EDITORIAL: Liberia’s Recurring Culture Of Impunity Over SGBV
NOT A DAY, week or month goes by without some headline about an underage young girl being rape – or a young boy being molested or sodomized. The data covers Montserrado, Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Maryland, Grand Gedeh, River Gee and Grand Kru. THE WHEELS OF IMPUNITY is still turning and more and more victims are falling prey to a system of neglect and poverty. “This is also illustrated by the fact that SGBV is higher in rural areas where the SCORE Index found more fragility and higher victimhood. THE WHEELS OF IMPUNITY is still turning and more and more victims are falling prey to a system of neglect and poverty.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 13, 2020 06:11 UTC
Liberia: More Than 600 Cases of Rape, Sodomy, Abuses During COVID-19 State of Emergency
Authorities are also closely monitoring cases of aggrevated assult and sodomy, involuntary Sodomy with criminal Intent, rape and aggravate sodomy and statutory rape, bringing the total to 602. Globally, one in three womenworldwide have experiencedphysicaland/or sexualviolence by an intimate partner or sexual violence by any perpetrator in their lifetime. Domestic violence, rape and other forms of sexual violence against women and girls, including practices such as female genital mutilation and early marriage remained widespread. According to the UN Women in Liberia, Liberia continues to grapple with rising incidences of sexual and gender-based violence. Under Liberia’s Rape Law of 2005, statutory rape or sexual intercourse with minors is a non-bailable offence.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 13, 2020 06:11 UTC
Liberia: Long-Standing Syndicate Busted At Finance Ministry; L$6 Million Believed to Have Been Racketed
FrontPageAfrica has learned that Comptroller General Janga Kowo, with the consent of Finance and Development Planning Samuel Tweah, invited the National Security Agency to launch a full-scale investigation in the matter. Six employees at the Ministry of Finance have been suspended including the Director of Treasury Services Madame Lorpu Sworh. Six employees at the Ministry of Finance have been suspended including the Director of Treasury Services Madame Lorpu Sworh. Sources say authorities at the Ministry of Finance became suspicious when transactions in the account ran far beyond the normal amount that is normally withdrawn from such account. The Ministry then issues a check to the employee to draw their salary against the account after reconciling with the parent institution.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 13, 2020 05:48 UTC
USAID Congratulates The Central Bank Of Liberia On The Successful Printing Of L$4 Billion Banknotes
The USAID worked in partnership with Central Bank leadership and staff in providing a technical assistance program to realize improved management and the institution of international best practices in Central Bank operationsMONROVIA – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has congratulated to the management and staff of the Central Bank of Liberia (Central Bank) on the successful competitive procurement and printing of L$4 billion in Liberian Dollar Banknotes to help ease the liquidity situation in Liberia and provide ordinary Liberians access to the cash they need to pay for essential goods and services. USAID says it is proud to have worked in partnership with Central Bank leadership and staff in providing a technical assistance program to realize improved management and the institution of international best practices in Central Bank operations. As part of that program, the Central Bank worked with Kroll Associates (Kroll), an internationally recognized risk mitigation firm, to put in place a competitive, accountable, and transparent procurement process and to securely track the shipment of the new banknotes from the printer to the Central Bank’s vaults in Monrovia. We are pleased that the Central Bank will continue to work with Kroll to ascertain that the new banknotes are in full compliance with the contractual specifications and ensure their proper injection into the banking system and the broader Liberian economy. According to USAID, it looks forward to continuing to support this Liberian-led effort, managed and executed by the Central Bank management team and staff, in accordance with international best practices.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 13, 2020 05:48 UTC
Liberia: Dismissed Commerce Minister Jamima Wolokollie Vows to Expose Minister Wilson Tarpeh by “Letting the Cat Out of the Bag”
The Ministry’s account, he said was opened in 2019 in anticipation of the launch of the loan program and Ms. Wolokollie is one of the ‘A’ signatories to the account. The checks, he said were authorized and signed by former Minister Wolokollie. Ms. Wolokollie also requested and authorized a payment of US$8,380.80 to cover the cost of advertisements and associated activities that she said were needed to support the SDPDF. According to Minister Tarpeh, to guide the administration, management and operation of the loan program, MOCI and LBDI entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Before I got dismissed, that memo was written, Minister Tarpeh never addressed that memo,” she explained.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 13, 2020 01:18 UTC
Indian Businessmen Robbed of over US$80k, L$400k In Vai Town
Report by Obediah Johnson, [email protected]The business center is engaged into the wholesale of alcoholic beverages, merchandise and other basic commodities. He spoke in an exclusive interview with FrontPageAfrica at his business center in Vai Town over the weekend. The home of the victims where the ‘armed robbery’ took place is located just a stone throw away from the business center. He disclosed that two motorbikes were used by the suspected armed robbers to carry on their mission, but one of the motorbikes was left behind by them. Statements were extracted from the managers of Mukesh Business Center over the week end, while one of the motorcycles allegedly used by the suspected armed robbers has been impounded.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 13, 2020 01:07 UTC
Liberia: VP-Howard- Taylor Consoles Families of Fallen Mont. County Lawmaker
Monrovia – Liberia’s Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor Friday July 10, 2020, visited the Sinkor residence of fallen Montserrado County District # 9 Representative Munah Pelham-Youngblood to console the bereaved family. Her visit with the bereaved family, according to a Press Release from the office of the Vice President, followed similar visit recently, by His Excellency, President George M. Weah. The first Liberian female Vice President in brief remarks, encouraged the mother of the fallen lawmaker, Elizabeth S. Pelham to trust and continue to reference God for lasting comfort and peace as she mourn the death of her daughter. Noticeably overwhelmed by grief, Chief Dr. Howard-Taylor said the passing of the young Liberian female lawmaker is a serious hit to the struggle for gender equality and women empowerment in Liberia. She urged the family of the fallen lawmaker to take solace in the Lord and called on Liberians to remember them in their prayers.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 13, 2020 00:22 UTC
Liberia: “No Equipment, No Work” – Aggrieved Health Workers Responding to COVID-19 Plan Go-Slow
The health workers’ warning comes after a “poorly approached statement” by Minister Jallah against them. The health workers have viewed such a statement as a disrespect to them and their families. Health workers, commenting on their social media platform, said the lack of essential medical equipment is reason some of their colleagues are getting infected with COVID-19. They said their concerns have been presented to Minister Jallah on several occasions, but she has paid “deaf ear” to challenges hindering their performance. Some healthcare workers have threatened to stay away from work until President Weah dismiss Minister Jallah.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 13, 2020 00:22 UTC
Liberia: Mines and Energy Minister Fears Xenophobic Attacks In Mining Sector; Puts National Security on the Alert
He told the Senators about how the illegal mining sector is being dominated by Ghanaians and other nationals. “Even though dominant foreign nationalities involve in illicit mining activities are Ghanaians, there are also other nationals in these activities to include Malians, people from Burkina Faso, Ivorians, Guineans and Sierra Leoneans. “Chinese nationals who may have entered legally are also found to be engaged in illegal mining, mainly by providing earth moving equipment to Class ‘C’ miners operating under dubious corporative scheme. “The Ministry energy is severely underfunded which negatively impact its ability to carry out its core mandate and functions which are to effectively administer the mineral resources of the country. Policymakers must now take a hard decision to see haw the ministry can be adequately funded to achieve revenue inflow, efficient monitoring of mining activities, he said.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 13, 2020 00:00 UTC
Liberia: Atty. Koffi Woods, Alexander Cummings Run to Rescue Ailing Sport Icons
Samuel Koffi Woods, has promised to work with relevant stakeholders to set up a national fund for the welfare of former sports icons in the country. Woods was accompanied by the opposition Collaborating Political Parties leader, Alexander Cumminigs and former Lone Star players Dionysius Sebwe and Jonathan Boye Charles Sagbie. Woods said it is unfortunate for those who sacrificed for Liberia while playing sport for the national team will be asking for help when they are sick. He called for support to care for the country’s national icons. For his part, Mr. Cumming assured his commitment to the national fund to save the lives of sport icons of Liberia.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 12, 2020 23:26 UTC
Liberia: A Tribute to the Memory of Munah Pelham-Youngblood
Munah Pelham-Youngblood, a strong female politician and a member of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) represented Montserrado County District 9 at the House of Representatives. A Tribute by Abraham Keita, Contributing WriterAs someone who came to know Munah not only through her public life but with unrestricted access to her personal and private space, I will speak of Honorable Munah E. Pelham-Youngblood, my friend, advisor, and mother. In Munah, young people saw a figure who had cracked open the wall that stood in their path to political leadership. In Munah, young people saw a figure who had cracked open the wall that stood in their path to political leadership. But as Representative Munah E. Pelham-Youngblood joins that guild of Liberians who clamored for a better Liberia, the race for national transformation remains stern and ever-unwavering.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 12, 2020 23:03 UTC
Pregnancy Doesn’t Stop During A Pandemic. Neither Do Human Rights
As the crisis rages on, the number of women unable to access family planning, facing unintended pregnancies, gender-based violence and other harmful practices could skyrocket in the months ahead. We can also expect up to 31 million additional cases of gender-based violence for every 6 months of movement restriction measures. In Liberia anecdotal evidence and service data from one of the counties show an increase gender-based violence by 25 per cent between April and May 2020. Health services data also show a 40 per cent reduction in access to services including women seeking maternal health services. On World Population Day, it’s time to reaffirm and act on our collective resolve to secure sexual and reproductive health and rights for all.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 12, 2020 22:52 UTC
Liberia: The UP Under EJS & JNB is Proud of Its Record
You have publicly regretted your infantile onslaught against JNB before the 2017 elections; and later during the runoff, you declared support for him. Since your repentance and support, you continue to call him a good man, a man of wisdom. The Unity Party under EJS and JNB is proud of its record and achievements for 12 years. As a Party, our achievements and successes over the years was a result of the quality of leadership provided by EJS and JNB. However, we are proud of her records and will continue to consult her as and when necessary.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 12, 2020 22:18 UTC
Liberia: Rep. Munah Pelham Youngblood Remains Arrive in Liberia
Rep. Munah Pelham who represented Montserrado County District 9 at the House of Representatives died in Accra, Ghana on Wednesday, July 8, 2020. The late Representative Munah Pelham-Yungblood mortal remains was received by President George Weah, family members, the Speaker, members of the Legislature and members of the Coalition for Democratic Change. Madam Youngblood was elected to the national legislature in the 2011 general elections and has been a lawmaker for the 9th District since. Over the years, she has earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communications/Sociology from the University of Liberia in 2009. She’s also a recipient of the 2017 Political Pioneer Awards of the International Sheroes Forum worldwide held in Nigeria.
Source:Front Page Africa
July 12, 2020 18:22 UTC
Liberia: Ambassador Brown to Senate – NEC Nominees’ Confirmation Would Set Dangerous Precedence
Some may contend that Mrs. Lasannah is not being removed but rather is being promoted within the NEC. The ‘promotion’ of Mrs. Lasannah, who is already in-tenure, is at the instance of the President, and requires the confirmation of the Senate. Or, can Mrs. Lasannah simply return to not being ‘promoted’? What if the President proceeds to commission Mrs. Reeves, after her successful confirmation, as Co-Chair of the NEC? By nominating another to the office currently occupied by Mrs. Lasannah, and undertaking the process of confirmation by the Senate; can it be reasonably argued that Mrs. Lasannah still holds the office?
Source:Front Page Africa
July 12, 2020 17:37 UTC