater que Santos a légué à son successeur un pays ayant déposé les armes au début des années 2000, avec libéré du fléau de l’insurrection des FARC et sur la voie 32,84% pour son opposant au deux candidats lui avaient l’Armée de libération nationale (Ejercito de Liberación d’une paix durable, sans parler d’une feuille de route second tour, Soumaïla Cissé. adressé des requêtes, toutes Nacional – ELN), milice marxiste qui a refusé l’offre pour des négociations envisageables avec l’ELN. Il a aussi Le président malien sortant rejetées. faite par Santos d’un accord de paix séparé, et enfin jeté les bases de réformes rurales qui, si elles sont mises avec les bandes criminelles qui se disputent en œuvre, n’aboutiront à rien de moins qu’à une l’économie parallèle des FARC. révolution agraire en Colombie. Duque ne doit pas compromettre cette chance unique d’offrir à son pays la Cette économie s’appuie notamment sur la coca, paix durable et la stabilité auxquelles les Colombiens matière première de la cocaïne. L’essentiel de la lutte aspirent depuis si longtemps. pour le contrôle de cette ressource et pour celui des autres trafics se concentre sur un quart environ des collectivités du pays, 5 % seulement de ces territoires étant aujourd’hui administrés par la puissance

Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2018. www.project-syndicate.org WEDNESDAY AUGUST 22 2018 www .thenewdawnliberia.com NEW DA WN 10 feature article January 8, 2018 Improved Media and Government Relationship: A Recipe for vibrant democracy and peace By: Martin Blayon ar of words that earlier ensued between the Liberian government and some media practitioners which resulted to the pointing of accusing fingers at each other; should not be repeated because, the two parties are partners- in progress. This partnership which is timely to create an open: social, political, and democratic Wenvironment, requires win-win approach that could be in the best interest of the country and her people. democracy; which have taken center stage currently However, the Liberian government has a greater role in Liberia. Therefore, let the two parties work together at all to play in cementing this cordial relationship that times; which might be in the best interest of the could help her disseminate news and information to On the other hand, the win-win approach that focuses Liberian society and her people because; the country people from all walks of life in Liberia and other parts on negotiation that is widely practiced should be currently needs on everybody contribution for rapid of the world. embraced by the Coalition for Democratic Change improvement. (CDC) led government and the Liberian media. The establishment of a media empire (King's FM-88.5, In a related development, the government needs to City FM, and Clar Television) by a well- celebrated and We are also aware that this government is on record think about regulation that could encourage public respected former football icon, turned President, of holding meeting with media practitioners and the and private institutions, mainly business houses to George M. Weah in early 2000; speaks to the fact that Press Union of Liberia; when mixed views sparked cultivate the spirit of prioritizing advertisement of his government should always push for more cordial between the two parties in March of this year (2018). their products and services. relationship with the Liberian media. However, President Weah who is also a media owner If that is done, I strongly belief, media houses and It can be recalled that the UNICEF Goodwill has promised to work with the Liberian media and their practitioners could be empowered, thus helping Ambassador employed qualified and competent others, in promoting free speech and the press; which the local media to improve on it content; that might broadcasters who propagated messages that could help promote the much talked about pro-poor benefit the country and her people. informed, educated, and entertained large audience. agenda for development and prosperity. At the same time, disagreement should be welcomed With such a brilliant idea that was formulated by Although the President has made a commitment to or taken in good fate by the government and the Ambassador Weah in time past; which saw the protect the local media, and uphold democratic media, on grounds that disagreement is another vibrancy of his media empire, is welcoming, but he principles, however, his government needs to work component of democracy, I stand corrected. needs to actualize such formula presently; if media However, disagreement institutions should receive s h o u l d n o t b e his government support misinterpreted that the regarding advertisements; government and the media which is the survival -point or both parties are against of every media entity locally e a c h o t h e r, w h e n and internationally. controversial issues spark.

Sincerely, this government F i n a l l y, i m p r o v e d headed by the people- government and media center President, George M. relationship is timely, in Weah has made initial adding more value to contributions to solidify the Liberia's democratic and relationship with the peace drive, void of self Liberian media; which led to interest. the resubmission of a friendly legislation that A continuous round-table seeks to decriminalize discussion involving the media offenses. Liberian media and the government cannot be The President's action overemphasized because; sparked mixed reactions the two parties are from local and international partners-in progress. groups, that lauded the Coalition for Democratic Disclaimer: The views C h a n g e ( C D C ) ' l e d expressed here represent government, for making a m e , a n d h a v e n o serious commitment that seeks to uphold free speech tirelessly to ensure that the Press Union of Liberia association to any individual or institution, I have and the press; which is enshrined in article 15 of the (PUL)' headquarters project is implemented before affiliation with. Liberian Constitution. 2020. The writer served as Secretary General of the At the same time, it is an open secret that the I strongly belief, If that is done by the people-driven Reporters Association of Liberia (RAL), which is the Liberian media has an interesting history which looks President, it could send a clear signal to the entire first auxiliary group of the Press Union of Liberia as far back as 1826, that saw the publication of the world that the CDC's led government is democratic, (PUL). "Liberian Herald" Newspaper which served as and has added serious value to the operation of the mouthpiece of the Liberian government. Liberian media. He also served as Secretary General-Legislative Press Pool (LEGISPOL) and now a Public Relations However, in time past, the Liberian media and its It is a clear understanding that the government and Specialist, who presents the only Tourism show on practitioners were faced with harsh intimidation, the media are partners-in progress because; the both Kool FM (91.9) Every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30- suppression, and marginalization that printed parties depend on each other for survival. 8:30 PM. negative picture on the image of past governments and their officials. The government is the biggest promoter and partner He covered the 2016 elections of the United States of of the Liberian media relative to advertisements. America, and also represented the Reporters Restriction and cruel act allegedly exhibited by past Association of Liberia at a convention organized by Liberian governments and their officials have been At the same time, the Liberian government depends the Association of Liberian Journalists based in the changed because; presently democracy looks at the on the media for promotion (publication and Americas (ALJA). rule of law, human rights, good governance, multi- broadcasting of her information). party democracy, among other valuable principles of WEDNESDAY AUGUST 22 2018 www .thenewdawnliberia.com NEW DA WN 11 “What have we done to them?” By Winston W. Parley simply fought for his life and Ben Wesee because the war was fought on rs. Cynthia Yormie, tribal line, “the Krahn people t h e w i d o w o f were hunting him so he had to Mmurdered former join Prince Johnson to ... save Deputy National Security his live.” Minister John Yormie has been From 1990 to 1991, Mrs. trying hard to suppress her Yormie says her husband was grieve, but finally, she can’t working as police director, but hold on any longer. Mr.Yormie when Mr. Taylor took over, he Holding a copy of the New told Mr. Yormie to sit down. Dawn newspaper in her hand, While her husband was she fought back her tears, as working on his farm, she notes she recounted how her late that Mr. Taylor called him to husband was picked up that come and work in his fateful night of June 5, 2003 government as Deputy Minister from their home by security for Operations at the Ministry personnel, who said jailed ex- of National Security. president Charles Taylor had It was this job that Mr. sent for him-that was the last Yormie held up to the day he was allegedly murdered on the time she ever saw her Mrs. Cythia Yormie with children and grand children husband. order of Mr. Yeatan in 2003. It has been fifteen years, Mrs. Yormie says she wants since the gruesome murder of justice for the killing of her her husband and his close the murders of former Internal president wanted to see him at they killed him and buried him husband because no amount of friend, former Deputy Public Affairs Minister Samuel Dokie that time of the night. like dog. Ah God, have mercy money can solve the problem. Works Minister Isaac Vaye, Mrs. and his family in 1997; and Mr. But she indicates that her upon them, have mercy upon She also pleads with Mr. Yormie says she and her family Yormie and Mr. Vaye, also a husband left his pistol with her them. I know one day, I will see Weah’s government to come to continue to face persistent former Deputy Public Works and went anyway because she the end before I die,” she says. the aid of the Yormie family, security harassment. Minister for Technical Services thought it was work related She says she was with Mr. alerting that police and DEA Holding a copy of a letter in 2003. issue. Yormie and he fought for his personnel are running behind she recently wrote to Justice But this case is yet to be The next day she says she life, but he did not fight to kill her “because of the same petty Minister Musa Dean on July 13, tried, and Mrs. Yormie explains and Mr. Vaye’s wife Mrs. Suzana people. She recalls that he was jealousy” they had against her 2018, a copy of which is in the that people in government Vaye went to Gen. Yeatan’s one of those that helped to get husband. possession of this paper, Mrs. have over the past time told house in search of their the sub-regional peacekeeping She also pleads with the Yo r m i e c o m p l a i n e d o f her not to speak on the issue. husbands, but Yeatan told group ECOMOG to come here. government to help her repeated “illegal search, Mrs. Yormie requested an them to go home, assuring that Prior to being ex-president children get jobs because they looting and illegal removal of interview with this paper their husbands would come. Taylor’s Minister of National are sitting and doing nothing assorted drinks and cash by following a story it published According to Mrs. Yormie, Security, Mrs. Yormie says her after acquiring college some unknown personnel of Tuesday, 21 August raising people from Nimba were at Mr. husband Yormie “was not education. the DEA” who broke into her questions over what action the Yormie’s house with palm closed to Taylor,” saying Mr. She says she and Mr. Yormie house without a search G e o r g e M a n n e h W e a h thatches, awaiting Yormie’s Yormie was instead with Prince had five children who were just warrant. government would take in such arrival, but they never saw Yormie Johnson who headed a in their infancy when Mr. “What have we done to case, especially at a time him. rebel group Independent Yormie was murdered. Two of them,” the 61-year old widow citizens are debating a While pressing her clothes National Patriotic Front of those children have died, but queried, as she reflected on suggestion to establish a War to go out, the widow explains Liberia (INPFL), controlling she has struggled with the her loss and all the difficult Crimes Court to try war that she saw Mr. Taylor’s late Caldwell in Montserrado remaining three over the years periods she has gone through criminals. Vice President Moses Blah, County. to get them through high with her children. Narrating in tears at her Harrison Karnwea, Martha She explains that Mr. Yormie school and colleges.-Edited by She says, she fear for her Soul Clinic residence in Zaye and the late Prince Myers was not a military man, but he Othello B. Garblah dear life and as it is right now Paynesville, Mrs. Yormie recalls with an ambulance in the yard. she just want to get out of this that on 5 June 2003, people “ A n d t h e y b r o u g h t country if granted asylum were running around over ambulance in the yard, so I “because anytime overnight claims that former President said but what’s going on? Just Monopix Supermarket’s Taylor had been caught in to tell us … they were finished they can kill me and my Starts from back page children.” Ghana. killing our husbands,” she Mrs. Yormie, comments But when Taylor returned to explains as she broke down in Management of Monopix However, she confirms that come amidst repeated calls for Liberia that day, she says he tears. Supermarket agreed to Management promises to a war crimes court here to was welcomed at the airport by She narrates that the underwrite cost of the underwrite cost for damages p r o s e c u t e t h o s e w h o Mr. Yormie and other officials, officials said they wanted to damages done to their houses suffered by the residents, but perpetrated heinous crimes following which Mr. Yormie avoid abruptly delivering the and properties, but is yet to through its insurer, Blue Cross here during the country’s more went home at his Soul Clinic death news of her husband for show any seriousness about I n s u r a n c e C o m p a n y i n than two decades conflict. residence. fear that the family would the conditions of affected Monrovia. She told the New Dawn While home, Mrs. Yormie have been shocked and fallen residents, some of whom have She terms as erroneous, newspaper, Tuesday August 21, says her husband went to his off, so the strategy was to nowhere to sleep with their allegations by some of the 2018, a day after the paper friend Isaac Vaye’s house to get carry along with them the children. victims that since the incident published a story about a additional pepper for the soup ambulance to get them A visit by this paper to the occurred, Management hasn’t lawsuit she filed some 10 years she had prepared for him. prepared for the bad news. a r e a s a w c o n t r a c t o r s , shown any concern about their ago before the Criminal Court During that time, she says “But you know, at least God including masoners clearing plights. ‘A ’against former Special security told her that gave us the strength to hear the huge broken wall in order When this writer visited Security Services Director somebody was outside wanting and to see everything,” she to reconstruct another fence. offices of the Blue Cross Benjamin Yeatan, a former to see her husband Yormie. explains. When contacted, a female Insurance Company, he was Taylor henchman for the So upon Mr. Yormie’s return Following her husband’s staff of the company, who informed the company was murder of her husband and to his house along with Mr. Vaye murder, Mrs. Yormie says ex- asked for anonymity, explains closed. -Editing by Jonathan others, it appears that the to drink the pepper soup, Mrs. president Taylor offered her her boss was in a meeting and Browne Liberian government has Yormie recalls that Mr. Taylor’s S$25,000.00 as compensation could not talk to the press. shown no interest in pursuing security agents under the to enable her drop the case. the case to deliver justice for directive of General Benjamin But she says she rejected it and her family and others. Yeatan collected her husband demanded her husband’s During former President at about 12 a.m., claiming that corpse to give him a decent Read the NewDawn everyday Ellen Johnson - Sirleaf’s the president wanted to see family burial. r e g i m e , t h e L i b e r i a n him. But Mr. Yormie’s widow says government in 2008 indicted Mrs. Yormie says she took the government refused to & former president Taylor’s the license plate of the car give her the body, she does not Special Security Service (SSS) they drove her husband in, know up to now where her Advertise with us! Director Benjamin Yeatan for saying Mr. Yormie was husband was buried. concerned as to why the “My good, good husband, eThew French Version Inside N TRULDYa INDEPENDENTwn VOL. 8 NO. 146 WEDNESDAY, August 22, 2018 PRICE LD$40.00 With Emmanuel B. Juduh

Monopix Supermarket’s Supermarket’s fence injures 2, destroys homes fence injures 2, destroys homes

By Emmanuel Mondaye another house close to the f e n c e a r o u n d constructed several years ago fence, broke his right hand Monopix Supermarket in the community, and had when the wall fell on their Ai n B u k u T o w n been undermined by erosion. house. community, Montserrado Speaking to this paper According to Parker, a total County electoral district#15 Tuesday, 21 August at the of 10 residents were affected collapses here, injuring two scene of the incident, victim by the incident that saw all of residents and destroying Prince Parker narrates he and their properties, including several zinc shacks. his relatives were asleep household appliances and The victims include 15- Tuesday when the fence furniture smashed by the year-old Prince Parker and collapsed on the roof of their tumbling wall. Antrice Difon, 13, who were house around 7:00 AM, leaving Another victim, Doctor D. trapped under their respective him entrapped under the Johnson, says he and his structures. Parker sustains broken wall. family survived thru the grace severe wounds on his back and He discloses that to his of God, but they lost all neck, while Difon suffers surprise, he saw himself personal effects. broken right hand. admitted at Mawa Clinic in Vai He narrates The fence belonging to Town, Bushrod Island while that following the a g Monopix Supermarket was Antrice Difon, who resides in i n c i d e n t , t h e P11e David Beckham receives 2018 UEFA President's Award o r m e r E n g l a n d Real Madrid CF midfielder to corner of the planet. His c a p t a i n D a v i d receive the 2018 UEFA tireless humanitarian efforts, FBeckham has been President's Award. which have helped the lives of chosen as the winner of the "The President's Award many children around the Uefa President's Award for r e c o g n i s e s o u t s t a n d i n g world, should also be 2018. achievements, professional celebrated. Beckham is a true U E F A P r e s i d e n t excellence and exemplary f o o t b a l l i c o n o f h i s Aleksander Ceferin has paid personal qualities," said Mr generation." tribute to former England Ceferin. “I have chosen David Beckham, who will receive captain David Beckham, Beckham as the recipient of this award in Monaco later this calling him "a true football this year's award because he year, made 762 appearances icon of his generation" after has been a global ambassador for club and country, scoring s e l e c t i n g t h e f o r m e r for football, promoting the 130 goals and delivering many Manchester United FC and game and all its values in every more assists in a career that spanned over 20 years. He won The NewDawn Press We Offer The Following Printing Services: - Newspapers, Magazines 2 colors Heidelberg printing machines - Flyers, Posters, Calendars - Brochures, Letterhead - Receipts, Invoices - Souvenirs, Gifts - Designs, etc...

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