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- PYJ tells colleagues Senator Prince Y. Johnson FRIDAY JANUARY 15 2020 www .thenewdawnliberia.com NEW DA WN 2 Continental News Internet blocked for

h e i n t e r n e t i s key Uganda election blocked and security Kampala during the election expected before Saturday.As 19:00 local time (16:00 GMT) s o c i a l d i s t a n c i n g a n d Thas been stepped up period, saying that opposition well as being unable to get on the eve of the election, handwashing are proving hard in Uganda as counting gets activists commanded protests online, people are even according to a letter shared by to implement but here in Kibuli, under way after polls closed from high-rise building in having trouble sending text journalist Samira Sawlani . In which sits in the shadow of in a hotly contested election. November, when more than 50 messages.Earlier in the week the letter, which we have not downtown Kampala, everyone A 38-year-old singer is people were killed after Bobi the authorities ordered the v e r i f i e d , t h e U g a n d a q u e u i n g u p i s w e a r i n g challenging Yoweri Museveni, Wine was arrested. blocking of social media, Communications Commission facemasks.There are reports 76, in one of the world's Earlier this week, dressed in messaging apps and certain orders internet providers to that a new biometric system to youngest countries. military fatigues Mr Museveni sites for virtual private "implement a temporary verify people's identities is not Robert Kyagulanyi, known gave a stark warning during a networks (VPNs) which people suspension of the operation of working in some areas. The by his stage name Bobi Wine, televised speech: "If you try to use to get around social media all your internet gateways and e l e c t o r a l c o m m i s s i o n ' s says he represents the disturb peace, you will have blocks. associated access points". spokesperson would not younger generation, while Mr yourself to blame. The security The Ugandan authorities While it said the order was confirm whether this was Museveni says he is standing forces, following the law, are appear to have ordered temporary, the letter did not because the internet has been for stability. ready to deal with any internet providers to shut state when the suspension cut off. Dozens of people have troublemaker."Results are not down the whole internet at should end. There are questions about been killed in the run-up to T h e i n t e r n e t a c c e s s how results from around the the election. advocacy group Access Now country will be transmitted to Polls closed at 16:00 local has urged telecoms providers the national tally centre in time (13:00 GMT) but remain to challenge the order, saying Kampala without the internet. open for those still queuing at they should be "enablers of The electoral commission told the time. Some polling h u m a n r i g h t s , n o t the BBC it has systems in place stations did not open for close gatekeepers". to do this but didn't explain to two hours and voters in the Coronavirus guidelines on further. BBC queue had grown angry and had started shouting at the polling gate officials as the cause of the delay was not Sudanese protesters rally, clear, the BBC's Patience Atuhaire reports from the capital, Kampala. As vote demand detention centers closed counting began, lorries carrying soldiers drove ozens of Sudanese the Sudanese Professionals’ through the city and police rallied in the capital, A s s o c i a t i o n , w h i c h and local defence units were DK h a r t o u m , o n spearheaded the popular also seen patrolling, she says. Thursday to demand the uprising that led to the ouster The police had earlier said It was not always possible to maintain closure of illegal detention of longtime autocrat Omar al- they intended to deploy social distance in the voter queues centers following the alleged Bashir in April 2019. officers on rooftops of torturing and killing of a man Ammar al-Baqer, a member by a paramilitary force whose of the association, said the members once formed the protest aims to reiterate his Zimbabwe arrests 10,000 backbone of a militia accused group’s demands that “all of war crimes in Darfur. illegal detention centers" be The death of Bahaa el-Din closed and that only the for not wearing face masks Nouri, snatched last month Sudanese police retain the while sitting at a coffee shop right to detain people olice in Zimbabwe authorities say. doubled last month because last month, has reignited “according to due process.” have arrested 10,000 Most of the offenders were of festive season gatherings Ppeople over the last ordered to pay an admission of and traffic from neighbouring week for failing to wear face guilt fine, the privately owned South Africa, which is masks in public and 16,000 NewZimbvbawe.com website experiencing a severe second others for flouting lockdown reported. wave of the virus. restrictions aimed at curbing A hard lockdown came into The highest number of the spread of coronavirus, the force on 5 January after cases daily deaths from coronavirus - 38 - were recorded on Wednesday. Currently more than 9,000 people have Covid- 19. The surge in cases has threatened to overwhelm health services, and health care workers have been hit by a shortage of protective gear debate over the mandate of Nouri was taken on Dec. 16 as they battle to cope with an Sudan's Rapid Support Forces, f r o m t h e K a l a k l a increase in the number of which activists have long held neighborhood in southern patients, the state-owned responsible for several human K h a r t o u m b y m e n i n Herald newspaper reports. rights violations. plainclothes riding in a vehicle Healthcare workers have Men and women held up without license plates, his been hit by shortages of Nouri’s photographs, forming a family has said. His body adequate personal protective human chain in downtown showed up five days later at a equipment (PPE) as the Khartoum from the office of hospital morgue. The family number of patients increases. Sudan's general prosecutor to refused to take it for In total, there have been the Cabinet. Many protesters immediate burial after seeing more than 34,000 Covid-19 also raised banners reading: signs of apparent beating and “ N o t o e n f o r c e d torture, according to Nouri’s Zimbabwe has seen a surge in cases and almost 600 deaths disappearances.” brother, Yasser. AFP Covid-19 cases since Christmas since the first case was detected in March.BBC The rally was called for by FRIDAY JANUARY 15 2020 www .thenewdawnliberia.com NEW DA WN 3 Editorial Commentary ary By Eric Posner Liberians deserve nothing, The Effort to Disqualify but service leadership Trump Is Worth It VICE PRESIDENT JEWEL Howard Taylor, President of the Liberian Senate, sounded a reawakening call to senators of the By opening the door for Donald Trump's possible disqualification from future office-holding, 54th Liberian Legislature Monday, 11 January 2020, reminding a second impeachment would be justified, even if conviction and removal by the Senate is a them that with the constitutional authority they have, there long shot. Unlike his previous scandals, Trump's attempts to undermine the 2020 election should be no more excuses, apologies and promises for another clearly rise to constitutional dimensions. day in delivering services to the people. HICAGO – On Friday, January 8, Speaker with the conduct of election officials, and “…FOR TRUTH BEING told, you are members of the First of the House Nancy Pelosi announced attempting to prevent certification of the Branch of Government and you have the full authority to make Cplans to impeach US President Donald electoral vote – clearly rises to constitutional their dreams come true”, VP Taylor bluntly said as members of Trump for the second time in a year, hoping to dimensions. the 54th Legislature that includes both the Senate and the drive him from office before he does more House of Representatives returned to the Capitol Monday after damage to the country. The first effort, which That said, a conviction by the Senate is hardly their annual break. began in December 2019 and ended last certain. Although the Constitution refers February, was futile and unwise, and ended up l e g a l i s t i c a l l y t o “ h i g h c r i m e s a n d TRUTH OF THE MATTER is, not that lawmakers on Capitol Hill giving Trump a small political boost. This time misdemeanors,” senators are free to vote are ignorant of their responsibilities to the electorate, who in around, Democrats again face steep odds, but however they want. They are not compelled to the first place gave them the power they wield, but for greed they should move forward. Impeachment convict Trump even if he committed crimes – and and sheer selfishness, representatives and senators just turn offers the possibility of barring Trump from it is far from clear, given current public their backs on the people, once they get the power. holding office again, and that alone justifies information, that either Trump’s January 2 call the risk of failure. or his January 6 speech were illegal under the MOST OFTEN, THEY never complete projects embarked upon technical requirements of US criminal law. As in their respective constituencies during the entire tenure in Under the US Constitution, the House of politicians first and foremost, Republican office until the year of election then they run back to their Representatives must first approve the articles senators’ main consideration will be the political constituents, seeking re-election. Of the 15 senators that of impeachment with a majority vote. With the consequences of their vote. Unless a substantial contested in the December 8, 2020 special senatorial election, Democrats holding a majority, this would be portion of Trump’s base abandons him, they only two returned, accompanied by new faces. the easy part. The hard part comes in the would need to see some other advantage in Senate, where 17 Republican senators would voting to convict. THIS RESULT CLEARLY indicates that voters had never have to join the Democrats to provide the two- received services promised by politicians in their campaigns. thirds majority required to remove and Rapid erosion of Trump’s base appears unlikely, For instance, in Maryland County, southeast where disqualify the president. considering that many Republican voters either Speaker Bhofal Chamber hails from, citizens, including don’t believe that Trump instigated the riot or marketers and educators are enraged over abandoned projects Many people have been waiting for years for are glad that he did. On the other hand, that should have benefited their lives. Republicans to acknowledge Trump’s unfitness corporate America’s open revulsion against for office and abandon him. But despite a Trump may focus some minds. The National IT IS NOT only sad, but highly disappointing that elected litany of scandals, policy failures, and Association of Manufacturers, a major business officials would renege on delivering services promised to the outrageous lies, Trump has maintained his lobby, has already called for the president’s people, but always want to represent them in the First Branch base, forcing Republican politicians seeking re- removal, and the leading social media firms have of Government. In reality, they get elected to serve their election to seek his support. That simple fact banned him from their platforms. Although personal interests rather than the people. explains why almost every Republican elected Republican elected officials cannot afford to official has remained loyal to the president. alienate their base, nor can they afford to VICE PRESIDENT JEWEL Taylor herself a former senator, flared alienate corporate America. some of the burning issues confronting Liberians generally, The first impeachment proceedings against ranging from insecurity, banknotes shortage, high cost of Trump were based on his attempt to bully the Moreover, now that Trump has been deprived of living, a sluggish economy characterized by lack of basic Ukrainian government into investigating Joe his Twitter megaphone, his hold on his base is in services and distrust and mistrust, amid allegations and and Hunter Biden, and his obstruction of doubt. Given that the Republicans have lost the counter-allegations. Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation House, the Senate, and the White House in a of Russian interference in the 2016 election. single presidential term, Republican politicians IN ALL OF these, the common man in the street feels the pinch Not a single Republican member of the House might now be wondering what good he has done more, because he stands at the margin of society and is voted for impeachment, and only one for their party. therefore, the first to take the shocks. Yet, politicians always Republican senator – Mitt Romney of Utah – go to him and other poverty-stricken citizens across the voted to remove him. Still, Democrats are fooling themselves if they country for votes with wide promises that they don't really think that the sheer enormity of recent events intend to deliver. In fact, Trump’s acquittal was a forgone will yield enough Republican votes against Trump conclusion. Both scandals were well known in the Senate. Republicans who fear primary VICE PRESIDENT TAYLOR is challenging lawmakers to make a before the impeachment and had not damaged voters might simply argue that Trump did not complete turn-around and prioritize welfare of the people: Trump’s standing among Republicans. The offer bribes or issue explicit threats on the justice and security, economy, reconciliation and unity, Ukraine affair was too murky and remote from January 2 call. They might also point out that opportunities and development. everyday concerns to impress voters, while the Trump did not openly call for violence on January obstruction of justice charge was too 6, and that he could not have foreseen that the WE JOIN MADAM Taylor in sending this message down the legalistic. With no evidence that Trump had Capitol police would fall down on the job. Such minds of lawmakers returning at the Capitol. Our people solicited Russian help in the election, the claims may be woodenly formalistic and deserve better. Service delivery should take priority in all investigation could be portrayed as a political divorced from context, but they could at least businesses that would come on the floor in the interest of the hatchet job. provide cover for Republican voters who people, rather than the other way around. otherwise disapprove of political violence and The second impeachment follows two events are struggling to rationalize their longtime of much greater significance: Trump’s attempt support for Trump. in a January 2 telephone call to strongarm Georgia’s secretary of state into overturning A more serious problem is that Republican President-elect Joe Biden’s victory in the senators could run out the clock. They retain state; and his incitement of the mob that control of the Senate until Inauguration Day – invaded the US Capitol on January 6. House January 20 – and may simply refuse to meet and Democrats have already drafted a single hold the trial until Trump has left office. Senate article of impeachment labeled “incitement of Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has already insurrection,” but a better title would have suggested as much. Or, if they do meet, they been “subversion of the presidential election.” could insist on hearings, arguing that the Published by the Searchlight Communications Inc., Trump’s effort to undermine the outcome – by president is entitled to ample time to prepare a UN Drive, P.O. Box 1266 Opposite National Investment Commission. spuriously claiming voter fraud, interfering defense. -Liberia. Tel: +231-06484201, +231-77007529, +231-886978282 / +231-775407211 Managing Editor: Othello B. Garblah; Editor-In-Chief: Jonathan Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2020. www.project-syndicate.org FRIDAY JANUARY 15 2020 www .thenewdawnliberia.com NEW DA WN 4 LIIBBEERRIIAA PPOOLLITITICICAALL hot-fire

With Jones Mallay [email protected] Can Pres. Weah Football Popularity Earns Him A 2nd-Term in 2023 Given the Lord, let us here oo Humiliating Defeat His Party Sustained in the December 8th. 2020 Senatorial Election? he Congress for Democratic Change was established in 2004. A credible source revealed that one Joshua Sackie led a movement to petition President Weah to Tcontest the Liberian presidency for the first time in 2005 because according to the Dear Father: source George Weah wanted to kill himself due to the unavailability of a job. The movement was quickly transformed into a political party known and styled today as Congress for Democratic Change, CDC. Hmmm, 2020 and all gone oo, let us here oo. The way it treated us sefna fun. And you know, come to think of it, me I na blame the people them who say The party was officially certificated in July 2005 by the National Elections Commission as they will not add 2020 to their ages because the thing 2020 did around the a political party to contest the October general and presidential elections which took world da na small thing. Pres. What to an election for the first time when he was endorsed as the party standard- bearer in a convention held in August 2005? The CDC is not one of the known mainstream They say they did not do anything, so hat year should not be added to their political parties in Liberia such as the Unity Party, Liberty Party, National Democratic Party of Liberia, etc., it was formed out of political desperation by George Weah to gain ages. Me, I na there oo because I got married in that year. political power according to one source familiar with the CDC.

But who will you blame na my son? CDC political survival and total independence rest exclusively on the shoulders of Pres. Father, who else I will blame besides this Corona girl. She started her gronna George MannahWeah's popularity which he earned during his 18 years of successful thing in Pekin Land I na know why she na stay there and starting moving from football adventures at home and abroad. Interestingly, looking at the illiteracy rate at village to village causing trouble for everybody. 52% in Liberia coupled with acute poverty, weak educational system, and devastating economy, Pres. With magnificently used his advantage to translate his 18 years of football popularity to exploit those volatilized sectors in gaining a huge political victory first, as Can you imagine, our own village that already gat its own trouble she didn’t senior Senator in 2014 and current Liberia 25th president. spare us. Father da na small trouble Corona brought in 2020. Pres. Weah's popularity resonated with Liberia's young millennium, especially the so- But has she gone with it sef? called downtrodden, Yanna-boys, market women, school dropouts, and most especially Father da the million dollar question there oo. All the trouble and pain she ex-rebel fighters and war-lords who viewed him as their Mensah, a Hero and their guy who caused people, everybody think say she went with it but we still hearing will not implement a war crime court in Liberia. He was also viewed as a downtrodden who lived and grew up and experienced acute poverty and survived in one of Monrovia's news that she has developed another baby that is wicked than herself. known slums Borough of New Kru Town, like thousands of other less fortunate young Liberians. Da true? Oh, Father, da what we hearing all over the pace oo. The one she did in our Aside from the aforementioned different populations, there is another population that village in the first three months where married women and married men joined the rank and file of Pres. Weah's CDC, that population includes some traditional seized their partner them and all the side chicks and side boyfriends them corrupt retired Liberian politicians whose fundamental mission in the CDC is to exploit were catching it, it na satisfy her? Pres. Due to his little experience in politics and lack of exposure internationally to manage a government. The CDC party is therefore a host to multiple different So what is the name of her baby? populations with computing interests and hidden political objectives.

Father, we only know it as Corona baby here oo, buut the book people say da For example, the massive humiliation defeat of the CDC in the just ended Dec. 8th, 2020 new variant. They said da new one is wicked it can’t waste time. Senatorial election is a serious referendum on Pres. Weah's popularity and his bid for the 2023 presidential election for his 2nd term. It is also a huge referendum on the entire Hmm, but ehn the people say they na find vaccine for it? CDC’s different computing populations within the rank of the CDC starting with its centralized leadership trend. Emphatically, the entire CDC leadership has zero popularity Aah, da what they say oo, but the vaccine sef da trouble. of its own and zero political influence and contacts at home and abroad. What do you mean? Sources confirmed that 95% of CeDecians and their leadership are regarded as a bunch of Father, the people in Uncle Sam’s village and his cousins are telling other hustlers and wealth hunters, who are militant in thinking, lack interest in schooling, lack people na to take it because they say that the devil mark they will be giving domestic political experience, very acrimonious, emotional, lack former education to people. manage the CDC as a political institution. The source continues, the CeDicians possessed the characteristics of being desperately provocative with rebellion posture and intolerable. What is annoying according to the source is the fact that when experienced, Tell me something! well-educated and politically talented Liberians try to join the CDC party, Cedecians Oh, Father, you na hear da one yet? They say that 666, ehn you na hear about fostered politics of marginalization, segregation, discrimination and suddenly declared the Mark of the Beast-oo. Some even say the vaccine get something in it that such person of interest as a stranger in the CDC party. As a result, the new members leave when you take it they will be spying on you everywhere you go and anything the party. This is one major problem that will continue to create avenues of defeat for the you do. Imagine some of the people in Uncle Sam’s village have refused to CDC's political party in Liberia. even take it-even our man Doe-Nut says he na taking it. Da your other man pa da something else. Another problem that will always cause the defeat of CeDecians in any future political contest is their habitual singing tendencies, yelling attitude, marginalization theory within its rank and file, direct and indirect extortion of money from people for jobs, I say. The man na get time for anybody. He na turned the people village into massive corrupt practices, making tremendous unnecessary political battle-cries coupled something else and everybody na putting mouth on them. with numerous militant proclamations to energize CeDecians politically, is doing the CDC more harm than good. The CDC party is not financially accountable and transparent, the Anyway we inside, at least they na taste some of the things we can go party according to one source survives on state resources, because the entire leadership through in our little villages. lacks the abilities and the experience to generate funds apart from donations, heavy fines, and taxations of its poor members, and exertion of funds for the promise of a job.

Another problem that would affect CDC future elections will be due to Pres. What's a failure to address the acute multiple economic, social welfare, educational challenges facing the downtrodden masses, especially the youth who do not have food to eat, and do Thehe N NewDaewDawn Newspaper they have a place to sleep. Most of the youths in the CDC party have either become visible wn New vagabonds or they have lost total hope in Pres. Weah and the CDC have no solution to their spapernightmare. The party has created a middleman status where the top dogs look down on is onon the the N Newsstand Daily. the illiterate youths in the party and this will continue to affect CDC future changes to ewsstand Dailysucceed in any political elections. The. final problem is the fact that CDC has marginalized its original political alliances, these include, the National Patriotic Party and the Liberia People's Democratic Party. All political appointees are Cedecians. Members of the alliance are being discriminated Grab a copy of today’s edition against and sidelined by CDC political doctrine of discrimination and segregation constitutes a deep-seated betrayal by leadership endorsed by Pres. We will affect CDC in or visit: https://thenewdawnliberia.com/ any future political elections. Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2020. www.project-syndicate.org FRIDAAY r JANUARtY i 15c2020l e www .thenewdawnliberia.com Art i c NEW l DA e WN 5 Why so much time from election to - inauguration of a U.S. president? By Share America winning party in parliamentary elections, the U.S. president is officially Jan 14, 2021 chosen by the Electoral College weeks after a popular election. While this hile many democracies swap in new leaders in a sprint, the U.S. means that presidents cannot take office right away, the declared winner ambles along with a transition period of 11 weeks. can receive funds for the transition and briefings from the outgoing W administration. But slow as that might seem, it’s shorter than the four months the Constitution originally left for the handoff of power from an incumbent to a Americans themselves appreciate transition time because the Thanksgiving new president. holiday falls soon after the election and is followed quickly by Christmas, Hanukkah and other winter holidays, said Elizabeth B. Goldsmith, professor Picking up the pace emerita at Florida State University. The original November-March period between presidents was designed in the 18th century, when moving information and people around the country The U.S. also is different in that the president is both the head of was a slow process. Unlike in many parliamentary democracies where government and the head of state. (Imagine replacing both the British prime cabinet members are often drawn from parliament, whose members live and minister and queen at the same time.) work in the capital, political talent in the U.S. is spread across a vast country. The difficulties the United States felt during the Great Depression helped As leisurely as the power transition may seem, the switchover at the White convince leaders to swear in any newly elected president more quickly, House is so fast on January 20 that it requires a tactical team of government shortening the original four-month “lame duck” period to less than three employees. The exiting president usually leaves his White House home for months. (The term “lame duck” refers to an elected official whose successor the inauguration and the new president moves in a few hours later. has already been elected. Such an individual is in a weakened position Goldsmith said hundreds of employees start working at the crack of dawn so politically.) that the 132 rooms of private residence and public spaces are ready for the incoming president.

“It goes into high action,” said Goldsmith, an expert on American homes. “They’re making the beds, taking out the toothbrushes. There’s a whole lot going on behind the scenes.”

The 20th Amendment, ratified in 1933, set the new inauguration date at January 20. Presidential elections are still held in early November.

“It does take time to pull together a cabinet and entire top tier of government,” said Jeffrey A. Engel, director of the Center for Presidential History at Southern Methodist University. “Every time a new presidential administration comes in, you have to apply frosting to the cake. The cake is the permanent bureaucracy, [and the frosting is the new appointees and Cabinet members]. As any baker knows, you can put frosting on in 30 seconds, but it doesn’t look great.”

A depiction of a scene in 1789 in which George Washington is greeted in Trenton, New Jersey, on his way to his inauguration as America’s first president. (© Alamy)

America’s unique democracy Another reason for the U.S. retaining a nearly three-month transition period between presidents is that instead of the election being decided by the FRIDAY JANUARY 15 2020 www .thenewdawnliberia.com NEW DA WN 6 More headline news More headline news U.S. Embassy hosts 12 Foreign Minister receives honorary police chief title young entrepreneurs By Winston W. Parley olice authorities in highlighting the important c e r t i f i e d b y t h e U N M o n r o v i a h a v e role that entrepreneurs play Peacekeeping Department bestowed the Liberia -for virtual workshop in national economic growth. P after successfully completing National Police (LNP’s) highest he U.S. Embassy January 13, 2021. William Dennis II from the the United Nations Required honor on Liberia’s Foreign M o n r o v i a , i n T w e l v e L i b e r i a n Business Startup Center led Test conducted by Successful Minister Dee - Maxwell Saah conjunction with the entrepreneurs with businesses the group in a five-part S e l e c t i o n A s s i s t a n c e & T Kemayah, Sr., gowning and L i b e r i a n C h a m b e r o f i n d i f f e r e n t s t a g e s o f workshop in which the group Assessment Team (SAAT). Of pinning the Dean of the Commerce and the Business development attended the four- learned the importance of that number, the first batch of Cabinet as Honorary Police Startup Center Monrovia, hour long event. establishing a business plan, four officers are being deployed Chief for his remarkable hosted a virtual workshop and The Embassy’s political and conducting market analysis, to South Sudan. moves that have resulted to Q&A session for young economic counselor, Joel Kopp, creating value for their The police here indicate that LNP officers’ deployment on entrepreneurs in Liberia on gave the opening remarks, products, marketing and while Mr. Kemayah served as United Nations peacekeeping advertising their goods, and Liberia’s Ambassador to the UN mission. creating an investment plan. in New York, he paved the way On Thursday, 14 January, Then, Francis Dennis, the within the UN system which former president of the L i b e r i a n C h a m b e r o f Commerce, was joined by Jerome B. Bryant, a senior investment advisor at the L i b e r i a n E n t e r p r i s e D e v e l o p m e n t F i n a n c e Company (LEDFC), for a Q&A session during which they discussed the importance of having a strong business plan when seeking capital. In their closing remarks, the event hosts reminded the group to stick to their passions, to carefully think through their businesses processes, to pay attention to all the details, and to maintain strong records. - Press Release Foreign Minister Dee - Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr.

four commissioned LNP now makes it possible for Fallah wants GOL tuition-free Officers including their team Liberia to send its first batch of leader Chief Superintendent police peacekeepers on a UN inequality by increasing Togba J. Massaquoi, Chief peacekeeping mission. education legislated college enrollment, lowering Superintendent Anthony The first four of Liberian pressure on students and Blaye, Superintendent Rachel police are being deployed to By Bridgett Milton twelfth graders in Liberia for p a r e n t s a n d i m p r o v e Briggs Harris and Sargeant South Sudan on a peacekeeping plenary consideration and uling Coalition for completion term of students Abdullai Dukuly, Jr. were mission with the UN, and the Democratic Change passage”, the District#5 e s p e c i a l l y, a m o n g s t scheduled to leave Liberia for mission is expected to last for a defeated senatorial lawmaker writes. R underprivileged ones. deployment to South Sudan on year after which a new batch of candidate and Montrserrado In a letter dated January 13, He added the act will help UN Peacekeeping mission, the officers may be dispatched to County electoral district #5 2021 and addressed to Speaker first time ever for Liberian Southern Sudan based on the Representative Thomas P. police. prevailing security situation. Fallah, has written the House of Representatives, seeking South Sudan faced a civil During a dinner held in honor support for an Act to establish war, which broke out on of the four departing LNP a special fund to support and December 2013 and lasted up officers Wednesday night, 13 sustain Government of Liberia to February 2020 before a January at a local bar on Capitol tuition-free scheme for at the unity government was formed Hill, Minister Kemayah was and all between President Salva Kiir gowned and pinned with a public universities and and rival Riek Machar. p o l i c e b a t c h w i t h t h e colleges, including payment Liberian police authorities inscription “Chief of Police,” of WASSCE fees for ninth and say 34 LNP officers comprising CONT’D ON PAGE 11 twelfth graders (public and 31 malesand 3 females were private) in the country. According to Rep. Fallah, considering education as He said the aim is to see all burden of paying WASSCE fees. fundamental to the growth public schools across the At the same time he called on and development of any country free and rallies his members of the House of nation, the legislation when colleagues in the House, “We Representatives to support the passed into law, will seek to are all parents here and it’s proposed act by enacting it into positively enhance the about time that we all get law. educational system. involved.’’ He said this could be a good “Mr. Speaker, I have Representative Thomas P. Fallah The Montserrado County step in improving the country's attached the Act to create a lawmaker said government has economy. special education fund to to take the burden off the head M e a n w h i l e , t h e support and sustain the Bhofal Chambers, Rep. Fallah to reduce financial burden on of parents and when the act is communication has sent to the tuition-free scheme for the said sustaining the tuition-free students and parents and enacted into law, it would go committee on education and University of Liberia, all scheme for the University of i n c r e a s e s e n i o r h i g h beyond this administration and ways, means and Finance to public universities and L i b e r i a a n d a l l p u b l i c enrollment and academic administrations to come so report in two weeks. -Editing by colleges programs, and the universities and colleges will outputs from the student that students would benefit Jonathan Browne free WASSCE fees for ninth and mitigate current economic populace. and parents ease from the FRIDAAY r JANUARtY i 15c2020l e www .thenewdawnliberia.com Art i c NEW l DA eWN 7 Bong county: Women Boycotted the Referendum to Teach Government a Lesson By: Joseph Titus Yekeryan nsufficient voter education left many Liberians hesitant to make a “yes” Tenneh W. Tokpah, a visually impaired widow, said that since she asked her son to or “no” decision in the national referendum vote organized on December explain to her what the referendum was and what was she supposed to do, but he I8, 2020. could not help either. Approximately two thirds of registered voters voting in the referendum cast “Because of that, when I entered the voting hall, since he too did not know about an invalid ballot, according to official data published by the National Elections it, I only told him to vote for my candidate and leave the rest of the papers unmarked.” Commission (NEC). “I think those who are responsible need to make sure that civic and voter education “Before the election, we were calling on the big-big people to [change the] can be done before this kind of elections. This is about the constitution, so you don’t just jump up and start to do your own thing,” Tokpah said.

Nancy Jimmy, a certified nurse in Bong County wants the government to re-organize the National Referendum to enable citizens’ full participation.

“All I can say is that NEC needs to re-conduct the referendum. I am saying that because decision about the country needs the participation of everyone, and not just a few people since provisional results have already made us to understand that there were too many invalid votes, I think it will be important for us to go back the polls and vote again.”

“When that is done, everyone will fell being part of the constitutional decision and no one will feel left out of the process,” nurse Jimmy said.

According to Article 91 of the Constitution states that the constitution amendments must be validated by “two-thirds of the registered voters, voting in a referendum conducted by the Elections Commission not sooner than one year after the action of the Legislature.”

In this case, two thirds of the 30.5% voters that cast a ballot needed to have marked “yes” in order to validate a proposition. Nayquita Yarkpawolo, the Head of the Rural Women United. Photo Credit: Joseph Titus Yekeryan Voters decided on eight prepositions, seeking amendments to Article 28 on dual citizenship, Article time for the referendum but they never listened to us and I can clearly say that 45 to reduce the senators’ tenure from nine to seven year, and Article 48 to reduce the they forced it on us. I just left the entire [ballot] paper like that, and I put it in tenures of members of the House of Representatives from six to five years. the [ballot] box because I don’t know what was on it,” said Nayquita Yarkpawolo Tokpah, the President of the Rural Women United for Improved Businesses in Moreover, the referendum seeks to amend Article 50 to reduce the tenures of the Bong county. President and Vice President from six to five years, and to amend Article 83 (a) to change the date of the general elections from the second Tuesday in October to that Yarkpawolo said that most of her colleagues from the Gbarnga central same Tuesday in November. market, in Bong county, never marked the referendum ballot paper, which she believes will be a lesson for the government to pay attention next time when voters ask to know about what they are voting on.

“We planned this as a group, we only went to vote for our [Senate] candidates but never marked any of those referendum ballots.” Yarkpawolo said the women will continue to boycott elections as long as the government fails to properly teach voters about the referendum and what it means.

The women voters, many of whom have told journalists that they did not touch the referendum ballot paper, cited little or no awareness as part of the reason why they felt hesitant and to make a choice in the referendum and instead folded the ballot paper and placed it in the ballot box unmarked.

Based on current published results from the NEC, only about 30.5% of the registered voters cast their referendum ballot. In Bong County, about two thirds of the referendum ballots were invalid.

Well before the election date, voters across the country expressed concerns that they have not Madam Tenneh W. Tokpah, A visually impaired woman Photo Credit: Joseph Titus Yekeryan been educated on how to vote in the referendum. FRIDAY JANUARY 15 2020 www .thenewdawnliberia.com NEW DA WN 8 Français Visas : deux députés français Un journaliste et le directeur de publication de “La plaident pour l’Afrique lettre du continent” relaxés, poursuivis en diffamation ’jid El Guerrab, circonscription couvre 45 % DES DEMANDES DE député des Français l’Afrique du Nord et l’Afrique VISAS FORMULÉES PAR DES Le tribunal de Paris a relaxé un imputaient par insinuation de Mde l’étranger dont de l’Ouest. ALGÉRIENS SONT REFUSÉES journaliste et le directeur de se livrer à un détournement de la circonscription couvre Dans le cadre de leurs Partout, on évoque des publication de “La lettre du fonds publics, avec la l’Afrique du Nord et l’Afrique fonctions, tous deux affirment délais trop longs, des tarifs continent”, poursuivis en complicité de son frère”. Il de l’Ouest, et Sira Sylla, élue être « très souvent » sollicités élevés et surtout un taux de diffamation par le président contestait les chiffres avancés d e S e i n e - M a r i t i m e e t par des électeurs rencontrant refus exceptionnellement ivoirien Alassane Ouattara comme étant un “amalgame s p é c i a l i s t e d e s s u j e t s des problèmes de visa : h a u t . « L ’ A f r i q u e pour un article de 2017 sur les inexact de plusieurs rubriques touchant les diasporas étudiants, Français en couple subsaharienne représente 15 fonds souverains de ce pays. Le budgétaires”. “La décision est africaines. avec un étranger, entreprises % de la population mondiale président avait porté plainte satisfaisante dans le sens où le Trop long, trop cher, trop souhaitant faire venir des mais seulement 10 % des visas en France après la publication tribunal reconnaît le caractère r e s t r i c t i f , s o u v e n t salariés pour une mission délivrés par la France », d’une brève intitulé “Côte diffamatoire des propos”, a i n c o m p r é h e n s i b l e … E n ponctuelle… Des requêtes si notent les deux rapporteurs, d’Ivoire – Ouattara fait réagi jeudi son avocat Me Afrique, obtenir un visa pour nombreuses qu’elles les ont qui soulignent que certains exploser les fonds souverains”, Pierre-Emmanuel Blard, qui a la France relève encore trop incités à se pencher sur le pays sont particulièrement publiée le 30 août 2017 dans le indiqué étudier l’opportunité souvent du parcours du processus de délivrance des CONT’D ON PAGE 9 b i m e n s u e l , a u j o u r d ’ h u i d’un appel. combattant. Deux députés de devenu un quotidien sous le Dans ce dossier, la défense la majorité se sont emparés nom d’Africa Intelligence. avait souligné l’indépendance du sujet et présentent Dans cet article très court, le de la rédaction vis-à-vis des aujourd’hui un rapport visant journal écrivait que M. gouvernements et partis, à faciliter le processus. Ouattara “bénéficiait” d’un rappelant que le sujet de « Cette mission est née fonds souverain de 342,6 l’article attaqué avait déjà été d’un sentiment de décalage milliards de francs CFA soit 521 traité par le journal en 2012 et entre l’ambition affichée par millions d’euros, “en hausse de 2014, tout en défendant la l’exécutif et la réalité sur le 20 milliards par rapport à bonne foi du journaliste et le terrain. » C’est ainsi que 2015”, une “enveloppe sérieux de l’enquête. “On a d é b u t e l e r a p p o r t d’information présenté ce 12 janvier devant la commission des Affaires étrangères de l ’ A s s e m b l é e n a t i o n a l e française par deux députés issus des rangs de la majorité : Sira Sylla, élue de Seine- Maritime et spécialiste des sujets touchant les diasporas africaines, et M’jid El Guerrab, député des Français de l’étranger dont la Après les élections et le référendum, la

Commission électorale resteendettée jusqu’au cou budgétaire” dans laquelle il f a i t n o t r e t r a v a i l d e Outre les contentieux Le corps électoral risquerait 2020. pouvait “d’autant mieux journaliste, le tribunal l’a électoraux relatifs aux des poursuites judiciaires de la La NEC a loué les services puiser à sa guise” qu’elle était reconnu”, a déclaré jeudi à é l e c t i o n s s é n a t o r i a l e s part des fournisseurs et des de plusieurs fournisseurs et “directement gérée par son l ’ A F P l e d i r e c t e u r d e spéciales du 8 décembre manifestations potentielles de des agents électoraux avant, frère, le ministre des affaires publication Maurice Botbol. 2 0 2 0 , l a C o m m i s s i o n la part des agents électoraux qui pendant et après les élections présidentielles BirahimaTéné Alassane Ouattara, 78 ans, a é l e c t o r a l e n a t i o n a l e réclament une rémunération de du 8 décembre, mais avec la Ouattara”. été réélu le 31 octobre pour un libérienne serait aux prises leurs services lors des élections lenteur du financement, la Dans son jugement, le tribunal troisième mandat controversé, avec d’autres problèmes, a sénatoriales et du référendum voilà maintenant avec a estimé que les propos étaient jugé inconstitutionnel par appris ce journal. constitutionneldu 8 décembre d’énormes dettes. bien diffamatoires mais que les l’opposition, qui a boycotté le Parmi ses fournisseurs prévenus devaient être relaxés scrutin et ne reconnaît pas sa figurent la Ghanaian Bulk au bénéfice de la bonne foi. Le réélection. Les violences Press qui a imprimé les tribunal a souligné que électorales ont fait 85 morts et bulletins de vote pour les l’article s’inscrivait dans un un demi-millier de blessés élections et le référendum, “débat d’intérêt général” et entre août et novembre. les presses locales, les médias que le journaliste disposait Marquant une nouvelle et les agents électoraux à d ’ u n e “ b a s e f a c t u e l l e décrispation de la situation travers le pays. suffisante” pour publier les politique, l’ensemble de Les informations dont propos. Il a aussi relevé le “ton l’opposition ivoirienne a dispose ce quotidien font état modéré” utilisé “à l’exception cependant annoncé jeudi sa d’une dette de plus de 4 de quelques termes critiques”, participation aux élections millions de dollars américains qui “demeurent adaptés à la législatives du 6 mars avec a c c u m u l é e p o u r ligne éditoriale” de la pour objectif de décrocher “la l’organisation des élections publication. M. Ouattara majorité au Parlement”. sénatoriales de mi-mandat et estimait que ces propos “lui d u r é f é r e n d u m constitutionnel. Le budget réel proposé par la NEC pour l’organisation des é l e c t i o n s s é n a t o r i a l e s spéciales et du référendum Advertise with us! c o n s t i t u t i o n n e l é t a i t d’environ 17 millions de CONT’D ON PAGE 9 FRIDAY JANUARY 15 2020 www .thenewdawnliberia.com NEW DA WN 9 Français

La vice-présidente Taylor Commentaire Par Eric Posner mal traités. Ainsi, si le plusieurs constats de leur taux moyen de refus de visas enquête. est de 16,3 % au niveau Devant un centre de visas à Disqualifier Trump : le mondial, il atteint 45 % pour Johannesburg, en Afrique du les demandeurs algériens. Sud, le 19 mars 2020. Un problème humain et D’abord, ils observent un réel jeu en vaut la chandelle politique problème d’équilibrage dans la HICAGO – Le vendredi 8 janvier, la représentants ont déjà rédigé un article unique Le problème est à la fois gestion gouvernementale du p r é s i d e n t e d e l a C h a m b r e d e s d'impeachment intitulé « incitation à l'insurrection individuel, humain – familles système. Aujourd’hui, en Creprésentants Nancy Pelosi a annoncé son », mais un meilleur titre aurait été « subversion de s é p a r é e s , é t u d i a n t s F r a n c e , l a p o l i t i q u e i n t e n t i o n d e l a n c e r u n e p r o c é d u r e l'élection présidentielle ». La tentative de Trump empêchés de fréquenter les d’attribution des visas est d'impeachment contre le président américain en vue de décrédibiliser le résultat – en dénonçant, universités françaises, copilotée par les ministères des Donald Trump pour la deuxième fois en un an, de façon mensongère, la fraude électorale, en opportunités professionnelles Affaires étrangères et de dans l'espoir de le démettre de ses fonctions interférant dans la conduite des agents électoraux gâchées… – et politique, l’Intérieur. Or « depuis le avant qu'il ne provoque de nouveaux ravages et en essayant d'empêcher la certification du vote souligne Sira Sylla : « Je mandat de Nicolas Sarkozy », de dans le pays. La première tentative, qui a débuté du Collège électoral – prend clairement des t r a v a i l l e t o u t 2007 à 2012, c’est ce dernier en décembre 2019 et s'est achevée en février dimensions constitutionnelles. particulièrement sur le ministère qui a pris l’ascendant, dernier, a été vaine et imprudente et a fini par c o n t i n e n t e t s u r l a faisant passer les questions de donner un petit coup de pouce politique à Trump. Cela dit, une condamnation de la part du Sénat a concrétisation des propos sécurité et de lutte contre Cette fois-ci, les démocrates sont une fois encore peu de chances de se produire. Bien que la tenus par le président de la l’immigration irrégulière avant loin de s'attendre à une victoire assurée, mais ils Constitution se réfère de manière légaliste aux « doivent faire avancer cette procédure crimes et infractions graves », les sénateurs sont République lors de son toute autre considération. « La d'impeachment. L'impeachment offre la libres de voter comme ils l'entendent. Rien ne les discours de Ouagadougou, sécurité c’est important, admet possibilité d'interdire à Trump d'être à nouveau oblige à condamner Trump même dans le cas où il lorsqu’il a dit que l’Afrique Sira Sylla, mais il ne faut pas non au pouvoir, un fait qui suffit à légitimer à lui seul aurait commis des crimes – ce qui est loin d'être était une priorité, qu’il fallait plus négliger l’attractivité de la le risque d'échec éventuel de cette procédure. clair, compte tenu des informations qui sont parler de mobilité circulaire, France. »ON NE VOIT PLUS, actuellement rendues publiques, soit que l'appel d ’ u n p a r t e n a r i a t COMME AVANT, CES LONGUES En vertu de la Constitution américaine, la de Trump du 2 janvier, soit que son discours du 6 reconstruit… » FILES D’ATTENTE DEVANT LES Chambre des représentants doit d'abord janvier soient illégaux selon les spécificités du La difficulté rencontrée CONSULATS approuver les articles de l'impeachment par un droit pénal américain. Mais en premier lieu en tant pour obtenir un visa, y Deuxième observation : la vote à la majorité. Avec une majorité qu'ils sont des politiciens, la principale compris dans le cadre de délégation d’une partie du démocrate, cela ne va pas présenter de grandes considération des sénateurs républicains va dispositifs censés faciliter la processus de délivrance à des difficultés. Mais au Sénat, les choses vont se pencher en faveur des conséquences politiques de circulation comme Campus prestataires privés (qui assurent compliquer, puisque 17 sénateurs républicains leur vote. À moins qu'une partie substantielle de la France ou le système « notamment la collecte des devront se joindre aux démocrates pour fournir base de Trump ne l'abandonne, ils vont chercher un passeport talent », va pièces justificatives et la prise la majorité des deux tiers requise pour destituer autre avantage dans le vote en faveur de la clairement à l’encontre des de rendez-vous) semble avoir eu et disqualifier le président. condamnation, avant d'être convaincus. propositions d’Emmanuel un impact positif. « Sans ces Macron, et les deux députés prestataires, on n’aurait tout Une foule de gens attendent depuis des années Une érosion rapide de la base électorale de Trump veulent y remédier. simplement pas pu répondre à la que les républicains reconnaissent l'inaptitude semble peu probable, compte tenu du fait que de « Ce qui ressort de mes demande dans certains pays. Ils de Trump à exercer le pouvoir et qu'ils finissent nombreux électeurs républicains soit ne croient échanges avec les gens de la ont fluidifié le processus », par l'abandonner. Mais malgré une litanie de pas que Trump ait été l'instigateur de cette diaspora, mais aussi avec les assure M’jid El Guerrab. scandales, d'échecs politiques et de mensonges émeute, soit sont heureux qu'il l'ait été. D'un autre habitants du continent, « J’étais sceptique au monstrueux, Trump maintient sa base, obligeant côté, le dégoût sans fard des entreprises ainsi les politiciens républicains qui cherchent à américaines à l'égard de Trump pourrait bien faire comme ceux de Djibouti, où départ, rebondit Sira Sylla. se faire réélire à obtenir son appui. Ce simple fait dresser l'oreille à certains d'entre eux. La National j’étais hier, c’est une Confier une mission qui relève explique pour quelle raison quasiment tous les Association of Manufacturers, un important lobby a t t i t u d e p r a g m a t i q u e . du régalien à des acteurs privés, élus républicains sont restés fidèles au d'affaires, a déjà demandé la destitution du Beaucoup ont le sentiment cela me posait problème. Mais président. président et les plus grandes sociétés de médias que la France les a oubliés. j’ai été agréablement surprise. sociaux l'ont interdit sur leurs plateformes. Bien Qu’elle vit sur une rente de On ne voit plus, comme avant, La première procédure d'impeachment contre que les élus républicains ne puissent se permettre situation, notamment avec ces longues files d’attente Trump était fondée d'une part sur sa tentative de se mettre leur base à dos, ils ne peuvent pas se les pays francophones. Alors devant les consulats, les gens d'intimidation du gouvernement ukrainien pour permettre de se mettre les entreprises américaines ils s’en détournent. À sont mieux accueillis, mieux qu'il déclenche une enquête sur Joe et Hunter à dos non plus. Djibouti, les gens m’ont dit respectés. »Rendre le processus Biden, d'autre part sur son obstruction à clairement : aujourd’hui, plus juste et plus efficace l'enquête du Conseiller spécial Robert Mueller sur En outre, maintenant que Trump est privé de son notre partenaire, c’est la Le processus d’obtention l'ingérence russe dans les élections de 2016. mégaphone Twitter, son emprise sur sa base est Chine. »Durant plusieurs d’un visa reste toutefois Aucun membre républicain de la Chambre n'a incertaine. Étant donné que les républicains ont mois, les deux députés ont compliqué dans bien des cas, et voté en faveur de l'impeachment et un seul perdu la Chambre des représentants, le Sénat et la donc rencontré de nombreux demeure souvent trop long. sénateur républicain – Mitt Romney de l'Utah – a Maison Blanche en un seul mandat présidentiel, les acteurs intervenant dans la Les députés proposent voté en faveur de sa destitution. politiciens républicains pourraient à présent se délivrance de visas à d’ailleurs de généraliser le demander ce que cet homme a fait de bon pour leur destination des ressortissants dispositif de délivrance des visas En fait, l'acquittement de Trump n'a été une parti. du continent. Ils tirent en quarante-huit heures. surprise pour personne. Ces deux scandales étaient bien connus avant l'impeachment et Pourtant, les démocrates se trompent s'ils pensent n'avaient pas nui à la position de Trump au sein que l'énormité des récents événements va des républicains. Le dossier ukrainien était trop provoquer suffisamment de votes républicains Après les élections obscur et trop éloigné des préoccupations contre Trump au Sénat. Les républicains qui quotidiennes pour impressionner les électeurs, craignent les électeurs des primaires pourraient dollars. Ce montant a été électoraux, elle a dit : « tandis que l'accusation d'entrave à la justice simplement arguer du fait que Trump n'a pas offert réduit de près de 4 millions de Agents électoraux, soyez un peu était trop légaliste. Sans aucune preuve que de pots-de-vin ou n'a pas proféré de menaces dollars américains. Et avec les patients, dès que nous aurons le Trump ait sollicité l'aide de la Russie lors des explicites lors de l'appel du 2 janvier. Ils pourraient deux élections législatives financement, nous vous élections, l'enquête pouvait être décrite comme en outre souligner que Trump n'a pas ouvertement partielles, le budget retenu paierons tous ». une entreprise de démolissage politique. appelé à la violence le 6 janvier et qu'il ne pouvait était de 13, 989 millions de Pour elle, il est important pas prévoir que la police du Capitole allait compter dollars américains. d’informer les fournisseurs, car Le deuxième impeachment fait suite à deux des victimes dans ses rangs. De telles affirmations « La NEC n’a plus d’argent cela est un signe de respect. « événements bien plus importants : la tentative sont peut-être résolument formalistes et pour vous payer maintenant C’est pourquoi », a-t-elle dit, « de Trump le 2 janvier de forcer le Secrétaire dissociées du contexte, mais elles peuvent au », a déclaré mardi sa nous avons jugé important de d'État de Géorgie par téléphone à inverser les moins fournir une couverture aux électeurs présidente, Mme Davidetta vous appeler et de vous faire résultats de la victoire du président élu Joe Biden républicains qui, autrement, désapprouvent la B r o w n L a s a n a h , a u x savoir que vous recevrez votre dans l'État ; et ses efforts dans le but d'exciter la violence politique et cherchent par tous les moyens responsables des médias. Elle argent dès que le Ministère des foule qui a envahi le Capitole des États-Unis le 6 à rationaliser leur soutien de longue date en faveur avaitinvité les médias pour les finances et de la planification et janvier. Les démocrates de la Chambre des de Trump. informer de la situation. du développement débloquera Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2020. www.project-syndicate.org S’adressant aux agents les fonds. FRIDAY JANUARY 15 2020 www .thenewdawnliberia.com NEW DA WN 10 Vote for me Marylanders benefit COVID-19 By Ethel A. Tweh the security apparatus wouldn’t The Executive took off the i m b a C o u n t y have gone free on this”, he says county development funds, stimulus food package Senator Prince Y. and adds, “I however urge you and there's [no] way for Patrick N. Mensah, Maryland County NJohnson, leader of all to vote for me [to] chair the projects to be carried out h o u s a n d s o f However, he expressed t h e d i s b a n d e d r e b e l s committee on defense, security that’s why most people get household members concern over the “continuous I n d e p e n d e n t N a t i o n a l and intelligence.” voted out. Things that are in Tin Maryland County disruption of distribution by Patriotic Front of Liberia Sen. PYJ previously chaired t h e b u d g e t a r e j u s t are currently receiving food some community residents, who (INPFL) has asked his this very committee in the beneficiary of the Executive.” rations as government COVID- do not understand the selection colleague senators to elect s e n a t e d u r i n g t h e He laments. 19 Household Food Support criteria and the mandate of the him to the senate committee administration of former According to him, there's P r o g r a m m e ( C O H F S P ) COHFSP that the food is on defense, security and President . money allocated in the distribution intensifies in the intended only for the most intelligence as chair. He blames the entire senate national budget for the county. vulnerable in the population, He blames the committee for the way things are going on Ministry of Education, but yet M o r e t h a n 2 5 , 9 5 2 not everybody.” for failure to summon the in the country, noting they most public schools around households in Maryland's four He blamed the situation on districts(Harper, Pleebo national security apparatus of approved and passed the the country are in bad the lack of proper awareness- Sodoken, Karluway and t h e s t a t e o v e r t h e national budget without condition, noting the budget raising. “Lack of information B a r r o b o ) h a v e b e e n disappearances of two boys performance report from the at MOE is being used to pay and public awareness is the enumerated to benefit from m a j o r h u r d l e d r i v i n g and four suspicious deaths in executive, which should be workers, buy big cars on the food rations, says Program disinformation among the the country last year. c o r r e c t e d t o e n s u r e travels, rather than furnishing Officer of Caritas Cape Palmas, people and that needs to be Speaking during senate a c c o u n t a b i l i t y a n d and maintaining school Wa i d i B o b o , t h e N G O corrected,” he mentioned. session Thursday, January 14, transparency in the usage of buildings. partnering with the World Food Receiving the food rations, President George Manneh P r o g r a m m e t h a t i s many recipients commended Weah Wednesday, instructed s p e a r h e a d i n g t h e f o o d e f f o r t o f t h e L i b e r i a n the Minister of Finance and distribution. government and partners for the D e v e l o p m e n t P l a n n i n g Mr. Bobo told reporters that gesture. Samuel Tweah to provide every qualify household in Nyemade Davis, a resident of 1,000 arm chairs for public Maryland County will receive 2 schools, following a tour of several school districts in and around Monrovia. Sen. PYJ says though he is a member of the ruling establishment, he will never be afraid to speak the truth in the interest of the Liberian people, and urges senators who are also part of the ruling establishment learn to speak truth to the President instead of always bowing to him, even when he is wrong. He recalls that in 2017 w h e n M r. We a h t h e n Montserrado County Senator 2021 at the Capitol in public funds. wanted to become president, Monrovia Senator Johnson A supporter of President he invited senators to a specifically noted that the Weah, Sen. Johnson says the meeting at Bella Cassa Hotel, committee on national Executive is noted for sending Farmington Hotel and Royal defense, intelligence and the draft national budget very bags of 25 kg rice, 1 gallon of Harper District and mother of Grand Hotel, respectively oil, and 10 kilo of beans. He four children, lauded President security did not act when late to the Legislature for where they had dinner after also confirmed that 25,952 George Weah for fulfilling his Liberia Revenue Authority scrutiny and there are attempts which he (WEAH) pleaded households have been selected promise made during the peak of staff Gifty Lama and Albert to do due diligence to the with them that he is one of to benefit in the four districts. the Covid-19 here. Peters mysteriously died and financial instrument, some of them and they should support Speaking to this paper at "We are extremely happy for their bodies were found in a their colleagues in the senate his presidency. the start of the distribution on the support given us from the parked car on Broad Street, would urge that the budget be It is because of the food January 4, 2021in the Harper Government of Liberia, let God the heart of Monrovia. passed hurriedly to avoid the the senators ate from City Hall, he said though the protection lead the government “Those were two married public from turning against President Weah when they COHFSP implementation had most specially, His Excellency, people and if they wanted to them, if there were delay. pledged their support to him experienced delay due to Dr. George Memeh Weah, who cheat on their partners, they “Let the public turn against that’s causing them to not say registration of beneficiaries, through his goodwill, we are would have found a hotel and us if we are doing the right the truth to the President particularly identification and receiving food items in this difficult time", she said. motel and gone there to thing, but we can’t have a whenever he does wrong, Sen. verification of most vulnerable households, it is now in full Orathe N. Nyepan,a mother cheat but not in an open place budget sent to us in the last Johnson concludes. -Editing right on the street. If I were minutes and we pass it without swing in Harper, Maryland of six, and resident of Harper by Jonathan Browne County Electoral district#1 to District said, she hadthought the the chair for that committee, carefully looking at it. be followed by Pleebo, government wanted to play K a r l u w a y a n d B a r r o b o game due to protracted delay in districts, respectively. providing the stimulus food He stressed that though, it package. is impossible for everyone to "Let me say thank to WFP, receive food because of the CARITAS and the National v u l n e r a b i l i t y c o n d i t i o n Government, although I had attached by the government, given up due to delay after our but those eligible should registration was done, but thank exercise patience, as they God today; I am going home with would be served. rice, bean and oil for my family The Caritas program officer and I to eat”, she said. lauded the government Meanwhile, the stimulus food through the WFP for such great package distribution continues opportunity accorded them in in the county with vulnerable the southeastern region. citizens, including women, He explained Caritas Cape children, elderly persons, the Palmas will fairly distribute the v i s u a l l y - i m p a i r e d a n d 1,080 metric tons of food items p h y s i c a l l y - c h a l l e n g e d in Maryland County to those b e n e f i t i n g . - E d i t i n g b y who supposed to receive. Jonathan Browne FRIDAY JANUARY 15 2020 www .thenewdawnliberia.com NEW DA WN 11 Poll workers demand pay Sherman fires By E. J. Nathaniel Daygbor continues to engage the Ministry payment arrangements with Start from back page oll workers of the of Finance and Development the Ministry of Finance “Please be informed that 12, at the Capitol Building, Pro- j u s t - e n d e d Planning to make funds particularly for those who more than 90 percent of my tempore Chie said Senator PD e c e m b e r 0 8 , available to complete payment have so far not received pay clients are foreign-owned Varney’s communication will be Special Senatorial election for all poll workers throughout since the 8thDecember 2020 corporations and foreign non- placed on the senate’s floor for have threatened series of the country. elections. governmental organizations; deliberation and subsequent p r o t e s t a t i o n s a t t h e Chairperson Davidetta The NEC Chairperson, very, very few are Lebanese or actions. headquarters of the National Browne Lansanah addressing along with Commissioners Lebanese nationals and even Late 2020, the United States Elections Commission, if aggrieved poll workers who had Barsee Leo Kpangbai, Boakai fewer are Liberian citizens. My of America, through its Treasury authorities of the commission gathered in front of the A. Dukuly and Josephine Kou firm is a corporal law firm; we Department, placed Global fail to settle pay arrears owed Commissions in Sinkor, Monrovia Gaye assures the poll workers e n g a g e p r i m a r i l y i n Magnitsky designations on them for of services rendered earlier Thursday, 14 January that based on ongoing transaction law, not litigation. several individuals in Africa and during the polls. said the Commission, through its negotiations with the Ministry Every retainer agreement Asia, including Liberian The workers argue that it Finance Section is in day to day of Finance, they will in the signed with us to provide legal Senator, Cllr. H. Varney G. i s u n a c c e p t a b l e a n d discussion with the Ministry of soonest possible time receive services or make any form of Sherman, on grounds that he representation provides that allegedly facilitated bribery in our services shall comply with the judiciary and that, in one the US foreign corruption instance, he allegedly bribed practices Act and the OECD his colleagues “to support convention on the corruption impeachment of a judge who of foreign government has ruled against him.” officials,” he says. In a release, the U.S. Cllr. Sherman maintains Department of the Treasury’s that with high standard of Office of Foreign Assets Control practice by his law firm, it is (OFAC) said it is targeting not possible to engage into corrupt actors and their bribery and routine of networks across several payments to judges to decide countries in Africa and Asia, cases. pursuant to Executive Order He has filed a former (E.O.) 13818, which builds upon complaint before the Liberian and implements the Global Senate to look into the ban Magnitsky Human Rights imposed on him by the U.S. Accountability Act, and targets Government. perpetrators of corruption and Senate President Pro- serious human rights abuse. tempore Albert Chie, disclosed “On International Anti- here that his leadership has Corruption Day, Treasury NEC Boss addresses protesting poll workers via megaphone received a formal complaint remains fully committed to from Senator Cllr. Varney imposing costs on those who Sherman, on the recent United facilitate corruption at the States government’s sanction expense of the people,” said placed on him (Sherman) for Deputy Secretary Justin G. unbelievable for the electoral Finance and Development their money through a mobile alleged bribery. Muzinich in the release. - house to be indebted to them Planning to quickly disburse money processing system S p e a k i n g a t a n e w s Editing by Jonathan Browne since the ended of the remaining Five Million United recommended by the General conference Tuesday, January senatorial election, national States dollars (US$5 Million) to Auditing Commission, GAC. referendum and two by- clear all debts it owns not only Earlier Thursday, dozens of elections for the House. poll workers, but venders who poll workers gathered in front However, the Chairperson also rendered electoral related of the Headquarters of the of the National Elections services, including car rentals, N a t i o n a l E l e c t i o n s Commission, (NEC) has made printing houses and the media. Commission, demanding pay another passionate plea to Madam Lansanah pleaded for services provided during the protesters to exercise with poll workers to give the last month’s pay. -Editing by patience as the Commission NEC at least one week to finalize Jonathan Browne

Cont’d from page 7 Foreign Minister thereby making him an due to be honored. pioneers of an endeavor in honorary police officer. “All I know from the letter he ensuring that from their W h i l e g o w n i n g t h e wrote is that I am coming for a effort, history will beacon to honoree, Col. Sudue notes dinner, farewell dinner in honor a glorious tomorrow for the that Minister Kemayah has of our officers leaving for this men and women in the force. done it for LNP, declaring that historic mission,” Minister Mr. Karmo concludes that “Honorable Kemayah is a Kemayah says. he expects nothing from the Chief of Police, we will pin N o t w i t h s t a n d i n g , t h e officers but their best and him as a Chief!” Foreign Minister dedicates the quality output from the Col. Sudue asks Minister honor to his boss, President training they obtained and Kemayah to extend to his George Manneh Weah who has their experiences from the wife that the Liberia National given him the privilege to serve. Liberia National Police. Police appreciates her, noting In remarks, the Security UN Chief Security Advisor that it’s because of her that Advisor to the President Mr. to Liberia Senyo Kufe cautions the Foreign Minister is here. Jefferson Karmo says it’s a that when you go on “Thank you, thanks to your privilege to join his colleagues peacekeeping, you go to learn family, thanks for all that you in participating in the ceremony and work with professionals Read the have done for LNP. We’ll held in honor of the departing from other countries and always remember you,” Col. officers. bring that experience back to Sudue says. Mr. Karmo thanked Col. your country. NewDawn everyday Following the gowning Sudue and the leadership of the He expresses happiness ceremony, Minister Kemahay LNP for this great exercise, that LNP is going out there to indicated that he was s a y i n g t h e r e a l i z a t i o n work with other nationals, to & surprised that he had been [commissioning] of the first see how they work, both from gowned at the dinner, saying batch of officers to a advanced and developing the police’s communication peacekeeping mission is very countries and bring that Advertise with us! inviting him for the program heartwarming. experience back home. had not stated that he was He describes them as CMYK eThew French Version Inside N TRULDYa INDEPENDENTwn VOL. 10 NO. 238 FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 PRICE LD$40.00 With Emmanuel B. Juduh Sherman fires at U.S. govt. of his clients, and, the alleged facilitation of payments to Liberian politicians to support impeachment of a judge who has ruled against him. Cllr. Sherman counters for the first time since the action was late 2020 that these allegations against him are false, baseless and that due process was never accorded to him. He details that he started practicing law since February, 1980 and that no time during his days in court did he ever attempt to bribe a judge to favor his clients or to win a case, something, he terms as totally far from the realities. According to him, from former Liberian Chief Justice By E. J. Nathaniel Daygbor on allegations. Emmanuel Gbalazeh to Chea rand Cape Mount T h e U n i t e d S t a t e s Cheapoo, to the James County Senator Cllr. government imposed multiple Nagbe, and the late Chief GVarney Sherman, charges against the Liberian Johnnie Lewis’ Supreme Court currently on U.S. travel ban, senator, ranging from bribery of benches and the current has sharply fired at the United multi judges with trial for a 2010 bench of His Honor, Francis S t a t e D e p a r t m e n t o f bribery scheme and an Kpokpor, he and his law firm, Treasury’s Office of Foreign undisclosed conflict of interest Sherman-Sherman Law firm Assets Control, for what he with a judge, who ultimately had never bribed any judge or terms, wrongly imposing returned a not guilty verdict in facilitated removal of a judge economic and financial July 2019, runtime payment to from the bench. sanctions against him based judges to decide cases in favor CONT’D ON PAGE 11 Arsenal appoint new director of football operations rsenal have revealed departure from Arsenal in from the Premier League that Richard Garlick October 2020. heavyweights. Awill be taking on the Contract talks will be an “Richard, who is currently role of director of football important part of Garlick’s new Director of Football at the operations at Emirates role, with it his responsibility to Premier League and was Stadium, with the Gunners ensure that the best possible previously Director of Football bringing in further assistance talent is kept available to first- Administration at West Bromwich for Mikel Arteta and Edu. team coach Arteta. Albion, will join the club in the Garlick, who is currently Technical director Edu and coming months. director of football at the a c a d e m y m a n a g e r P e r “He will be a member of the Premier League, has previously Mertesacker also form part of the Arsenal executive team and will spent time working at West backroom team in north London. be working closely with Technical Brom. “Richard Garlick is joining Director Edu, Manager Mikel He will be stepping into a Arsenal as Director of Football Arteta and Academy manager Per void created by Huss Fahmy’s Operations,” read a statement Mertesacker. 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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