Musue Haddad

Random Thoughts: On 61st Birthday, Charles Taylor Hears Prosecution’s last Witnesses in his Case

2009-03-14T18:43:00.000-07:00

Dearest Mama,

Hope all is well at your end. Thanks for your note reminding me about Pappay’s (Charles Taylor’s) birthday, and the inauguration of Obama as U.S. President. Before discussing Pappay’s birthday, I really want to say that from where I sit, Obama’s elections and inauguration have left me pondering over two things: Obama Democratic Convention Speech was held on the night 45 years after Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I have a Dream Speech," and Obama’s inauguration took place a day after Martin Luther King's Day in the U.S.A. In the U.S. Martin Luther King’s Day is observed on the third Monday of January, and this year it fell on January 19th, ushering the inauguration of Obama.

Regarding Pappay's birthday, it’s partly because of the birthday I travelled to The Hague to watch the last parts of the prosecution’s witnesses and also see what Taylor was doing for his birthday. The last few days of the prosecution’s presentation was tensed: A man who had both hands hacked off during Sierra Leone's civil war testified, A rape victim testifying against Taylor described her unbearable pain, and journalist Hassan Bility testified against Charles Taylor.

Mama, unlike in the past where Taylor’s birthday was celebrated with pomp and pageantry, this time I got the feeling that Pappay almost forgot his birthday. In fact, when he was reminded about his birthday, Pappay stopped momentarily in his track, stared briefly at what seemed to be the tip of his foot wear, and then he quickly lifted his head and looked far ahead. Mama, before I could read his expressions or connect his actions to facial countenance, Pappay had become aware of his environment and taken on his mode- easy strides and expressionless face as he was being taken to the courtroom.

Mama, while Pappay was in the court room, I found out in my own fashion that the tradition of celebrating birthhdays with showiness doesn't exist at The Hague; at least not in the part of The Hague where Taylor is held. Unlike in the past where Taylor’s birthday was celebrated with pomp and pageantry: songs/music written and sung in his honor; events organized to celebrate his natal day; government offices closed to celebrate his birthday, this time, Pappay spend his day facing victims of atrocities carried out by rebel group and during his administration.

It was awkward to see Pappay- a man who once summoned authority, now without status or authority. As I stood there looking at Pappay, I reflected on the degree of power he once held and wielded as rebel leader and during his years as President of Liberia. You’ll recall that during those days, when Pappay stood up, it seemed the World around him trembled; and when he walked, everything stood still. I can tell you that things are quite different at The Hague. On January 28, 2009, Pappay spend his 61st birthday in prison, reminiscing days of old when his birthday was a national events celebrated with showiness and splendor.

Actually, while en-route to The Hague, I had anticipated that Pappay would have stack of mails containing birthday cards and photographs from some of those we considered his “close’ friends, including the “queens” and “missuses.” Mama, Pappay had only a few pieces of mails in his room – none from his ‘circle of friends.”
When I had the opportunity, I seized the opportunity to ask Pappay about his birthday and his days at The Hague – was he in communication with his friends and families? Pappay paced back and forth, and then briefly held his chin. He responded to my inquiry by giving me a brief lecture: “Betrayal brings about …..anger. That’s because people remember their friends and the happy times they have spent together, and then the idea of betrayal…. At the end of the day, when we sit back, people remember friends who might have hurt them or betrayed them at some point of time.” At that end, Pappay became silent. I then knew that it was time to return home.

Mama, during my trip home, I thought about home- Liberia and the ritual of celebrating presidents’ birthdays as holidays, which over the years became an obsession. Before becoming president of Liberia, Taylor who was still head of his rebel group, together with his supporters converged on Monrovia in January, 1996, and celebrated his 48th birthday in grand style, while those he professed to be liberating were going to bed hungry daily. That tradition of celebrating his birthday in pomp and Pageantry continued throughout his administration.

President William V.S Tubman birthday which was a national holiday was celebrated November 29 of every year. When William R. Tolbert succeeded President Tubman, Tolbert’s birthday on May 13th was also a national holiday. President Samuel Doe continued the legacy; his birthday was May 6 of every year. And so, Charles Taylor’s birthday, January 28 was added to the calendar.

Mama was there any “Happy Birthday” announcement in the newspapers for Charles Taylor? How big was the advert? Was it a full page? Oh, if you see any advert, kindly let me know the size and the sponsor. I am just curious.

Talk to you later.

always, musue

Random Thoughts: Dependency Syndrome - A Society of Predators and Sycophants

2009-03-14T18:41:00.000-07:00

Dearest Mama,

I understand your interest in hearing my views on the implications of predators or predation and sycophants on our society. I also received several communications from our compatriots requesting a short discussion on these issues. Personally, I wanted to write on the topic few months ago, but have been preoccupied with getting the claws of predators from my flesh. At the moment, I have large wounds that may take several months to heal.

Mama, let me forewarn you that this is a broad topic, and this communication may not touch on all facets of the issues, but I will attempt to set the premise for future discussions.

“Predator” is mostly associated with conservationism, which is a process where one animal feeds on another that is attacked. Sometimes, the predators may or may not kill their prey before feeding on them, but the act or practice of plundering or marauding; or the act of capturing of prey as a means of maintaining life almost always results in the death of the prey. The word sycophant refers to a person who, acting in his or her own self-interest, tries to win favor by flattering one or more powerful persons, at the cost of his or her own personal pride and in most instances, at the expense of his or her peers.

Mama, when a society has a human (political) predator, life becomes difficult for others that are taken as food by predators, particularly those that are helpless or unable to resist attack. Most human predators are even more cunning that animal predators. Predators may hunt actively for prey, or sit and wait for prey to approach within striking distance, and then they pound on the innocent preys who are struggling to live a simple life. What makes this more challenging for human beings is that when greed and power comes into play for human predators, their minds operate like animals, and even below the thinking capacity and reasoning of animals. If living in the midst of predators is difficult, then imagine what’s happening in our society where predators and sycophants are rubbing shoulders? Mama, I have experienced the handy works of predators and sycophants. Believe me, when it comes to greed and power, predators and sycophants put aside common sense and reasoning; they move head on without any consideration for the implications of their actions on other human beings, including innocent children. It’s kind of scary looking at some of the consequences of sycophancy, and victims of the predators and sycophants in our society.

Mama, it is sad see that of all the beautiful things in our world, people can select and become exceptionally good at the art of sycophancy. People who select to become sycophants prey on colleagues or co-workers who simply desire to uphold and maintain their dignity, rather than engage in flattery. In a world where competition is much more encouraged, while collaboration and coordination is gradually being pushed under the carpet, sycophancy and predation are gradually becoming acceptable norms and practices within various institutions. To beef up the practice of sycophancy, in spite its implications it has on progress, every and all acts carried out by sycophants in the world of sycophancy are considered "right," and any attempt by non-sycophants to question such unfair practices will ultimately be faced with isolation and or intimidation. Quite funny ehn! But the goal here is to protect their territory, and also claim other territories with complete disregard for the implications their actions will have on society.

Sycophancy is almost everywhere, and when sycophancy strikes, predator becomes the cleaner. Sycophancy is no longer carried out in subtle manner, we see it when subordinates praise their bosses’ second-rate performance for becoming their favorites. Even in schools, students pay unnecessary compliments to their teachers in order to secure better grades. I see it when the helpless pay needless respect to their phony “experts” and hierarchs. Look at the way a person, or politicians praise their so-called leaders in spite their unprofessional conducts and corrupt practices; that’s sycophancy. I see it, and you can see it in the advertisements sponsored by an unknown official of some unsuccessful organization applauding someone's unworthy appointment to a position.

Foolishly, sycophancy is grossly displayed when suddenly ‘social justice persons and groups’ start to sing their own praises, trying to draw the attention of some groups and take credit for the hard work of others. It is even cheaply visible when even those imprisoned for wrongful deeds try to claim that they are heroes or heroines. And when true heroes or persons who have worked hard to maintain their reputation, or when an independent minded person question unfair practices, sycophants and predators feel challenged. They hurriedly set in place some of their syco- behaviors and preda-tragies to destroy that person’s accomplishments, or the hard earned efforts of such groups.

Mama, I don’t know when sycophancy emerged, but when sycophancy was born, it came with its twin- the predator. And ever since their birth, sycophancy and predation have been walking side by side. Call them the destructive two!

It may be difficult to say exactly the roots of sycophancy, but perhaps, it has to do with the injustices, and the manner our ancestors were forcibly programmed or trained to take on their ‘masters” point of view, their bosses way of thinking and logic, and to always sing praises to higher ups. Mama, this “dependency syndrome” is an attitude and way of life that is embedded in our society, and has corrupted institutions in our society.

Mama, when a person engages in sycophancy, they corrupt two major qualities for leading a successful life: their integrity and self-respect. The cycle of sycophancy continues to exist in our society because after a sycophant becomes a leader, he or she is surrounded with sycophants, and there is a birth of more and more sycophants. In that process, predators prey on non sycophants. The elimination of non sycophants and the continual promotion of sycophancy destroys efforts for progress. Moreover, when sycophancy becomes a recurrent practice, it creates a system where ineffective persons are placed, or find themselves as heads of institutions, thereby obstructing development at the institutional and national levels. Most importantly, upcoming sycophants, or new breeds of sycophants desperate to prove their loyalties and committments to the profession of sycophancy begin to vigorously hunt down non sycophant and independent minded persons as a way of impressing their bosses.

The question then becomes, how do we rid our society of sycophancy; how do we discourage the birth of human predation? We must first begin by doing the following:

1) Believing in ourselves by acknowledging and valuing our competence, and ability to progress in life, instead of feeding on another person’s weakness for sweet talk.

2) Recognizing that as human beings, we are entitled to certain inalienable rights. Some of these rights, precisely articulated by United States President Franklin Roosevelt known as the Four Freedoms that humans "everywhere in the world" ought to enjoy: Freedom of speech and expression, Freedom of religion, Freedom from want , Freedom from fear.

Whenever you have an opinion, or want to ask a question, and you are beginning to feel intimidated, remember two things: Believe in yourself, and recognize that by nature of being a human being, you have the right to life, and that includes the four freedoms.

Mama, one last point, which in any case is not the least point is to resist becoming a member of the cheering squad of ineffective leaders and systems. Most importantly, let us learn to leave our own trails, rather than follow the cataclysm trails of others.

In whatever you do, ask yourself: Am I a [supporter of] sycophant, a predator or a professional seeking to promote good practices, or am I selling my soul to the devil and destroying the lives of others? Let's always remember that, "To every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction," it may take some time to see the consequences of your action, but it does come, and at the appropriate time.

always,
musue

Random Thoughts: You Have the Power - Be an Agent of Positive Change

2009-03-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

Dearest Mama,

Thank you for the wonderful letter. I also received some letters from those at the fireside when you read my New Year’s note. Some of our kinsmen reacted positively to my note. For example, Mr. Sandy in a comment regarding my Random Thoughts letter said, “I like the piece and the creativity used in bringing to fore Liberia's unbridled corruption. I strongly agree with you that corruption in Liberia is a norm or way of life.”

Well, among the respondents expressing alternative views, Mr. Guano, apparently troubled about my comments on corruption said, “I will recommend that since you want to use your dearest mama as a shield to cover up your political reportage, you should not publish it on FrontPage Africa.” Wow! I didn’t realize that Guano was the CZAR Of Journalism, and the regulator of how corruption and other political issues should be reported. When I received Mr. Guano’s letter, unlike his three paragraphs, I wrote a single sentence: “This communication is to acknowledge that your e-mail was received.” As to what I am doing regarding his letter of ultimatum, this is exactly what I am doing: writing!

Mama, you can only imagine what would have happened if Mr. Goaho had the final say about my communication to you and others. It’s kind of scary how some people use their power, but then it’s even terrifying when those who don’t have power begin sending out clues depicting how they will use power. Mama, how do you describe such forceful and uncontrollable feelings that manifest in such manner – just simple letter to you on New Year’s resolution and corruption that provokes such feeling? Is it embedded rage, anger, wrath or something else?

Wrath almost the same as rage and anger falls almost within the same category, and they have the same, or almost the same meaning. They are feelings that can manifest as a result of rejection of the truth and also the desire to settle scores outside of the confines of the law. In most cases, someone with such rage or anger can show displaced aggression – that is the rage or anger is vented against someone or a group of people who are not directly a cause of the person’s anger.

Mama, an example of such wrath was displayed during the war in Liberia. You remembered how people were killed – some randomly and others targeted. In both cases some of those engaged in such acts were enacting their own form of justice, because they believed that the authorities didn’t or wouldn’t respond to the cause of their rage.

Another recent display of such wrath or rage occurring in Monrovia is the stance taken by citizens against “armed robbers”. We read recently that citizens are beating and physically assaulting and sometimes killing “thieves” and “armed robbers.” According to reports from Monrovia, citizens are ignoring the law and have decided to take on their form of justice because of what they consider insufficient response by authorities in curtailing robberies in Monrovia. The reaction by citizens falls within the category of rage and anger.

Mama, as we move from one point to the next in life, we will meet people who will push our last button; we will also find ourselves in situations where we will not be judged by our capabilities, but by our looks or other factors; we may even meet people who will despise us just because of who we are.

How we respond to such situations? The manner in which we handle our feelings during such situations or afterwards determines who we are. Ask yourself how will you treat a waitress, an unattractive person, an innocent child, someone outside your (political, racial, social, etc) circle, a bus driver, or a homeless person after you've been treated unfairly by others? Do you hold grudge and display anger or rage later?

Mama, I quite remembered you telling me that my response to others after such experiences determines my ability to control the development and growth of hatred and anger that lie dormant in all of us. I have seen it, and I have felt it Mama, and I know it - our everyday actions determine our character. We all make mistakes along the way, but what is our general pattern? That is the question we should ask ourselves as individually and as a people. At home, our partner, children, and family members will do something that upsets us at some point. It is how we respond to what our partner, our friends and colleagues do that defines what type of colleagues or partners we are.

I have also seen people (forcibly) influencing others into accepting and supporting their idea and beliefs. This force of will is almost always temporary, because people do mature, or sometimes they will someday have a taste of freedom, after which they will realize that they have been manipulated. This realization of how they have been exploited tend to create confusion and friction. Mama, we have seen this in Liberia and other societies- many people blindly accept what they are told by others, including those in positions of authority, be it in political, religious and educational positions. I believe that we should always use our mind, our intelligence, our reasoning and intellect to analyze and dissect situations, theories, and the ideas shared by others to determine whether or not something is true. This position can be challenging, it has been for me – I am not a conformist, believe me, it has been difficult for me, and it is still challenging. I rather think for myself and question others than swallow everything, which ultimately breeds hate, anger and wrath inside of us after recognizing how others manipulate and suppress our abilities to use our basic senses.

Mama, kindly inform all of our people out there that they should not believe that they "don’t know who they are" and therefore must wear the identity of others. No, No! We should remember that it is the authorities - the political, the religious, the educational authorities who educated our forefathers and mothers by giving them orders, rules, regulations, informing, forming in their minds their view of reality. It is this forced view of reality that shut the minds of our forefathers, pushing them in a state of dormancy, and ignorance, and when that little light flickered, rage and anger set in.

Let’s remember that an idle mind is a fertile ground for rage and hate. Let’s nurture our creativity so that we can become agents of positive change!

Always,
Musue

Random Thought: Reflecting on '09 Resolutions: Are They Within Our Range?

2009-03-14T18:36:00.000-07:00

Dearest Mama,

Hello, hello, hello. The spirit of the New Year is already in me.

Are you feeling it already? I hope so. Well, in the U.S.A, people are saying that that the spirit of 09 started with the political change that resulted to the elections of Barack Obama as President of the United States. Well, it’s New Year, and most people are making resolutions for 2009. I just gathered that some people are mixing small and large wishes for the New Year.

Some people’s resolutions are that Obama will overturn the financial crisis in the U.S.A, and polish the image of the U.S.A abroad. A Liberian on the East Coast in the United States wishes to complete his studies with flying colors; another wishes to find a “soul mate;” while one man sitting cozily near his wife wishes for three things this year: Peace in the Middle East, take his wife on a cruise to the Caribbean, and an end to Corruption in Liberia. I almost wanted to ask this man; why of all the other romantic places in the World he is keen on taking his wife to the Caribbean.

My interest in knowing why he wants a cruise to the Caribbean isn’t because I am inquisitive, (maybe just tiny winy curious), but after he mentioned an end to corruption in Liberia, I stood up, used my hands to stroke the imaginary dust off my ‘behind’ and walked away. I couldn’t help thinking, “end to corruption in Liberia.” Does this man even understand how long corruption has existed in Liberia? Does he understand that corruption is deeply entrenched in that society? As I began playing the mind game with myself- picturing the different corrupt practices, and how people have come to see those practices as a way of life, I wanted to make a U turn to this man’s home. My intention was to just explain some of the corrupt practices and why it may be impossible that that particular wish- end to corruption was almost impossible in 2009.

As I stood there contemplating whether I should make that U turn, I started giggling. I quickly looked around, hoping that passersby don’t see me. If people saw me standing there alone and laughing, they would begin making ugly assumptions. I didn’t want that. So I pulled out my cell phone, held it to my ear, pretending that I was on the phone. And I laughed to my delight. It was fun laughing, and being able to successfully con the nosy passersby. Mama, you want to know why I was laughing. I was laughing at all the trickery attitudes of some of our people back home. You know, during those days, I mean before I crossed the ocean, I heard many stories of how some government officials had to back down on promises to weed out corruption from certain institutions, or withdraw their intention to take stance on certain undemocratic practices. These officials would announce that they would get rid of people engaged in corrupt practices.

Sometimes these officials would be almost specific about areas where they would focus on tackling corrupt or unfair practices. But guess what, after making those big announcements, at night they would then be reminded about their own direct and indirect roles in fueling those corrupt practices. Take for example, Mr. Man, or Madam Woman is the Boss of a certain institution. This Boss sends a note to the Port, directing that a certain item or a container is released without going through appropriate inspection. Tax is also waived on this item. After some time, Director of Port also goes to Mr. /Madam Boss to “assist” with passing certain papers through the system. No question asked; the paper goes through the system quickly. Then one day, this Boss wants to take action against the Director of the Port for being inefficient. Is it possible for Mr. or Madam Boss to take punitive action against the Director of the Port? If you are the Director of the Port, what will you do? This act of ‘looking out for one another,” also called, “you wash my back and I scrub your back,” is just one of the practices that fuels corrupt practices, allowing it to become a part of the norms within institutions. So, when people are making New Year wishes, perhaps we should start asking ourselves whether our resolutions and wishes for the year are within our range.

If we are making wishes for corruption to end in Liberia, can we be sure that the officials are also making resolutions to stop dispensing funds from the national coffers for their personal use? Picture this: Mr. or Mrs. Boss is sitting in Liberia, strategizing how much to steal from the national coffers, while you are sitting at another end of the World, wishing that corruption ends in Liberia for 2009. Who is closer to your target: You, or the Boss who is not only closer to the target, but already alert and waiting to pound on the target, as always, and again and again.

Well, to get rid of corruption, government will have to institute measures that will curb and remove some of the conditions that nurture and breed corruption within the Liberian society. The preventive measures against corruption will have to be concurrently initiated, and simultaneously carried out in various public institutions; they must be accompanied by stern actions against those who flout regulations aimed at curbing corrupt practices. Curtailing corruption in Liberia will definitely take a lot of work. Measures will have to be put in place to clamp down on the existence of ‘network' where certain self- interested persons continue to use their connections through this network to preserve their status without merit. Let’s ask ourselves whether that is possible within 2009. Is it? Can that really happen when even at this moment, people are floating gifts from one parts of the city to the next for the New Year to give government official. Just listen keenly, you will hear goats bleating because they are being dragged against their will, chickens chuckling, sheep baaing, ignitions of large small, and all colors of vehicles scurried across the city of Monrovia.

Well, Mama, for me, you already know my most important wish and resolution for 2009. Second to that is to do more writing. I know I had the same resolution last year - to write more than ever, but I wasn't able to, but I am hopeful this year, maybe because I can stand, beat my chest and say that I witnessed the beginning of a new era. Oh, by the way, I heard that Mr. Putor’s resolution is to increase his income for the New Year so that he can sustain his lifestyle – take care of his official family at his home, and also maintain his “lil” girlfriend.

Mr. Man lil girlfriend has threatened to leave him if he doesn’t buy her gold set, (necklace, earrings, and bracelet), in addition to releasing her suits from Mr. Abu, the tailor. Mr. Man said last year, he also made a resolution to live a decent life; that is to stop the infidelity, but he said he cannot resist the “lil girl.” “Every time I see her, he said, “My heart beats kutu, kutu, kuuutu, kuuutuuu.” Poor man, hope he doesn’t get heart attack. Mama, so what’s your resolution?

Resolution is all about admitting whatever mistakes we made and completing the old year with a promise, which is the resolution to change or do things differently during the New Year. To that end, with my precious jewel at my side, I’ll say: Any where the new year finds you, and whatever you are doing during the New Year, I hope the beautiful star that bring in the New Year fills your heart and your home with happiness. Happy New Year!

Always,
musue

US Local Elections: Major Fenty Endorses Jack Evans, Evans Swaps to Obama, Kicksoff Reelection Campaign

2008-05-17T16:32:00.000-07:00

Council member Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) at a cook out he organized to kickoff his reelection bid, also used the occasion to publicly switch his endorsement of the Democratic Party Presidential candidates from Hilary Clinton to Obama.
Evans took the stage with D.C Mayor Adrian Fenty and Council Chairman Vincent C. Gary to announce his switch. He said he decided to make the switch because his ward (Ward 2) overwhelmingly voted for Obama in the District primary, and he wants to see a Democrat in the White House.
"There is an enormous difference in having a Democrat in the White House and a Republican in the White House," Evans said to supporters at the Kennedy Recreation Center, located in the historic neighborhood of Shaw.
Evans said the venue for the kick off of his reelection bid was strategic, because it represents the challenges the city has faced over the years. The Kennedy Recreation Center, one of D.C’s historic was dedicated in 1968 by Robert F. Kennedy on behalf of his brother, John F. Kennedy following the riots in the wake of Martin Luther King's assassination. It gave a lift to the neighborhood, but after several years, the place became dormant, Evans said of the Recreation Center.
Evans described the ongoing renovation at the playground and the face lift in the surrounding environment as revitalization for the neighborhood.
Evans flanked by Mayor Fenty and entourage told supporters that his vision for the neighborhood aligns with the hope of the people of the neighborhood; that is why he is running a campaign on ‘youth and energy.” He vowed to provide the change needed to revitalized the neighborhood.

Mayor Fenty said unlike others who after getting elected become unavailable to their constituents’, Jack Evans remained accessible for 17 years.

Copyright © Musue N. Haddad

Random Thoughts: Charles Taylor Breaks Prison, En-route to Monrovia

2008-04-01T05:49:00.000-07:00

Dearest Mama,

Did you hear the News? Charles Taylor Broke jail and is en-route to Liberia? I am actually breathing heavily. I have been running, running to send you this telegram since I can not get through the telephone lines to Monrovia.

Mama, you are the first person to hear this news from me. Tell all of the family members and close friends to get out, but please, please whatever you do, do not go to Ghana. Given all the problems between the refugees and Ghanaians, the refugee camp outside of the capital of Ghana, Accra is not an option.

I heard that "intelligence" is keeping Taylor’s prison break a secret because they do not want to create chaos and insecurity in Liberia and the sub region. Perhaps the most important reason for keeping Taylor's escape from prison secret is to protect the image and credibility of the International prison security system and the Special Court.

Mama, do you think Taylor is on his way to Liberia? When I reflect on his last statement before his forcible exile, when he concluded that speech: “And I say, God willing, I will be back. God bless you, and save the state, ” it is obvious that Taylor first destination, whenever he is out of prison is Monrovia.

Prior to that last phrase, ( And I say, God willing, I will be back...) a vowed he made to return to Liberia, Taylor openly said that he did not want to leave Liberia, let alone the presidency that had given him the power and control he had sought for many years. In Taylor’s own word, "I am stepping down from this office of my own volition. No one can take credit for asking me to step down. I did not want to leave this country. I can say I have been forced by the world's superpower."

Also in his departure message, Taylor said, he was fulfilling an old promise: "If I were the problem, which I know you know I'm not, I would step aside ... I would become the sacrificial lamb, I would become the whipping boy that you should live."

In a solemn voice, Taylor added, "I say to you if I have injured or hurt anyone, I ask you to forgive me. Because for those of you who have injured me, I say to you today, this Sunday afternoon, I forgive you." "What is most important is that you live, and that ... there is peace. These are very, very tough times, but I hope that as the international community is here, that our friend the United States who have been the architect of this 'anybody-but-Taylor-policy' ... that they will bring all of the good for you. I wish you all of the good."

Cahrles Taylor also took time in his farewell message to lash at those he considered against his presidency: "If (the Americans) say they will do nothing as long as I am here, this further threatens your survival as a people. I can no longer see you suffer, you have suffered enough. I love you from the bottom of my heart. I will always remember you wherever I am. And I say, God willing, I will be back. God bless you, and save the state."

Mama, you remembered that fateful day Taylor steeped down, or that hot sunday Taylor forcibly left Liberia. When ever I think about the day, his speech comes to mind, I am immediately reminded that he relinqished power with the intention of returning with full force. Imagine the efforts, the risk and lives destroyed just to become president.

After I was told about the escape of Charles Taylor, I thought about two distinct incidents; his escaped in 1985 from the House of Corrections in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and his 2006 disappearance from his Seaside villa in Nigeria where he resided after forcibly sent into exile. According to the Massachusetts House of Correction where Taylor was held, on September 15, 1985, he and four inmates escaped from the jail by sawing through a bar covering a window in an unused laundry room. Eventually all four who escaped with Taylor were captured. Taylor fled the United States.Let’s look at what happened in 2006. According to a statement by the Nigerian government, Charles Taylor disappeared from exiled home on March 28. On March 29th, he Taylor was arrested while trying to cross the border from Nigeria into Cameroon.

Mama, do you think Charles Taylor is actually capable of breaking jail at the moment? If he broke jail, will he come to Monrovia to assemble his old group, or will he form another group in another area? Do you think his old guys or cronies will give him their support at this time? Lets look at the missus, will they abandon their present connection for the “Pappay”? Is he still the King for the Queens?

Mama, this news is just an April Fool. Today is April Fool, or All Fools Day. Unpack the baggage and tell me what the missus and Pappay children and buddies are doing after reading this April Fool. Were they worried to hear that "Pappay" broke jail, or sad?

always,
musue

Copyright © Musue N. Haddad

What Will Happen If the Temporary Protective Status Is Terminated?

2008-03-27T04:27:00.000-07:00

Dearest Mama,
I have been away from this column for some time. In my absence, notes were sent by some fans. I really appreciate the Get Well notes from Kweme Cooper and Emmanuel Barpley. Let them know that the notes warmed my heart.

Mama, I also appreciate your recent visit: traveling from across the Oceans to visit me made a lot. I wish you did not have to leave. I was sad to see you depart. When you bid me farewell, I felt so sad, my heart broke. As Don Williams says, "Some broken hearts never mend," and that is how I feel about your recent departure. So, I hope you stick around as you always did over the years.

Before I can get on another subject, I was wondering whether it is because of reports circulating that those on immigration was about to deport immigration who do not have permanent status, particularly those with Temporary Protective Status? Is that the reason why you left abruptly?

Mama, those with Temporary Protective Status is not illegal immigrants. In the U.S, Temporary immigration status (TPS) is for foreign nationals currently residing in the U.S. whose homeland conditions are recognized by the US government as being temporarily unsafe or overly dangerous to return to (e.g., war, earthquake, flood, drought, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions). According to U.S Citizen and Immigration Services, TPS does not lead to permanent resident status. As the name indicates, it is temporary, granted anywhere from 6-18 months, with extensions.
When I heard that the government was considering terminating the Temporary Protection Status and returning those with such immigration status back to their countries, I feel so sad. If the U.S decides to terminate the TPS, several thousand persons will be affected. Many of those on TPS fled their individual countries because of war, conflicts, and other disasters and sought refuge in the U.S; with the hope of beginning a new life. The refugees and most of those with Temporary Protective Immigration Status were hopeful that the Temporary Protective Status given them would be extended after few years. Now, it is like some of them have just started to settle after many years of labor, and then they have to start preparing for life elsewhere. I am wondering whether all of the people on TPS will actually leave. I am asking if they will leave because if they do leave, where will they go? Will they return to their homeland - the same homeland they had fled; the homeland they have been away from for more than a decade; the homeland where some of them witnessed brutal violence; the homeland where most of their families and friends were killed; the homeland where their properties were destroyed, and their lives were threatened; most of all, their homeland where they no longer have any attachment?

Most of those on TPS have become accustomed to electricity, and other modern technology in their new settlement which is lacking in their home countries. Some of those on Temporary Protective Status have purchased homes, engaged in businesses, and other productive ventures.

In many undeveloped and war ravaged countries, not only is electricity lacking in rural areas, but modern technology is considered a luxury in large cities. In addition to the lack of electricity, internet services and telephone, most underdeveloped countries do not have adequate health care services, and safe running water.

If all of the people on TPS are returned to their respective countries, where will they sleep, where will they work?

It is a known fact that most war ravaged countries lack housing to accommodate even those presently in those countries. Take for example, Liberia. During the war, proprieties were destroyed including private and public housings, leaving most families roaming homeless. In addition to the destruction of building, hospitals in the capital city and also in the rural areas were destroyed, school building and other public and private institutions were looted and either burned or broken down. The massive destruction of public and private properties leaves many people homeless, and in abject poverty.

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees and local media reports indicate that the lack of housing and other facilities is making the resettlement of Liberians displaced in their home country and the reparation of Liberians from neighboring countries a herculean task. For example, most Liberians repatriated from neighboring countries within the West African Sub- region are making the transition in their home country: the lack of housing, jobs and health facilities.

Mama, two days ago someone sent me an e-mail asking what will happen to those who own cars, houses and those who have huge credit card debts? The person wanted to know whether those with huge credit bills will be allowed to leave the U.S without paying those debts. I have not responded to that e-mail because I really don't have the answer. I will have to find out. How can I research that without alerting the credit card companies, is another story. Mama, do you think that by accepting a credit card I will understand the policies?

Mama, if all the people on the TPS return, how will they cope with the lack of the basic social services: health care, education, daycare, etc? Talking about the different skills and education these people have acquired in during their stay in the countries that awarded the Temporary Immigration Status, how will they utilize the skills acquired to contribute meaningfully to society? How will Martha and others who are presently working as nursing assistant employ those skills in countries that lack Nursing Homes? How will Thomas and other continue to use their social work skills in countries that do not provide public assistance to those who need food stamps, low income housing facilities and cash assistance from their governments? What will Nuku and others do once they return to their respective countries and realize that they cannot use their skills to prepare taxes for individuals and families, even if those individuals were employed during the year. Kristo says he doubt that he can continue his night shift job at any of the airline companies back home. Is that true?

Mama, did you hear about the immigration proposals at the national Legislature in the U.S? I learned that several immigration enforcement bills were proposed before Congress. The proposals have some provisions in them that will affect asylum seekers, and the extensions of the time that they spend in immigration jails.
I also learn that some people were lobbying to include immigration enforcement provisions in the 2007 defense authorization bill (H.R. 5122). I will try to get information on this to send you.

Mama, until I can gather information about the credit cards issue and the bills before congress, let me leave political issues and discuss other concerns common to our wellbeing. I heard about the Lassa fever outbreak. Is it true that the fever claimed the lives of almost ten persons in our clan? I thought Lassa was no longer in our clan.

According to one health expert, Lassa is a viral hemorrhagic fever, known to be prevalent in Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone and parts of Nigeria. Humans become infected with Lassa from contact with rodents that are infected. The virus can also be transmitted from one human to another through direct contact with body fluids.
Mama, if people can get infected through contaminated rodents – mouse, rats, squirrels, etc, what strategies will be used by the health people in our clan to handle this issue? Imagine the number of rodents in our clan. Mouse and rats are competing with human beings for sleeping places, and food in our clan. Last week, Kotokollee said that a mouse was on the family's bed and several cockroaches were in the kitchen pots.

Given the competition for pots, pans and sleeping places between the rodents and our family back home, I wonder where the new arrivals in our clan will fit in the struggle.

Mama, I need to close this note, but before I do so, I want you to know that I have been thinking about you. When will I see you again; when will we hold hands and eat kola nuts together?

Always,
musue

Copyright © Musue N. Haddad

Sleeping With the Enemy: The Silent Destroyer

2008-01-09T19:29:00.000-08:00

By: Musue N.Haddad

"Your spouse is considered the nicest person in the community, but when your spouse comes home, your spouse beats you; your spouse terrorizes you; your spouse degrades you, " this is one victim's illustration of the predicament of domestic violence.

Although domestic violence is largely obscured, hundreds of women including pregnant women and new mothers are slain annually in various communities in different parts of the world. In Japan, domestic violence cases jumped 17.2 percent in 2005 to a record 16,888 incidents, with nearly all of the victims being women, the National Police Agency said recently. The figure was up from the previous record of 14,140 cases set in 2004, the agency said in an annual report marking International Women Day.

In the UK, between April 2005 and December 2005 the Crown Persecution service said it dealt with 35,231 cases, according to reports at the TUC's Women's International Women's Day conference, suggesting that cases of domestic violence are increasing in England and Wales. In Sweden, assaults against women have been increasing in recent years, with 22,400 reports filed in 2003.

In Spain, the number of women killed by their partner or ex-partner has continued to increase since 2001. In France, a woman is killed by partner every four days. In the United States, 1,000 to 1,600 women die at the hands of their male partners ever year. The estimated number of deaths due to intimate partner violence in the United States does not include those women and children who die home-less on the streets avoiding batterers, according to experts. In Africa, although very few cases are reported due to cultural practices and perceptions, domestic violence is prevalent.

Although women around the world continue to break political, social, and economic barriers - Angela Merkel chosen as the first female Federal Chancellor in Germany, Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson of Liberia as the first female president in Africa, and Michele Bachelet, the first elected woman President of Chile, women and children continue to be faced with high level of violence.

"Unlike the so-called "war on terror", the "war on women and girls" is not on the global political agenda. It takes its toll in battlefields, bedrooms and backstreets - the greatest hidden human rights scandal of our times, made all the more scandalous by being present in every part of the world and in almost every aspect of life," Amnesty International said in a report published on International Women's Day.

In all countries, few domestic violence killings make headline news. Unlike Laci Peterson's homicide case which became a national headline news for some time in the United States, the deaths of other pregnant women including Yolanda Coles, eight months pregnant and shot in Richmond, Kerry Repp, 29, shot in her bedroom in Oregon, Kathleen Terry 22, run over in Idaho, Tasha Winters, 16, was shot in Indiana the day she told her boyfriend about the baby, Marilyn Hassab, 29 was stabbed to death by her husband in New Jersey, Rebecca Johnson shot in Oklahoma, and many others cases of pregnancy and homicide produced a few community local headlines and then faded.

Domestic Violence is a serious, widespread social problem in America, Africa and other parts of the world. Domestic Violence isn't just hitting, or fighting, or an occasional mean argument, according to experts. Advocates say domestic violence is the abuse of power wherein the abuser tortures and controls the victim by calculated threats, intimidation, and physical violence. Actual physical violence is often the end result of months or years of intimidation and control.

Women Empowered Against Violence, Inc. (WEAVE), an organization that provides holistic services to domestic violence victims in the District of Columbia described domestic abuse as a violence that can be criminal and includes physical assault (hitting, pushing, shoving, etc.), sexual abuse (unwanted or forced sexual activity), and stalking. Although emotional, psychological and financial abuses are not usually seen as criminal behaviors, they are forms of abuse and can lead to criminal violence. Domestic violence takes many forms and can happen all the time or once in a while.

Experts say that in most countries, there are no reliable national statistics on domestic violence because there are no efficient and effective systems to track domestic violence cases. However, in most instances, victims are ashamed or afraid to report domestic violence for fear of being judged or afraid of further reprisal from their batterers.

Margaret Tolbert –Wallace, a Registered Nurse who has interacted with several victims of domestic violence in an interview attributed the increase in domestic violence homicides to bureaucracy hitches that tend to intimidate victims and sometimes the lack of timely support for victims who seek assistance.

"Even after escaping, many victims find it easier to return to their situation either because supports are delayed or they are being judged or marginalized by society," Ms. Wallace said.

Ms. Wallace said some victims who escaped into shelters and transitional homes are sometimes faced with situations of marginalization and control. She described this situation as "a cycle of abuse," which she said ought to be removed in order for victims to have confidence that "there is a world out there that is ready to help them and not subject them to further abuse."

Family violence affects every country in the world, including even the most developed. Women in the richest and poorest level of society find it most difficult to escape violence - the poor because they have no means to escape and are afraid to reach out to institutions in society that probably would marginalize them and the rich because they have too much to lose, Margaret Tolbert Wallace said.

Samantha, (not real name) who has two children left her abusive husband. She said there is a certain level of misunderstanding when it comes to the public's perception of domestic abuse victims. According to Samantha, this comes in the form of judging the victim by asking such questions as: could it be true that such a nice person is a batterer?

While Samantha battled with the public's perception of whether her former husband was an abuser, another victim said she was always assessed critically by others: "Why didn't she leave or fight back? or disengaged from the victim by saying, "I will never accept that."

For Samantha and other victims of domestic violence, programs marking International Women's Day must highlight how victims of abuses are affected particularly children who are exposed to violence, and also educate communities on the implications of assuming that someone is the type of person that is a victim or a batterer.

The American Bar Association Commission on Domestic Violence describes both victims and batterers: "Victims may be doctors, business professionals, scientists or judges, among others. Perpetrators may be police officers, sports heroes, CEOs or college professors or lawyers".

In November 2005, the World Health Organization held its first ever study on domestic violence. In its study, the WHO reveals that intimate partner violence is the most common form of violence in women's lives - much more so than assault or rape by strangers or acquaintances. The study reported on the enormous toll physical and sexual violence by husbands and partners has on the health and well-being of women and children around the world and the extent to which partner violence is still largely hidden.

In the United States, a Resolution, [S.RES.282.IS ] introduced to the Senate in 2005 indicated that approximately 8,800,000 children in the United States witness domestic violence each year. The Resolution furthered that witnessing violence increases the risk of children developing long-term physical and mental health problems, future struggles with substance abuse. The document also highlighted that a boy who witnesses his father's domestic violence is ten times more likely to engage in domestic violence than a boy from a nonviolent home.

President George Bush signed the Violence Against Women Act of 2005 into law on January 5, 2006. The Violence Against Women Act of 2005 contains initiatives to help children exposed to violence, train health care providers to support victims of abuse, encourage men to teach the next generation that violence is wrong, and provide crisis services for victims of rape and sexual assault. H.R. 3402 is part of the Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005. It also continues efforts to improve the law enforcement response to violence against women and provide supportive services, such as transitional housing, to women and children forced to leave their homes because of violence.

Samantha and other women in the United States are hopeful that the signing of the Violence Against Women Act of 2005 by President Bush is a major step towards ensuring that women and children are protected against their batterers and also against being judged and marginalized by society.

Copyright © Musue N. Haddad

Santa Claus Under Attack; Costly Gifts for Liberian officials

2007-12-21T16:04:00.000-08:00

Dearest Mama,
How are you celebrating Christmas? Are you doing anything interesting? I want to know what you will be doing during this holiday season. For us in the U.S.A, several programs are already taking place at the community and national level in celebration of Christmas. Some of the festivities include religious programs, musical carnivals, outdoor and indoor games, family reunions, among others.

Do you know what's happening in other parts of Monrovia? Are "interest" groups sending government officials costly gifts again? Whenever, the holiday season is around, exorbitant gifts are scurried from one corner of the city to the next. The question we should ask ourselves is whether gifts such as posh car, deed to plots of land, large building, and envelopes containing stash of cash, precious stones, and other exclusive and expensive gifts are given without any strings attached? I guess our public officials need to be weary of such gifts, because the price for taking such gifts usually means compromising one or more principles, which can adversely affect a person’s integrity; and or have an effect on government’s policies, and the nation. Let our people look at it this way: anything coming from "interest" groups has strings attached. Interest groups are everywhere – they can be public and private institutions, and individuals, who will take advantage of every situation – good or bad to push their agenda. Let us beware that "interest" groups come wearing different cloaks. Christmas being the time of sharing gifts, our desperate interest groups will most definitely be at the forefront of dishing out gifts, and not just ordinary gifts, but ones that are elaborate. The presenting of large and expensive gifts is aimed at capturing the attention of the receiver.

The tradition of giving large gifts to government officials and those in powerful positions has existed in many countries, but continues to prevail in Liberia because of the country's fragile democractic system and deplorable economic situations. When a nation is faced with economic situations, while at the same time struggling to establish democratic virtues, those who have benefited from the chaos will always try to undermine the development process. These forces are what policy anlaysts refer to as 'interest groups." Interest groups usually benefit in a divided situation. They take advantage of the division: economic, political and other divisions to sell their interests to parties.

Mama, let me move away from Liberia's wild tales and look at the wild stories of Christmas.

Talking about people taking advantage of situation, I just read that some thieves in Australia took advantage of the absence of owner of a warehouse and stole several tons of Christmas food. Instead of just stealing and leaving the scene, the thieves left a note for the owner of the warehouse. They wrote "Thanks. Merry Christmas", on the wall. Now, that is just more like it: stealing from someone, and then leaving them a complimentary greeting. What an Ironic!

That is not all the news I want to share with you Mama. In this part of our world, we have Santa Claus; you call him Father Christmas in your parts of the world. Mama, Santa has come under attacks here.

One of the most recent attack on Santa came from a medical doctor. The doctor said that Santa Claus, that is Father Christmas has to slim down. The doctor said that Santa's size (big size, large stomach) doesn't make him a good role model for children. According to the the Boston Herald, acting U.S Surgeon General,Rear Adm. Steven K. Galson said, ""It is really important that the people who kids look up to as role models are in good shape, eating well and getting exercise. It is absolutely critical," the acting U.S. Surgeon General said in an interview after a presentation on obesity at the Boston Children's Musueum.
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Now, lets ask ourselves: Who is Santa? How did this story of Santa begin? Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, or simply "Santa" is a legendary and mythical figure who, in this part of the world, is described as bringing gifts on Christmas Eves or Christmas day to children. Mama, the present new outlook of Santa Claus as a fat, jolly man or elf wearing a red coat and trouser with white cuffs and collar, and boots, became popular in the this part of our world during the 19th century.

Mama, the attack on Santa for his size is not only in America. In Australia, Santa has been banned from saying, " ho, ho, ho." Though "ho, ho, ho", was considered the laugher sound of Santa, the term "ho" is refer to whore or prostitute. So, now Santa can not say "ho, ho, ho."

For some time, Santa has not been carrying pipe. That is because, Santa was stopped from carrying a pipe in his mouth. I guess the banning of the pipe, (even though Santa did not use it for smoking) was to discourage smoking. This time around, Santa might have to join the diet regiment. Who knows the next thing that will be stripped from Santa.

Mama, the information I just provided are not all the attacks Santa has experienced for Christmas 2007. If you thought what I just told you about Santa was wild; I will then beg you to sit tight. For what I have to tell you is wacky. In Brazil, drug traffickers shot at Santa Claus. Given all the pressure for Santa to lose weight, drug traffickers in Brazil shot at Santa Claus. Santa Claus was in a helicopter, on his way to a children's party when the drug traffickers thought that it was a police helicopter, and started shooting. Had Santa been riding in his sledge, the possibility of him escaping unharmed would have been very slim.

There are more wild stories about Christmas to share, Mama, but I want to hear from you. So until I can hear from you, I wish you a Christmas and a New Year that is filled with happiness. During this holiday season, lets' remember, that though this is a season when we exchange gifts and extend best wishes to others, we must remember that each day is a gift. Therefore, our season of celebration doesn't have to stop at the end of the holidays.

Always,
musue

Copyright © Musue N. Haddad

'What Freedom Do We Seek'

2007-12-10T05:36:00.000-08:00

How important is a person’s right to life, liberty and nationality? Does anyone have the right to curtail your freedom of thought, conscience and religion, to work, to be educated, and to take part in government? These issues are the focus of discussions and themes of programs at the United Nations, Office of the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights, local and international human rights organizations around the world in commemoration of International Human Rights Day which falls on December 10.

Simply said, the day, December 10, marks the global commemoration of International Human Rights day. It also marks the beginning of the observance of the 56th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. Liberia was one of the 48 countries that adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The declaration often called, A Magna Carta for all humanity, outlines the human rights standards the United Nations believes should be enforced by all nations. On that day in 1948, the global human rights community categorized “atrocities” as “violations” that should not be condoned but readily acted against.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, consists of wide range of rights, has stirred more that 60 human rights instruments, all of which form the international standards of human rights.

The Declaration recognizes the "inherent dignity of all members of the human family as the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world" and is associated to the recognition of fundamental rights towards which every human being seeks: the right to life, liberty and security of person; the right to an adequate standard of living; the right to freedom of opinion and expression; the right to education, freedom of thought, conscience and religion; and the right to freedom from torture and degrading treatment, among others. These are inherent rights to be enjoyed by all human beings in all parts of the world including -- men, women and children, all groups- ethic, religious, illiterate, minority groups in society. These rights are entitlements and not “gifts” to be enjoyed at the discretion or whims and caprices of anyone.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights which came into being just about three years following the founding of the United Nations accentuates the importance of human rights in promoting world peace. Unfortunately, after 56 years following the declaration of this revered document, its application remains far-fetched. The application of the document remains illusive because most governments continue to flout the laws and infringe on the rights of citizens. The breach of the laws by government is not a result of ignorance but simply because most government officials around the world find it very gratifying to terrorize and create havoc against their own people. Today, millions of people live in fear because their rights are being violated with impunity. The reckless disregard for human rights is most prominent in Africa; a continent marked by poverty, underdevelopment, high illiteracy rate, conflicts and almost all factors that hinder development of society and advancement of people.

Although Human Rights Day is observed by almost all states that adopted the human rights instruments, governments that deliberately and systematically contravene the international instruments also observe the day as a sort of propaganda strategy to continue to “white wash” their image to the outside world while at the same time unleash terror on their people.

Turkey one of the signatories of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international instruments has consistently observed International Human Rights Day. This year, 2005, Turkey like Liberia, India, Colombia, Pakistan and other countries around the world have outlined several programs as parts of the global commemoration of Human Right Day. In contrast to eloquent speeches and fanfare activities marking Human Rights Day, fundamental freedoms and human rights, particularly freedom of expression, women’s rights, religious freedoms, trade union rights, and cultural rights are violated by the Turkish government. There are also reports claiming Turkey has a zero tolerance policy against torture and ill-treatment.

The recent prosecutions of journalists Hrant Dink and Burak Bekdil, novelist Orhan Pamuk, Professors Oran and Kaboglu and publishers Fatih Tas and Razip Zarakolu are just a few of the contravention of the international conventions by the Turkish government. Several individuals are held, sometimes prosecuted and, in some cases, convicted, for expressing non-violent opinions in Turkey.

As for the Indian government, its delegation to the Office of United Nation Human Rights Commission recently vowed to uphold the declaration. In its own word, the delegation addressed the head of the Office of the United Nations Human Rights Commission, “ Mr. President, I offer on behalf of the Government and the people of India our deepest allegiance to the cause of human rights everywhere.”

Contrary to that government’s pledge, in India, torture and ill-treatment are considered common. Derechos Human Rights in its recent reports on India says, “Every year thousands of people are imprisoned for political reasons, often without charges of trials.” The report furthered that torture and ill-treatment are common, and hundreds have died in custody, adding, hundreds more are victims of extra-judicial executions or forced disappearances. The human rights group said that armed groups in India commit grave human rights violations, including killings, tortures and rapes, with impunity.

Another country that has gained prominence at the United Nations is Liberia. Liberia was a founding member of the United Nations as well as a founding member of the African Union, formerly the Organization of African Unity. Liberia is a signatory to the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and has also been among the first state to sign most of the 60 international instruments of human rights. Over the years, successive Liberia governments have celebrated International Human Rights Day with pomp, pageantry and brilliant speeches pledging to uphold the principles of human rights.

In spite its radiant international record; Liberia has a grim and in-depth human rights record that has affected every facet of that society and its people. While President William V. S. Tubman of Liberia strongly championed the independence of Africa States abroad, dissenting views were stifled at home. Tubman breached almost every clause in the declaration and the Liberian constitution. He changed the constitution to allow himself to remain in office. President Tubman gagged the press and introduced a system of government spies to report on political activity. Tubman ruled Liberia from 1944 until his death in 1971.

Successive Liberians governments also practiced the culture of impunity and infringements on the rights of citizens. Perpetrators of abuses roam about freely and sometimes they are appeased. Impunity has therefore become an acceptable norm in Liberia. The practice of impunity and gross human rights violations is what led to the decades of war that resulted in the death of over 250,000 persons and an estimated one million refugees and internally displaced persons.

The Transitional government under the administration of Gyude Bryant is accused of blatant and widespread corruption with complete disregard for public outcries. Within the short period of his administration, Gyude Bryant administration has become famous for opened corruption and illegal possession of government properties.

Amnesty International and other human rights groups reported in 2004 of thousands cases of rape without any report of persecution. The report has been published, followed by alerts calling on the Bryant’s government to investigate. The Bryant’s administration has not initiated any investigation into the report of widespread rape. In 2004, Kofi Annan condemned rape. Annan said, “I deplore the fact that sexual and gender-based violence continue to be used as a weapon of war in African conflicts. Every effort must be made to halt this odious practice, and bring the perpetrators to justice." In spite the Secretary General’s statement, the Liberian government continues to remain silent although rape is considered a crime against humanity and a war crime.

This act of silence on crimes against humanity calls for reflection on the statement of an avid supporter of free speech, Judge Learned Hands. Hands, a famed American Judge in a statement on May 21, 1944, four years before the birth of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights said, “A society in which men recognize no check upon their freedom, soon becomes a society where freedom is the possession of only a savage few.”
As Liberia finally prepares for the inauguration of a newly elected government following almost two decades of conflict characterized by gross violations of human rights, Liberians should think about Judge Hands statements and ask themselves: “What freedom do we seek?” Do Liberians seek the freedom enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that seeks to promote global peace or a freedom where according to Franklin D. Roosevelt, “The so-called "new order" of tyranny which the dictators seek to create with the crash of a bomb.”

In order to rid the Liberian society of the practices of “special privilege for the few” and ensure that the Universal Declaration is applied, Liberians must speak out against violence. Liberians must also call for those who have committed human rights abuses to be brought to justice, including pledging to surrender former President Charles Taylor currently in exile in Nigeria to the Special Court for Sierra Leone, where he faces a 17-count indictment for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Liberians in every parts of the world and in spite their background and social status within society must take every opportunity to speak out against ethnic discrimination and inter-communal violence. Lastly but not the least, Liberians should call for the strengthening of the independence, impartiality and funding of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights, so that it can vigorously pursue human rights concerns and promote human rights education throughout the country. It is only by speaking out and calling for justice that sustainable and lasting peace can be achieved in Liberia.

While calling for justice and peace and speaking against ills, Liberians should be inspired by Clarence Darrow who was a defender of the poor and down trodden: “You can only protect your liberties in this world by protecting the other man's freedom. You can only be free if I am free.”

Liberia and Liberians can enjoy freedom, the freedom they have long wanted, the freedom their forefathers have fought for; the freedom that provides jobs for those who can work; the freedom that guarantees respect for civil liberties, freedom from fear, equal opportunity for youth and for everyone and all other freedoms in this new chapter of that country’s history by advocating that those responsible for crimes under international law to be held criminally responsible, truth established and victims obtain full reparations.

In order to have peace and justice, Liberians must remember that they are the voice of those who have been killed and also the voice of the voiceless including: R. Vanjah Richards, Dr. Stephen Yekeson, Wuo Tarpiah, Nowai Flomo, Samuel Dokie and his family, Mai Myers, Manna Zakay, Aloysious Kiah, two Nigerian Journalists Kris Imodibie and Tayo Awotusin who were killed in Liberia, the hundreds of persons who were killed during the September 11, 1998 and April 6, 1996 anarchies, those falsely incarcerated, those who have been raped and tortured, those who have been affected by violations, persons whose land and proprieties have been illegally taken. At the same time while reflecting on the victims, Liberians should also visualize the pains and agonies the perpetrators who are roaming freely have inflicted on their victims.

In commemoration of International Human Rights Day, Liberians and citizens of the world ought to reflect on peace and realized that peace is the fruit of justice, it is that moral virtue and legal accord which ensures full respect for rights and responsibilities, and the just distribution of benefits and burdens. Given the scale and nature of human rights abuses in Liberia, justice and forgiveness are both essential to healing, peace building and rebuilding process of that country. Let peace and justice prevail and let it begin with each person.

Copyright © Musue N. Haddad

Post Conflict Reconstruction: Liberia Remains Fertile for Corruption

2007-09-01T06:13:00.000-07:00

President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf recently dismissed some members of her administration to signal to the world her position on corruption. Despite the varying responses to President Sirleaf's action - applauded by many and questioned by a few, conditions in Liberia are still favorable for corruption.

Few months ago, Mrs. Sirleaf also dismissed some members of her government. Some of those dismissed by President Sirleaf were John Morlu II, Deputy Minister and Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. S. Benson Barh; Assistant Minister for Commerce and Industry, Aaron Mathies and James Attoh, Chairman of Civil Aviation Authority, Ministry of Transport, by President Sirleaf. The Liberian leader also endorsed the dismissal of five Finance Ministry employees, including Jesse Mulbah, Sr. Economist/MFU and Stanley T, Beh, Supervisor/ Foreign Travel Section. Others whose dismissal were recently approved by President Sirleaf were the Customs officers previously assigned to the Ganta Collectorate, Joemagaria Teld, Sr. Collector; Joseph Gbollie, Deputy Collector for Operations; and Willie A. Kaibay, Deputy Collector for Administration.

In her campaign promises, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf vowed to fight corruption and to ensure fiscal accountability and transparency within various institutions in Liberia. The recent dismissal of government employees and the transfers of other employees are therefore seen as steps in fulfilling some of her campaign promises.

Like Liberia, several post conflict societies are faced with corruption and other ills that weakens and undermines development. Corruption in itself poses serious challenge to peace, stability and development in any society. Politically, corruption undermines democracy and good governance by flouting, or even subverting formal processes. Corruption also weakens economic development by generating considerable distortions and inefficiency.

Althought the recent dismissal of those she considered corrupt members of her administration is seen as a positive step, President Sirleaf needs to institute measures that will curb and remove some of the conditions that nurture and breed corruption within the Liberian society. The preventive measures against corruption must also be parallelly initiated, simultaneously in various public institutions; they must be accompanied by stern actions against those who flout regulations aimed at curbing corrupt practices.

Professors Dr. James Lebovic and Dr. John Volpe, political scientists and political economist respectively, in a series of separate discussions described conditions that are favorable for corruption as, adverse government structures, Information deficits, Opportunities and incentives, Social conditions, Deficits of law and Imperfect Electoral Processes, among others.

Most of the conditions described by the two, Dr. Lebovic and Dr. Volpe are prevalent in Liberia. For example, the issue of adverse government structure, constitutes concentration of power in decision makers who are not accountable to the people is evidently common practice in Liberia. It is public knowledge that over the years, and even now, most of the decision makers in Liberia have not been answerable, or responsible to the public or their constitutents.

Unlike practices in Ghana and other countries in the region, and other parts of the world where decision makers feel challenge by their constitutents, and where the ethics of responsibility towards the public is regarded as significant, in Liberia; such commitments are either partly practiced or lacking. In most societies where democracy is flourishing, members of the legislature regularly visit their constituents and interact with citizens within their constitutents. By interacting with members of their contituency, elected officials become aware of the needs of the people, and therefore can adequately represent the people and put forth their request.

In Ghana, the United States, Nigeria and other countries, when there is a disaster in a rural part of those countries, the parliamentarian or member of legislature in whose region the incident occurs immediately visits the affected area; that elected official becomes familiar with the situation and then begins advocating for assistance for victims of the disaster. The contrary has been in Liberia.

Poorly paid Officials

Information Deficit was listed by Volpe and Lebovic as one of the many factors that promotes corruption. Information Deficit is clearly one of the numerous widespread problems Liberia faces. Inconsistency in information, information discrepancy, and the scarcity of information are situations that have prevailed in Liberia for many years. From the onset of that country, governments and heads of various institutions calculatingly neglected the exercising of freedom of speech and the press and also discouraged the participation of citizens in decision-making. This lack of government transparencies usually is a result of poor financial and accounting practices, which the government believes is best concealed to avoid scrutiny of its practices. Unlike Liberia, other countries around the world are exhibiting the political will in bridging the information gap within their societies. Many observers attribute the wide information gap in Liberia , largely to the dictatorial rule that Liberia has experienced since its establishment. The Liberian society has been plaqued with limitation on freedom, including freedom of speech and of the press and and other vices that have become embedded in that society- regrettably, becoming an acceptable way of life.

Professor Volpe also elaborated on an additional condition that promotes corruption: Opportunities and Incentives. The Professor of International Economics said, ‘providing opportunities and incentives are essential conditions for curbing corruption in society.” Volpe described elements associated with Opportunities and Incentives as avoiding large investments of public capital, but adopt the policy of investing appropriate capital. He discussed some aspects of Opportunities and Incentives; factors that promote corruption that are also existing in Liberia; that is, poorly paid government officials. He said, '"once government officials are underpaid, they engage in corrupt practices, and once corruption begins to take place within institutions, corruption indirectly becomes institutionalized."

As for the Professor for International Politics, Dr. Lebovic, he added two other conditions that promotes corruption. He said, 'Social Conditions and Deficits of Rule of Law' are two conditions, equally important, that can be used as yard sticks to determine the level of corrupt practices within a society. Lebovic described 'social conditions' as situations that includes the existence of a kind of ‘network' where certain self- interested persons continue to use their connections through this network to preserve their status without merit. A typical example of such networks in Liberia and the criminal network is "Taylor boys." Another network that falls under “social condition’ preserved by the old ruling class in Liberia is "Old School boys,” "The Freemasonry, " or "Members of the Masonic Temple." Another network that is continental is the "African Boys/chief Club." Members of these networks support one another loyally.

Lebovic said in a society where a larger majority of the people are illiterate, and or where there exist a larger ignorant population with little information on making political decision signifies "social conditions." Liberia is obviously a victim of "social condition." Liberia has more than 80% illiteracty rate. Moreover, most of the populace are not only without formal education, but they are also unaware of their their rights to make or participate in decision making processes.

Imperfect Electoral Process

"Discrepancy of law," is one more condition that encourages corruotion, Lebovic said. Discrepancy of law connotes break down of law and weak legal systems. Over the years, Liberia’s rule of law and its legal system have been severly corrupted, due to lack of democracy, ignorant populace, influence of the justice system by the few powerful ruling elites and manipulation of the legal system by the various social networks that continue to prevail in Liberia.

One last, but major condition, the political scientists illustrated as an added factor that influences corruption is "Imperfect electoral processes." A flawed electoral process encompasses costly political campaigns with expenses exceeding sources of political funding and the absence of adequate controls to prevent bribery, Lebovic said. He said, Imperfect electoral process can lead to ballot tampering, intimidation of voters, buying of votes and making poor electoral choices, among others situation. Putting Professor Lebovic's analysis of an imperfect electoral process into context indicates that almost all of the election processes that have taken place in Liberia have been imperfect.

Throughout Liberia's history, Liberia's elections have been marred by irregularities, malpractices, manipulation, violences and other misconducts and unprofessional practices that influenced the results of the electoral processes. A more recent example of an imperfect electoral process in Liberia was the 2005 elections. The first indicator that the 2005 electoral process would be imperfect was the participation of villians as candidates. Most of the villians are publicly known in Liberia and listed gobally as among those who have commited human rights violations abuses and economic crimes in Liberia and the West African sub-region have over the years used their networks and wealth to circumvent the laws, intimidate innocent civilians, and assaulted others they perceived as threats. It was therefore obvious that they would again use their wealth, power and networks to influence votes and the electoral process to become elected.

Another key factor that has also led to imperfect electoral processes in Liberia is the high illiteracy rate of the mass majority of the country's population. The illiterate and ignorant population were uneducated about the the electoral process, they were also unaware of their rights and responsibilities during campaigns and elections. This lack of information continues to hinder not only elections but also the democratic process in Liberia.

The Link: Elections and Corruption

Although elections does not determine democracy, it plays a key role in determining the level of corruption that could exist in a society. Elections can also be used as a yard stick to establish the level of freedom, if any, enjoyed by people, and also ascertain the advancement of people within society. Elections can therefore be seen as an echelon for several democratic tenets in a society. The link between Elections and Corruption is that, elections can be used to determine the conditions of corruption that are being established and fomented in a society; elections can also signal the determination of the people to do away with elements that promote corruption and underdevelopment within society.

As have been seen in many countries, including Liberia, Imperfect electoral processes leads to corruption. Corruption in elections and in legislative bodies reduces accountablility and distorts representation in policy making; corruption in the judiciary compromises the rule of law, and corruption in public administration results in the unfair provision of services.

More generally, corruption erodes the institutional capacity of government as procedures are disregarded, resources are siphoned off, and public offices are bought and sold. At the same time, corruption undermines the legitimacy of government and such democratic values as trust and tolerance.

Successive Liberian governments have been susceptible to political corruption, including patronage, bribery, exhortion, influencing peddling, fraud, embezzlement and nepotism. The corrupt practices in Liberia particularly, during the administration of Charles Taylor encouraged drug trafficking, money laundering, criminal prosttitution and other criminal enterprise. It is therefore hoped that the government of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will institute measures to curb corrupt practices, and promote accountability and transparency, promote freedom of speech and the press; initiate sustainable development programs, so that Liberia can move away from a period of undervelopment to an era, where rule of law is upheld and a majority of its people can participate in decisions making processes.

Copyright © Musue N. Haddad

Bidding Farewell to Kofi Annan; Welcoming Ki-Moon

2007-08-02T15:28:00.000-07:00

Dearest Mama,

Have you heard the news? Kofi will be turning over his office on January 1 to the new person elected to the position!

Mama, I am not talking about the Kofi in our Clan. Even though the Kofi I am talking about comes from the other side of our Clan; he works for the group that represents the whole world; the United Nations. Kofi has reached the end of the road; his term as Secretary- General is over. A South Korean former politician, Ban Ki- Moon will succeed Kofi Annan as Secretary- General of the United Nations on January 1, 2007. Ki-Moon was elected to become the new Secretary General on October 13, 2006, and sworn in on December 14, 2006. Guess what! Kofi will be turning over his office peacefully. That is the beauty of respect for rule of law; the splendor for upholding policies, and the exquisiteness for respecting and maintaining one's dignity.

Kofi Annan became the seventh Secretary General of the UN, taking over from Boutros Boutros- Ghali of Egypt on January 1, 1997. That means that Kofi Annan, the first sub- Saharan Africa person to head that post ends his ten year term on December 31, 2006.

Mama, Kofi Annan’s career as the big diplomat of the whole world has drawn scrutinizes from both his supporters and critics. One group claims that he always challenge the top Kwee people, while others insist that he was a toady. Well Mama, the best I can do in this letter is to tell you some of the complexities this soft-spoken man experienced.

Annan was really in a tough spot like most of those who found themselves in similar positions; people who are presently holding such positions; and those who will ultimately find numerous eyes watching them. Being the world’s top diplomat is a delicate position people from the developed world, countries within the middle circles, and those from the developing worlds need the diplomat’s eyes, ears, and mouth. How do you give one part of the world your eyes without turning your back to another country?

Annan’s rapport with the White House was another tricky situation if he became close to the White House on the UN reform, developing countries criticized him. Then, whenever Annan questioned the White House stance on Iraq and developmental assistance, he was condemned.

Mama, the question saturating the halls of policy organizations is whether Kofi Annan left the UN in better shape than he found it. One lady said, “I strongly believe Kofi Annan did a tremendous job as secretary general. He has built a strong foundation for his successor, Ban Ki-moon.” Another person said, “I think Kofi Annan saw more wars and disasters, including terrorism, the Iraq war, the Middle East Conflicts, etc, than any other secretary general, and he handled himself well during those difficult periods.”

One of Annan’s greatest fault as secretary General was the Iraq Oil-for-food scandal in which his son was implicated. Even though Annan was cleared of the scandal, the issue may always be raised whenever his administration as Secretary General of the United Nations is discussed.

Again, there are also those who believed that Annan concentrated much of his efforts on drawing attention to the destruction of HIV-AIDS, and persuading international businesses to help promote development. Is that positive or negative? While many will applaud Annan for highlighting the ravages of HIV AIDS, and development, critics may take exception.

Mama, I strongly believe that like most of the previous Secretary Generals of the UN, Kofi Annan tried to make improvements wherever necessary but he did not have all of the powers to carry all of them through; that is because the Secretary-General needs the support of the Security Council.

Mama, before I close this letter, I would like to inform Ban Ki- Moon that he is inheriting a United Nations that has a somewhat low morale. The enthusiasm of the United Nations saw a drastic decline particularly since 1993; at the end of the Gulf War and the sudden collapse of the peacekeeping missions in Bosnia, Somalia and other areas.

Therefore, Mr. Ki-Moon needs to be aware that given the low morale, both among staff within the United Nations and among member states of the organizations, he may experience low tolerance level among member states. I- Moon must also bear in mind that the bad mood and lack of tolerance among member states is actually a result of different interests, nothing else. For example, the UN means something different to the people of our clan than it is for the people of Toronto. UN means something else to China, while Cuba looks at the World body differently. The different eyes with which member states view the UN was really manifested when countries deliberated the UN reform document. Clearly, Ki-Moon should remember that our Clan and other poor and underdeveloped countries primary concern is development. Ki-Moon can take a look at the time when Annan introduced the Millennium Development Goals; people from our clan and communities from our part of the world were very happy. Given the different interests of member states of the UN, Mr. Ki-Moon will have to identify a common link or vision that he can use to persuading members of the United Nations and staff of the world body that they have something in common, in order to boost their spirits and basin of tolerance. I believe that by identifying a vision or commonality, Ki-Moon can then begin to build a spirit of cordiality among different members of the United Nations as a first step to asserting himself as the World's Top Diplomat.

Mama, I have to leave now to drop this mail. May the beauty of the year sprinkle and brightens every day of the 2007, and the years ahead. Happy New Year!

Always,
musue

Liberia Remains Fertile for Corruption

2007-06-24T05:43:00.000-07:00

President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf recently dismissed some members of her administration to signal to the world her position on corruption. Despite the varying responses to President Sirleaf's action - applauded by many and questioned by a few, conditions in Liberia are still favorable for corruption.

Those dismissed recently by President Sirleaf for what her administration termed, ‘corrupt practices,’ are Deputy Minister and Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. S. Benson Barh; Assistant Minister for Commerce and Industry, Aaron Mathies and James Attoh, Chairman of Civil Aviation Authority, Ministry of Transport, by President Sirleaf. The Liberian leader also endorsed the dismissal of five Finance Ministry employees, including Jesse Mulbah, Sr. Economist/MFU and Stanley T, Beh, Supervisor/ Foreign Travel Section. Others whose dismissal were recently approved by President Sirleaf were the Customs officers previously assigned to the Ganta Collectorate, Joemagaria Teld, Sr. Collector; Joseph Gbollie, Deputy Collector for Operations; and Willie A. Kaibay, Deputy Collector for Administration.

In her campaign promises, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf vowed to fight corruption and to ensure fiscal accountability and transparency within various institutions in Liberia. The recent dismissal of government employees and the transfers of other employees are therefore seen as steps in fulfilling some of her campaign promises.

Like Liberia, several post conflict societies are faced with corruption and other ills that weakens and undermines development. Corruption in itself poses serious challenge to peace, stability and development in any society. Politically, corruption undermines democracy and good governance by flouting, or even subverting formal processes. Corruption also weakens economic development by generating considerable distortions and inefficiency.

Althought the recent dismissal of those she considered corrupt members of her administration is seen as a positive step, President Sirleaf needs to institute measures that will curb and remove some of the conditions that nurture and breed corruption within the Liberian society. The preventive measures against corruption must also be parallelly initiated, simultaneously in various public institutions; they must be accompanied by stern actions against those who flout regulations aimed at curbing corrupt practices.

Professors Dr. James Lebovic and Dr. John Volpe, political scientists and political economist respectively, in a series of separate discussions described conditions that are favorable for corruption as, adverse government structures, Information deficits, Opportunities and incentives, Social conditions, Deficits of law and Imperfect Electoral Processes, among others.

Most of the conditions described by the two, Dr. Lebovic and Dr. Volpe are prevalent in Liberia. For example, the issue of adverse government structure, constitutes concentration of power in decision makers who are not accountable to the people is evidently common practice in Liberia. It is public knowledge that over the years, and even now, most of the decision makers in Liberia have not been answerable, or responsible to the public or their constitutents.

Unlike practices in Ghana and other countries in the region, and other parts of the world where decision makers feel challenge by their constitutents, and where the ethics of responsibility towards the public is regarded as significant, in Liberia; such commitments are either partly practiced or lacking. In most societies where democracy is flourishing, members of the legislature regularly visit their constituents and interact with citizens within their constitutents. By interacting with members of their contituency, elected officials become aware of the needs of the people, and therefore can adequately represent the people and put forth their request.

In Ghana, the United States, Nigeria and other countries, when there is a disaster in a rural part of those countries, the parliamentarian or member of legislature in whose region the incident occurs immediately visits the affected area; that elected official becomes familiar with the situation and then begins advocating for assistance for victims of the disaster. The contrary has been in Liberia.

Poorly paid Officials

Information Deficit was listed by Volpe and Lebovic as one of the many factors that promotes corruption. Information Deficit is clearly one of the numerous widespread problems Liberia faces. Inconsistency in information, information discrepancy, and the scarcity of information are situations that have prevailed in Liberia for many years. From the onset of that country, governments and heads of various institutions calculatingly neglected the exercising of freedom of speech and the press and also discouraged the participation of citizens in decision-making. This lack of government transparencies usually is a result of poor financial and accounting practices, which the government believes is best concealed to avoid scrutiny of its practices. Unlike Liberia, other countries around the world are exhibiting the political will in bridging the information gap within their societies. Many observers attribute the wide information gap in Liberia , largely to the dictatorial rule that Liberia has experienced since its establishment. The Liberian society has been plaqued with limitation on freedom, including freedom of speech and of the press and and other vices that have become embedded in that society- regrettably, becoming an acceptable way of life.

Professor Volpe also elaborated on an additional condition that promotes corruption: Opportunities and Incentives. The Professor of International Economics said, ‘providing opportunities and incentives are essential conditions for curbing corruption in society.” Volpe described elements associated with Opportunities and Incentives as avoiding large investments of public capital, but adopt the policy of investing appropriate capital. He discussed some aspects of Opportunities and Incentives; factors that promote corruption that are also existing in Liberia; that is, poorly paid government officials. He said, '"once government officials are underpaid, they engage in corrupt practices, and once corruption begins to take place within institutions, corruption indirectly becomes institutionalized."

As for the Professor for International Politics, Dr. Lebovic, he added two other conditions that promotes corruption. He said, 'Social Conditions and Deficits of Rule of Law' are two conditions, equally important, that can be used as yard sticks to determine the level of corrupt practices within a society. Lebovic described 'social conditions' as situations that includes the existence of a kind of ‘network' where certain self- interested persons continue to use their connections through this network to preserve their status without merit. A typical example of such networks in Liberia and the criminal network is "Taylor boys." Another network that falls under “social condition’ preserved by the old ruling class in Liberia is "Old School boys,” "The Freemasonry, " or "Members of the Masonic Temple." Another network that is continental is the "African Boys/chief Club." Members of these networks support one another loyally.

Lebovic said in a society where a larger majority of the people are illiterate, and or where there exist a larger ignorant population with little information on making political decision signifies "social conditions." Liberia is obviously a victim of "social condition." Liberia has more than 80% illiteracty rate. Moreover, most of the populace are not only without formal education, but they are also unaware of their their rights to make or participate in decision making processes.

'Imperfect Electoral Process'

"Discrepancy of law," is one more condition that encourages corruotion, Lebovic said. Discrepancy of law connotes break down of law and weak legal systems. Over the years, Liberia’s rule of law and its legal system have been severly corrupted, due to lack of democracy, ignorant populace, influence of the justice system by the few powerful ruling elites and manipulation of the legal system by the various social networks that continue to prevail in Liberia.

One last, but major condition, the political scientists illustrated as an added factor that influences corruption is "Imperfect electoral processes." A flawed electoral process encompasses costly political campaigns with expenses exceeding sources of political funding and the absence of adequate controls to prevent bribery, Lebovic said. He said, Imperfect electoral process can lead to ballot tampering, intimidation of voters, buying of votes and making poor electoral choices, among others situation. Putting Professor Lebovic's analysis of an imperfect electoral process into context indicates that almost all of the election processes that have taken place in Liberia have been imperfect.

Throughout Liberia's history, Liberia's elections have been marred by irregularities, malpractices, manipulation, violences and other misconducts and unprofessional practices that influenced the results of the electoral processes. A more recent example of an imperfect electoral process in Liberia was the 2005 elections. The first indicator that the 2005 electoral process would be imperfect was the participation of villians as candidates. Most of the villians are publicly known in Liberia and listed gobally as among those who have commited human rights violations abuses and economic crimes in Liberia and the West African sub-region have over the years used their networks and wealth to circumvent the laws, intimidate innocent civilians, and assaulted others they perceived as threats. It was therefore obvious that they would again use their wealth, power and networks to influence votes and the electoral process to become elected.

Another key factor that has also led to imperfect electoral processes in Liberia is the high illiteracy rate of the mass majority of the country's population. The illiterate and ignorant population were uneducated about the the electoral process, they were also unaware of their rights and responsibilities during campaigns and elections. This lack of information continues to hinder not only elections but also the democratic process in Liberia.

The Link: Elections and Corruption

Although elections does not determine democracy, it plays a key role in determining the level of corruption that could exist in a society. Elections can also be used as a yard stick to establish the level of freedom, if any, enjoyed by people, and also ascertain the advancement of people within society. Elections can therefore be seen as an echelon for several democratic tenets in a society. The link between Elections and Corruption is that, elections can be used to determine the conditions of corruption that are being established and fomented in a society; elections can also signal the determination of the people to do away with elements that promote corruption and underdevelopment within society.

As have been seen in many countries, including Liberia, Imperfect electoral processes leads to corruption. Corruption in elections and in legislative bodies reduces accountablility and distorts representation in policy making; corruption in the judiciary compromises the rule of law, and corruption in public administration results in the unfair provision of services.

More generally, corruption erodes the institutional capacity of government as procedures are disregarded, resources are siphoned off, and public offices are bought and sold. At the same time, corruption undermines the legitimacy of government and such democratic values as trust and tolerance.

Successive Liberian governments have been susceptible to political corruption, including patronage, bribery, exhortion, influencing peddling, fraud, embezzlement and nepotism. The corrupt practices in Liberia particularly, during the administration of Charles Taylor encouraged drug trafficking, money laundering, criminal prosttitution and other criminal enterprise. It is therefore hoped that the government of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will institute measures to curb corrupt practices, and promote accountability and transparency, promote freedom of speech and the press; initiate sustainable development programs, so that Liberia can move away from a period of undervelopment to an era, where rule of law is upheld and a majority of its people can participate in decisions making processes.

Copyright © Musue N. Haddad

Random Thoughts: Tuesday is 666 - Will the World End Tomorrow?

2007-06-21T18:31:00.001-07:00

Dearest Mama,

Is tomorrow’s date: 6-6-6 just another inquisitive number, or could it mean that the end of time is here? What I am really asking is, will tomorrow be the end of the world, or just another regular day, Mama?

Tomorrow is June 6, 2006, which mathematically means, the sixth day of the sixth month and also the sixth year of this millennium. That is 666! But something about the number 666 brings out the anxiety, and the humor in people. The peculiarity of the number started in the Book of Revelation. 666 is commonly known as the Number of the Beast in the Book of Revelation chapter 13, versus 17 -18.

I heard that many people from the clan are already getting baptized; some wearing white robes waiting to meet tomorrow as new persons. I heard that some of the money people in the clan have already gotten people to start praying for them. These people paying for others to pray for them are the ones who believe that money can influence anything; they even believe that they can bribe or fool God. In the kwee people’s place, my neighbor started wearing a very large cross since last week, and reciting prayers that were given out by some persons on the street. My neighbor’s girl friend even told my neighbor that they should stop living in sin – two days ago, they hurriedly got married. What happens if tomorrow is uneventful? This is why the people who talk to people tell people not to marry because of something, because when that thing ceased to exist, then things begin to fall apart.

Mama, do you know whether the chief is aware that tomorrow is 6-6-6? Please find out from Mr. Karmu or MaNora if the chief is worried about the coming of 666 on tomorrow. I heard that the chief has one big church that she is an active member of and some other churches she attends once in a while. Will the chief make all the churches she attend come together so she can pray with all of them? Or the churches pray for her. Will the fear of tomorrow make the chief admit and apologize to people she has wronged?

What’s about some of the big people in our clan? What are some of their moods? Will Snow confess how he got elected? Will that other big man in our clan, Mr. Brown who was living in this kwee’s people place also confess how bad he was to his woman? That man now big man back home, used to treat his woman like some kind of trash; now he is big man and he thinks that he is above every misdeed he has committed. Why should such people without morality become big people, what examples do they show? Mama, people like that must realize that when someone is nice to you and you belittle them, it doesn’t matter what position you get, what money you get, a day of reckoning always come. That man now roaming around the world, meeting with dignitaries, thinks he is king, but that day when his conscious will prick him; the day when his deeds will catch up with him, I hope it is already catching up with him before tomorrow.

As for Pappay he has always been seen as a religious person. Will the # 666 make a difference in the kinds of prayer he will have tonight? One interesting thing about the guy is he does not distinguish anything, especially when it comes to religion. Pappay said he belonged to one religion, and he had many women who also proclaimed to be a member of that religion; but he had one wife and other women from other religions. He was also associated with other religious practices. I wonder what happens when all these religious practices knock heads. Will the coming of tomorrow have any impact on Pappay’s life? Will Pappay call on the spirit of Teah Faculty to forgive him for taking his wife after Faculty died in a car crash? Teah Faculty was really working hard for Pappay. When Faculty died, his woman was pregnant. Pappay asked Faculty woman to abort Faculty’s unborn child. Pappay told Julie that if she aborted Faculty’s child, he, Pappay would marry her. Faculty’s wife, Julie aborted her dead husband’s child. Pappay did not marry her. She got pregnant for Pappay and has his child. Will the coming of "666" make Julie to reflect on the abortion of her dead husband’s child? Mama, do you think she regrets her actions?

Will Pappay and his security guys think about all the persons they have killed - John Yomie, Nowei Flomo, May Myers and many others. I am sure the fear of death will make them reflect on the killings they have carried out; the cries of their victims, their victims plead for mercy.

Mama, I heard that this whole 666 business started long ago, not just in our clan and the kwee people place, but in this whole wide world: long before I was born and long before you were even born. As we grow, we have come to see how people relate to 666. You remembered that day when the market woman, MaAnnie was hysterical after realizing that her day’s earning was $666 and she even forced you to buy a $5.00 fish for $0.25? Another drama around 666 was when Oldman Marshall and his family ran out of their house in the middle of the night because their son came out with the # 666 while solving a math problem. They immediately started thinking that their son was a follower of the Antichrist. Poor boy, they beat him up so badly.

When I asked Teacher Moses to tell me how easy one can reach 666 when solving a mathematical problem, he used all kinds of terminology. I will just write what he said, maybe you will understand it better than me: The harmonic mean of the digits of 666 is an integer: 3/ (1/6 + 1/6 + 1/6) = 6.666 is the 54th number with this property.

I called one kwee person who teaches religion to ask about this 666 business. The man said that people should not worry about tomorrow. I asked him why, he said that generally, it is hard to take Tuesday as a day of reckoning. He said generally people hate Monday, while Wednesday is a day that people generally get together. He added, ‘Friday sometimes falls on the 13th which is considered a bad omen, but Tuesdays and Thursdays don’t look like days when bad things can happen.”

I was glad this man said this, but just as I was about to leave, this book man made my head swing again. He said although the book of Revelation is not prophesying a particular end of times but the day is about the struggle of good versus evil in outer space. When this man said this, I started thinking, “suppose that fighting leave outer space and reaches earth.” I put my hand under my chin and stare into space wondering what happens if this fighting falls from the sky. I started thinking when I will see you again, Mama. Could the fighting between good and evil in space mean the end or the beginning of when we will be together? While wrecking my brain on this outer spece fighting, I thought about something - anyone who fears 666 can stand on their head and the figure will become 999. I think I will try to stand on my head and be like that until midnight. This is our secret Mama.

Will you stand on your head too? Let me know what happens tomorrow, Mama.

Always,
musue

Random Thoughts: The People Are Sad, Hungry, Angry and Poor, Do not Silence Them!

2007-06-21T18:03:00.000-07:00

Dearest Mama,

I want you to know that people are reading our letters and some of them are angry when ever we mention “Pappay” in our communications. My master called me the other day to tell me that I had some visitors outside. Ah, ah! Will you believe he did not tell me that they were screaming – some of them holding calabashes, old fish cans and mortar pestles. He said they had been writing on something he has at his office called, Blogs. My master is kwee. But here, they don't say kwee, they say "modern, sophisticated, updated," so he got kwee office and the Blog is a kwee people thing in his office, with some computers in the hall for people to use. He also did not tell that in their letters on his office Blogs, they were expressing anger about our letters: Dearest Mama. Apparently, the post office also called my master telling him that some people knock the head of the man who can bring the letters to the place I live. They thought he was the one writing you. I felt so sorry for the poor, innocent man but it was also funny – the man is bald, I mean the man got sarbu head, so you can imagine.

Let me tell you what happened when my master told me I had visitors standing against the office wall waiting for me. I did not go outside immediately, because I already had many things to complete- I was waiting for Toku to return my call about the palm oil and country beans. I also had to read and reply the many letters from the people in the yard you read my letter to, the post man was waiting for me. Ignorant me, after I did all that, I went to see the people waiting for me. Some of them got tired waiting and left messages in red paint on the walls; those still waiting were standing akimbo. I opened the door, but before could I run back inside, they grabbed me.

Someone knock my head with a old mashed up can, I heard the echo from the knock, another started pulling my hair, one person grabbed my leg and two persons tightened my hands and they slapped and punched, they also koncked my head Mama. Imagine, me, they slapped and punched my head- not one time, but so many times. I was trying to count the slapping and hitting but the guy with the bottle smelling with palm wine was about to bash my toes. When I saw the bottle coming, I gathered my thoughts, focused on what little strength I had to wriggle myself from those holding me. In that process of gathering my thoughts, I saw the lady with the mortar pestle. She had the pestle midway in the air, aimed for my head. I knew that my mind and my body had to work fast, faster than a comet, if I had to write you again. I jiggled with all my mind, my might and strength.The time span between when I waggled, setting my self free, and when the bottle and pestle landed where I was held, was less than a split second. The pestle shattered the bottle. Although the pestle broke, the pieces from the smashed bottle flew into the air and gashed those who attacked and assaulted me. I took advantage of the distraction caused by the shattered bottle; ran inside, bolted the gate, locked the door and hid behind the shelves inside the library.

I sat in there and got more angry and furious, not because of the slaps and hits, but that those people could actually be brave to knock my head. I remembered some of the things you said human beings should avoid doing and saying to others because, they are not only cruel, but they also humiliates and takes away the dignity of a person. Even if you hate someone, or was in the process of killing a person, every human being dignity should be protected and preserved, you always said. That is a really wise saying Mama. Over the years, and throughout the years I have been away from you, I have come to value more and more your counsel. I really do understand and believe that anyone who really strips a person of their dignity, also take away their own dignity - whether they realize it at that point or not, that is the truth. One of such things you warned against was, using the feet to kick a person in the buttock. You said such action indicates a total disregard; it signifies hatred and it is demeaning and more agonizing than being pierced with a sword. Although, you spoke against deliberately using set of fingers to hit someone on the head, you did not go indepth on that, as you did other issues, I feel it morally hurts than it does physically. That is why I was so angry when they folded few sets of fingers and hit me on the head with their knuckles.

Mama, the effects and implications of all of these things you told me about human dignity, and the importance of allowing others to live a simple dignified life are things I do value. Respect others is easy to say, but so difficult to maintain particularly during disagreements, angers and when the environment and air within which negatives vices are carried are becoming dominant. As I thought about all of the beautiful things you taught us, and remembered what had just occured outside, I felt my chest go up and down, and in such forceful manner. Thank God my master was far away. I would have probably … let me not say anything because he might also read this letter, or someone will tell him, but I was angry that he hid the emotions expressed by those who intercepted our communication, and did not find the content favorable.

Mama, I was sitting in that library perplexed by all the lies those people were saying about me while they punched me like a bag. Me, wanted Pappay to give me a ‘chance,” I laughed. It was so funny; it is almost like seeking punishment. Well, just as those people were making those false accusations, there were others defending me. Well, that is why the kwee people say, “Ignorance is a disease.” Some of those people are purely ignorant and when someone is ignorant, it is a tough one.

Sometimes I say I rather deal with a insane person than someone who is stupid. You can cure a crazy person, but it is a tough one trying to get a stupid person to be clever. There are also those who are just envious. As for those filled with sheer envy, you said that they are the worse enemies any human being can have. You do good for them, they envy you, you ignore them they pursue you. That's because, they are possessed by the demon of envy. “Stay free of those who envy you Musue,” I remembered you always pleaded with me. You also said that there was no cure to envy unless that person conscious pricks them. How do you determine whether that person's conscious has revived, is another question. Beside, they say that when someone has been possessed, there is always a possibility that they will revisit the land of evil. The problem is determining whether someone is consumed by envy, because such people hide their claws, but like Zobbarg said, “The red flag shoots out at certain times during your interaction with such people. Don’t ignore the red flag,” Zobbard always warned.

If our village doesn’t try to do something about the level of ignorance and the attitude of resentment within that society, we will always have this problem of confusion, assaults which are instigated by falsehoods, poverty, underdevelopment and almost all the ills that will continue to destroy us. It is for this same reason that many good people don’t want to go home to help build our clan. I saw Dr. Darkumu last week. The man knows book, and on top of that he knows so many of the kwee people who want to help our village, but Darkumu said he will not go back. He said that he has built his reputation and will not go to our village just for some people to destroy his credibility. Mama, I don't blame Darkum for refusing to return. Remember what you said, “When good name spoilt, it is hard to clean it.” Who really want to spoil their name when you know that it is your heart beat. After all the struggle, just to learn this kwee people book; I havn't had the time to "go outing," as they call dancing and other fun thing here, then in the name of trying to help my people, my name and my credibility will be pulled down the drain because I refused to give someone a cut in the budget for providing clean water, or the project to help the sick children. If I refuse to give the person what they want, I'll lose my job, if I give the person what they want, the projects for the people will not be completed, in addition, I mortage my integrity. No Way!

I remembered before I left the village, you called me, “Mamusue” I loved it when you called me that way or Mamus. You called me that day and said, “you are going to the world now, remember that you come from this village and we are walking with you’. I told you, “Mama, I am going out there, and with your blessings, the blessings of Poppa and the people of our village, I will bring honor and glory to your name and our people.” I am still holding on to that promise Mama, and I am praying that in whatever I do, I fulfill a part of that promise.

Mama, it is in fulfillment of a part of that promise that I am writing this letter for us to talk about all the important things in our village, all that have happened in our village; all that is happening in our village and to our people. So many of our people died, they were killed, but not just killed, they were humiliated, and then killed cruelly. We can not allow their spirits to be wandering in pain. We can help them to lie peacefully where ever they were buried; help them for their bones to rest, by knowing what really happened to them. So, I will still ask Pappay about some of those people. I will also ask Pappay if he in any way feels that he made some wrong choices and decisions. Moreover, I will also continue to look at some of the situations in our village, ask the old women and old men and the children about what they really want. I will let them talk about what is hurting them because they have to take out what is in their hearts if we can all live together as one people again. If these people, our people don’t express themselves, we will not be able to dance again like we used to before all this trouble started.

I heard that Old man Tonia took out his horn and his wife MaThelma came out with her salsa, they played for long hours walking around the village, hoping that people will come out to dance, but no one came out to dance like we used to do before. Instead people just stood at their doors and windows looking at Old man Tonia and MaThelma like they were strangers. The reason is people are sad, hungry, angry, poor, homeless and tired. We must allow them to talk, allow them to speak, if not, they will die again and again, and again, so many times before they actually inhale and exhale their last breath. My heart cries out for our people; people who were independent, but now they have to wait for handouts!

Write me soon Mama, and I am glad people are reading our letters because it gives them the opportunity to express themselves too, but it doesn't give them the right to not to knock my head.

always,
Musue

Liberia’s Price of Poverty...Persecute the Homeless

2007-06-21T17:57:00.000-07:00

Liberia’s Price of Poverty...Persecute the Homeless

Have you ever wondered why a family will sleep in a grave, or reside in a tomb? Do you believe that a family will, by choice make a grave a home? And if you found a family- mother and her children using a tom, or the cementery as shelter, how would you react?

The use of tombs and graves by families and individuals in Monrovia, and the reaction of the Liberia police have drawn sharp criticisms from policy analysts and advocates in Monrovia and social workers outside of Liberia. Social workers and human rights advocates protested the Liberian Police recently arrested, and the courts’ prosecution of more than two dozen persons including families, for residing in tombs at the Palm Grove Cemetery in Monrovia.

Social workers and human rights activists asked the inspector of police, "Did you try to find out why these poeple- the familes, including children are sleeping in an already used grave? Do you believe that the parents had other options, but opted to pull their children to sleep in an old grave and worn out tomb?"

Most advocates and experts on post conflict issues and, individuals concerned about the well-being and safety of families, find the action by the Liberian government “inconceivable” particularly after a brutal war which led to widespread destruction of homes, rural towns and villages. “A mother will never want to put her child or children in such predicament, except where there is no alternative, ” one mother and social worker, Louise Dennis, said after reading about the detention of the homeless families by the Liberian law enforcement agencies.

“I am hurt and truly sad. The government is aware that several homes were destroyed during the war and should begin considering short-term measures and long-term programs to help families that are homeless rather than scold them,” Ms. Dennis said.

E. Saymendy Lloyd, chairperson, Coalition of Concerned Neighbors and also Founder and President of Women’s Wing Organization, based in Washington, D.C expressed surprised by the action taken by the government against the homeless persons.

“Those people should be released immediately. The issue is not criminal, but a matter of poverty,” Ms. Lloyd told FrontPageAfrica, during an interview. The two organizations Ms. Lloyd heads; Coalition of Concerned Neighbors and Women’s Wing Organization focus on assisting disadvantaged women, children, and the elderly within the D.C metro areas.

She said although her organization has not fully began operation in Liberia, she is taken aback by the action of the new Police Director, Col. Beatrice Munah Sieh and also the government for remanding and not assisting the families. “What happens to the families in jail,” she wondered.

“The President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf should call for the immediate release of those families who have been remanded for sleeping in tombs. The president should also find a better shelter for those people,” Ms. Lloyd said.

The Coalition of Concerned Neighbors and Women’s Wing Organization work with government and policy makers. She said the organizations envision a society not just in the United States, but also in Liberia, where families, communities, government, social service institutions and businesses can work together to provide healthy, safe environments in which, children and families can live and work.

Several other advocates and services providers for families expressed concern, that given the post war situation in Liberia, the two most recent actions by government was untimely - first the demolition of market stalls without ensuring that alternative sites were available for sellers, and now the imprisonment of homeless families who used tombs in the grave yards as shelter.

Northwest Medical Teams, a U.S based organization, during one of its visits to Liberia estimated that “one of Thousands of the estimated 350,000 Liberian refugees in neighboring countries was attempting to return to their homeland. The Team said that, because of widespread destruction of rural towns and villages, “these families were joining the 500,000 Liberians subsisting in temporary shelters in make shift, ragged huts” near the capital city of Monrovia.

“There are huge needs in Liberia on every front,” says Bas Vanderzalm, president of Northwest Medical Teams. “Years of conflict have destroyed the healthcare system, the economy and even the basic right of secure housing for hundreds of thousands of families.”

When, Jonn D’Martin was appointed by Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf to serve as chairman of the Housing Authority early this year, he granted an interview with the Sacramento Observer in which he said, “Homelessness is a significant problem in Liberia.”

Martin is also quoted as saying, “The housing situation has really deteriorated over the last 14 years because of the war. Most of the homes were destroyed and government housing is almost nonexistent. There are some 300,000 to 400,000 Liberians living as refugees in neighboring countries like Sierra Leone and Ghana. We would like to have some of these people come back home, except we don’t have homes for them.”

“Our immediate concern will be to find a means of rehabilitating these people,” Martin said. He further discussed the idea of constructing lower income housing outside of Monrovia to have people begin to leave the cities and move into the outskirts of town.

“It’s not a quick fix, but I think she’s (Sirleaf) surrounding herself with very diligent, very capable people so I think with everyone’s heads in the right place, it’ll probably happen in a shorter period of time,” D'Martin said about the housing project he envisioned.

What has happened to Jonn D’Martin’s concerns for the homeless people; Martin’s lower income housing project to accommodate families whose homes were destroyed during the war?

It is apparent that Liberia’s homeless families are now faced with double jeopardy – homelessness because of the war and now imprisoned for being homeless. Once in prison, the families may also be further reprimanded for being poor and homeless and may have to sleep on the bare floor, and face the dilemma of no food or if, they are lucky, less food.

The fate of the women and girls will also be determined by prison guards, other prisoners and police officers – for being poor and homeless, the female prisoners may be face with the dilemma of either willingly becoming comforters or they may be rape mercilessly.

The vicious cycle of poverty continues.

Liberia’s Price of Poverty...Persecute the Homeless

2007-06-21T17:20:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered why a family will sleep in a grave or reside in a tomb? Do you believe that a family will, by choice make a grave a home? Or, is it now a crime to be poor and homeless?

These questions have become one of the key focuses of social workers, policy analysts and advocates of the homeless after the Liberian Police arrested, and the courts prosecuted and remanded more than two dozen persons including families, for residing in tombs at the Palm Grove Cemetery in Monrovia.

Most advocates and experts on post conflict issues and, individuals concerned about the well-being and safety of families, find the action by the Liberian government “inconceivable” particularly after a brutal war which led to widespread destruction of homes, rural towns and villages. “A mother will never want to put her child or children in such predicament, except where there is no alternative, ” one mother and social worker, Louise Dennis, said after reading about the detention of the homeless families by the Liberian law enforcement agencies.

“I am hurt and truly sad. The government is aware that several homes were destroyed during the war and should begin considering short-term measures and long-term programs to help families that are homeless rather than scold them,” Ms. Dennis said.

E. Saymendy Lloyd, chairperson, Coalition of Concerned Neighbors and also Founder and President of Women’s Wing Organization, based in Washington, D.C expressed surprised by the action taken by the government against the homeless persons.

“Those people should be released immediately. The issue is not criminal, but a matter of poverty,” Ms. Lloyd told FrontPageAfrica, during an interview. The two organizations Ms. Lloyd heads; Coalition of Concerned Neighbors and Women’s Wing Organization focus on assisting disadvantaged women, children, and the elderly within the D.C metro areas.

She said although her organization has not fully began operation in Liberia, she is taken aback by the action of the new Police Director, Col. Beatrice Munah Sieh and also the government for remanding and not assisting the families. “What happens to the families in jail,” she wondered.

“The President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf should call for the immediate release of those families who have been remanded for sleeping in tombs. The president should also find a better shelter for those people,” Ms. Lloyd said.

The Coalition of Concerned Neighbors and Women’s Wing Organization work with government and policy makers. She said the organizations envision a society not just in the United States, but also in Liberia, where families, communities, government, social service institutions and businesses can work together to provide healthy, safe environments in which, children and families can live and work.

Several other advocates and services providers for families expressed concern, that given the post war situation in Liberia, the two most recent actions by government was untimely - first the demolition of market stalls without ensuring that alternative sites were available for sellers, and now the imprisonment of homeless families who used tombs in the grave yards as shelter.

Northwest Medical Teams, a U.S based organization, during one of its visits to Liberia estimated that “one of Thousands of the estimated 350,000 Liberian refugees in neighboring countries was attempting to return to their homeland. The Team said that, because of widespread destruction of rural towns and villages, “these families were joining the 500,000 Liberians subsisting in temporary shelters in make shift, ragged huts” near the capital city of Monrovia.

“There are huge needs in Liberia on every front,” says Bas Vanderzalm, president of Northwest Medical Teams. “Years of conflict have destroyed the healthcare system, the economy and even the basic right of secure housing for hundreds of thousands of families.”

When, Jonn D’Martin was appointed by Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf to serve as chairman of the Housing Authority early this year, he granted an interview with the Sacramento Observer in which he said, “Homelessness is a significant problem in Liberia.”

Martin is also quoted as saying, “The housing situation has really deteriorated over the last 14 years because of the war. Most of the homes were destroyed and government housing is almost nonexistent. There are some 300,000 to 400,000 Liberians living as refugees in neighboring countries like Sierra Leone and Ghana. We would like to have some of these people come back home, except we don’t have homes for them.”

“Our immediate concern will be to find a means of rehabilitating these people,” Martin said. He further discussed the idea of constructing lower income housing outside of Monrovia to have people begin to leave the cities and move into the outskirts of town.

“It’s not a quick fix, but I think she’s (Sirleaf) surrounding herself with very diligent, very capable people so I think with everyone’s heads in the right place, it’ll probably happen in a shorter period of time,” D'Martin said about the housing project he envisioned.

What has happened to Jonn D’Martin’s concerns for the homeless people; Martin’s lower income housing project to accommodate families whose homes were destroyed during the war?

It is apparent that Liberia’s homeless families are now faced with double jeopardy – homelessness because of the war and now imprisoned for being homeless. Once in prison, the families may also be further reprimanded for being poor and homeless and may have to sleep on the bare floor, and face the dilemma of no food or if, they are lucky, less food.

The fate of the women and girls will also be determined by prison guards, other prisoners and police officers – for being poor and homeless, the female prisoners may be face with the dilemma of either willingly becoming comforters or they may be rape mercilessly.

A catch-22 situation and the vicious circle continues.

Copyright © Musue N. Haddad

Ghost of Liberia's Vice President Visits; Wants Justice

2007-06-21T10:05:00.000-07:00

Dearest Mama,

It has been quite a long time. I received some of your communications, but have been unable to respond due to circumstances beyond my control.Thanks for your patience and support. Well, Mama, before I can briefly discuss the visit of the late Vice President, Enoch Dogolea on U.S Memorial day, let us briefly look at the U.S holiday; this reflection may hopefully explain why a Ghost from our part of the world will choose this day to speak on an incident that occurred few years ago.

In the U.S, Memorial Day for the kwee people is a holiday similar to what we call Decoration Day back home. Like Decoration Day in our home, Memorial Day here is a day of remembrance for those who died while servicing their country. In our clan, our people also remember family members on Decoration Day.

Mama, let me explain some of the similarities I have observed between Memorial Day in the Kwee people’s place, and Decoration Day in our clan. Did you know that U.S Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, and freed blacks are said to have been among the first to celebrate it as a way of honoring the Union dead after the Civil War? So it is possible that the freed slaves, who settled in our country long ago, took with them this traditional practice of remembering the dead.

Memorial Day, (formerly Decoration Day), a federal holiday is observed on the last Monday of May; in Liberia, Decoration Day is held the 2nd Wednesday in March.

Today, the kwee president, George W. Bush laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns - which contains the unidentified remains of members of the U.S. military killed in major conflicts. He was accompanied by several families of the fallen. At the cemetery here, the Arlington National Cemetery in the capital city of this country, thousands of motorcycle riders from across this big country came to this place to pay their annual tribute to military veterans. The Arlington Cemetery is very large, with over 300,000 graves of members of the military services from conflicts dating back nearly 150 years. President John F. Kennedy is among the prominent Americans also buried at the Arlington Cemetery. Recently, a new section of the cemetery was included to hold the nearly 350 men and women killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Memorial Day here is almost solemn: the obscure weather – not sunny, and not cloudy, adds some flavors to the occasion today. At the graves, people are busy laying flowers on graves of beloved ones in a somewhat formal and earnest manner.

Mama, while I watched live broadcasts of some of the Memorial Day activities, I fell asleep. It is while I was sleeping that the ghost of the late Vice President Enoch Dogolea visited. Unlike the visit from the late Police Director where I almost hit the ceiling of my apartment, I was not very frightened when Dogolea appeared. The ghost of late Vice President Dogolea was wrapped in a carpet. Except his head and neck, the carpet covered Dogolea’s feet and his entire body.

Dogolea was deputy to Charles Taylor during the civil war. Following Taylor's election as president, Dogolea served as Vice President from 1997 until he died abruptly after a short illness in 2000. Many believed that Dogolea death was a result of foul play.

Mama, when Dogolea’s Ghost visited , I was reading a book by Catherine Ponders. In reality, I am reading one of Catherine Ponder’s books. So that aspect of the dream adds some reality to the dream.

The late Vice President stood before me quietly. When I look up, he asked, “Do you still have some of my pictures?” I responded, “Yes,” and added, “I also have some pictures of you when you were in the casket.” Even though I was not in Liberia when Dogolea died, the man did not ask me how I succeeded in acquiring pictures of his corpse. Rather, he tilted his head and shifted before looking at me again. “Aren’t you going to ask why I am rolled up in a carpet?” My response, “I guess the carpet has something to do with your death.” The Ghost looked at my book shelve and saw the series of albums, “You have some of my pictures in those albums – pictures of me in the coffin, pictures of me with President Taylor at the Executive Mansion, etc.” His words sounded more like a confirmation, so I just said, “Of course, I have a lot of pictures including some from the 1997 inauguration.”

Dogolea then said that he was very disappointed that the truth about his death has not been told. He said, “I really want to get rid of this carpet. It makes it difficult for me to move around, but I can not remove the carpet until the truth about my death is unraveled. This carpet has something to do with the night I was abruptly rushed to the hospital, the night that led to my death,” Dogolea said to me while tears welled his eyes. “I am so tired of carrying this heavy carpet around,” the ghost of the VP said leaving me in almost tears.

I then mustered the courage to ask why he chose to visit on U.S Memorial day and not our Clan’s decoration day. The late Dogolea looked me with such hard stare that I almost melted in the sofa. He said, “You call Liberia the clan. I will follow suit to explain myself. In our clan, people have forgotten to voluntarily and informally observe the moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to the dead. All of us who died want to communicate but we are not given the opportunity – too much noise, people brandishing the skulls of human beings on Decoration Day.”

Dogolea added, “Look at what happened this Decoration day in our clan, people danced on graves and tombs to ear-splitting music, while others were tipping back bottles of beer and other liquor.”

I felt the man’s concerns and wonder what I would do if I saw someone desecrating any of my family’s graves. Well, let me not dwell on that. I am only writing to illustrate an encounter with the Ghost of the late Vice President, Enoch Dogolea.

I was about to ask Dogolea what specific message I could use to persuade people about his message when I heard instrumental music-Beethoven to be specific. I shuddered and jolted. My companion was playing one of our favorite music used for meditation. My eyes fluttered, and I immediately reached for my laptop to send this message to you.

Mama, I hope the message is clear in this letter. I hope that people will be reminded about the true meaning of Decoration Day. I guess the moment of remembrance upon which Decoration Day was establish is a step in the right direction to returning the meaning back to the day where people will reflect and honor those who have given their service to their people, their country and friends and families.

Regarding circumstances surrounding Dogolea's death, do you know what the status of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is so far.

Glad to be writing you again, Mama

always,
musue

Copyright © Musue N. Haddad

Random Thoughts: When Will Kofi Woods Stop Embarrassing Them?

2007-01-26T19:36:00.000-08:00

Dearest Mama,
How is life out there in the countryside? I know the weather is mostly fair at this time in our clan. Well, as for us in the Kwee people’s place, we are now wearing several layers of clothes because of the cold. As you may already know, the cold here during winter is very extreme - wintry reaches a degree where white ice falls from the sky. The kwee people call the ice that falls from the sky, Snow. I will send you some pictures of how people dress here during this weather and the way the snow placard the streets here.

Mama, what I really want to talk about today is the way Kofi Woods keeps embarrassing some of the big people in our clan. Have you tried to talk to Kofi recently? Did you know what he had under his sleeves during the Christmas and New Year celebrations? Kofi recently returned gifts offered him, including holiday greeting cards from the executives and bosses of many public corporations and companies. Imagine the shock on the faces of heads of companies and corporations when Kofi returned their gifts! Given the customary practice where corporations and companies traditionally give gifts and presents to big people in our clan; to miss or over look this gift giving tradition is considered superciliousness; just as rejecting gifts from the corporations and companies is seen as uncharacteristic and peculiar in our clan. The practice and belief in our clan is that "only a crazy man would refuse such gifts as a car, land, and diamond or gold studded jewelry."

Is this the first time Kofi has gotten out of the box?

Not long ago, Kofi turned over to the clan unused per-diem after returning from a trip where he had gone to run government errands. Imagine the surprise! From the onset of our clan, most big people would do anything to travel; some would even bribe the bosses just to travel because they wanted the per diem. Some of the strategies used to bribe are to negotiate with bosses about the per-diem; that is to agree to split the per diem even before the trip. So that means, if Mr. or Ms S wanted to travel, he/she would bribe the boss. The bribe would either be half of the total of the per diem, or in other forms. After the negotiation, S would then be listed as one of the clan's persons to travel with the chief, or S would be sent to represent the clan at a certain international event. It did not matter whether S was competent enough to represent our clan, or whether S possessed the requisite knowledge, skills, or information for that event. What mattered at that moment was the per diem and travel outside of our clan to one of the Kwee people’s places. Usually such persons, as S would sit like a dummy, or robot at meetings or events; nodding at what ever is being said; that is if S is not dozing during discussions or drifting while representatives of other countries are attending working sessions where communiqué, policy documents, or guidelines are drafted.

At the end of such international or regional meetings, or discussions, S would then become very active, eloquently dressed while brimming with smiles for the camera. S would also be one of the most noticeable during the signing of documents at the end of Summits, conferences, and most gatherings that attracts the media. The point is to catch the attention of others - show off.

So Mama, with this long tradition practices and customs of briberies for per diem, and in the midst of this pilfering of per diems from our clan’s coffers, Kofi’s return of unused per diem was definitely a whip in the face of many. Now, the prints and bruises of that per diem strike from Kofi Woods has not healed completely, when he again showed them this time returning Christmas and New Year’s gifts and greeting cards. I learned that some of the packaged contained what seemed to be expensive watches, jewelries, documents of maybe vehicles or plot(s) of land, wines, champagnes, gas slips, keys to apartments and others, checks, etc. Mama, when the little bird stood at my window recently to share this information with me, I could not help myself - I laughed so hard that my companion stared in a completely confused state. When I tried to share the joke with my companion, my companion returned to the lego blocks and continued building.

Whenever I think about this gift issue, a statement by Mr. Otroku Tetteh, one of my professors in the Gold Coast comes to mind. Mr. Otroku Tetteh during one of his lectures said, No gift is free. He said that a gift comes with a motive; the motive could be either positive or negative, depending on the intention of the presenter. Reflecting on this statement and based on our clan’s historical practices of gifts giving and the expectations especially when the givers are companies, corporations, agencies among other institutions, the decision by Kofi to return those gifts is an excellent decision. Better to be a poor man than a slave to vultures. I hope others will see this step by Kofi Wood as a way to de-institutionalize corruption and other ills in our society. As Mr. Otroku, said, “No gift is free,” and considering the implications these gift giving in return for immediate and long-term favors have had on our society, government officials, and others placed in positions of trust must begin to guard against actions that will compromise their duties, responsibilities to society, and activities that will stain their credibility.

Mama, I am using a public computer to write this letter. All of my computers are kaput. Even though the perception is that the facilities here are free, we know that nothing is free in the kwee people’s place, and not anywhere, not even freedom.

Let me hear from you.

Always,

musue

Implications: Exile, and Trial of a Dictator – Strategies by the U.S and other Key Players

2006-10-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

By: Musue N. Haddad

The 2003 intervention by the Bush administration in the Liberian crisis, which led to the forcible exile of Charles Taylor, was seen as a welcoming surprise by many Liberians, regional and international human rights groups and advocates. It was also considered a major shift by the United States government in its efforts, to help end human rights atrocities, restore peace and stability in Liberia and West Africa.

While Liberians and other citizens applaud the United States involvement in Liberia, there is still the question:
After over a decade of silence and inaction, what prompted the U. S. to intervene in Liberia?

This analysis will provide and discuss some of the major Cooperate Government Relations tools and strategies that were used to highlight the Liberian situation, and also influence the U.S. government to intervene.

For more than 14 years,Liberia suffered series of conflicts. The Liberian civil war, which was considered one of Africa's bloodiest, claimed the lives of over 300,000 persons and further displaced a million others. Throughout the period of the war, the United States government was called upon to intervene in order to help bring an end to the war and conflicts, and also halt systematic and barbaric human rights violations in the West African state of Liberia. America’s response at that time was that, she did not have any “special interest” in Liberia and that Liberia should be treated as any other country on the African continent.

In the midst of the United States reluctance, groups also opposing the United States intervention including some major U.S. policy organizations and think tanks described the call for U.S. intervention in Liberia as a negative publicity and also an attempt to further stretch thin the U.S. government. Anti-U.S. intervention groups argued that intervention can create a number of problems for the United States, including a rise in anti-American sentiment, diminished American credibility if the mission fails, and also domestic skepticism about future military operations even when legitimate U.S. interests might be involved.

The International Crisis Group, an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization, working through field-based analysis and high-level advocacy to prevent and resolve deadly conflict, along with several organizations led a campaign aimed at influencing U.S. intervention in the Liberian crisis. The Crisis Group lobbied the United States government to pressure the Charles Taylor’s government to implement a comprehensive institutional reform including the re-establishment of rule of law and also, to pave the way for free and fair elections.

After 14 years of silence, President George Bush began making firm statements on the Liberian situation. Bush publicly condemned the Charles Taylor’s government for its gross human rights and in 2003, Bush asked President Charles Taylor to step down and go into exile. United States marines were also sent to beef up security and help stop the war in that country. The United States action increased international focus on Liberia and the West African region.

Debates: Advocacies and U.S. Policy Action

In their advocacies, the International Crisis Group considered two critical and interlinked elements as important approach during the debate for a successful resolution of Liberia's crisis: the conflict must be recognized as a wider regional one and addressed on that basis, and there must be effective coordination among the key external players, namely the U.S., the UK, France, the UN, the EU and ECOWAS.

While two permanent members of the Security Council, the UK and France, played prominent roles in the peace processes in Sierra Leone and the Côte d'Ivoire respectively, no one had taken the lead on Liberia. The missing link at that time was the United States. The United States was regarded as a missing link because the United States has historical ties to Liberia, and also, most Liberians argued that no peace process would have been sustainable without its involvement. The Crisis Group and its partners maintained that the United States must be encouraged to work more actively – and in close partnership with the UK and France, who were already deeply engaged in related aspects of the regional problem – to preserve the effective UNAMSIL mission in Sierra Leone and establish a similarly comprehensive peace process for Liberia that would ensure neither LURD, LURD-MODEL, nor Taylor's political and military barons fill the vacuum if Taylor is forced from power.

Finding the Missing Link

Although Liberia was faced with scores of grave problems, advocates calling for United State intervention in Liberia realized that in order to capture the attention of the United States, they needed to highlight issues that were vital to U.S policy and also sensitive to U.S interest. Human rights groups and campaigners recognized that the U.S foreign policy was paralleled with global security. In addition, issues that were very sensitive to U.S. interest included, terrorism and Al Qaeda.

Consequently, Al-Qaeda being one of the silent, but potent problems in West Africa became a strategic issue for highlighting the crisis in Liberia and West Africa. Given the evidence of Al- Qaeda and terrorists groups in the region and their association with Taylor, human rights groups illustrated how these groups linked with Charles Taylor and West Africa. Al- Qaeda and other terrorists groups were laundering by trading in cash for diamonds mined in Sierra Leone and Liberia. Moreover, the human rights groups also point out that through Blood Diamond in West Africa, corrupt (Liberian) government officials and merchants supported terrorists’ activities around the world. The coalition also pointed out Charles Taylor’s continuous support for dissidents in the region and his harboring of Al Qaeda members and supporters in Liberian territories. They also underscored Charles Taylor’s continued willingness to use proxy militia fighters in neighboring states and that the fragile peace in Sierra Leone would remain in jeopardy, because of Taylor’s activities in the region. Moreover, the campaigners demonstrated that Liberia’s situation not only a regional issue, with elements already in many parts of West Africa but also in other parts of Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo and associates in South Africa. This spill over from West Africa was indication that Liberia problems was set to become a major global concern. The Crisis Group further accentuated that Liberia's internal situation had been the dynamic that was providing fuel for the broader war, and no peace in the region would have been viable until it was dealt with more forcefully.

The Debate

However, as international and regional human rights groups lobbied for U.S. government’s support and intervention in Liberia, within the United States, there were widely divergent views on whether the U.S. government should intervene in the Liberian crisis and if so, at what level. Anti- U.S. intervention campaigners were suggesting that, rather than attempt to stifle regional conflicts through military intervention, the United States should encourage regional initiatives. They argued that Washington must recognize that many regional conflicts were so deeply rooted that no outside party, from within or outside the region, would succeed in ending the fighting.

Some of the most outspoken and highly publicized views pushing against U.S. intervention included CATO Institute, The Heritage Foundation and Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute for International Studies among others. Ted Galen Carpenter, Vice President for Defense and Foreign Policy Studies, Cato Institute, argued that by intervening in Liberia, President Bush was violating a 2000 pledge which conditioned such interventions only when vital national interests are at stake. He further stated, "There is not even a peripheral, much less a vital, national interest at stake in Liberia." In supporting Carpenter’s statement, the Senior Policy Analyst of Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute for International Studies, Jack Spencer, described the Liberian situation as tragic but said deploying U.S. troops on the ground was “inappropriate and ineffective if the goal is to achieve long-term stability.” He said until the Liberians establish a political settlement, no international peacekeeping force should be deployed.

The Youth for Socialist Action, a group asserting to be a national multi-racial network of young workers, students, feminists and activists, was another organization calling on the United States not to intervene in the Liberia crisis. In its publication, Youth for Socialist Action said:
The civil war in Liberia is indeed a tragedy, but it won’t be ended by U.S. intervention. The U.S. government is not motivated by humanitarian concerns, and the setting up of a pro-U.S. puppet in Monrovia will not end the suffering of the Liberian people. Only the Liberian people themselves can overcome their problems. While we welcome and encourage the sending of medical, food and other humanitarian assistance – we must oppose the deployment of troops, which will only increase the oppression already being endured by the people of the region. Instead of sending troops, we call on the U.S. government to immediately cancel the Third World debt, quite selling arms to feuding warlords & to stop interfering in the internal affairs of Third World nations!

In spite the bold stance taken by many organizations on the debate, some organizations in the United States withheld their stance on the issue; probably the publicized killing of United States troops by Somali militiamen hardened attitudes among most American policymakers and the public about the effectiveness and cost of U.S. military intervention in Africa. Moreover, it appears that cost of the deployment of U.S. troops in Iraq and its impact on the America and its citizens is also another reason why some United States organizations were reluctant to clearly state their positions on the debate. The widely publicized killings of U.S. and other peacekeeping troops by Somali militiamen was being alluded to by groups opposing U.S. intervention in Liberia. Anti U.S interventionists used the case of Somalia and the cost of U.S. military intervention in Africa and the limitations of UN peacekeeping in their campaign against U.S. intervention in Liberia.

However, proponents of U.S. intervention cited a number of interests, both, security related and humanitarian, as justifications for U.S. military involvement in regional wars. The most common argument for U.S. intervention in Liberia and West Africa was that global instability is a threat to U.S. security.

Salih Booker, Executive Director of Africa Action, said the United States had several national interests at stake in Liberia's fate. He maintained that Liberia was at the center of a West Africa scarred by violent conflicts, which was producing costly humanitarian disasters. Booker argued that the United States must help stabilize the West African region. If the United States did not take a stance, Booker said, West Africa would become “a lawless zone attractive to international crime networks including terrorists.” But, most importantly, he emphasized, it is becoming a death trap of the region.

Booker also restated his organization’s position on the debate: (PBS, TURMOIL IN LIBERIA, 2003): The current crisis in Liberia is the result of a previous betrayal of the United States of the people of that country. In 1990, the first President Bush faced a situation that was eerily similar to that now facing his son. Should the United States send in troops to stop a civil conflict, restore order, and allow the Liberians to reconstruct their democracy? The president's father in 1990 had ships off the coast of Monrovia. They evacuated the Americans, they evacuated the Europeans, and they left the Liberians to their fate. I fear that's exactly what's happening once again.

He added, “The U.S. has a unique responsibility in the case of Liberia, not just because of the historic ties, but more recently because it helped create the conditions that have led to this cycle of violence."

As the lobby and debate for U.S. intervention in Liberia continued to expand, some opinion leaders said, American should not only provide relief when it is needed, but should help promote a democratic system and work to stop human rights abuses. They criticized the U.S. response to the Liberian conflict as inadequate, and compared it unfavorably to the United States intervention in Kosovo. Some supporting this view also believed that it would be appropriate for the United States to send in troops to help restore order and protect noncombatants. They pointed to Haiti, Bosnia, and Kosovo as examples of successful humanitarian intervention, and ask why the same could not be done for a country with historic U.S. ties.

Other groups supporting U.S intervention argued that because of the “special relationship” that existed between Liberia and the United States, the U.S. have an obligation to Liberia. The United States association to Liberia began in 1822 when freed American slaves arrived and settled in Liberia. In 1847, Liberia was declared an independent nation by the freed slaves – that was the first thread that would link Liberia to America over many decades. As World War II gave way to the cold War, the U.S. viewed Liberia as an ideal post from which to fight the spread of communism through Africa. The U.S. signed a mutual defense pact with Liberia and built communications facilities in Liberia to handle diplomatic and intelligence traffic to and from Africa. Also, a powerful Voice of America relay was set up. In the mid-1970s, the United States built another military facility, the Omega navigational station, to guide naval ships and aircraft in the Atlantic Ocean. Even after the 1980 military coup, which ended the Americo-Liberian grip on power in Liberia, U.S. political and military engagement remained strong. The government of Master Sergeant Samuel Doe continued to receive support from Washington for much of the 1980s, and in return Doe supported U.S. diplomatic initiatives in the United Nations and other U.S. efforts in Africa. In the late 1980s, with the end of the Cold War, relations between Washington and Monrovia began to deteriorate. When the civil war began in December 1989, many Liberians were disappointed at the U.S. decision not to intervene in Liberia. United States citizens were evacuated from Liberia and hopes for a U.S. peacekeeping force were dashed.

The Liberian government, on the other hand, called for U.S. intervention to protect government forces against rebel forces that were battling against government forces to take over the city.

Washington Representatives

In the midst of the debate, the International Crisis Group realized the importance of a mobilized and effective Washington Representation. Although, the Group president and CEO is based at the organization’s headquarter in Brussels, it realized that effective partners and a strong coalition are the strength for an efficient and effective lobbyist and good leadership. The Brussels office of the International Crisis Group coordinated and collaborated with its Washington’s offices and the International Contact Group. The Contact Group comprises representatives from the UN, United States, Nigeria, France , Senegal, Morocco, ECOWAS, United Kingdom, African Union and the European Union, to align positions on Liberia and help create a peace process including all Liberia's principal stakeholders. Another organization, the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights foundation, a D.C based, non profit organization was also working along with the Catholic Church in Liberia, and other international institutions advocating for U.S. intervention in Liberia. The Church World Services, based in the United States was another influential force that was engaged with Church Leaders from West Africa and church organizations in Liberia in calling for U.S leadership role in the Liberian crisis.

The Role of Grassroots

Grass root support is essential to advocacy. During the campaign on Liberia, grass-roots support was readily available. Liberians at home defied the government; they organized mass demonstration calling for U.S. intervention in the crisis and human rights violations in the country.

It was evident that the masses frequent and brutal atrocities committed by the Liberian government and rebels against innocent civilians had reached an unbearable level. Taylor placed within various military and paramilitary institutions and government positions members of his rebels. Without any form of training or rehabilitation, these formers rebels were given guns and uniforms. They also carried out the gross human rights violations with impunity. Liberians at home fed up with the brutal human rights meted against them by government officials and its security forces, defied the government; they organized mass demonstration calling for U.S. intervention in the crisis and human rights violations in the country.

In June 2003, during a street battle in the capital of Liberia, Monrovia, citizens collected and piled dead bodies at the front of the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia chanting slogans: We Want George Bush! We Want U.S.! U.S. Please Save Us! It was their way of campaigning for U.S. intervention. Several civilians suffered brutal human rights abuses at the hands of state security officers and government officials throughout the administration of Taylor.

The Inter-faith Mediation Council, a local based religious group was also actively engaged with various religious groups-Christians and Muslims, and with civil society groups, political parties and human rights groups in Liberia and the region, deliberating strategies for promoting international attention on Liberia.

The Liberian Leadership Forum, a local based organization with a commitment to rally Liberians and the international community around a plan to bring an end to the conflict in the country were also campaigning for U.S Intervention in Liberia and West Africa. The Forum comprised 10 Liberian political parties and 14 civil society organizations, and eminent individuals active in the pursuit of peace and democracy. The organization also included leaders of the armed opposition movement against the Taylor government. The Inter-Faith Media Council and Civil Society organization and various political parties had been engaged are in mobilizing support for U.S. intervention. Several local human rights groups including the Justice and Peace Commission, Female Lawyers Association, Child Advocacy among others were actively lobbing for peace and U.S. intervention in the West African situation. These grass root organizations were all either directly or indirectly affected by the flouting of laws by the Taylor government.

Intellectual Validation

Advocates for U.S intervention had on their side many prominent human rights and think tanks groups and individuals from various levels calling for U.S. intervention in Liberia. Emira Woods, Co-director of Foreign Policy in Focus, said U.S intervention in Liberia would enforce the cease-fire and provide security for a political settlement in Liberia. Dr. Jane Martin, a distinguished historian, and a member of Friends of Liberia, a non-profit organization dedicated to Liberia, stressed that the U.S. has a clear moral and historical responsibility to the people of Liberia, and that America has a special interest in demonstrating that it can lead a successful multi-national effort to help Liberians restore peace and democracy. Several organizations including the Catholic Relief Services have produced reports validated U.S. intervention in Liberia. The Movement for Democratic Change in Liberia, (MODEL) organized workshops and seminars for promoting U.S. intervention in Liberia and drafted recommendations that were presented to U.S policy makers for implementations.

Kakuna Kerina, Senior Program Director/Senior Advisor for Africa at the International League for Human Rights said most researchers were using the Liberian and West African situation as a model for conflict resolutions, especially in post conflict societies. She said her organization also worked alongside other organizations in calling for U.S. intervention in Liberia.

Ms. Kerina said her organization in collaboration with other human rights organizations, nationally and internationally were determined to promote human rights in West Africa and other parts of the world, give meaning and effect to human rights values enshrined in international human rights treaties and conventions.

Ms. Kerina, an advocate with impeccable record for efficiently collaborating with civil society organizations in promoting press freedom in Africa, particularly, Sierra Leone during the war, and Nigeria under Sani Abacha’s regime, said U.S intervention was one of the key steps in highlighting the crisis and brutal human rights violations in Liberia and West Africa. She said the prosecution of Taylor in Sierra Leone would set the pace for establishing a tribunal in Liberia to prosecute those who supported and committed war crimes and crimes against humanity, during the war and also during the Charles Taylor’s administration. Based in New York, with representation in Geneva and dozens of affiliates and partners around the world, the International League for Human Rights is a non-governmental, non-profit organization with special consultative status at the United Nations.

Archbishop Michael Francis, Recipient of the 1999 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award, during a visit to the United States in 2003, said the campaign for U.S. intervention in Liberia had the support of many organizations regionally and internationally, including religious groups, academicians and think tanks. He said that the Liberian situation had also become a discourse for stimulating the course of political events not just in Liberia, but elsewhere in the world. Archbishop Francis said, he believed the Liberian situation will help international organizations understand that elections does not necessarily produce democracy as they believed during 1997; disarmament was not carried out and the environment was tensed, resulting to Charles Taylor becoming winner.

Role of Leadership

Leadership is an influential force in human rights work and advocacy, especially in influencing policy change and action in conflicts situations. Leadership involves setting up a structure to accomplish task, as well as organizing and planning, which allows everyone to be part of the solution, in addition to gathering the best ideas. This aspect of leadership was manifested in the campaign used by the International Crisis Group and its partners in the campaign for U.S intervention in Liberia.

Even though the International Crisis Group is headquartered in Brussels, in the absence of its leadership or CEO, staff members and representatives of the organization in Washington, D.C, represented the organizations at various meetings, working sessions and forums held in the United States Capital and the United States. It is apparent that the International Crisis Group and its partners' modus operandi on leadership and organization was based on one the renowned philosopher, Lao Tzu’s concept on leadership, “A leader is best when people barely know he exists. When his work is done, they will say: we did it ourselves.

William Lane, Washington Director for Governmental Affairs at Caterpillar, Inc. and a lecturer at the Elliott School for International Affairs said the greatest source of power available to a leader is the trust that derives from serving followers. He said mutual trust is a shared belief that you can depend on each other to achieve a common purpose. “A good leader knows how to make people function in a collaborative fashion, and how to motivate them to excel their performance and how to balance the team member's quest with the goal of producing synergy - an outcome that exceeds the sum of individual inputs,” Professor Lane said.

It is apparent that the leadership model Lane described was the kind of practices -efficient and effective coordination, teamwork and trust, were the major skills and tools that played major roles in ensuring successful leadership practices, even in the absence of the actual leaders by organizations during the campaigns for U.S. intervention in Liberia

Relationship, Money and the Press

As with all advocacies, relationship, money and the press were important tools for the human rights campaign on Liberia. The International Contact Group and most of its major advocates had representatives in Washington, D.C which gave the groups and their supporters’ upper-hand in their advocacy. Small organizations that did not have offices in Washington, D.C and could not afford permanent or temporary Washington representative were not compelled to be present in Washington because organizations and their affiliates shared a cordial working relationship. This level of relationship resulted led to efficient communication. For example, groups in Liberia communicated and shared their concerns with one another, which were later transmitted to the regional groups or the West Africa offices of the International Crisis Organization or at the Washington offices.

Money

Unlike other advocacies which would demand staggering amount of U.S. dollars, the Liberian situation became a humanitarian concern and therefore did not required huge hard money.

Press

As with many other wars, crisis, humanitarian concerns and human rights issues, the Liberian situation received positive and ample national coverage, particularly during the peak of the campaign for U.S. intervention.

Throughout the months of June to October of 2003 several U.S based media and the press in the United Kingdom, Paris, France, Nigeria and other areas around the world had published materials on Liberia, focusing not only the elites and fighters, but also the lives of ordinary Liberians.

Conclusion

After 14 years of appeal and outcries by Liberians and some international groups for the U.S. to intervene in Liberia, in 2003, the United States finally took a stance- it intervened. Analyzing the efforts by the International Crisis Group and other organizations, it is obvious that innovative strategies and timing do have a lot of impact on the outcome of advocacy, lobbying and or campaigns. The International Crisis Group and its allies were successful because they aligned their campaigns messages with the United States and other individuals and organizations in and out of Liberia; they also communicated how their aspirations can be aligned with the vision of the United States and other policy organizations.

Moreover, the groups engaged in the campaign on Liberia, were also consistent in promoting their goals, which they did with enthusiasm so as to motivate others to make the vision their own. In this way, they succeeded in galvanizing support among Liberians, friends of Liberia, human rights advocates and organizations and other international organizations. By continually researching and publishing updated information on Liberian and West Africa, and also networking, encouraging participation, inspiring a shared vision and showing concern, they continued to gain support which led to the eventual intervention of the United States- calling for the forcible resignation and the exile of Taylor, and ongoing trial at the Special Court for Sierra Leone.

During the campaign, like most lobby, the International Crisis Group and its other organizations met with resistance from not only the Taylor’s government, but also his supporters, and interested parties in the conflict. The government of Charles Taylor as in the past, used its public relations and propaganda mechanism to discredit organizations exposing its human rights violations, while at the same time white wash its image, it did nothing to match its actions with its propaganda contents.

The facts and evidence against the government were consistent and overwhelming. The dossier of statistic and public information against the Liberian government and its threat to the peace and security within the region led some of its supporters to realize that, Taylor had not made good on its words to improve human rights records and institute reforms for development. Other supporters, who were his cronies, knew that their time was up. The media’s eagerness for information on war and violence, and its tendency to focus on the elites played well for the campaigners, as they provided pile of evidence and statistics to the media of President Charles Taylor and his alliance with the president of Libya and Al- Qaeda. This link of Taylor to Al-Qaeda, diamond and stones - a sensitive international issue quickly attracted the media’s, particularly the international media to the Liberian situation. The prolonged Liberian crisis was also an opportunity in helping the international media to have a background understanding of that situation for analysis. The goals and vision set by the International Crisis Group in influencing U.S. intervention in Liberia, the removal and trial of Taylor were achieved because of the efficient and effective use of few Cooperate Government Relations tools. The strategies promoted visibility, integrity and setting examples and trust, which were encouraged and utilized, because the campaigners had the will power to enforce those grandiose values and principles to succeed and most importantly, promote human rights and uphold the rule of law without fear or favor.

Copyright © Musue N. Haddad

The Impact of Conflicts on Globalization: A Look at the Middle East

2006-07-15T06:12:00.000-07:00

The fiery middle east crisis has escalated again as Israel and Hezbollah trade fire. In the current battle, echoes of the older conflict continue to ring in the flaming stones and rapid burst of gunfires and explosives; an understanding of the conflict’s history can not reverse decades of mistrust and animosity amongs groups involved and persons associated with the conflict in the region.

The Middle East has been a site of conflict over land sanctifed to Jews, Muslims, Christians and other religious groups for many years. Despite involving a relatively small land area and large number of casualties, the Middle East conflict has been the focus of worldwide media and diplomatic attention for decades. Many countries, individuals and non-governmental organizations in the world feel involved in this conflict for many different reasons. Although some consider the Arab- Israel conflict a part or phenomenon of the clash of civilization between the western world and the Arab Muslim world, others oppose this view. Whatever the concept, the animosity emanating from this conflict has led to divisions among supporters or perceived supporters of one side by supporters of the other side in many parts of the world. This growing anomisity is also contributing to divisions and mistrusts among parties and key players of the conflict in the region. Moreover, the escalation and intensity of the conflict is worrisome for global peace, security and development worldwide. Already, according to reports, Impala Platinum (Implats) led South African shares lower because of the uneasiness over Middle East tensions hit emerging markets, and there has also been a sudden increase in the price of oil in the world's eighth-largest oil exporter, Nigeria.

The recent escalation of violence in the Middle East undelines the disparity between reality and diplomatic maneuvering in the region. The violence has also redirected the focus of world leaders. At the ongoing G-8 summit, the top agenda were to be energy security, infectious diseases and education, but it appears the world leaders are already preoccupied by the violence in the Middle East. This summit was the first G8 summit in which the African agenda was integrated into all deliberations. It is evident that these priorities may fall by the wayside as a result of the recent eruption of violence in the Middle East.

The ongoing violence in the Middle East is considered the most serious since 1996 when Israel mounted a 17-day offensive against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The recent fighting has led to widespread pronouncements throughout the Middle East. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad warned of a "fierce response" if Israel widened its offensive against Syria. Israel also blames Syria and Iran for backing the Hezbollah terrorist group in Lebanon. In an emergency session on Friday, Lebanon urged the United Nations Security Council to impose a ceasefire, accusing Israel's offensive of driving it "to its knees." But Israel's ambassador Dan Gillerman told the emergency session that the Lebanese government was responsible for the Israeli offensive because it allowed Hezbollah terrorists to operate in southern Lebanon, which led to Wednesday's abduction of two Israeli soldiers.

In the midst of the ongoing violence, conflict resolution analyst and peacebuilders continue to deliberate strategies for ceasing the hostilities and restoring peace in the Middle East. Already several peace agreements has been brokered, signed and then broken. While world leaders shift their positions, policy makers and peace brokers continue to draft and alter agreements, Dr. John H. Lebovic a political scientist tossed an idea: He asked whether the process of Globalization could bring cooperation and stability to the Middle East and its relations to the outside world. Lebovic’s comment provoked brainstorming and an analysis of how the process of globalization could promote stability, cooperaton and also reduce conflict in the Middle East and other conflict societies.

To understand the process of Globalization, the process, its aspects and application must first be understood. What then is Globalization? Globalization is a process that brings changes in societies and the world economy through increased international exchange of goods and services across international boundaries. Although increasing international trade is seen as the usually primary meaning of "globalization, " globalization has become identified with a number of trends, most of which may have developed since World War II. These trends include greater international movement of commodities, money, information, and people; and the development of technology, organizations, legal systems, and infrastructures to allow this movement. It describes the increase of trade and investing due to the falling of barriers and the interdependence of countries. In specifically economic contexts, the term ‘Globalization’ refers particularly to trade liberalization or free trade. Globalization also includes cultural exchanges between and among people and societies.

The processes of globalization is initiated and implemented by people, who must communicate, collaborate, interact and discuss aggreements, the implementation of programmes and projects which forms an integral part of cooperation. Globalization promotes collaborations; collaboration is an act of working together jointly and not independently. This sort of collaboration sort of diffuses tension, hostities and promotes tolerance.

Views of Globalization
Political economist believe globalism is related to laissez- faire capitalism and neoliberalism. Neoliberalism argue that globalization is the process of persuading governments of lesser developed countries to alter political and economic policies in exchange for receiving loans from other states or, more commonly through loans from the World Bank.

Although this definition of globalization by neoliberalism shares a number of characteristics with internationalization and is often used interchangebly, some campaigners prefer to use globalization to emphasize the erosion of the nation state or national boundaries. Under Globalization, national boundaries continue to exist as globalization provide a growing global consciousness and identification as part of an interconnected world rather than a specific Middle East state. This global consciousness will discourage nationalistic thought and foster international cooperation, thus reducing the conflict in the Middle East.

The stance by liberalists that countries heavily dependent on the global economy (whether measured by trade or investment) are likely to experience higher economic growth, greater affluence, more democracy, and increasingly peaceful conditions at home and abroad indicates that the Middle East will benefit immensely from globalization.

Even though there are other arguments by dependency theorists that high levels of trade and investments generate greater economic inequality and leads to the risk of political instability, this argument neglected to discuss the kind of trade that promotes inequality. This suggestion that inequality is a result of globalization is what public interest activists as well as state nationalists use as argument in campaigning against globalization.

It is important to note that the consequences of trade are dependent on what is being exported. Exports of manufactured goods create high levels of welfare and equality, while exports of agricultural products promote poverty and inequality. Although inequality is but one of the many factors which lead to political instability, inequality is not a product of all exports. Countries exporting agricultural products do not need to promote education, and the country will remain poor and with high inequality. An example of the export of agriculture or raw products is the exportation of rubber from Liberia and Cocoa from Cote d’ Ivoire. Tappers of rubber latex in Liberia and Cocoa harvesters in Cote d’Ivoire are mostly illiterate without any specialized skills. If Liberia or a country can manage to produce manufactured and other highly-processed goods inequality is reduced—as has happened in several East Asian countries. The reason for reduction in inequality in a country that produces manufactured and other highly- processed goods and exports is because such processes require highly skilled workers in order to industrialize, and these workers eventually become active in the local labor movement. The result has been a higher level of welfare, and a decrease in inequality. The World Bank (1996) argues along the same lines, pointing out that China and Vietnam have experienced considerable economic growth after replacing parts of their centrally planned economies with free trade and market liberalism.

In Israel today, all the major indicators reflect the severe strains the economy is under: GDP per capital is down; unemployment is up; and apart from the stock exchange, there is little fresh direct foreign investment coming in. These are all the high costs of conflict.

The situation is somewhat similar in the West Bank and Gaza. According to a new United Nations report, the majority of Palestinians have been reduced to surviving on one meal a day, and malnutrition is approaching the level in Africa. Clearly, unless there is economic activity and job creation, more and more desperate young people will join the Intifada or other groups.

Violence Drives Away Capital
Is there a lesson here for the Middle East? Clearly, globalization will bring immense benefits to the Middle East, a region preoccupied with conflict, ancient enmities and continuing violence. Regional cooperation based on Israel's cutting edge technology, relatively cheap Palestinian labor and a huge Arab market will make the Middle East a formidable player in the world economy. The region will not only be an importer of goods and technology, the Middle East will be counted among economic powerhouses like China, the European Union and the USA.

Through globalization, investors, trading partners and governments of the Middle East will engage in trade discussions, negotiations on investment contracts, banking activities, trade exhibitions which will gradually result in building trusts and understanding. These formal interactions will lead to collaborations and coordination and gradually led to informal interactions among various groups in the region. Such networking among parties and groups and individuals will gradually transform into consistently interacting and working together within the Middle East which can only be achieved in a stable environment. As governments, institutions and citizens of the Middle East network and cooperate, they will become more opened to the varying philosophies and beliefs held by others. This intermingling will result into tolerance which will help parties in the Middle East conflict to begin to understand that through cooperation, they can better work together and resolve their differences. Gradually, through this continuing communication and interaction, Middle Eastern states will increasingly become dependent on each other and the outside world for export & import markets. This cooperation in the Middle East will result into good relations with neighboring countries and the world and also serve to reduce conflict in the Middle East. The Middle East will realize that violence and the threat of regional conflict drive away capital and development.

Internal violence and the threat of regional conflict drive away capital faster. Based on Pakistan's experience, the lesson is clear for the Middle East on the importance of an investment friendly environment. Today, despite the large infusion of dollars into Pakistan since 9/11, there is hardly any fresh foreign or local investment being made. While money is being invested in real estate, the stock exchange and the service sector, nobody is thinking of investing in industries in Pakistan. This lack of investment is based on the lack of confidence in the country's future which means very few new jobs are being created, and millions of unemployed young men without a stake in the system can easily be recruited by any fighting group.

Globalization processes encourage increased economic benefits. Once the Middle East encourages the processes of Globalization, there will be increased economic benefits that will improve the lives of everyday citizens and extremists in Middle Eastern countries. With increase economics, groups will have a harder time obtaining new recruits for their mission. The younger generation will realize that there is more to be gained from cooperating and being a part of the global movement then fighting against it.

Globalization has much to offer the region with its huge mineral wealth, its sizeable number of educated workers, Israeli managerial and technical skills and the relatively well-off Arab market. China is another example of a country taking advantage of new economic forces to build its economy while putting regional disputes on the back burner. Despite its long-standing territorial dispute with India, it is trading and talking with its erstwhile foe to their mutual benefit.

Through globalization, people around the globe become more connected to each other than ever before. Information and money flow more quickly than ever. Goods and services produced in one part of the world are increasingly available in all parts of the world. International travel is more frequent. International communication is commonplace.

Another positive aspect of globalization is that it promotes transparency and checks and balances on industries and institutions around the world. As a result of the transparency it provides, several institutions are becoming aware of the importance of credibility and are beginning to put in place measures to protect their industries. Realizing the importance of name to global trade, industries that sell directly to consumers, including clothing, athletic shoes, and rug manufacturers rely on their reputation and brand name. This makes them particularly sensitive to being associated with violent conflict similar to what is in the Middle East. In unstable areas, these industries are likely to withdraw or adopt corporate codes of conduct that address human rights issues. These light industries are the first ones that many countries including the Middle East need during post-conflict reconstruction.

Organizations
Another characteristics of globalization for the Middle East is that multi-national corporations, nonprofit organizations, governments and other institutions realize that cooperation and stability in the Middle East will reduce the refugee crises, weapons proliferation, terrorism, narco-trafficking, peacekeeping and humanitarian emergencies, environmental problems, global health issues, technological developments, and key economic trends which affect their own resources, stability and development.

Multinational corporations will also find it important to work with partners in the Middle East to reduce conflict, bring cooperation between and among rival groups and stability in order to continue operations in that society.

One example of how the process of globalization has promoted strategies for conflict reduction is through the efforts of American Express and others engage in peace promotion activities. Several international travel and tourism industries have a direct interest in peace, and are becoming more active in promoting peace. American Express and other travel and tourism industries are aware that the Middle East has several historical and scenery sites for travel and tourism. These industries and American Express will work with parties or governments in the Middle East in promoting peace, stability and cooperation to support peace-building efforts and also engage in advertising travel and tourism industries of the Middle East.

Media
In the course of globalization, the sharing of information via mass media and internet will increase the understanding and decrease the wrong impression of citizens and nationals in the Middle East. The media industries can be used as a tool to promote tolerance and cooperation and stability and to facilitate the work of civil society groups and international organizations that are involved in conflict management activities. One instance of the power of the media on issues of the Middle East was evident during an interview with Shimon Peres. (CNN, 2000) On a CNN interview broadcast January 3, 2000 Shimon Peres observed that access to fresh water is a key source of conflict in certain regions, but can also present unique opportunities for peacemaking initiatives: "There are many ways to save water and to produce water. Water may be the watershed between peace and war in the Middle East. We spent over $100 billion over the last ten years to acquire arms. Would we invest the same amount of money to produce water or use [recycled] water, we would enjoy peace and prosperity at the same time . . . If we shall together try and bring in a real plan to supply water to all the needed parties of the Middle East, it can be both good business and a great contribution for peace."

The process of globalization will bring cooperation and stability to the Middle East and its relations to the outside world by helping parties to understand the effect of conflict on both human and infrastructure development. Contrary to views that the process of globalization will have a negative influence on the Middle East, like every system, globalization when manipulated becomes a multifaceted process. Just as capitalism requires a network of governing systems to keep it from devouring societies, globalization requires vigilance and the rule of law. Anti-trust laws, the Securities and Exchange Commission, labor unions, charities, the Federal Trade Commission, and countless other agencies and organizations keep American capitalism in check. Similar transparent mechanisms are needed in the Middle East to make sure globalization is a positive force in the world. Globalization will bring tremendous opportunities and benefits to all parties and sectors of society in the Middle East.

The bottom line is that globalization and conflict just do not mix. In other words, the Middle East like Somalia, Sudan, Democrat Republic of Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, and other conflict societies can decide to fight or they can decide that they want to prosper, but they can't do both things simultaneously.

Copyright © Musue N. Haddad

Interview: David Crane on the Arrest of Charles Taylor, Leadership in West Africa

2006-04-17T19:18:00.000-07:00

By: Musue N. Haddad

In March 2003, Charles Taylor was indicted for 11 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity over his alleged role in the civil war in Sierra Leone. Taylor is accused of backing rebels responsible for widespread atrocities in Sierra Leone. Charles Taylor is also accused of selling diamonds and buying weapons for Sierra Leone's Revolutionary United Front rebels, who hacked off the hands and legs of civilians during the Sierra Leone’s war. In August 2003, Taylor was forced into exile through a diplomatic deal. Taylor disappeared in late March 2006 from his exile home in southern Nigeria, when there was increasing pressure to send him to the Special Court for Sierra Leone. He was captured, handcuffed and sent to the Special Court for Sierra Leone for prosecution.

The man who first indicted Charles Ghankay Dakpannah MacArthur Taylor, the former prosecutor for the Sierra Leone Court, David Crane, is a distinguished visiting professor of law at Syracuse University College of Law where he teaches various aspects of international law. Professor Crane has been speaking on the Special Court for Sierra Leone and West Africa’s human rights issues at various forums. FrontPageAfrica’s reporter, Musue N. Haddad caught up with Professor Crane recently. Crane tells Musue N. Haddad the implications of the arrest of Charles Taylor for Justice and what the prospects for peace and justice is for Sierra Leone, Liberia and the challenges West Africa faces.

Thanks a lot for granting this interview to FrontPageAfrica. FrontPageAfrica believes that it is very important for the people of Sierra Leone, the people of Liberia and the people of West Africa to hear from you, particularly after the arrest of Charles Taylor. They also want to know your views on the prospects for justice, Order and peace in the region. Before we delved into the issues of justice and the arrest of Charles Taylor, let us take a look at your background. You were the second American appointed as prosecutor for an international tribunal.

David Crane: It has been an honored to be able to represent the people of Sierra Leone and to seek justice for them. They suffered so crudely.

There was another American who was the prosecutor of the international military tribunal in Numberg and I just happened to have the historical honor of being the second American appointed prosecutor of an international tribunal. Justice Robert Jackson was the first American, appointed to be the chief prosecutor of the tribunal in Nuremberg in 1945.

During the recent US Institute for Peace event, in your presentation, you hinted that the Special Court for Sierra Leone had some limitations. What are some of the limitations of the Special Court for Sierra Leone?

The limitations of the Sierra Leone Court are really more of challenges than limitations. The Special court for Sierra Leone is a very innovative first ever experience in international criminal justice and it is proving to be largely a success. The challenges that this tribunal is experiencing, as many tribunals do face is the indifference the world shows towards what is being done in places such as West Africa and other parts of the world. It is very, very important that you get the world energized and focused on the tragedies that do take place in places such as in Sierra Leone. So it is very important that you get out and talk and present the situation before the world to get the world to focus on justice and wherever that may be needed

You also disclosed that there are over 500,000 victims in Sierra Leone and Liberia has over 600,000 victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Liberia does not have a special court and it is not clear whether the government of Liberia is interested in establishing a Special Court for Liberia? As an advocate, what would you proposed?

I think that it is very, very important that once Charles Taylor is given a fair trial in Sierra Leone for the murder, rape, maiming and mutilation of over 500,000 Sierra Leoneans, that the international community along with the Republic of Liberia consider setting up a hybrid international tribunal in Monrovia so that Charles Taylor and others can be fairly tried for the destruction of over 600,000 Liberian. I think that the setting up of a Court for Liberia needs to be done over the next year or two.

The Special Court for Sierra Leone was established and has been functioning for few years; setting the precedent for justice and peace. At this point in Liberia, the government is focused on the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. What justice, do you believe the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, (TRC) can bring to victims of the Liberian conflicts and what are the limitations of a TRC?

I think it is very, very important that when you have situations where you have a country transitioning from war to peace, let the truth be told, and so a truth commission like we had in Sierra Leone and like what was in South Africa establishes some of the truth but you must also have justice. I will say to your readers that you have to have both truth and justice to have sustainable peace. I know that the TRC in Liberia is just starting up, that is a good thing. After the TRC have completed their work, the Liberians are going to want to have justice for those who did such terrible things to them and so it will be necessary that a tribunal be put together so that there can be justice for the victims.

Charles Taylor claims that he does not have funds to pay for his legal representation. This claim stuns many who have witnessed the lavish life style of Charles Taylor and his supporters. Are there any means for the court to determine whether, Charles Taylor truly is poor, and that resources amassed during the years of conflicts in Sierra Leone and Liberia, and monies he collected during his administration as President are gone?

The special court for Sierra Leone has a process to review the particular financial circumstances of anyone who is indicted and brought before the court. The court has financial investigators who will investigate to see whether Charles Taylor has money or not. Regardless, it is very important that Charles Taylor be properly represented before the tribunal because it is very important for the people of West Africa to understand that the law is fair and the burden of proof is on the prosecutor himself. Charles Taylor is innocent until proven guilty he has being indicted but until judgment is passed he has not an absolute right to plead not guilty and be fairly represented. So he will be appropriately represented by good barristers who will ensure that there is a fair trial.

The number of persons prosecuted by the Special Court for Sierra is far lesser than those who actually committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. What implications, if any, will that have to Sierra Leone’s peace process?

As I told the people of Sierra Leone during my many town hall’s meetings over a period of three years, speaking to tens of thousands of the brave people of Sierra Leone; I told them that we have to follow the law. The law for the international tribunal statue says that we are supposed to prosecute those who bear the greatest responsibility. That is around twenty to twenty four people or less, and so I explained to them that is our mandate. That means, we can only go as far as our mandate requires. In addition, the Sierra Leone justice system is still rebuilding, it would be very difficult, making it difficult to prosecute other individuals who committed crimes during the war.

I also explained to the Sierra Leoneans that due to the Lome peace accord, there was a domestic amnesty for those who committed crimes in Sierra Leone itself by Sierra Leoneans themselves. That amnesty was the legal challenge as far as trying to prosecute others who committed crimes, even if we could because of the domestic amnesty that was granted in Lome back in 1999.

Is that domestic amnesty similar to the amnesty various Liberian factional groups granted one another during the Accra Peace talks? Is it also the same as the amnesty that Charles Taylor granted himself and his officials of government before he went into exile?

That is a different amnesty. But your readers must understand that there is a difference. Domestic amnesty is only dealing with domestic crimes. At the international level, it does not affect the international crimes of war crimes and crimes against humanity. But Charles Taylor can in fact be prosecuted for what he has done both in Liberia as well as in Sierra Leone.

Readers will begin to wonder why atrocities committed during war are being categorized especially since Human Rights cuts across all barriers. How can Liberians, Sierra Leoneans and West Africans understand the different applications of domestic and international laws to the war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Liberia, and Sierra Leone?

Certainly, again there are two types of laws, domestic and international laws. And certainly, human rights are very important but you must persecute them according to the statues which are created through treaties as well as by customary and international laws.

International law deals with crimes against mankind such as war crimes and crimes against humanity. Also the statues at the international level relates to serious violations of international humanitarian laws. It is for those that Charles Taylor and others are going to be prosecuted for.

So that means unless Liberians take the lead in calling for the prosecution of Charles Taylor for the violations he carried out in Liberia, the international community can not persecuted him for domestic violence?

No Musue, it will be the international community working with the people of Liberia to establish an international court. Domestically, it will be up to Liberian people themselves as to what they want to do relating to those who committed crimes against them to include Charles Taylor. But what I am talking about is establishing an international tribunal very similar to the special court for Sierra Leone to tried Charles Taylor for international crimes not domestic crimes.

Does it mean that Liberians have to decide to set up a court to prosecute Charles Taylor and his cohort for domestic violence committed against Liberian?

They could do it that way or another way is establishing an international tribunal. It could be done either way.

Liberians and the International community look at the Special Court for Sierra Leone as a model for International Justice on the continent. Are there any set backs in the prosecution of those who committed atrocities in West Africa at the Special Court for Sierra Leone?

We don’t really have any set back. We finally got Charles Taylor so the mandate for the Special Court has been completed. Those who bear the greatest responsibility for war crimes and the crimes against humanity are being prosecuted. The special court for Sierra Leone is showing the world that international criminal justice can be efficiently and effectively delivered in a politically acceptable timeframe in a fair way; showing that the rule of law is more powerful than the rule of the gun.

At this point, what is your vision for justice and peace in Liberia, given that most of Charles Taylor’s staunch supporters, who along with Taylor emptied the national coffers, looted and exploited the country, are living lavishly. Some of Taylor’s cronies are currently holding key positions both in government and the private sector?

No one is above the law. When time comes for justice to be done in Liberia, I am sure the appropriate the appropriate decisions will be made.

Commenting on the Liberia’s peace process, what would you say to Liberians and the international community?

I think we need to give all support to the new president of Liberia, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. I think she believes in good governance, which is so very important for a democracy to move forward. Good governance is still lacking in that part of West Africa. I think that with proper support and encouragement, Liberia‘s future is very bright for a sustainable peace. Now that Charles Taylor is currently out of the equation and all of his supporters no longer have Charles Taylor, he is in custody; I think the chance for peace is far greater.

As you sit back at Syracuse University, what is your vision for West Africa?
West Africa has many any challenges and it is very important for the leaders of West Africa to understand that they must govern through good governance and that they cannot use their citizens for their own personal, political or criminal gains.
Corruption is West Africa’s biggest challenge and the people of West African must hold their elected leaders accountable so that they are being governed fairly. But now, West African leaders and in fact all African leaders are on notice, that if they abuse their citizens that they will be held accountable.

Now that you have spoken about the leaders of West African and their poor governance, what is your view on the prevailing situation in Nigeria? President Obasonjo is trying to run for third term and it appears he is gaining the support of colleagues in the region and on the continent – the African culture that encourages African leaders to support one another regardless the consequence a leader’s action may have on citizens. Many political analysts believe that this movement by Obasanjo may begin another leadership trend on the continent.

I think that African leaders practice of supporting one another without regard for the law and the implication of their decisions on the people will have to come to an end. I think that with Charles Taylor being brought down by the law, African people will realize that it is through the laws that their rights will be protected. Africans must also realized that the law should be followed and that the proper transition of government be developed overtime where Africa rulers give up power under their own constitution which is a very very important step forward.

Mr. Crane, is there any issue you will want to discuss; something you would want to elaborate on or talk about that I have not brought out during this interview?

I think that your questions have been very good and I appreciate the opportunity to talk to you.

Thank you for making available this time from your busy schedule for this interview, Mr. Crane. Liberians and West Africans and people on the continent are delighted to hear from you. Against all odds, you initiated the process for Justice and Order in West Africa.

Thank you Musue, the people of Liberia deserve justice because they suffered so terribly under Charles Taylor.

Thanks you very much for your time Mr. Crane and bye.

Thank you, it was good talking to you.

Copyright © Musue N. Haddad