Monrovia — On October 14, last year, the National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL) took over the reins of leadership of this country in keeping with the peace deal signed by parties to the Liberian conflict at the end of a marathon peace talks in Accra, Ghana.

In keeping with the accord, the NTGL was expected to ensure the scrupulous implementation of what was christened the Comprehensive Peace Accord(CPA).

In addition to normal state functions, the NTGL's mandate includes the following, implementation of the provisions of the cease-fire agreement; the overseeing and coordinating the implementation of the political and rehabilitation programs enunciated in the agreement; and promotion of reconciliation to ensure the restoration of peace and stability to the country and its people.

The government was also mandated to contribute to the preparation and conduct of internationally supervised elections in October 2005, for the inauguration of an elected government for Liberia come January 2006.

Since it took over the leadership, the NTGL has succeeded in establishing the Supreme Court of Liberia, the National Elections Commission, and several other commissions. Besides, the government has succeeded in scrapping monopoly. More importantly, the government is collaborating with UNMIL for the implementation of the peace accord.

Noticeably, the peace process which is the cardinal issue in the CPA, is on course.

However, it has not done much to improve the living standard of the people as well as provide basic social services. In addition, the NTGL seem to have done nothing to reconditioning the road network, especially the capital's streets which are becoming gravely impassable.

Security

Today, after the NTGL's one year in office, we find the security situation to be greatly improved because of the presence of UNMIL. From the arrival of the vanguard ECOMIL troops, that was followed by UNMIL forces, the security situation has improved, thereby creating ground for normal activities in parts of the country. This has made possible the reopening of schools, resumption of normal government activities and businesses. However, there are still reports of harassment, intimidation and extortion by armed men in areas not yet under the control of the UNMIL peacekeepers.

Foreign Affairs

Unlike the former government of Charles Taylor, this government enjoys the confidence of many countries as evidenced by the presence of many ambassadors and others who have presented their letters of credence.

Besides, assistance to this government from the international groups and friendly nations has been forthcoming. Chairman Bryant is currently the first Liberian Head of State in whose honor, a reception was held at the United States Embassy near Monrovia. Chairman Bryant is also the first Liberian leader to meet with a US president since the Liberia's civil conflict in 1989. But while this government has cordial relations with many countries, many of the foreign missions of the country are in a very deplorable condition.

Press Freedom

Unquestionably, one great achievement of this government is the level of press freedom in the country. Unlike the previous administration, the press is free to function in the country. Actually, it is flourishing.

Nevertheless, the high cost of printing and inaccessibility of many parts of the country, coupled with the ailing economic situation, are threatening the absolute existence of a vibrant and independent media in the country.

Sports

Like previous governments, there is still no real budget for sports. The sporting program of the country is not properly organized. Attention is not given other sporting activities. Even, soccer, which is the major sports of the country, properly planning is lacking, thereby causing the team to perform poorly. Whenever the national team is to play, sporting authorities have to vociferously cry out for funds to facilitate the game. The recent defeat suffered by the Lone Star at the hands of Senegal is a clear example of the NTGL's poor sporting program.

Road Network

One area in which this government has egregiously flunked is its failure to recondition the road network, especially the streets in the city and its environs. The situation is such that many roads in the city are becoming impassable, and may cause accident. Even though the government ordered the provision of funds to help recondition the road, coupled with UNMIL's quick impact project on the road, nothing concrete has been seen to demonstrate the government's commitment to achieve this goal.

The roads in some quarters have become "death traps."

Living Standard of the People

The bulk of the people continue to live in abject poverty, while a few in government continue to live in luxury. Even though when the government took over it reduced the prices of rice and gasoline, that reduction was short-lived as prices continue to soar. In this publication, there is an advert about the increase again in the prices of petroleum products. The wave of increase continues to affect the prices of other commodities because gasoline is a pervasive commodity.

Restoration of Basic Social Services

The restoration of basic social services such as water and electricity seem to be non existent since the NTGL sat in the saddle one year ago.

Besides, international partners like the European Union, the Peoples Republic of China(PRC) and others conducting studies and suggesting way to restore these services, the NTGL has not initiated anything aimed at bringing water and electricity for the people. During the previous government and some part of this administration, the European Union has continued to be in the vanguard of restoring water and electricity, by providing assistance to the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation(LWSC) and the Liberia Electricity Corporation(LEC). However, experts believe it is a concerted effort through bilateral negotiation by the government and her international partners can bring to fruition the process.

Restructuring of Security Sector

The restructuring of the nation's security sector is also fair. Through the efforts of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), the process recently began with the recruitment and training of old and new police officers to serve in the soon to be set-up Liberia Police Service(LPS), in accordance with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement(CPA).

There has been a complete silence on the restructuring of the Armed Forces of Liberia(AFL) since the government came to power. However, recently, NTGL Chairman Charles Gyude Bryant following a visit to the united States said the Pentagon has agreed to begin the restructuring of the armed. Though UNMIL has already carried out a comprehensive records system of other security apparatus, nothing has been heard of training or restructuring at these institutions.

Merit System

The merit system in this government is poor. This, many political observers believe, is due to the factions or parties to the conflict nominating unqualified persons to serve in government. In accordance with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the parties were given the right to bring individuals of their choice into government. However, observers believe it is at a worse stage because the Chairman of the NTGL does not have control over this. As a result of this, some people serving in high places in the NTGL do not know how to run their offices with perfect coordination.