Byy Mariama Coker, Information Attache, Sierra Leone Embassy, Monrovia, Liberia.
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf(photo) has for the first time made a statement on the final TRC Report that came out early July, 2009.
In her opening statement on the TRC report, she categorically maintained that, she preferred to proceed cautiously for fear of preempting the National legislature’s determination. She commended her government for their support in the implementation of the TRC report. She could not however state whether her position represents her administration’s or government policy.
She pointed out that she has been advised on the issue as it would be legally imprudent for her to give more extensive comment as she would be misinterpreted.
Her involvement with Charles Taylor she openly stated was intended to restore democracy to a nation that was fast slipping into anarchy under what she referred to as the brutality of a dictator. The circumstances, she went on to state, were opaque and that the distinction between evil and good were not so clear at that time as it was a matter of conflict and war.
Even though she reaffirmed her involvement with Charles Taylor, she pointed out that she misjudged Taylor but stood against evil and dictatorship. That, she said, softened the hearts of Liberians to give her the mantle of power on January 16, 2006 with a mandate of returning hope to her people and to make the children smile once again.
It could be recalled that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and 49 heavy weight politicians were recommended for a 30 years ban from politics in the last TRC report that was submitted to the Liberian legislature early this month.
Meanwhile Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Liberia and La Cote d’ Ivoire, Rev. Mrs. Marie Jilo Barnett amidst the diplomatic Corps joined President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in this year’s commemoration of the 162nd Independence Anniversary early this week in Gbarnga City, Bong County.
In her Independence message to that nation at the historic administrative building in Gbarnga, Madam Johnson-Sirleaf said, her country has come a long way in meeting the challenges it once faced.
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said her administration has energized training programs for 2000 new soldiers and renovated army facilities at Schieffin and Gbarnga Military Barracks. She noted that, her country’s development agenda was well formulated and in full gear for implementation.
Her government, she further stated, is close to the end of programs that would bring her country’s relief from a USD 4.9 billion external debt that was inherited by her government. Even though the gains are modest, President Sirleaf maintained that the footpath has been laid for a way forward.
She however stressed that there has been a big improvement in education with a 40% female enrollment in learning institutions. As a proof of her commitment, she revealed that her government has renovated the University of Liberia, constructed a technical college in Sinje and changed the Tubman Institution to a University in Maryland County.
She pointed out that plans are underway for other institutions in the counties. Among other successes are pipe borne water and electricity supply and the renovation and construction of more than 215 schools, 30 hospitals and clinics, several administrative buildings, court houses and security facilities throughout the counties. She also called on Liberians to redouble their efforts in supporting the government’s construction programs.
The climax of the celebration included statements on behalf of the Diplomatic Corps by the Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps in Liberia, H. E. Mansour Abdalleh and felicitations from sovereigns and Head of States including President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
Also, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf awarded, crowned and decorated President Obiang Nguema Mbasago of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea and ECOWAS President, Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas with the Grand Cordon of the most venerable order of pioneers and Knights and and the Knight Grand Band in the Humane Order of African Redemption respectively.
Among the awardees was the oldest paramount Chief in Bong County, P. C. Flomo Togbah Barworlor who received the award of Grand Commander in the Humane Order of African Redemption and National Orator.
Photo credit: Executive Mansion, Monrovia.
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