UNICCO Digest: 2003

Here is a collection of all the Digest articles from 2003.

Liberia peace force reaches rebel towns

December 31, 2003 - BBC
United Nations peacekeeping troops in Liberia have advanced into two major rebel-held towns for the first time.
(Full Story)

Liberia 'not safe for refugees'

December 30, 2003 - BBC

Most parts of Liberia are still too dangerous for the hundreds of thousands of refugees to return home, a United Nations official says.
(Full Story)

Libya: Tough gateway to Europe

December 30, 2003 - BBC

Libya's proximity to Italy means it has long been a destination for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa seeking a better life.
(Full Story)

Uproar over Kenya leader's decree

December 30, 2003 - BBC

Members of Kenya's ruling coalition have rebelled against the president's plans to scrap its constituent parties.
(Full Story)

Nigeria ministers on bribe charge

December 30, 2003 -BBC

Three former ministers and two officials have been charged with corruption in connection with a $214m contract to produce identity cards.
(Full Story)

Liberia: UN Troops Enter Lurd Territory At Second Attempt

December 29, 2003 - UN Integrated Regional Information Networks

UN peacekeeping troops set up their first base within territory controlled by the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD)
(Full Story)

UN Peacekeepers Move Into Rebel Area for First Time

December 29, 2003 - United Nations (New York)

The UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) has made its first military move into an area controlled by the Liberians United for Reconciliation
(Full Story)

Benin air crash dead flown home

December 29, 2003 - BBC

The bodies of 77 Lebanese victims of a Christmas air crash in the West African state of Benin have arrived in Lebanon on a French military plane.
(Full Story)

Papal envoy shot dead in Burundi

December 29, 2003 - BBC

The Vatican's ambassador to Burundi has been shot dead in an ambush the army has blamed on the country's rebels.
(Full Story)

UN warns Liberian rebel grouping

December 27, 2003 - BBC

The United Nations has warned Liberia's Lurd rebels not to prevent the latest deployment of peacekeepers..
(Full Story)

Overloading blamed for air crash

December 27, 2003 - BBC

Lebanon says overloading may have caused Thursday's plane crash in Benin that killed over 130 people, many of them Lebanese residents of West Africa.
(Full Story)

LIBERIA: LURD blocks UN deployment to Tubmanburg

December 26, 2003 - UN NEWS Service

MONROVIA, 26 Dec 2003 (IRIN) - The LURD rebel group has prevented UN peacekeepers from entering the town of Tubmanburg,
(Full Story)

UN peacekeepers in Liberia set to expand into rebel strongholds

December 26, 2003 - UN NEWS Service

The United Nations peacekeeping force in Liberia will deploy troops to three rebel strongholds in the next few days and should have most of the country covered by the end of January, the Force Commander said today
(Full Story)

Airliner crash kills 135 in Benin

December 26, 2003 -BBC

At least 135 people were killed as a plane plunged into the sea off the West African state of Benin on Thursday.
(Full Story)

Liberian rebels deny UN peacekeepers passage to begin disarmament

December 25, 2003 - Agence France-Presse (AFP)

MONROVIA, Dec 25 (AFP) - UN peacekeepers were denied passage Thursday into rebel territory in Liberia to lay the groundwork for a campaign to disarm fighters from the west African state's main rebel group, a rebel commander said.
(Full Story)

Liberia: Unmil Extends Deployment As More Troops Arrive

December 24, 2003 -United Nations High Commission for Refugees

The UN peacekeeping force in Liberia will deploy troops to the rebel strongholds of Buchanan, Tubmanburg and Gbarnga in the next few days
(Full Story)

Madagascar's ex-PM jailed

December 24, 2003 - BBC

Madagascar's former prime minister has been sentenced to 12 years hard labour and fined $7m for abuse of office.
(Full Story)

Ivorian rebels to rejoin cabinet

December 22, 2003 -BBC

Rebels in Ivory Coast say they will return to a power-sharing government they left in September.
(Full Story)

COTE D IVOIRE: Rebels announce their return to government

December 22, 2003 - IRIN NEWS

ABIDJAN, 22 Dec 2003 (IRIN) - Rebels occupying the north of Cote d'Ivoire said on Monday they had agreed to return to the country's government of national reconciliation, three months after they walked out in protest at President Laurent Gbagbo's failure to implement fully a peace agreement signed in January.
(Full Story)

LIBERIA: FAO appeals for $2m for seeds and tools

December 22, 2003 - IRIN NEWS

ABIDJAN, 22 Dec 2003 (IRIN) - United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has appealed for US $2 million of aid to urgently supply 700 tonnes of rice seeds and tools to 70,000 farming families so they can start growing their own food.
(Full Story)

GUINEA: Little enthusiasm for election with guaranteed outcome

December 22, 2003 - IRIN NEWS

CONAKRY, 21 Dec 2003 (IRIN) - Guineans voted peacefully but without much enthusiasm on Sunday in a presidential election whose guaranteed outcome is the return of the head of state, Lansana Conte, for a further seven years in power - if failing health allows him to survive that long.
(Full Story)

Confusion in Washington: Who Runs the Liberian Embassy (Part III)

December 21, 2003 - The Perspective

"I am not aware of any letter of recall sent to Mr. Abdullah Dunbar and when we get back home, I will look into the issue and find out who wrote such a letter," the Minister of Foreign Affairs said when he spoke to us from Accra, Ghana where he was attending the annual ECOWAS Summit.
(Full Story)

Displaced Liberians Returning Home

December 19, 2003 -United Nations High Commission for Refugees (Geneva)

In Liberia, the relocation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) started this morning from the SKD stadium, 15 kms east of Monrovia. We expect some 1,500 IDPs should be relocated today to six.
(Full Story)

Warring Parties Formalise Demands for More Jobs in Government

December 19, 2003 -UN Integrated Regional Information Networks

The three warring parties in Liberia have formalised a joint demand for more top jobs in the country's transitional government, pushing aside the nominees of several unarmed political parties and civil society organisations.
(Full Story)

Grand Gedeans ask Faction Leaders to Honor Peace Accord

December 18, 2003 - Press Release

The Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas, Inc. was shocked by news of the three warring factions to the Liberian conflict walking out of the inaugural meeting of the National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration.
(Full Story)

December 18, 2003 -UN Integrated Regional Information Networks

Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi saw off 1,800 peacekeepers on Wednesday who are being deployed to war-torn Liberia.
(Full Story)

Reconstruction Conference On Liberia to Convene in February

December 17, 2003 -UN Integrated Regional Information Networks

The United Nations and the US government will host an international donors conference in New York on February 3 and 4 to seek funding for the reconstruction of Liberia, a senior UN official in Liberia said on Wednesday.
(Full Story)

Nigeria's fatal anti-bullet test

December 17, 2003 - BBC

A traditional healer in Nigeria has died after an anti-bullet charm he prepared failed a potency test.
(Full Story)

Healing Sierra Leone's scars

December 17, 2003 - BBC

Former Focus on Africa editor Robin White gives his impressions of a country trying to rebuild itself since the end of civil war in 2002.
(Full Story)

Unmil Seeks Cross Border Cooperation to Stem Arms Flow

December 16, 2003 -UN Integrated Regional Information Networks

The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) said on Wednesday it was talking with the authorities in neighbouring countries to prevent Liberian combatants from crossing the border with their weapons to escape disarmament.
(Full Story)

Registration of 7,000 IDPs Begins

December 16, 2003 - Unitted Nations High Commission for Refugees (Geneva)

UNHCR teams in Liberia will today start the registration of some 7,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in SKD Stadium, 15 kms east of Monrovia.
(Full Story)

Why Nigeria Won't Hand Over Taylor for Trial, By Speaker

December 16, 2003 - Vanguard (Lagos)

SPEAKER of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari yesterday gave reasons why Nigeria will not handover the former Liberian President, Mr. Charles Taylor for trial by the international war tribunal, sitting in Sierra Leone.
(Full Story)

Sierra Leone: UN Mission Steps Up Border Patrols Against Infiltration From Liberia

December 16, 2003 - United Nations (New York)

The United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) has stepped up around-the-clock air, land and river patrols along the West African country's borders with Guinea and Liberia to prevent illegal infiltration resulting from efforts to disarm former combatants in Liberia's civil wars.
(Full Story)

Hope for better malaria vaccine

December 15, 2003 - BBC

Human trials of a new type of malaria vaccine are planned for next year after encouraging results in mice.
(Full Story)

Liberia disarmament 'too popular'

December 15, 2003 - BBC

The United Nations has ordered a pause in the Liberian disarmament process after more fighters wanted to hand in their weapons than was anticipated.
(Full Story)

UNMIL Suspends Disarmament Wednesday

December 15, 2003 -United Nations (New York)

The disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration (DDRR) program which commenced on December 7, 2003 with former Government of Liberia combatants at the Camp Scheiffelin Military Barracks is expected to be temporarily suspended by the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).
(Full Story)

Sierra Leone: UN Mission Steps Up Border Patrols Against Infiltration From Liberia

December 15, 2003 -United Nations (New York)

A private United Kingdom based military firm, Northbridge Services Group, has indicated its intention to capture former Liberian President Charles Taylor and deliver him to United Nations war crimes tribunal in Sierra Leone.
(Full Story)

Dr. Nya Kwiawon Taryor Calls for Peace, Unity in Nimba County

December 12, 2003 - UNICCO Digest

When we unite as a people, we are made strong.
When we unite as a people, strong success is sure.
(Full Story)

Liberian Child Soldiers Still Make Trouble Without Guns

December 12, 2003 - UN Integrated Regional Information Networks

When relief workers set up Jembe refugee camp in Sierra Leone to house people fleeing from civil war in neighbouring Liberia, it never occurred to them that children would become the biggest headache.
(Full Story)

UK Firm Seeks to Kidnap Taylor

December 12, 2003 - The NEWS (Monrovia)

A private United Kingdom based military firm, Northbridge Services Group, has indicated its intention to capture former Liberian President Charles Taylor and deliver him to United Nations war crimes tribunal in Sierra Leone.
(Full Story)

Massive Turn Out for Disarmament Following US$75 Offer

December 12, 2003 - The NEWS (Monrovia)

The US$75.00 initial incentive offered by the United Nations Mission in Liberia(UNMIL) has rejuvenated enthusiasm for the disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration(DDRR) program for more than 40,000 combatants.
(Full Story)

Ivory Coast TV attack 'repulsed'

December 11, 2003 - BBC

The US$75.00 initial incentive offered by the United Nations Mission in Liberia(UNMIL) has rejuvenated enthusiasm for the disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration(DDRR) program for more than 40,000 combatants.
(Full Story)

Massive Turn Out for Disarmament Following US$75 Offer

December 12, 2003 - The NEWS (Monrovia)
The US$75.00 initial incentive offered by the United Nations Mission in Liberia(UNMIL) has rejuvenated enthusiasm for the disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration(DDRR) program for more than 40,000 combatants.
(Full Story)

Ivory Coast TV attack 'repulsed'

December 12, 2003 - BBC

The US$75.00 initial incentive offered by the United Nations Mission in Liberia(UNMIL) has rejuvenated enthusiasm for the disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration(DDRR) program for more than 40,000 combatants.
(Full Story)

Firm seeks Charles Taylor bounty

December 11, 2003 - BBC

A private UK-based military firm says it is looking for an investor to fund an operation to seize indicted former Liberian President Charles Taylor.
(Full Story)

Holding the Factions Accountable

December 11, 2003 -The NEWS (Monrovia)

IN ADDITION TO the destruction of properties and the disruption of the disarmament process this week, at least one woman has reportedly been
(Full Story

Reps' Panel Wants Taylor Sent to Interpol

December 11, 2003 - Daily Champion (Lagos)

IHOUSE of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs has asked the Presidency to hand over ex-Liberian President, Mr. Charles Taylor, to the International Police Organisation (INTERPOL) immediately.
(Full Story)

Disarmament Day One: Lessons Learn

December 11, 2003 -The NEWS (Monrovia)

appears that anything that could have gone wrong on the first day of disarmament did go wrong. A large number of disgruntled militias belonging to the defunct Government of Liberia were seen on the ELWA
(Full Story)

What the Warlords Say

December 11, 2003 -The NEWS (Monrovia)

The last weekend in November assumed a disquietude with the news that warring factions representatives walked out of a meeting with United Nations officials at which time issues related to disarmament, demobilization
(Full Story)

Lawlessness Creeping in Monrovia: Nigerian Ambassador Car Damaged, Money Exchanger Victimized

December 11, 2003 -The NEWS (Monrovia)

Lawlessness is again creeping into Monrovia as several combatants of the defunct government of Liberia have been brandishing their weapons and at the same time harassing innocent civilians.
(Full Story)

Unmil Blamed for Disorder -Youth Group Says Disarmament Key to Regional Stability

December 11, 2003 -The NEWS (Monrovia)

A local youth group, National Youth Movement for Transparent Elections (NAYMOTE) says it holds the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) accountable for the wave of recent disorder and destruction which characterized the primary phase of the disarmament program in Liberia
(Full Story)

Unmil Strength Under Test As Fighters Go On the Rampage; New Disarmament Schedule Released

December 11, 2003 -The NEWS (Monrovia)

The strength of the United Nations Mission in Liberia(UNMIL), and the popularity of the UN Secretary General Special Representative Jacques Paul Klein are being tested by fighters of the Government of exiled President
(Full Story)

Nine Shot Dead in Monrovia Riots

December10, 2003 - UN Integrated Regional Information Networks

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan expressed his concerns today about disturbances in Liberia
(Full Story)

UN Secretary-General Expresses Concerns At Disturbances in Liberia

December10, 2003 - United Na tions (New York)

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan expressed his concerns today about disturbances in Liberia since the formal launch at the weekend of the West African country's disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and rehabilitation (DDRR) programme.
(Full Story)

Clashes erupt in Liberian capital

December10, 2003 -BBC

At least nine people have been killed in the Liberian capital, Monrovia, in the worst violence since United Nations peacekeepers arrived in August.
(Full Story)

Combatants Open Fire in Paynesville in Demand for Cash

December 9, 2003 -The NEWS (Monrovia)

Hundreds of combatants loyal to the former Government of exiled President Charles Taylor on Monday staged a protest in the Paynesville suburbs of Monrovia with sporadic gun fire into the air.
(Full Story)

Former Fighters in Second Day of Riots, UNMIL Offers Initial Payment

December 9, 2003 - UN Integrated Regional Information Networks

Hundreds of former Liberian government fighters angry that they were not given cash in exchange for guns at the start of disarmament, rioted for the second day in the capital Monrovia, firing sporadically into the air and setting off panic across the eastern suburbs of Paynesville and Sinkor.
(Full Story)

Be Careful Who You Elect - Klein Cautions Liberians

December 9, 2003 -The NEWS (Monrovia)

Although General and Presidential elections scheduled for October 2005 may seem far ahead, the United Nations Mission in Liberia (NUMIL) has cautioned Liberians to be careful who they choose to lead them.
(Full Story)

Chinese Advanced Team Due Tomorrow for Peacekeeping Operations

December 9, 2003 -The NEWS (Monrovia)

A 60-man advanced team from the People's Republic of China is expected to arrive here tomorrow on board three large aircrafts.
(Full Story)

Human Rights Observer Wants Tradevco Re-Opened

December 9, 2003 -The NEWS (Monrovia)

The Liberia Human Rights Observer has called on the Central Bank of Liberia to prevail on the Tradevco Management to reopen its doors to the public.
(Full Story)

Rebels Attack Japanese Journalist, Notebook Confiscated

December 9, 2003 - Media Foundation for West Africa (Accra)

On December 5 2003, Kenji Kato, a reporter for the Japanese 'Yomuri Shimbun' newspaper who is on assignment in Liberia, was assaulted by rebels of the Liberia United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD).
(Full Story)

Problems Persist

December 9, 2003 - Cameroon Tribune (Yaoundé)

Hundreds of soldiers handed in their weapons on Sunday at the official launch of a UN-sponsored disarmament programme in Liberia.
(Full Story)

Political Parties Want War Crimes Tribunal - for Warring Factions

December 8, 2003 - The NEWS (Monrovia)

Registered Political Parties in the Country have called on the United Nations to set up a War Crime Tribunal in Liberia in order to check human rights abuses and crimes against humanity allegedly committed by warring factions.
(Full Story)

Lurd Sabotages DDRR Attempts --Says Jacques Klein, But

December 8, 2003 - The NEWS (Monrovia)

UN Special Representative Jacques Klein yesterday alleged that attempts to set up cantonment sites in LURD control areas was sabotaged by that faction, but the Chief of Staff of LURD, one Gen. Sheriff countered that his organization does not know who to disarm to and the site for the disarmament of its fighters.
(Full Story)

Hundreds of Fighters Hand in Guns As Disarmament Starts

December 8, 2003 - UN Integrated Regional Information Networks

Hundreds of Liberian fighters handed in their guns to United Nations peacekeepers at Schieffelin camp, 35 km southeast of the capital, Monrovia, as the formal disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of an estimated 40,000 combatants got underway.
(Full Story)

Former Government Fighters Riot During Demobilisation

December 8, 2003 - UN Integrated Regional Information Networks

A day after the United Nations-supervised disarmament of Liberian fighters started, former government fighters on Monday shot in the air, looted shops and beat up people in the eastern Paynesville suburbs of the capital, Monrovia, in a riot over money.
(Full Story)

From Nigeria, Charles Taylor Continues His Plundering of Liberia, Diverted All Maritime Funds--UN Panel

December 6, 2003 - New Democrat

The full extent of how Charles Taylor orchestrated a massive stealing ring in wide ranging of schemes in his near 6-years rule is slowly being documented.
(Full Story)

UN Panel on Liberia’s “Partners in corruption”: How Taylor & Co. Plundered the Economy

December 6, 2003 - New Democrat

The UN Panel of Experts on Liberia has discovered wide-ranging theft of funds under exiled and indicted war criminal former President Charles Taylor.
(Full Story)

Charles Taylor: Federal Government Dares Interpol

December 5, 2003 -Daily Trust (Abuja)

The federal government has stated categorically that it would not hand Charles Taylor who is on asylum in Nigeria over to Interpol after the police body issued a global notice for the arrest of the former Liberian president.
(Full Story)

UNMIL Retrains First Batch of Liberian Police

December 5, 2003 - UN Integrated Regional Information Networks

The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) on Friday completed the training of 20 Liberian police officers and deployed them alongside UN police in various areas of the capital, Monrovia
(Full Story)

Ivorian rebels 'to give up arms'

December 4, 2003 - BBC

The president of Ivory Coast has said rebels in the north of the country will begin disarming later this month.
(Full Story)

Charles Taylor wanted by Interpol

December 4, 2003 - BBC

International police body Interpol has issued a global notice for the arrest of former Liberian President Charles Taylor, currently in exile in Nigeria.
(Full Story)

LURD Drops Threat to Hold Up Disarmament

December 3, 2003 - UN Integrated Regional Information Networks

Liberia's main rebel movement, Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD), has dropped its threat to hold up the process of disarmament until its demand for more top jobs in government has been met.
(Full Story)

Army Announces Programme On Liberian Operation

December 3, 2003 - Daily Trust (Abuja)

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Alexanda Ogomudia, has said the army is planning strategic operations to ensure maximum peace and security in Liberia.
(Full Story)

ICRC Uses Airstrip to Relaunch Operations in Lofa County

December 2, 2003 - UN Integrated Regional Information Networks

The International Committee of the Red Cross said it has rehabilitated the airstrip in the northern town of Voinjama near the frontier with Guinea in order to support a series of new health and water projects in Lofa county.
(Full Story)

ICRC Uses Airstrip to Relaunch Operations in Lofa County

December 2, 2003 - UN Integrated Regional Information Networks

The International Committee of the Red Cross said it has rehabilitated the airstrip in the northern town of Voinjama near the frontier with Guinea in order to support a series of new health and water projects in Lofa county.
(Full Story)

UN Launches Disarmament, But Rebels Hold On to Guns

December 2, 2003 - UN Integrated Regional Information Networks

The United Nations formally launched a disarmament campaign in Liberia on Monday, with two of the three warring factions insisting that they would not hand in their guns until a row over government jobs was settled.
(Full Story)

UN Mission Kicks Off Disarmament Programme in Liberian Capital

December 2, 2003 - United Nations (New York)

The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) today formally launched its programme of disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration (DDRR), which it hopes will bring security and hope to the war-ravaged West African country.
(Full Story)

Brumskine Calls for Governor's Resignation

December 1, 2003 - The NEWS (Monrovia)

Presidential hopeful Cllr. Charles Brumskine says the continued presence of Mr. Elie Saleeby as Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia violates the spirit and intent of the Accra Accord and as such, he should resign.
(Full Story)

Int'l Firm to Audit Maritime, Others

December 1, 2003 - The NEWS (Monrovia)

An international firm is expected is to conduct audits for five key revenue generating agencies of Government.
(Full Story)

Jacques Klein Flies to Guinea

December 1, 2003 - The NEWS (Monrovia)

United Nations Secretary General Special Representative to Liberia Jacques Paul Klein yesterday flew to the Guinean Capitol of Conakry, Soren Seraydarian, the Deputy to Jacques Klein told this reporters at the regular weekly briefing on Wednesday.
(Full Story)

Parties Must Resume Talks Immediately -US Ambassador Urges

December 1, 2003 - The NEWS (Monrovia)

Hours after representatives of warring parties walked out of the meeting on disarmament, United States Ambassador John William Blaney called on them to immediately resume the talks on disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration (DDRR) with the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).
(Full Story)

UN Executive Calls Zero Tolerance -On Violence Against Women

December 1, 2003 - The NEWS (Monrovia)

THE United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid has called for a massive and systematic response to the massive and systematic violations of women's human rights.
(Full Story)

LIBERIA: US envoy asked to intervene in disarmament dispute

November 28, 2003 - IRIN NEWS

MONROVIA, 28 Nov 2003 (IRIN) - Gyude Bryant, the leader of Liberia's transitional government, has asked US ambassador John Blaney to persuade the former warring parties in the country to allow a UN-supervised process of disarmament to start as planned next week, a senior government source said on Friday.
(Full Story)

Dozens of arrests in Guinea army

November 27, 2003 - BBC

Dozens of soldiers are reported to have been arrested and detained in several locations in Guinea's capital, Conakry.
(Full Story)

LIBERIA: Warring factions walk out of disarmament talks

November 27, 2003 - IRIN NEWS

MONROVIA, 27 Nov 2003 (IRIN) - The three warring parties in Liberia walked out of talks on disarmament with the United Nations on Thursday after demanding dozens more government jobs in return for handing in their guns.
(Full Story)

'Faulty plane' killed Zambia team

November 27, 2003 - Daily Champion (Lagos)

An official report into the 1993 plane crash which killed 18 members of Zambia's football team has blamed a mechanical fault in the left engine.
(Full Story)

Taylor's Asylum Blocks Return of Abacha Loot - Senate Committee Chairman Jibril Aminu

November 26, 2003 - Daily Champion (Lagos)

CHAIRMAN of Senate Committee on foreign affairs, Prof. Jibril Aminu has declared that Nigeria's bid to retrieve millions of dollars stashed abroad by the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha may fail.
(Full Story)

Handover Taylor to UN - Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Jubril Aminu Tells Obasanjo

November 26, 2003 - Daily Trust (Abuja)

The chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Professor Jibril Aminu, has urged the federal government to hand the former Liberian president, Mr Charles Taylor, over to the United Nations tribunal to face war crime charges.
(Full Story)

Bryant’s $150,000 vs. The EU’s $100,000

November 25, 2003 - New Democrat

Liberia’s managing director of its electricity company recently told the BBC it would take three years to provide electricity for Monrovia regardless of funds available.
(Full Story)

Obasanjo Throws Taylor’s Fate on Bryant

November 25, 2003 - New Democrat

Nigeria’s President Olusegun Obasanjo says he is prepared to turn exiled former Liberian Charles Taylor over trial if the transitional regime in Monrovia requests, according to US National Public Radio.
(Full Story)

Peace Hasn't Stopped Gunmen Abusing Civilians - Amnesty

November 25, 2003 - UN Integrated Regional Information Networks

Amnesty International has warned that three months after the signing of a peace agreement in Liberia, gunmen are still killing and raping civilians and driving them from their homes, despite the presence of a United Nations peacekeeping force in the country.
(Full Story)

140 Irish Troops Join UN Mission in Liberia

November 25, 2003 - Vanguard (Lagos)

AN advance team of 140 Irish troops has arrived in Liberia to join the UN mission to the war-ravaged West African state, a UN spokeswoman said yesterday.
(Full Story)

UN Survey Finds 249,000 Living On the Edge in Monrovia

November 24, 2003 - UN Integrated Regional Information Networks

A UN survey of living conditions in the Liberian capital Monrovia shows that a quarter of a million people, impoverished and made homeless by war are living precariously, with most eating just one meal a day.
(Full Story)

Liberian Leader Discusses Border Security With Gbagbo

November 24, 2003 - UN Integrated Regional Information Networks

Liberia's transitional leader, Gyude Bryant, held talks with President Laurent Gbagbo of Cote d'Ivoire on Monday about security along the two countries' troubled border.
(Full Story)

Taylor: a Dinosaur Reduced to an Ant

November 24, 2003 -Weekly Trust (Kaduna)

Two events happened in the African continent in the month of August that could not be wished away as mere coincidence. Two Africans, thousands of kilometres apart into two distinct settings and unrelated cultureS, had their destinies interwoven by fate.
(Full Story)

Monrovia Gets Mains Electricity for First Time in 10 Years

November 24, 2003 - UN Integrated Regional Information Networks

Children danced in the streets of the Liberian capital Monrovia on Friday night and cars flashed their blinker lights in celebration after mains electricity was restored to part of the city for the first time in 10 years.
(Full Story)

The missing medics in Botswana's Aids battle

November 22, 2003 - BBC

The International Monetary Fund has resumed aid to Kenya after a three-year gap and approved a loan of $250m.
(Full Story)

IMF unfreezes key funds for Kenya

November 22, 2003 - BBC

The International Monetary Fund has resumed aid to Kenya after a three-year gap and approved a loan of $250m.
(Full Story)

A Prominent Nimba Citizen Warns Liberian Speaker George Dweh

November 22, 2003 - Commentary

George Dweh, stop the misinformation and halt your groups from carrying on the mayhem in Nimba County and other parts of Liberia..
(Full Story)

UNICCO MINNESOTA SUPPORTS UNICCO'S POSITION ON DEVELOPMENTS IN NIMBA

November 22, 2003 - Postion Statement

We, the members and officers of UNICO (United Nimba Citizens Council) Minnesota Chapter, United States of America, have received with grave concern numerous reports of continuous hostilities by armed factions in Liberia, specifically in Nimba County
(Full Story)

Genocide book reveals West's failure

November 21, 2003 - BBC

The BBC's Mark Doyle, who covered the genocide in Rwanda, reviews Shake Hands with the Devil, by Lieutenant-General Romeo Dallaire, Commander of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Rwanda during the 1994 genocide, during which an estimated 800,000 people were killed.
(Full Story)

LURD Rebels, Militias Clash in Kpain - Displaced Flee to Ganta

November 21, 2003 - The NEWS (Monrovia)

The Militias loyal to former President Charles Taylor and rebels of the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) have reportedly clashed around the northen townships of Kpain, Nimba County.
(Full Story)

COTE D IVOIRE: Gbagbo-De Villepin to talk peace in Gabon

November 21, 2003 - Irin News

ABIDJAN, 21 Nov 2003 (IRIN) - Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo and France’s foreign minister, Laurent de Villepin are due in Libreville, Gabon, on Friday to try to hammer out an agreement on how best to restore peace and stability to the country.
(Full Story)

LIBERIA: Catholic church wants a war crimes court for lawless fighters

November 20, 2003 - Irin News

MONROVIA, 20 Nov 2003 (IRIN) - The Liberian Catholic Church founded Justice and Peace Commission (JPC) has said a war crimes court should be established to prosecute armed Liberian groups for gross human rights abuses committed after the signing of the country’s peace agreement on 18 August in Ghana
(Full Story)

Catholic Archbishop Francis Warns Against Silence In Liberia

November 20, 2003 - The Perspective

Catholic Archbishop Michael Kpakala Francis has called on Liberians to desist from the culture of silence. He said, as we approach the new year, Liberians must speak without fear to change the trend of events unfolding in the country.
(Full Story)

LIBERIA: UN appeals for $137 m for war ravaged Liberia

November 20, 2003 - Irin News

MONROVIA, 20 Nov 2003 (IRIN) - The United Nations in Liberia asked donors on Thursday to provide US $137 million in 2004 to support efforts by humanitarian agencies to reverse the impact of a 14-year civil war that has ravaged the West African country .
(Full Story)

Diarrhea Kills 10 in Nimba - 25,000 IDPs Flee Fighting

November 20, 2003 - The NEWS (Monrovia)

Amidst the upsurge of fighting in Northern Liberia, there are reports that at least 10 persons have died, not from bullets, but due to the outbreaks of diarrhea in Nimba County.
(Full Story)

Halt Logging for 10 Years - Lawmaker Recommends

November 19, 2003 - The NEWS (Monrovia)

A member of the Transitional Legislative Assembly (TLA) has recommended that a moratorium be placed on logging activities in the Country for at least ten years to enable the Liberian Government assess its bio-diversity programs.
(Full Story)

On US$250,000.00 Check Controversy: 'Man of God' Speaks Out Today

November 19, 2003 - The NEWS (Monrovia)

The egg could be burst today as Executives of the Liberia For Jesus (LFJ) are once again under pressure.
(Full Story)

Lebanese Business License Revoked

November 19, 2003 - The NEWS (Monrovia)

The Ministry of Commerce has revoked the Business Registration Certificate of the International Associates Services, a Lebanese-owned transport agency.
(Full Story)

Dutch Navy Ship to Support Peacekeepers

November 19, 2003 - UN Integrated Regional Information Networks

A Dutch navy ship, the Rotterdam, arrived in Liberia on Tuesday on a three month mission to provide support for the deployment of United Nations peacekeepers by sea into rural Liberia, the ship commander said.
(Full Story)

Concerned Nimba Citizens Warn Liberian Rebels

November 18, 2003 - Press Release

We, the citizens of Nimba County residing in the Americas, are distressed and disheartened by the consistent and persistent news of genocide and the systematic destruction of our cities, hometowns, and villages by the rebel forces in Liberia.
(Full Story)

Arthur B. Dennis Condemns Renewed Armed Hostilities in Nimba”

November 18, 2003 - Press Release

A prominent Nimba citizen residing in the United States has strongly condemned the recent renewed armed hostilities in Nimba between the former government militia and the Movement for Democracy in Liberia (MODEL).
(Full Story)

How Much is Charles Taylor Worth?

November 18, 2003 - Daily Champion (Lagos)

In order to obtain the actual happening of the pressing humanitarian situation and the reported atrocities and fighting in the embattled county of Nimba, Central Liberia, The INQUIRER Foreign News Editor, Josephus Moses Gray, last Friday ventured into that troubled part of the country to get accounts of the true picture of the general situation on the ground.
(Full Story)

South Africa Funds Taylor's Asylum With N140m

November 18, 2003 - Daily Champion (Lagos)

In order to obtain the actual happening of the pressing humanitarian situation and the reported atrocities and fighting in the embattled county of Nimba, Central Liberia, The INQUIRER Foreign News Editor, Josephus Moses Gray, last Friday ventured into that troubled part of the country to get accounts of the true picture of the general situation on the ground.
(Full Story)

Liberian Journalist Probes the Humanitarian Crisis in Nimba County

November 18, 2003 - The Perspective

In order to obtain the actual happening of the pressing humanitarian situation and the reported atrocities and fighting in the embattled county of Nimba, Central Liberia, The INQUIRER Foreign News Editor, Josephus Moses Gray, last Friday ventured into that troubled part of the country to get accounts of the true picture of the general situation on the ground.
(Full Story)

U.S.-Africa Ties, Boosted by Money for Liberia, Face New Complications Over Nigeria Sanction

November 18, 2003 - Allafrica.com

When Congress unexpectedly added $200 million in humanitarian assistance for Liberia to the Iraq bill adopted earlier this month, proponents hoped the action would signal a renewed U.S. commitment to Liberia that would be welcomed throughout Africa.
(Full Story)

Saying No To America’s $2M Bounty

November 17, 2003 - New Democrat

In the days of old, perhaps during the reins of Julius Caesar, the evils that men did was said to have been interred with their bones, but in this age of electronic wizardry and globalization, the evils that men do tend to robustly haunt them, even to their graves.
(Full Story)

Saying No To America’s $2M Bounty

November 17, 2003 - New Democrat

In the days of old, perhaps during the reins of Julius Caesar, the evils that men did was said to have been interred with their bones, but in this age of electronic wizardry and globalization, the evils that men do tend to robustly haunt them, even to their graves.
(Full Story)

Garlawulo Under Probe for Defending Taylor

November 17, 2003 - NEWS (Monrovia)

The leadership of the National Transitional Legislative Assembly(NTLA) has been mandate by that body to probe one of its colleagues, Francis Garlawulo, for defending exiled President Charles Taylor before the United Nations-backed Special Court in Sierra Leone.
(Full Story)

Help Maintain the Early Impression

November 17, 2003 - NEWS (Monrovia)

FEW DAYS FOLLOWING the French Government's pronouncement that it would "hardly" ask Liberia to repay debts owed it, the United States Government last week went a step further by granting a waiver of the Brook Amendment on Liberia.
(Full Story)

Adjust Operating Cost Downwards - DHL Tells Airport Management

November 17, 2003 - NEWS (Monrovia)

One of the world's leading express and logistics providers, DHL has called on the authorities of the Roberts International Airport (RIA) to adjust the operating cost downwards to encourage companies like it utilize the Airport more frequently.
(Full Story)

UNMIL Commander Orders Militias Disarmed Today

November 17, 2003 - NEWS (Monrovia)

The Force Commander of the United Nations Mission In Liberia (UNMIL) L./Gen. Daniel Opande has directed his troops to disarm more than 300 militias loyal to former President Charles Taylor along the Monrovia Buchanan highway.
(Full Story)

Lawyer Warns Against Voting for Rice

November 17, 2003 - NEWS (Monrovia)

The Executive Director of the Center for the Protection of Human Rights Attorney Dempster Brown has warned Liberians against exercising their franchise in return for rice.
(Full Story)

LPMC Wants Ex-Combatants to Serve As Buying Agents

November 17, 2003 - NEWS (Monrovia)

Liberia Produce Marketing Corporation (LPMC) Managing Director Isaiah A. Teasley, has said the entity would welcome ex-combatants to serve as buying agents during the current purchase season which has just started.
(Full Story)

UMIL Outlines Plan for Combatants

November 17, 2003 - NEWS (Monrovia)

United Nations Mission In Liberia's Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Operation and Rule of Law Souren Seraydarian has said that the process to disarm, demobilize, reintegrate and rehabilitate the combatants would deviate from that of 1994.
(Full Story)

US Lifts Restrictions On Liberia - Resumes Bilateral Links

November 17, 2003 - NEWS (Monrovia)

The United State Government has lifted bilateral aid restrictions on Liberia.
(Full Story)

Commercial Vehicles Venture to the North And Southeast

November 17, 2003 -UN Integrated Regional Information Networks

Commercial vehicles were making their first trips into previously inaccessible areas of northern and southeastern Liberia, opening up parts of the country which had been cut off for nine months by intensive fighting between government forces loyal to former president Charles Taylor and rebels.
(Full Story)

US Denies N260m Ransom On Taylor

November 14, 2003 - Daily Trust (Abuja)

The US has denied that it plans to offer a $2m (about N260m) bounty for the capture of Liberia's exiled former leader, Charles Taylor after a Bill approving an $87bn aid package for Iraq and Afghanistan included a reward for the arrest of "an indictee of the Special Court for Sierra Leone".
(Full Story)

African Development Bank Approves a Humanitarian Emergency Grant of $500,000 US in Favour of Liberia

November 14, 2003 - Accra Mail (Accra)

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (ADB) approved in Tunis on Tuesday, 11 November 2003, a humanitarian emergency grant of 500,000 US dollars in favour of Liberia.
(Full Story)

LIBERIA: UNMIL disarms former government fighters in Buchanan

November 14, 2003 - IRIN

ABIDJAN, 14 Nov 2003 (IRIN) - Hundreds of Liberian militia men loyal to former president Charles Taylor were being disarmed by UN peacekeepers near the port city of Buchanan on Friday after they clashed with rebel forces on the road to the capital Monrovia, a military spokesman for the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) said.
(Full Story)

Nailing Rebel Leaders for Continued Fighting

November 14, 2003 - New Democrat

Ongoing mayhem in Nimba County, where 10,000 people have been displaced, and the unstoppable anarchy other parts of the country, in which rebels and fugitive President Charles Taylor’s militias have resumed their looting sprees, indicate a fundamental flaw in the agreement that propelled rebel chiefs and politicians to power.
(Full Story)

Can Bryant Survive Endemic Corruption Virus?

November 14, 2003 - New Democrat

Charles Gyude Bryant, in his inaugural address, promised greed and corruption would be a thing of the past, and that his regime is designed to serve Liberians if others before it have not.. These were unusual words in a country that has made its peace with stealing in government at every level.
(Full Story)

LIBERIA: UN police chief outlines plans to revive Liberian force

November 13, 2003 -IRIN

MONROVIA, 12 Nov 2003 (IRIN) - Mark Kroeker, the commander of a United Nations police force charged with totally revamping Liberia's discredited law enforcement agencies, said on Wednesday he would conduct a comprehensive assessment of the country's policing needs before deciding how to proceed.
(Full Story)

LIBERIA: UN says no amnesty for war crimes after 8 October

November 13, 2003 -IRIN

MONROVIA, 12 Nov 2003 (IRIN) - The deputy head of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) said on Wednesday that he had warned the country's warring factions that violations of the August peace agreement would not be tolerated and there would be no amnesty for war crimes committed after 8 October.
(Full Story)

LIBERIA: UNMIL tells fighters to return looted vehicles

November 13, 2003 -IRIN

MONROVIA, 13 Nov 2003 (IRIN) - The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) has once more demanded that armed groups in the country return vehicles and other equipment looted from relief agencies during recent fighting.
(Full Story)

Renovation Works Begin At Capitol
…China Pledges Support

November 13, 2003 - The Perspective

As renovation works begin at the Capitol, the People’s Republic of China has pledged its preparedness in providing supply of office materials to enhance the process.
(Full Story)

Fighting In Buchanan

November 13, 2003 - The Perspective

Reports that filtered in the capital from the port city of Buchanan yesterday, gave a sketchy account of fighting in that political seat of Grand Bassa County.
(Full Story)

Fighters Terrorizing Bong Residents

November 13, 2003 - The Perspective

Fighters of the Liberian crisis are said to be terrorizing and subjecting residents of Bong county to severe hardship and untold sufferings.
(Full Story)

US denies Charles Taylor bounty

November 13, 2003 - BBC

Washington denies it has plans to offer a $2m bounty for the capture of Liberia's exiled former leader, Charles Taylor.
(Full Story)

Sirleaf to Chair Commission on Good Governance: 'We Can't Slip Back'

Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf

November12, 2003 - Allafrica.com

As part of the Liberian peace process agreed to during negotiations earlier this year in Ghana, Gyude Bryant, who chairs Liberia's interim government, has asked Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to head a 'commission on good governance' to help monitor the transition.
(Full Story)

Liberia: Relief activities resume in Buchanan after shoot-out

November 12, 2003 - UN OCHA Integrated Regional Information Network

MONROVIA, 12 November (IRIN) - Relief agencies resumed plying the road to Liberia's second city Buchanan on Wednesday after a shootout between former government fighters and rebels on Tuesday forced them to suspend activities for 24 hours.
(Full Story)

Liberia: 10,000 displaced by skirmishes in Nimba County

November 12, 2003 - UN OCHA Integrated Regional Information Network

MONROVIA, 12 November (IRIN) - Relief agencies resumed plying the road to Liberia's second city Buchanan on Wednesday after a shootout between former government fighters and rebels on Tuesday forced them to suspend activities for 24 hours.
(Full Story)

LIBERIA: UN sending aid to displaced civilians in Saclepea

November 11, 2003 IRIN NEWS

MONROVIA, 11 Nov 2003 (IRIN) - The United Nations plans to send an aid convoy carrying food,blankets and other relief items to Nimba County in north-central Liberia on Thursday to help more than 10,000 people have been displaced from their homes by recent fighting, Abou Moussa, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Liberia, said.
(Full Story)

Peace a tough sell in rural Liberia

November 11, 2003 - BBC

A view of Tappeta City today - BBC

The commander of the United Nations peacekeepers in Liberia has promised to send troops back to Nimba County in the north-east after visiting there at the end of last week.
(Full Story)

Liberia in The Eyes of Others: The Land of Simple Minds, Greedy Politicians and “Undesirables” in Govt: The ICG Report

November11, 2003 - New Democrat

The Brussels-based International Crisis Group’s (ICG‘s) latest Liberia report is revealing for its findings, recommendations, observations and perception of Liberians along with their uncertain future.
(Full Story)

Grand Gedeh Assoc. urges warring factions to honor the peace agreement

November11, 2003 - Press Release

The Grand Gedeh Association in the Americas, Inc. was shocked by news of the three warring factions to the Liberian conflict walking out of the inaugural meeting of the National Commission for Disarmament,
(Full Story)

We'll Resist Kidnap Attempt On Taylor, Says Presidency

November11, 2003 - This Day (Lagos)

The presidency yesterday said it will regard as violation of territorial integrity of the nation any attempt by the United States government to sponsor a kidnap attempt on the person of former Liberian President Charles Taylor.
(Full Story)

Donors Urged to Support Liberia

November 11, 2003 - The NEWS (Monrovia)

The United Nations system in Liberia has underlined the need for a strong and concerted donor support for Liberia in order to ensure peace and sustained humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in the Country.
(Full Story)

Things Falling Apart At the Capitol

November 11, 2003 - The NEWS (Monrovia)

It appears that the political marriage that existed between the former Government of Liberia, Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy(LURD) and the Movement for Democracy in Liberia(MODEL) is breaking up at the National Transitional Legislative Assembly(NTLA).
(Full Story)

Liberia: 10,000 displaced by skirmishes in Nimba County

November10, 2003 - UN OCHA Integrated Regional Information Network

SACLEPEA, LIBERIA, 10 November (IRIN) - At least 10,000 civilians fleeing skirmishes between former government fighters and MODEL rebels in Nimba County in north central Liberia, have sought shelter in the relatively unscathed town of Saclepea, relief workers said on Monday.
(Full Story)

Hungry wait for Liberian peace

November 9, 2003 - BBC

Our world affairs correspondent, Mark Doyle, who has reported from Liberia many times in recent years, has returned there to see how ordinary people are coping with the aftermath of the 14-year civil war.
(Full Story)

Sao Tome's way to oil wealth

November 9, 2003 - BBC

A former Portuguese colony off the west coast of Africa, Sao Tome is one of the world's smallest and poorest countries. But as our correspondent Barnaby Phillips discovered, it is about to become a much more important place.
(Full Story)

Liberian Peacekeepers Find Dead Bodies in Deserted Towns in Nimba

November 8, 2003 -The Associated Press

TAPPETA, Liberia - The first U.N. peace missions to Liberia's rebel-held far east have found deserted towns emptied of all but looting insurgents, and terrorized civilians under rebel grip or lying rotting, dead, in the bush.
(Full Story)

Security Beefed Up Around Taylor in Calabar

November 8, 2003 -Vanguard (Lagos)

Security has been stepped up around former Liberian leader Charles Taylor's home in Calabar after the United States slapped a two million dollar bounty on his head, a source in his camp said yesterday.
(Full Story)

US 'offers Charles Taylor bounty'

November 8, 2003 - BBC

Security has been tightened around the compound in eastern Nigeria of the exiled former Liberian leader, Charles Taylor, following rumours the United States has posted a $2m bounty for his capture.
(Full Story)

Don't Undermine Liberianization Policy

November 7, 2003 - The NEWS (Monrovia)

ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2003, it leaked to this Paper that the Office of the Chairman of the National Transitional Government of Liberia(NTGL) is in the process of concluding a capital intensive contract with ZYTEC ENGINEERING LIMITED, A Ghanaian firm to supply, install and program all the computers that the Executive Mansion requires.
(Full Story)

I've No Regrets for Taking Up Arms -Foreign Minister-Designate

November 7, 2003 - The NEWS (Monrovia)

The man who is expected to articulate Liberia's foreign policy to the international community, rebel leader Thomas Nimley Yaya, says he has no regrets taking up arms to "liberate and defend" the Liberian people from the hands of individuals (including former President Charles Taylor) who suppressed them over the years.
(Full Story)

To Supply, Setup Computers

November 7, 2003 - The NEWS (Monrovia)

In his Inaugural Address as Chairman of the National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL) Charles Gyude Bryant assured that the Liberianization policy would be the fulcrum of his domestic economic program. He also pronounced that transparency and accountability would be adhered to, and that there would be no more "business as usual".
(Full Story)

U.N. Commander Tells Liberians to Halt Fighting

November 7, 2003 - Washington Post

TAPPITA, Liberia (Reuters) - The U.N.'s top soldier in Liberia Friday urged fighters in the volatile north to lay down their guns and stop fighting as he toured the West African nation's lawless interior.
(Full Story)

War Criminals Cannot Be Pardoned Unconditionally

November 7, 2003 -The Perspective ( A letter)

Kindly allow me to be a part of the ongoing debate, by publishing my conterview to that of Mr. Jonathan J. Williams, published on your site on November 6, 2003 under the caption: In Support Of A Truth And Reconciliation Commision
(Full Story)

A Symposium: On Paradoxes, Autocracy and the Betrayal of a Nation

November 7, 2003 -The Perspective

Samuel K. Doe [1980-1990]: We came to power on April 12, 1980 to extinguish political autocracy.
(Full Story)

US Offers Reward Money For Capture of Former Liberian Leader

November 7, 2003 - Voice of America

President Bush has authorized payment of $2 million in reward money for the capture of exiled former Liberian President Charles Taylor.
(Full Story)

UN maintains sanctions on Liberia

November 7, 2003 - BBC

The United Nations Security Council has decided to keep sanctions on Liberia, three months after the end of the devastating civil war
(Full Story)

UNICCO Decries Attacks and Destruction in Nimba County

November 6, 2003 - UNICCO PRESS RELEASE

The United Nimba Citizens' Council (UNICCO) is horrified by attacks on unarmed citizens resulting in deaths and massive destruction in Nimba County at the hands of forces belonging to the Movement for Democracy in Liberia
(Full Story)

Liberia's Taylor accused of looting funds in exile

November 6, 2003 - Reuters

UNITED NATIONS, Nov 6 (Reuters) - Former Liberian President Charles Taylor absconded with government money and has tried to loot revenues since he went into exile, says a U.N. panel monitoring sanctions against the West African nation.
(Full Story)

Liberia's Leader Apologizes for Role

November 6, 2003 - World AP Africa

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone - The head of Liberia (news - web sites)'s interim government apologized Thursday for his country's role in fueling a 10-year war in Sierra Leone — a gesture toward mending relations after the exile of indicted war criminal and ex-President Charles Taylor.
(Full Story)

WHY ARE WE FIGHTING?

November 6, 2003 - LIMANY (Commentary)

Nations tend to see the other side’s war atrocities as systemic and indicative of their culture while their own are justified or the acts of stressed out combatants-James Bradley.
(Full Story)

Interim Leader Lifts Ban On Star Radio

November 6, 2003 - Media Institute of Southern Africa (Windhoek)

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) and the Media Foundation of West Africa (MFWA), as a joint activity, will henceforth issue alerts, statements and appeals to highlight media freedom and wider human rights violations in West Africa.
(Full Story)

Klein Warns Against Continuing Skirmishes

November 6, 2003 - UN Integrated Regional Information Networks

The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General for Liberia, Jacques Paul Klein, has warned Liberian warring factions against continuing to fight each other and committing atrocities against civilians in Nimba county.
(Full Story)

UN Peacekeepers Open Major Highway to the North

November 5, 2003 - UN Integrated Regional Information Networks

United Nations peacekeepers in Liberia have opened the main highway leading from the capital, Monrovia, to Sanniquelle, the provincial headquarters of Nimba county in northern Liberia near the border with Guinea and Ivory Coast, the UN's Force Commander General Daniel Opande said.
(Full Story)

U.N. to Rebuild Liberian Police Force

November 5, 2003 - The Associated Press

The United Nations plans to rebuild Liberia's police force in a bid to root out corruption and help the African nation recover from war and political upheavals, the U.N. envoy to Liberia said Wednesday
(Full Story)

UN Mission Head Klein Urges New Government to Abolish Army

November 5, 2003 - UN Integrated Regional Information Networks

Jacques Klein, the head of the United Nations mission in Liberia, urged the country's transitional government on Wednesday to abolish the national army, saying soldiers only "play cards and plot coups."
(Full Story)

Guinea 'armed' Liberia's rebels

November 5, 2003 - BBC
New York-based watchdog Human Rights Watch has accused Guinea of supplying heavy weaponry to rebels in Liberia.
(Full Story)

Looted Liberia grinds to a halt

November 4, 2003 - BBC

Massive looting of public and private buildings during months of fighting in the Liberian capital, Monrovia, is preventing the new power-sharing administration from functioning properly.
(Full Story)

Liberia: Security Challenges

November 4, 2003 - International Crisis Group (Brussels)

Liberia faces its best chance for peace in years, but the country's prospects now depend on bold UN action. With three peacekeeping missions along the coast of West Africa (Sierra Leone, Côte d'Ivoire and now Liberia), the UN is in a unique position to drive events.
(Full Story)

SECRET KILLINGS IN LURD-CONTROLLED AREAS

November 4, 2003 - Sahara Village.com

Liberia's decade of civil war seems over, but any one venturing outside of areas under the control of the multi-national United Nations peacekeeping forces, faces the reality of a living hell in rebel land.
(Full Story)

UN fury over new Liberian clashes

November 4, 2003 - BBC

The top United Nations official in Liberia has made a blistering attack on government and rebel forces engaged in fighting in the east.
(Full Story)

Split Over Gay Bishop May Evolve Slowly

November 3, 2003 -Washington Post

Anglican leaders moved closer Monday to a permanent break with the U.S. Episcopal Church over its first openly gay bishop, but the anticipated split within the U.S. denomination will evolve more slowly as conservatives create a network of like-minded dioceses and parishes.
(Full Story)

Fighting Reported in North Liberia - Officials

November 3, 2003 -Washington Post

MONROVIA (Reuters) - Fresh fighting has broken out between government forces and Liberia's smaller rebel group in the north of the West African nation, military officials said on Monday.
(Full Story)

Fighting in Nimba

November 3, 2003 - BBC

United Nations peacekeepers are due to fly back to Liberia's Nimba County after finding evidence of fighting.
(Full Story)

THE JOURNEY FOR POWER STRUGGLE IN AN ACT OF ETHNIC VIOLENCE AND ATROCITY IN LIBERIA

Novermber 2, 2003 - Commentary

Political cleavages on tribal line within the Liberian ethnic
diversity appear to reproduce the expulsion, suppression or
extermination of other ethnic groups in Liberia.
(Full Story)

Lula embarks on African tour

President Lula of Brazil

Novermber 2, 2003 - BBC

The Brazilian President, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva - known simply as Lula - is beginning a week-long visit to Africa.
(Full Story)

Taylor Challenges Competence of International Court to Try Him

October 31, 2003 - Daily Trust (Abuja)

Former Liberian President, Mr Charles Ghankay Taylor, has said that the International War Crimes Tribunal in Sierra Leone, does not have jurisdiction to try him for war crimes in Sierra Leone..
(Full Story)

Taylor: Hearing On Preliminary Objections Begins Today in Sierra Leone

October 31, 2003 - This Day (Lagos)

Former Liberian President, Mr. Charles Taylor, currently facing charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity has filed a notice of preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the Special Court in Sierra Leone to try him.
(Full Story)

'Blood diamonds' deal under fire

October 31, 2003 - BBC

New measures aimed at curbing the trade in conflict diamonds have been criticised by non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
(Full Story)

Bryant Visits Conakry to Discuss Security

October 31, 2003 -UN Integrated Regional Information Networks

Liberia as you are well aware, continues to be ravaged by civil war for the past fourteen (14) years, starting December 24, 1989 to August 11, 2003, when its former President, Charles Taylor, departed Monrovia for exile in Nigeria.
(Full Story)

Liberia After Charles Taylor: Prospects for Peace and Security in the West African Sub-Region

October 31, 2003 - New Democrat

Liberia as you are well aware, continues to be ravaged by civil war for the past fourteen (14) years, starting December 24, 1989 to August 11, 2003, when its former President, Charles Taylor, departed Monrovia for exile in Nigeria.
(Full Story)

Bishop Darlington Johnson &The Other Side of Charles Taylor

October 31, 2003 - New Democrat

The BBC’s Robin White, perhaps the best-known journalist when it comes to interviewing Charles since the 1990s, recently reminded Sierra Leone’s President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah that Taylor is a good performer” likely to change his mind about dumping him in prison for war crimes.
(Full Story)

US "No Safe Haven for War Criminals": Is The Curtain Closing-in on US Harboured Suspects?

October 31, 2003 - New Democrat

News reporst quote officials in Minnesota that a self-confessed Liberian rebel-killer has been deported after admitting he killed between 20 to 30 people during the country’s war.
(Full Story)

Taylor appeals war crimes charge

Charles Taylor of Calabar, Nigeria

October 31, 2003 - BBC

A United Nations-backed court in Sierra Leone is due to begin hearing appeals against their indictments from some of those accused of war crimes.
(Full Story )

Mother Liberia! A Tribute to Our Country

October 29, 2003 - LiberiaOrbit

Land of my birth, childhood, and nativity
(Full Story)

Rise of The Fortune Hunters

October 29, 2003 - New Democrat

Fortune hunting is now an acceptable facet of Liberian politics, be it with political groupings called parties, or rebels singing democracy they hardly appreciate or understand.
(Full Story)

Money Needed to Reconstruct Liberia

October 29, 2003 - The Perspective

have just read the article by Abdoulage W. Dukele posted on The Liberian Connection Web site intitled: The UN and Liberia: Good Intentions and Stark Realities.
(Full Story)

E-Mail Fraud Alert

October 29, 2003 - The Perspective

Criminals purporting to be relatives of African dictators have been circulating Spam e-mails since the late 90’s. These e-mails target companies and individuals.
(Full Story)

The Emerging Liberia: A Responsible Government

October 29, 2003 - The Perspective

The current standoff in Liberia between the chair of the transitional regime and the rebels threatens to derail the peace process in which the UN has placed so much faith.
(Full Story)

Corruption at the Central Bank of Liberia

October 28, 2003 - The Perspective

Accept our sincerest congratulations on your assumption of this challenging assignment. Every Liberian should be aware of what this task requires.
(Full Story)

Opposition leaders in Taylor’s Ring of Corruption?

October 28, 2003 - The Perspective

It is common knowledge that Charles G. Taylor was corrupt. Corruption is however a system, that involves many others.
(Full Story)

Liberian Leader Wants Taylor on Trial

October 28, 2003 - AP-Africa

Please accept my congratulations for your election to the chairmanship of the National Transitional Government of Liberia. The task of restoring lasting peace, national reconstruction, and rehabilitation of Liberia will require the collective good will of all Liberians.
(Full Story)

LURD Reopens Po River Bridge, Gets UN Warning

October 28, 2003 - UN Integrated Regional Information Networks

The Liberians United for Reconciliation and Development (LURD) rebel group said on Tuesday it had lifted a three-day ban on relief vehicles moving out of Monrovia on the main road west to Tubmanburg and the Sierra Leone border.
(Full Story)

UNHCR Sends Assessment Team to Nimba County, at Last...

October 28, 2003 - UN Integrated Regional Information Networks

The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said on Tuesday it had sent an assessment mission by helicopter to Sanniquiellie, the rebel-held headquarters of Nimba County in north central Liberia, close to the Ivorian border town of Danane.
(Full Story)

Save Liberia: No Rewards For Bad Guys!

October 27, 2003 - The Perspective

The current standoff in Liberia between the chair of the transitional regime and the rebels threatens to derail the peace process in which the UN has placed so much faith.
(Full Story)

More confusion Over Appointments In Transitional Government In Liberia

October 27, 2003 - The Perspective

More confusion seems to be brewing as various stakeholders to the Accra Peace Agreement continue to make conflicting nominations to fill slots within the National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL).
(Full Story)

A Government of Cats & Mousses & Threats to Disarmament

October 26, 2003 - New Democrat

More signs of disintegration in the formation of the transitional regime are emerging with worrisome implications.
(Full Story)

Liberian Rebels Not Ready to Give Up Arms

October 25, 2003 -Associated Press

TUBMANBURG, Liberia - Machine guns. Rocket launchers. Mortars by the crate. An hour's drive from the country's newly peaceful capital, Liberia's rebels remain locked, loaded and battle-ready at their headquarters in the bush.
(Full Story)

What Liberians Should Sow Now to Harvest in 2005

October 24, 2003 - New Democrat

Reading from the various sources of information on the reactions of Liberians to the incoming Transitional GOL, I can't but draw one conclusion: Liberians are disgusted and frustrated with what is emerging as the component of Bryant led transitional regime.
(Full Story)

The ”King” in his Falling Kingdom: LURD’s Conneh’s Dilemma

October 24, 2003 - New Democrat

Denied the presidency he dreamt, Sekou Damate Conneh, the former tax collector and used car dealer making history, is calling the shots in Monrovia. He wants Charles Gyude Bryant to be kicked out.
(Full Story)

Crying for Help: Jewel Taylor’s $30m Brother” Seeks Investors

October 24, 2003 - New Democrat

Pro-Liberian lobbyists in the US may be praying to their gods for the US Congress can approve about $200m in reconstruction, but there seems to be no shortage of money in Taylor’s family circles
(Full Story)

LURD Rebels to Pull out of Gov't?

October 24, 2003 -BBC

Liberia's largest rebel faction has demanded that the leader of the power-sharing government step down.
(Full Story)

Working With The Hand We Have Been Dealt

October 24, 2003 - New Democrat

The die is cast, the deck of cards was stacked, the aces and other face-cards have been dealt to the gun toters, right before our very eyes, as the brokers of peace sought the easy way out through appeasement, and there was virtually nothing we could do, but to take what is placed at our end of the table