The TRC did precisely as directed in recommending the establishment of the Extraordinary Criminal Court for Liberia. The Position Paper attempts to argue that a 2003 amnesty could or should preclude prosecution, but any such interpretation of a prior amnesty would put Liberia squarely at odds with its international obligations to ensure justice for international crimes. Individuals, families of the victims, and activists have marched in the streets of Monrovia multiple times in recent years calling for accountability and demanding the creation of a war crimes court. [5] In addition, more than 50 members of the House of Representatives have endorsed a resolution backing a war crimes court for Liberia. Instead, we are urging the President and legislature to move forward in giving victims access to justice for atrocities committed by requesting assistance from the United Nations and Liberia’s other international partners to establish a war crimes court.

Protest against E-learning at the University of Liberia Leaves Several Students Injured by PoliceMONROVIA – Police in Monrovia Monday allegedly fired teargas and rubber bullets on students of the campus-based Vanguard Students Unification Party (SUP) protesting for the cancellation of the e-learning program at the state-run University of Liberia (UL), injuring more than ten people. The protesting students later blocked the entrances leading to the institution’s edifice, chasing away Dr. Nelson. Conscious university students have been protesting against an ill-fated and rash E-learning system.”“We condemn this brutal invasion of UL and we are calling for a full-scale investigation. The eLearning has been found ineffective since the resumption of school three weeks ago.”However, University of Liberia Vice President for Public Affairs, Atty. Tweah said Dr. Nelson is a student-centered president and can in no way endanger the lives of protesting students.

Buduburam Refugee Camp, Ghana – Solomon Darko Quarm, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Gomoa East in the Central Region in Ghana has revealed that they have been given instruction by President Akufo Ado to demolish the Buduburam Refugee Camp and settlements around the camp. The green light from President Ado followed a three-month ultimatum given by chiefs of Gomoa District to the government of Ghana to demolish the Buduburam Refugee Camp on the ground that the camp is being used as a hideout for prostitution and other crimes. “President Akufo Addo has given us the go ahead to demolish the place,” Mr Quarm told Adom News. This, the District Chief Executive has asked residents of the Buduburam Refugee Camp and settlements around the camp to relocate or risk their properties being destroyed. His organization on May 30, 2021, launched what it terms as ‘home back home’ campaign to raise the amount of US$383,000.00 to be used to purchase land and build houses for Liberians living on the Buduburam Refugee Camp.

Monrovia – The Montserrado County Development Council set up by Senator Abraham Darius Dillon has acknowledged receipt of the second half of Senator Dillon’s US$30,000 legislative engagement fund. “We cannot allow this government or anybody to keep playing politics on something that can help save lives. Only Senator Dillon apologized and said he will ensure that the money is returned to the government’s coffers. Even when people are dying, this government continues to play politics,” the Council said. “We are very happy that our effort has contributed to the completion of this very worthy cause that will soon be officially dedicated.”

GBARNGA, Bong County – The International Organization of Migration (IOM) has called on journalists to report on more human-interest stories, especially issues concerning migration. “Majority of the people involved with irregular traveling are the youth and many of them are doing so because they have not been informed on the risk irregular traveling posed to them. Until you, the media can join in helping to educate the public on these issues, we will continue to hear the stories of irregular traveling,” Siafa said. As Messengers of Migrants, Siafa further called on the media to exposed individuals who are involved with smuggling people out of the country for trafficking. He wants the media, especially those doing talk shows and programs, to include migration as a means of helping to avoid trafficking in persons and other irregular traveling.

MONROVIA – Top Liberian radio personality Karishma Pelham-Raad has bagged the Africa Entertainment Icon of the Year Award at the National Theatre in Accra, Ghana on July 24, 2021. Pelham-Raad, who’s also the Chief Executive Officer of HRH Charity Foundation, was ecstatic about receiving such a prestigious award. To me, this award belongs to everyone that has contributed immensely to our Entertainment Industry both at home and abroad! The African Icon Awards (AIA) from its inception has consistently honored great African Achievers; from African leaders, young achievers, community builders to captains of industries across the continent. The ceremony has fast become established as one of the biggest gatherings of influential and global African leaders on the continent.

MONROVIA – The Grand Mufti of the Supreme Council of Fatwa in Liberia and his delegation on Thursday, July 22, 2021, held a meeting with the United States Ambassador to Liberia, Ambassador Michael A. McCarthy at the invitation of the Ambassador at the US Embassy near Monrovia. The meeting according to the US Ambassador is part of his meeting with major stakeholders in the country as part of his diplomatic mission in Liberia. Speaking to the years of the campaign for Islamic holidays by the Muslim Community, Mufti Sumaworo urged the US Embassy to join the Muslims in asking stakeholders in the country to grant Muslims their two holidays. On the issue of the called for War Crimes Court in Liberia, Mufti Sumaworo called for justice to be accorded to the victims of the Civil War and called for the review of the TRC report and subsequent implementation. Responding to the comments of the Mufti, US Ambassador to Liberia, Michael A. McCarthy lauded the Mufti for honoring his invitation and stressed the importance of peace and harmony among various groups in the country.

Established by the former Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), Mosoka P. Fallah, RPI is working across Liberia to improve health outcomes for poor communities in Liberia. The latest donation is a second in a series by the health group towards the fight against the novel virus. It can be recalled that on July 19, 2021 the organization donated 44 sets of oxygen regulators, several bags of rice and buckets to the Star Based Treatment Unit at the Zone on the Bushrod Island. Receiving the donation, Health Minister, Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah lauded RPI for what she described as a worthy donation that came at the right time when the country is in need. He said the goal of RPI is to provide these equipment at various centers in order to boost the fight against the disease.

Monrovia – The Embassy of Sweden in Monrovia, representing the Government of Sweden, has signed an agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to contribute 40,000,000 Swedish Kronor (approximately USD 4.8 million) to the Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP) for the period from 1 August 2021 to 31 December 2024. Acting UNDP Resident Representative Violet Baffour observed “Sweden has been an essential partner in UNDP Liberia’s work to develop the capacity of accountable, just, and peaceful institutions that support democratic and electoral processes. Effective electoral planning and budgeting is critical here, and is also dependent on strong political will and institutional reforms. Comprehensive planning and support to the NEC and the Government of Liberia on Effective Electoral Planning and Budgeting and Procurement processes will decrease electoral costs ahead of elections. When there is a high level of transparency and integrity in the electoral process, it, in turn, contributes to minimizing any tension and unnecessary risks of violence.

Liberia: Two Dismissed at Foreign Ministry and House of Representatives over Diplomatic Passport ScandalMONROVIA – A FrontPageAfrica investigation has uncovered an alleged passport scandal involving staff of the ministries of Foreign Affairs and the Legislature which has led to their dismissals. FrontPageAfrica discovered that a protocol staff of the House of Representatives, Nyumah Siafia, and a staff to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Henry Fahnbulleh, Roland Stephen solicited cash from a Liberian (name undisclosed) with a promise to issue him diplomatic passport. Minister Fahnbulleh confirmed the information and said the staff involved, Roland Stephen, has been dismissed. According to the Deputy Foreign Minister, Stephen and Siafia received US$700.00 from an individual introduced to them by Representative P. Mike Jurry of Maryland County. According to sources, the incident was reported to Foreign Minister Dee-Maxwell Kemeyah who launched an investigation into the matter.

Liberia: Several Arrested as Residents Protest in Lofa Over Delay in Certificating Senator-elect SamukaiVoinjama, Lofa County – Thousands of people took to the streets of Voinjama City and other areas in Lofa County on Thursday to protest the delay in the certification of Lofa County Senator-elect Brownie Samukai, and police made several arrests after crowds broke through barriers and reportedly attempted to lock the main entrance of the county’s administration hall. Of the 11 candidates who vied for the Lofa County senatorial seat, Samukai received 20, 431 votes, followed by Independent candidate Cllr. Samukai has experienced mixed rulings with the Supreme Court since he won the senatorial seat in Lofa. On February 24, 2021, the Supreme Court of Liberia ruled in Samukai’s favor in the electoral dispute case filed by three of his rivals, claiming irregularities and fraud in Lofa County District No. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Samukai and mandated to the NEC to proceed with the matter.

It is believed that the second turbine got damaged when LEC recalibrated the turbine to function at a low water level – something that led to it burning. This means the Liberia Electricity Corporation must on its own repair or replace the damaged turbine. The source added, “Those who are responsible for the damage of the turbine must be held responsible. This work culminated with the signing of a contract in April 2013 with a Norwegian company (Norplan AS) and a German company (Fichtner GmbH) to revitalize the defunct power plant by 2015. €40 million and the German Development Bank for a grant of €25 million.

Mr. Jackley announced a random drug testing on all of his agents to ensure that those fight drugs themselves are clean of the act. He, meanwhile, warned officers of the DEA to desist from clandestine activities with drugs dealers outside the DEA’s office. He stressed his commitment to support and work with the LDEA to fight drugs in Liberia. He noted that only the LDEA has the legitimate right to chase suspected drugs users when it is noticed in concession areas. “Invest in the purchase of computers and establish a Cyber Unit here to enable the NSA to help you fight drug dealers,” he said.

MONROVIA – The Central Bank of Liberia’s (CBL) Executive Governor, J. Aloysius Tarlue, Jr. and Deputy Governor for Economic Policy, Dr. Musa Dukuly, were Wednesday, July 29, 2021, inducted into office following their reappointment by the President and confirmation by the Liberian Senate. In his post-induction remarks, Executive Governor Tarlue thanked President George Manneh Weah, Sr. for his reappointment and commitment to CBL’s operational independence as well as the Senate of the 54th National Legislature for the confirmation. He attributed CBL’s recent achievements to the support and commitment of the Board of Governors, the Deputy Governors and CBL staff. In his post-induction remarks, Dr. Musa Dukuly, the Deputy Governor thanked the President, George M. Weah for the confidence reposed in him for which he has served and will also serve as Deputy Governor for Economic Policy. If we have to transform this economy, we must dedicate our time and effort to the work in our respective capacities, the Deputy Governor for Economic Policy urged.

MONROVIA – The Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), a FATF Styled Regional Body will hold a five-day workshop in Monrovia beginning August 2, 2021. According to the Financial Intelligence Unit of Liberia, the Pre- Assessment Workshop on the second round of Mutual Evaluation of Liberia’s Anti Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT) regime by GIABA, will bring together sixty-five participants as stakeholders within Liberia’s AML/CFT regime. The advocacy mission is intended to provide adequate national resources – both human and financial, for Mutual Evaluation beyond the FIU resources. The Pre- Assessment Workshop is the first step into Liberia’s second round of mutual evaluation that culminates with onsite visitation in February 2022. The First Round of Mutual Evaluation of Liberia was conducted by GIABA in 2010 with Liberia getting a poor rating and placed on a regular follow-up reporting process.