28 March 2008
document
Whether it is in Accra or back home in Liberia, Liberians seem convinced that peace will be restored to the nation when Liberians simply told the truth under a systematic process of confession and forgiveness monitored by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
But, a US-based Liberian movement, Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), says there is just too much general uneasiness, fears, uncertainty and mistrust in Liberia to overwhelm the simplicity of the truth and reconciliation process and it is calling for a more comprehensive engagement of the peace process.
The movement headed by T. Q. Harris, Jr. told President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in a letter that in order for healing and rebuilding to begin in earnest, steps must be taken to establish national dialogue on a number of critical questions.
The movement identified the "critical questions" as the establishment of a war crimes court, the resolution of the plight of former combatants, the stimulation of the private sector in the wake of the downsizing of civil servants, the repatriation, resettlement of refugees and internally displaced persons, and the settling of land and real property disputes.
The f ull text of Mr. Harris' communication to President Sirleaf:
SOLIDARITY & TRUST FOR A NEW DAY (STAND)
P. O. Box 2034
Long Beach, California 90801
Email: stand@who.net Phone: (562) 394-0285
March 24, 2008
H.E. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf
President of Liberia
Monrovia, Republic of Liberia
Dear Madam President:
We are writing to inform you that fellow compatriots at home and abroad - concerned about the current direction in which the country is headed; yet optimistic that working together we can scale any mountain, subdue any obstacle, defeat any enemy - have called upon us and requested we approach your esteemed office with an appeal for dialogue, leaving no doubt that the people collectively are absolutely committed to complete and total restoration of our common patrimony.
We seek common ground and understanding, as well as brotherly and sisterly cooperation which are critical in addressing once and for all those difficult issues well known to all, but yet have for more than a century stood in the way of meaningful progress and fulfillment of the ideals upon which this nation was founded.
We are fully aware that this house divided against itself can not stand. Therefore, we in no way intend to obstruct any effort, resist any plan, or impede any initiative that will restore pride and dignity to the Liberian people. Rather, we are prepared and willing to give our all, even to the full measure of our patriotic duty to restore this nation to a respectable place among the family of nations.
This nation - Africa's first republic - must remain a beacon of hope, not by our own design, but by divine providence. Evidently, the Continent's overall decline within the past 30 years, based on the most optimistic assessment, mirrors the diminishing luminance of this beacon. This is an indication that a vibrant, functional Liberia serves not only the interests of Liberians, but Africa as a whole. In these challenging times, Liberia must provide inspiration and leadership.
Therefore, Madam President, in the spirit of reconciliation, we respectfully request an audience at your earliest convenience so that together we may explore possible remedies to the issues weighing heavily on the minds of the Liberian people, making it difficult for them to engage in long-term planning or feel the country is safe enough to begin rebuilding their lives. It is widely believed the current lull in violence is a direct result of United Nations Troops presence. We must change this perception.
It is important to note thousands of Liberians, including those currently living under the harshest conditions, have consistently expressed their unwillingness to return home after more than five years following cessation of hostilities. This speaks loudly to the general uneasiness and uncertainty pervasive amongst Liberians. There is no arguing security and stability are major concerns. However, together we can allay these fears while offering assurances so confidence may be restored.
The Liberian people generally believe, and we concur, that in order for healing and rebuilding to begin in earnest, steps must be taken to address a number of critical issues, which include but are not limited to:
The need for a war crimes court
It has become abundantly clear that reconciliation cannot begin in earnest unless the unspeakable atrocities perpetrated against the Liberian people during the war are dealt with and - at the least - those bearing the greatest responsibility are held accountable. Given the breakdown of practically all institutions; is it not wise to begin reconstruction by instilling rule of law? What better way for Liberians to observe a functional legal process than seeing firsthand the workings of a transparent international court deal with crimes that affected every citizen? Delaying justice, Madam President, only prolongs the return to normalcy.
In the spirit of cooperation, we are willing to assist in preparing a petition from the Liberian Government to the United Nations requesting the creation of a war crimes court, or expansion of the Special Court for Sierra Leone to include Liberia. Having deployed in this country its second largest peacekeeping force, the UN has demonstrated its commitment to helping Liberians rebuild. Will the UN not also invest in laying the foundation for rule of law?
The plight of former combatants
Rehabilitating the young men and women pressed into combat against their will and who are now battle-hardened, unskilled and illiterate, poses a significant challenge to stabilize the country and revive the economy. Therefore, efforts must be made to account for all former combatants. And the government must set up special programs to ensure they are fully rehabilitated and reintegrated into the larger society. Serious discussions regarding reconstruction cannot proceed without dealing with this extremely important issue. The wellbeing of these young men and women - this nation's future - must be the concern of every citizen.
Downsizing
In light of the extremely high (87%) unemployment rate, emphasis must be placed on stimulating the economy, boosting the private sector rather than lay off government workers. The administration must focus on expanding the overall job base and increasing cash circulation. High unemployment posses a serious threat to national security; and mass layoffs in the current depressed economic climate could lead to wider instability. We, therefore, propose there be no further layoff of civil servants without a definite plan to increase private sector employment.
Repatriation, resettlement of refugees and internally displaced persons
Highest priority must be given to repatriating and resettling Liberians displaced by the war. The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated, especially in light of the recent unfortunate incident in Ghana involving the arrest and manhandling of more than 500 Liberian women.
Madam President, your administration must take the lead in bringing Liberians home. Condemning the desperate actions of desperate people under desperate circumstances is unacceptable; considering our people in Ghana were forced to leave their homes after watching friends and loves ones being brutally murdered. Today, they are refugees because of the reckless behavior of those who funded and prosecuted the war. In addressing this issue, the government must appoint a special committee that will remain in constant contact with Liberian refugees everywhere, as well as the appropriate international agencies and the host governments to resolve problems and ensure their expeditious return.
Land, real property dispute
The abrupt, rapid mass movement of Liberians fleeing the extreme violence which engulfed this nation and lasted for more than a decade has created major problems regarding property ownership. During the protracted war, properties of absentee owners were taken over by persons who are now refusing to relinquish them. Lands were sold and resold illegally; now the beneficiaries of these illegal transactions are claiming total, irrevocable ownership. These disputes, Madam President, must be resolved with alacrity; otherwise they are likely to produce widespread violence, resulting in possible loss of lives. The urgency of this matter demands the setting up of a permanent land (real property) court and the adoption of an official policy. Also, it may be helpful, wherever possible, to organize a council of elders within the local community that can assist in resolving these disputes. There must be no further delay in tackling this potentially explosive issue.
Madam President, we look forward to discussing with you these, as well as other issues that are critical to moving this nation forward. And we also look forward to deriving the best solutions, as we part with the past and move toward a brighter future.
Respectfully,
T. Q. Harris, Jr
LEADER -The Movement - STAND
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