You are here

Tag: Liberia

This is laughable and mind-boggling. It seems like the highest qualifications required to serve in Weah’s government are incompetence, partisanship, patronage, and fraudulence. Henchman Sayma Syrenius Cephus is a beneficiary of this egregious precedent which continues to ruin our Country. Like Tweah and McGill, so is Cephus. The Republic is in TROUBLE. Patriots must stand up to rescue Liberia from perishing. Op-ed 

Sayma Syrenius Cephus: A Solicitor General or a Scam Genius? – 10 Hard Truths

admin2, 0 comment

The new Solicitor General (SG) of Liberia is a full package of fraud who has zero reputation. The SG has a stamp of scam on his forehead and he carries baggage of blemish on his back. Cllr. Sayma Syrenius Cephus has become an infamous henchman for CDC and president GMW. The fact is, this ‘hit-man’ is a bona fide rascal with a felonious past. Cephus, a maestro hustler, epitomizes blackmail and scheme. He is a byproduct of THE LEGAL PROFESSION who lacks every ounce of integrity and moral decency to…

Read More
Liberians must brace themselves for the future. With Sirleaf protection still in play[ellen Sirleaf demanded protection for she and her cronies and family before she left power, it is rumored she paid off Weah and thus her PROTECTON], Morlu's remarks that if the CDC loses POWER it's partisans and Mr. Weah won't be protected, is also a cause for concerns. The Controversial CDC Chairman made those remarks during the bring back our money campaign. His utterances say even if Weah left power today he might seek protection or Sirleaf post-transition or Presidency arrangements, that now sees her absolved of all crimes or prosecution for PROTECTION. What we have on our hands, is a party---THE CONGRESS FOR DEMOCRATIC CHANGE, that may not want to leave POWER volunteeringly---and is refusing all attempts to reform the election Commission for an even playing field. The all-important election is headed by Ellen Sirleaf stooge, who is at best controversial and lacks credibility. Op-ed 

The Intolerance of George Weah, and his CDC: Protests & Democracy In Liberia!

admin2, , 0 comment

The Editor, There were protests yesterday: under Pres. Tolbert (eg. Matthews and the Progressives), Sirleaf (CDC parading caskets and blood stained panties in the streets, which they claimed belong to Madame Sirleaf) and protest under Samuel Doe (esp university students at his throat). Doe particularly hated protests so much, going as far as sending the army on the University of Liberia campus to brutalize students. Under Sirleaf, while she had her reservations, she allowed the Congress Party and George Weah and his people to demonstrate. But under President Weah, there…

Read More
CoP also referred to the intervention of Liberia’s international partners at this 11th hour as “an intrusion” into the internal affairs of the state. “We do not object to intervention or intrusion, as much as we feel they are getting too much involved in our domestic affairs — that’s not necessarily a bad thing. But we hope that same level of intrusion will be made when it comes to the US$25 million [infusion]; that same level of intrusion will be made when it comes to other bread-and-butter issues like the L$16 billion; that same level of intrusion will be made when it comes to the attacks on Honorable Yekeh Kolubah, Senator Dillon, or Henry Costa or Mo Ali…” Op-ed 

Legality and Logic –7 Reasons why Sierra Leone will not extradite or turn over Henry P. Costa

admin2, 0 comment

The Editor, I am not a graduate or a student of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law. Neither do I claim to be a legal scholar or a paralegal, but I have made it my duty as a young activist to pen and proffer this legal defense on behalf of comrade brother Henry P. Costa. I thought to share my opinion on this matter by using ‘Legality and Logic’ as my ‘force of defense’ to ably justify why the Republic of Sierra Leone will not and cannot extradite or…

Read More
“If my work in the Senate isn’t enough to get me re-elected then that it is the decision of the people of Montserrado County,” he said. Dillon was elected last year to fill a vacancy created in the Senate following the death of Geraldine Doe-Sheriff who died as a result of prolonged illness.  Culled Henry Karmo/FPA Public Policy 

Liberian Senator is Requesting A Comprehensive Audit Of The Legislature

admin2, 0 comment

MONROVIA – Senator Abraham Darius Dillon has written plenary of the Liberian Senate to endorse a request to institute a comprehensive audit of the Liberian Legislature. According to him, there is no history to his knowledge where that branch of government was audited from 2006 to date. According to the Montserraddo Senator, an audit of the Legislature will ensure fiscal probity, sound financial system, accountability, and transparency. It can be recalled that Senator Dillon of Montserrado County recently said he will consider leaving the Senate if he is re-elected along…

Read More
Governments hit by unrest are presented with a similar dilemma: Use the opportunity of mass protest to accelerate social transformation to solve the underlying cause of unrest, or violently repress the people and suffer a decline in the new form of power. Occupy’s repression under former U.S. president Barack Obama arguably contributed to disillusionment, and the weakening of the progressive establishment, that fuelled Donald Trump’s victory. Mr. Obama failed to understand Occupy’s emergence as a symptom of the millennial generation’s existential anxiety about the future. What we craved was dramatic change, in any direction. The new wave of protest is an opportunity to chart a new course for humanity. Let’s not squander it. first published in the Globe and Mail December 2019, this piece was originally titled: Protests are everywhere. The world is rising up. So can humanity Op-ed 

Open Letter: A Plea To Comrade Brother Henry P. Costa

admin2, 0 comment

      Greetings Henry P. Costa, You’ve fought a good fight. You’ve risked your life in pursuit of social justice and economic parity. History honors your bravery and sense of patriotism to country and people. You are such a brilliant, articulate and powerful voice. It is your voice that this new ruling clique really fears. But right now, I am more concerned about your safety and security. I encourage you to be cautious and vigilant while in Liberia. The government has a vicious agenda to hunt you down. Do…

Read More
Beyond this end, does Chief ‘Ponofalo’ Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor really have a future in CDC ahead of 2023 elections? It is likely that the Coalition for Democratic Change may severely crack if she is ousted. History is not too far from documenting this CRACK which puts the Liberian people in a better position of reclaiming their socio-economic and political destiny. It will be more advantageous for Liberia and Liberians if CDC crumbles under its own weight ahead of 2020 and 2023 elections. The struggle to redeem Liberia and Liberians remain unabated. Op-ed 

Does Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor Have A Future In The CDC?

admin2, , 0 comment

    The Editor, Two high-ranking officials of CDC, Bong County Superintendent Esther Walker and CDC Chairman Mulbah Morlu, are on record for narrating through leaked audios about a hardcore conspiracy or sinister plot to remove H.E. Jewel Howard-Taylor as Vice Standard Bearer of CDC and Vice President of Liberia. Does this billboard of an impending CDC Retreat substantiate or validate such startling revelation? The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) was birthed in 2004 and certificated by NEC as a political party in July 2005. Ambassador George M. Weah agreed…

Read More
In what country can you continuous attack on peaceful protesters and expect the society to be at peace? In what country can you kill more than 250,000 people and refused to allow war crimes tribunal and the economic crimes court? So, I stand here today to amplify the demand for a war crimes court in Liberia and to amplify the demand for an economic crime court in Liberia. This is the only way that our children and grandchildren will live better lives and live in peace,” he declared. News 

Prof. Tokpa: “You have chosen to struggle under a dangerous dictatorship”

admin2, 0 comment

Monrovia – In the wake of recent Police’s clampdown on peaceful protesters at the Capitol, a veteran Liberian Political scientist and prominent figure of Pan Africanism, Professor Alaric Tokpa, has branded the Government of George Weah as a “dangerous dictatorship that is killing democracy.” Speaking at the dedication of the One People Revolutionary Movement’s national headquarters Friday in Paynesville, Prof. Tokpa said under the Weah’s Government, peace has become negative and elusive because vices that once led to Liberia’s brutal civil war have now resurfaced at an increasingly alarming rate.…

Read More
Washington DC USA – January 13, 2020: The International Justice Group (IJG) has formally referred Monrovia City Mayor Jefferson Koijee to the Special Prosector of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague, the Netherlands to be investigated for “Crimes Against Humanity”. In a 46-page dossier of referral and evidence compiled by the IJG and copied to African Star on Monday, the IJG informed ICC Special Prosecutor Madam Fatou Bensouda that, “…Mr. President, Weah has empowered his City Mayor as the perpetrator-in-chief. Mayor Jefferson Koijee, the Mayor of Monrovia, appointed by Mr. Weah behaves like a violent psychopath who acts under the authority of President Weah and is shielded and protected by him. IJG COMPLETE ICC REFERRAL 12JAN2020Download Logo of the IJG In its referral, the Washington based IJG noted that accountability for war crimes atrocities in the West African country is a “must.” “…We implore you, Madam Prosecutor, to act in Liberia. Our seriousness is well grounded on the realization that if nothing is done about past crimes, ongoing crimes against humanity and violence, and lawlessness will escalate, and Liberia may return to its once regrettable “Failed State” status. Because of their own involvement in committing Crimes Against Humanity, the Government of Liberia neither has the will nor the capacity to investigate and prosecute those involved. As the International Criminal Court is truly the court of last resort and must intervene to save the lives of innocent citizens of Liberia as well as put an end to the senseless violence, including wide scale rape and sexual violence against our girls and women who continue to be traumatized on a daily basis. Further, the State will regress into violence and human rights violations and impunity will become entrenched: “… the rule of law under President Weah may be undermined by individuals who records do not inspire confidence in attaining the goals of fighting corruption, ending impunity and promoting national reconciliation, as well as transparency, in public management…with the very weak separation of powers, weak rule of law and wrong people appointed, the country risk going down a slippery path, which may lead a plunge into the abyss. Given such a disposition, and judging from experience, journalists and the media, first in the line of fire, may be in for rough ride, given the torrent of vitriolic attacks against mediapractitioners,” the official communication said. The IJG says in the last two years it has been focused on Liberia due to the significant number of reported human rights violations. In laying the basis for the referral of the Monrovia City Mayor to the ICC, the IJG noted that, “ Since Liberia is a signatory to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and as a State Party the court has jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute those government officials committing Crimes Against Humanity under various articles listed in the Rome Statute…”. Monrovia City Mayor Jefferson Koijee – File Photo Those articles include Crimes Against Humanity, Murder, Imprisonment or other severe or physical liberty violation of fundamental rules of international law, torture, rape and other inhumane acts. Mr. Koijee a a former Youth Leader of the ruling Congress For Democratic Change (CDC) in Liberia, has been accused of overseeing violent actions by “vigilante groups” loyal to the party and current Government. The IJG cited media reports of Koijee’s incitment and participation in acts of violence against citizens and opposition members. Mr. Koijee has denied any role in victimizing opponents of Government or the CDC. The IJG also cited the inaction by President George M. Weah on the widespread and systematic violence against Liberians. “Not only is Mr. Weah believed to be spinning the wheels of criminal violence from behind the scene against his own people, but his regime, His Office, has become conspicuously silent on the widespread and recurrent incidences of violence against women, young girls and children and people the regime has invariably referred to as “enemies of the state,” the IJG said in its referral letter to the ICC. According to procedures of the ICC, after crimes occur, preliminary investigations are conducted, followed by a formal investigation, if it is warranted. Evidence is collected and a pre-trial stage is adopted and then a full blown trial. If the individual is convicted there is an appeals stage and once that is exhausted, sentencing enforcement begins. ICC Chief Prosecutor Ms. Fatou Bensouda All accused are innocent until proven guilty before the ICC. The Information and Evidence Unit of the ICC is now in posession of the referral and accompanying evidence and will make a determination on whether to pursue a full investigation of Mr. Koijee. It remains unclear if any formal proceedings will actually begin. Liberia sustained devastating back- to-back wars in the 1990s leaving over 250,000 dead and nearly 1 million others dislocated internally and externally. Thousands others were maimed, raped and traumatized by bands of marauding militias loyal to various warlords who have yet to account for ther crimes in the country. The main rebel chief turned former President Charles Taylor was tried and convicted by the Special Court for Sierra Leone and is serving a 50 year jail sentence in the UK following loss of his appeal. A fragile peace currently holds in the country which has transitioned to democratic governance since 2005 but tension and repeated acts of violence by various actors continue to threaten the stability of the country. The IJG is headed by Counselor Jerome Verdier, former head of Liberia’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). International Justice Group Executive Director Cllr Jerome J. Verdier Sr. The International Justice Group (IJG) is a US based Non-governmental Organization based in Washington, DC area chartered to perform five primary functions: A). To research, investigate, documents for war crimes, individual and group of individuals that receive support from institutions through the commission of such crimes that violate human basic standard of life; B). Create a mutual public awareness and respect for the principles of universal rule of law that is es established for perpetrators of war crimes and violators against humanity; C). Seek opportunities through which our human dignity, the spiritual, moral and social norms of our society can be advanced; D). Seek ways and means through which our understanding for the need to live in peached with no limit to our geographic location that determined our collective growth and development; E). Encourage global involvement for the purpose of promoting peace, stability, equality, justice under the rule of law, with opportunities for our individual, advancement to our one world; F). To create a forum through which society can be resolved to live in harmony, to practice fraternal love, tolerance and understanding as a people and being fully mindful of our obligation to adhere to the rule of law for the promotion of human dignity; By Emmanuel Abalo African Star Public Policy 

Justice Group Refers Jefferson Koijee To ICC; Wants Him Investigated

admin2, , 0 comment

  Washington DC USA – January 13, 2020: The International Justice Group (IJG) has formally referred Monrovia City Mayor Jefferson Koijee to the Special Prosector of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague, the Netherlands to be investigated for “Crimes Against Humanity”. In a 46-page dossier of referral and evidence compiled by the IJG and copied to African Star on Monday, the IJG informed ICC Special Prosecutor Madam Fatou Bensouda that, “…Mr. President, Weah has empowered his City Mayor as the perpetrator-in-chief. Mayor Jefferson Koijee, the Mayor of Monrovia,…

Read More
The leaked recording, which became public, in December 2019, claimed the attention of members of the 54th Legislature, who immediately called for an investigation into the veracity of the recording with a threat to initiate impeachment proceedings against President Weah if the utterances attributed to Morlu proved to be true. Public Policy 

“I was his bag boy in Clara Town,” opposition lawmaker bowed to Weah

admin2, 0 comment

    It appears that President Weah might be growing a bit more thick skin since his earlier statement in June 2019, that anyone caught insulting the President would be dealt with accordingly. When pundits expected the President to heavily chastise the chairman of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change, Mulbah Morlu, for utterances released in a recently leaked audio, which Morlu later described as ‘liquor talk’, the President brushed the recording off as a “blackmail attempt by racketeers” and that, “anyone can get angry and talk…” In the leaked…

Read More
Senator Cooper added that Liberians need to maintain the peace and stability of the country, and President Weah must take the lead. The Legislature is the first branch of government that makes law; with the Senate being the only body in the Legislature responsible constitutionally to confirm appointed officials who are subject to confirmation.  Senator Cooper is, therefore, a member of the Senate through whom public officials subject to confirmation have passed through to occupy public posts such as the Ministry of Finance. Public Policy 

Today, The Legislature Is responsible For Liberia’s Governance Problems

admin2, , 0 comment

  A staunch critic of the George Manneh Weah-led government, Senator Oscar Cooper, has said that the National Legislature plays key roles in the declined state of the country and not the Executive alone. He said for over forty years now the Liberian presidency has been an area of focus for transforming the Liberian governance structure—which has come with little or no success though many heads of state have lost their lives in the process. This is now time, he added, that Liberians focus on the legislature, which is the…

Read More