IMF Disburses US$23.4M to Liberia
First installment of approved US$ 213.6 millionThe International Monetary Fund has disbursed to the Government of Liberia US$23.4 million, representing the first tranche of the Fund’s support which was agreed with Liberia earlier this month under an IMF External Credit Facility, the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) has announced. According to the MICAT release, the payment, which has since been received by the government, demonstrates that Liberia has met prerequisite triggers and benchmarks, and is on course to meeting other conditions upon which further disbursements are based.
Source:Daily Observer
December 30, 2019 02:29 UTC
Lydia Sebwe Undertakes 3rd Annual Christmas Toy Distribution and Feeding Project
Garpu Village, Thinker’s Village, was a scene of smiles and joy as hundreds of children received Christmas gifts. On Wednesday, Christmas Day, 25 December 2019, Mrs. Lydia Sebwe hosted her annual charity toy distribution and feeding project for children within Thinker’s Village and surrounding communities, giving out toys and feeding 475 kids from 12:30 – 5:00 pm. Like previous years, police officers and prisoners at Thinker’s Village Zone 8, Depot 1, received meals on the same day. Overall, 248 girls received gifts while 227 boys received other gifts, including soccer balls, play guns, swords, etc. The purpose of the annual Christmas Toy Distribution and Feeding Project is to reach out to all children, including the less fortunate, to share the joy of Christmas and God’s blessing.
Source:Daily Observer
December 30, 2019 02:26 UTC
Science Graduates Dominate NCCC Class of 2019 Roster
On Saturday, December 21, 2019, the Nimba County Community College (NCCC) graduated 116 students, with the Science College topping the record. NCCC operates three departments; Business and Public Administration, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, and the Department of Science and Agriculture. During this graduation, the Department of Science and Agriculture graduated 78 candidates, with 15 obtaining Associate of Science (ASc.) According to the President of the Nimba County Community College, Dr. Edward Lama Wonkeryor, AML is indebted to the college for about US$200,000 since 2011. Despite of the argument that ensued concerning ArcelorMittal’s expenditure analysis, Mr. Wleh reaffirmed AML’s continued support to the college.
Source:Daily Observer
December 30, 2019 02:26 UTC
ALJA Troubled by Morlu’s Accusations Against Weah
The Association says the accusation of embezzlement is among a number of damning allegations Mr. Morlu made against President Weah in a leaked secret recording that was aired on the Costa show. Chairman Morlu has since confessed to the authenticity of the recording, but described his allegations as “mere liquor talk”. ALJA says President Weah’s failure to speak to the veracity of Chairman Morlu’s allegations would create a serious credibility problem for him and his administration. Mr. Weah and his supporters have since claimed that he financed those projects from the millions of US dollars he earned while playing professional soccer. At the same time, ALJA is urging President Weah and the CDC to take note of the repeated concerns raised by Liberians regarding brazen corruption and abuse of political power by insiders of the government; and asking the Weah Administration to act quickly in remedying the situation.
Source:Daily Observer
December 30, 2019 02:26 UTC
Green Card Application Process Begins for Liberians on DED/TPS
The momentous bill, enacted exclusively for Liberians, was signed into law on Dec. 20, 2019 by President Donald Trump. According to a USCIS bulletin released Thursday, December 26, 2019, “to be eligible for permanent residence (Green Card) under LRIF, a Liberian national must have been continuously physically present in the United States from November 20, 2014, to the date they properly file an application for adjustment of status. According to the provisions of the LRIF, legal permanent residency would be approved as of the date of arrival in the United States for eligible applicants, and the USCIS is mandated to issue work authorization for anyone with application pending for more than 180 days. The workshops are expected to be held in a bid to inform Liberians of the immigration process, as well as their rights and privileges under the new law. The law includes a provision to bring relief to Liberians whose temporary immigration status have been renewed for 28 consecutive years.
Source:Daily Observer
December 30, 2019 02:15 UTC
Liberia: International Partners Want Protest Moved to Jan. 5, 2020
MONROVIA – Key development partners to Liberia have called on the Council of Patriots not to continue with the December 30 demonstration until January 12, 2020 when the Government of Liberia shall be fully prepared to provide security and logistical support. In a joint statement by Ambassadors of ECOWAS, the United States, EU and the United Nations, stated “We have watched with pride as the Liberian people have passed important democratic milestones of hosting peaceful elections, debates, dialogues, and demonstrations. On Sunday, the Ministry of Justice in a press statement indicated that having followed the Council of Patriots’ Sunday press conference where they stated that the protest is intended to host tens of thousands and would be peaceful, decided to grant permit for the protest and the counter protest also. The Justice Ministry said the government would make the Antoinette Tubman Stadium available to the COP on Sunday, January 5, 2020 from 8 am to 8 pm. We, your partners, strongly endorse this plan and look forward to those successful and peaceful gatherings, supported and protected by your government,” the Ambassadors stated in the joint statement.
Source:Front Page Africa
December 30, 2019 00:45 UTC
Liberia: U.S. Overseas Advisory Council Cautions Government’s Reaction Towards Protestors
OSAC could not overrule the possibility of what is intended to be a peaceful protest from escalating into violence. The Advisory Council, therefore, urged that “given limited or reduced local security and emergency response capabilities, security managers should review their duty of care to foreign and local staff, including understanding what organizational resources they can provide to protect their personnel and operations. On December 26, the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia issued a demonstration alert to its citizens within Liberia and those traveling to Monrovia. Keep a low profile.”About OSACCreated in 1985, the Diplomatic Security Service’s (DSS) Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) promotes security cooperation between the State Department and U.S. private sector interests around the world. The council comprises of 34 representatives from companies, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies concerned with overseas security.
Source:Front Page Africa
December 30, 2019 00:00 UTC
We Urge All to Be Peaceful During December 30 Protest
One can literally feel the intensity of what kind of Monday and the other days that follow is going to be like. INITIALLY, THE COP had said their protest was targeted at getting President George Manneh Weah to step down from the Presidency. COSTA’S COMMENTS landed him in soft trouble with some of Liberia’s international partners, including six diplomatic missions nears Monrovia. FRONTPAGEAFRICA urges everyone, who are the custodians of our peace to tune down their rhetoric and help maintain the peace and stability of the State. The good old book, the Holy Bible states in Proverbs: “Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.”WE URGE ALL, if the protest will go ahead, to remember to remain peaceful.
Source:Front Page Africa
December 29, 2019 22:30 UTC
Liberia: President Weah Vows to Protect “Every Inc” of Liberia amid Monday’s Protest
Monrovia – President George Manneh Weah, has reassured Liberians and residents alike that there will be no instability in the country under his administration. President Weah said he has the constitutional duty to protect all Liberians and residents and to ensure that every inch of the length and breadth of the country is secured. President Weah, a staunched member of the Church, joined hundreds of worshippers to commemorate the church’s 115th Anniversary. Making remarks during the program, the President said peace is important and will always prevail. I am going to protect this land in keeping with the constitution,” the Liberian Chief Executive noted.
Source:Front Page Africa
December 29, 2019 18:11 UTC
Liberia: “We Will Call Off the Protest, If…” – Council of Patriots Lays Condition, Remains Firm on December 30 Demonstration
Frank Musah Dean, assured them in the presence of ECOWAS and the UN that he would provide security for their peaceful assembly. Peaceful assembly guaranteed under the Constitution does not threaten the peace. Costa: “We have never contradicted ourselves, our official communication states our official position – it’s stated very clearly, unambiguously in our communication to the Justice Ministry. A peaceful assembly. Peaceful assembly guaranteed under the Constitution does not threaten the peace.
Source:Front Page Africa
December 29, 2019 16:52 UTC
Liberia: Tension, Diplomatic Maneuvers Point to Ultimate December 30 Protest Showdown – FrontPageAfrica
The entire issue about obtaining permit for protest or peaceful assembly was introduced by the PRC Military Junta through a decree. Diplomatic Community Eyeing Answers from Protest Leader“I think the COP should be encouraged to go to Court. Following the meeting, the delegation from the UN and ECOWAS agreed and submitted all the above counts to the government of Liberia through President Weah himself. In a scathing indictment of Liberia under President George expressed concerns in a statement this week, that the political situation in Liberia was deteriorating and worsening. The entire issue about obtaining permit for protest or peaceful assembly was introduced by the PRC Military Junta through a decree.
Source:Front Page Africa
December 29, 2019 00:00 UTC
Liberia: Diplomatic Missions Urge Henry Costa to Clarify “Inflammatory Language”
MONROVIA – Ahead of the planned Council of Patriots’ (COP) December 30th protest, at least six diplomatic missions near Monrovia have issued a joint statement in which they are calling for the protest to be peaceful. However, in the statement, the Ambassadors and Chargés d’Affaires a.i. of the United States, the European Union, France, Germany, Sweden, and the United Kingdom have also asked Mr. Henry Pedro Costa, Chairman of COP, to clarify the use of “inflammatory language” he allegedly made on Tuesday, December 24. Adding: “Constitutional rights must be exercised responsibly, in conformity with relevant provisions of law, without jeopardizing the peace, security, and stability of Liberia. In light of Liberia’s history, public incitement to violence cannot be ignored.”
Source:Front Page Africa
December 28, 2019 21:22 UTC
Liberia: No Permit for Protest until January 2020
Monrovia – With three days to the much-publicized December 30 “Weah Step Down Protest”, the Ministry of Justice says it has decided to defer decisions on all requests received for permits and security protection to stage protest, counter-protest, demonstrations and assemblies until January 30, 2020. The MOJ is further advising to take heed and govern themselves accordingly. The MoJ further said there will be no peaceful assembly, protest, counter-protest and demonstration until a decision is made on January 30, 2020. The MoJ says the exercise of the right to assemble in an orderly manner must not interfere or conflict with the of the citizenry to public security and public order as stipulated in 13 (a) of the Constitution of Liberia. The government, the MoJ release, said is obliged to endure that the rights of all are respected.
Source:Front Page Africa
December 28, 2019 20:37 UTC
ALJA Troubled By Morlu’s Allegations Against President Weah
ALJA says Chairman Morlu’s claim that President Weah in recent time diverted the country’s resources for his personal gains including the construction of his personal estates is grave; and it wants the President to directly address the allegation with immediacy. The Association says the accusation of embezzlement is among a number of damning allegations Mr. Morlu made against President Weah in a leaked secret recording currently airing on the Costa show. Chairman Morlu further accused the President of soliciting sexual favor from female appointees in the Liberian government. ALJA says President Weah’s failure to speak to the veracity of Chairman Morlu’s allegations would create a serious credibility problem for him and his administration. Mr. Weah and his supporters have since claimed that he financed those projects from the millions of US dollars he earned while playing professional soccer.
Source:Front Page Africa
December 28, 2019 18:56 UTC
Liberia: First IMF, Next USAID/Kroll; Creeping “GEMAP?” A Good – Bad Thing
Following the LRD 16bn was the infamous USD 25m mop up exercise, of which Kroll recommended a forensic audit. Subsequently, a follow-on program by USAID- the GEMS program was implemented. The Liberian Economic Governance Assistance Program (LEGAP) was more like a trusteeship program that was watered down to GEMAP, the Governance and Economic Management Assistance Program. During the GEMAP era I was hired at the CBL to develop the internal audit department. Yes, it is a good thing because we are at the brink of total collapse.
Source:Front Page Africa
December 28, 2019 17:48 UTC