Voice of Liberia

STAND   

 The End Of Business As Usual  

P. O. Box 2034

Long Beach, California 90801

Email: stand@who.net Phone: (562) 394-0285

Liberia Office :

Capitol Bye pass, Monrovia-Liberia

+2316-626-209

 

 

May 9, 2008

                     

For The People Of Liberia, It’s Now Or Never

 

A press statement delivered during a national press conference held in Monrovia, Liberia     

 

The period 2003 continuing through 2011 may be the most critical in the history of this nation. During this time interval, decisions that are allowed to stand will not only shape post-war Liberia, but also determine the inheritance of generations yet unborn. This is a defining moment.

 

After more than 160 years as a sovereign republic, Liberia now is one of the poorest, least developed, and most unstable nations in the world. Liberian children today are expected to be less educated and have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. The nation’s outstanding debt exceeds 5 billion United States Dollars, and the infrastructure is in shambles. Illiteracy is approaching 89 per cent, while the vast majority of Liberians struggle to survive on less than 70 cents a day. Corruption is institutionalized, morality is a curse word, and rule of law is non-existent. Adding to the problems is the current leadership vacuum. We must change course before it is too late.   

 

Having been denied the right to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, the People of Liberia have resolved to eliminate all obstacles standing in the way of progress and reconstitute the Republic as it was intended. The transformation shall begin by revisiting the unjust system of governance which has been in place since the 1800s and the restructuring of all relevant institutions. Beginning now, individuals in positions of authority shall be accountable to the People. And change at all levels must be implemented to ensure Liberia becomes fully functional and economically viable within the next 25 years.  

 

By the grace of God and through the generosity of many, the People of Liberia have yet again been given the opportunity to create a dynamic new nation. This time we will not be denied!

 

With less than 3 years remaining before the window of opportunity closes, restructuring must begin now; or else Liberia in the coming decades is unlikely to experience any significant progress. Rather, it will remain a dismal performer and a distraction within the West African sub-region.  

 

If ever there was a right moment to set into motion a definite process that would transform this nation into a thriving democracy, anchored upon solid economic footings with respect for rule of law, individual liberties, and justice; that moment is now. 

 

Law and order must be restored and the political and legal systems completely overhauled before the next general elections because results of the last elections offer a good indication of what is likely to happen if these objectives are not achieved. Progress has stalled considerably, primarily because conditions were inadequate to support a credible electoral process.

 

Put simply, the investment in 2005 did not produce results favorable for real nation building. The current elected officials generally are a throwback to the past rather than a move toward the future. And the list of top government appointees reads like the who’s who of the 1970s and 80s. It’s not that these individuals do not possess the requisite credentials to hold the positions; rather, it’s their cruelty in destroying the entire nation and ruining the lives of so many people. Their return to national leadership has cast a dark shadow on reconstruction.  

 

Arguably, lack of funds has contributed to the delay in restructuring institutions that are essential to fostering lasting peace, stability and prosperity. But without a definite shift in direction, it will be extremely difficult – if not impossible - to obtain the funds required to transform this nation in a meaningful way. There is no doubt the current leaders are aware of this obvious fact, but they are unwilling to make the hard decisions. Doing the right thing seems to pose a moral challenge.    

 

Therefore, the People have seized the initiative. We are fed up with incompetence, rampant corruption, and immoral leaders, which in large part are responsible for the high illiteracy rate, a bankrupt economy, lawlessness, and mass poverty. Liberia’s transformation must begin now!      

 

Considering the changes that must be implemented before the next general elections, there can be no doubt as to the standing of individuals overseeing the process. They must, without exception, enjoy the trust, confidence and respect of the Liberian people, and have not in any way contributed to the recent carnage.   

 

As the first post-war president who is expected to lead the transition from war to lasting peace, as well as bind the wounds and spearhead reconciliation, Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf must present to the Liberian people within Seven (7) Days irrefutable evidence proving she did not contribute to the rape, torture, maiming, and murders of more than 400,000 men, women and children. Failing to cooperate shall make her a valid suspect; leaving the People no other alternative than to demand she be relieved of her duties as President until such time she is cleared of all charges related to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

 

If Mrs. Sirleaf is in any way responsible for the atrocities perpetrated against tens of thousands of defenseless civilians, she is in no position to implement the changes this country desperately needs; neither can she be an effective post-war leader. We hope the President, for the good of this nation, will make the right decision. The People of Liberia have suffered disproportionately and are tired of lies and manipulation. And we are not prepared to settle for letting by-gones be by-gones, relegating our posterity to unending cruelty and injustice.     

 

Unless the hideous crimes committed during the war are adjudicated in a court of law and victims receive proper redress, it is impossible to move on. The country needs healing. And the healing process must begin by holding accountable those responsible for atrocities perpetrated against the people. This will not only signify a major step toward genuine reconciliation, it also will serve as a deterrent.

 

Current statistics on Liberia no doubt paint a somber picture of depravity, hopelessness and despair. There is no arguing the country is broken and disintegrating daily. And yes, the people are trapped in poverty, ignorance and disease. However, missing from the data is the cruelty of immoral leaders who for decades have systematically raped, robbed, pillaged, abused, misused, and deceived; ultimately breaking the spirits of an otherwise kind, compassionate and industrious people. This consistent pattern of violence masked as politics must end now. 

 

With the indictment and removal of Charles Taylor from the presidency, Liberians were of the belief a new day had dawned; and this unprecedented act was a clean break with the past. Yet, five years later, progress is bogged down on account of greed and selfishness. This proves that it is unwise to put old wine into new skins. Should we lose this opportunity to effect changes that are long overdue, no telling what the future will bring.      

 

 

STAND (Solidarity & Trust for A New Day) is a grassroots advocacy movement dedicated and committed to the complete transformation of Liberia into an economically, politically, and militarily strong nation led by God-fearing men and women unencumbered by the divisive, destructive politics of the past.  The Movement STAND has a central leadership headed by Mr. Thomas Q. Harris, a reputable Liberian national residing in the USA; Mulbah K. Morlu, Jr. is Executive Director of the organization’s Liberia office.