1 August 2008
Following the holding of individuals and thematic hearings in the counties and the Diaspora, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) will on Monday commence Thematic and Institutional Hearings as part of its robust inquiry process.
As part of the TRC Thematic Hearings scheduled to be held at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion in Monrovia, the hearings will focus on many cross cutting issues including the Contemporary History of the Conflict (1979-2003).
Under the theme: "Understanding The Conflict Through Its Principal Events And Actors," the thematic hearings on the contemporary history of the conflict are aimed at gaining, through the perspectives of actors and experts, insights into the root causes and the military and political dimensions of the conflict, including most precipitous events between 1979 and 2003, and the national and external actors that shaped those events.
The hearings will open Monday with the appearance of former State Councilman Oscar J. Quiah, prominent politician Dr. Togbah Nah Tipoteh, former Chief Justice Cllr Chea Cheapoo, Deputy Planning Minister Marcus Dahn and Grand Kru County Senator Blamo Nelson.
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf will Tuesday be the first to address commissioners before National Security Advisor Dr. H. Boima Fahnbulleh, former Police Director Wilfred Clarke, former Economic Advisor Samuel Jackson and veteran political activist Jesus Alieu Swaray.
The hearings continue Wednesday with the appearance of National Elections Commission Chair James Fromoyan, Montserrado County Representative Dusty Wolokollie, Ambassador Dew Tuan-Wleh Mason and Mr. Michael George.
Former Armed Forces of Liberia Chief of Staff Henry Dubar, defunct Liberia Peace Council Chair George Boley, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Commany Wisseh, former Information Minister Emmanuel Bowier and Mr. S. Othello Coleman, veteran diplomat will also testify Thursday.
During the hearings testimonies from principal political and military actors during the period covered by the TRC mandate will be heard. Testimonies from Liberian political activities, former faction leaders, perpetrators, journalists, students and professionals will provide insight into the local experience of the conflict.
As part of its mandate to promote national peace, security, unity and reconciliation following Liberia's long running conflict, the TRC is required to adopt appropriate mechanisms and procedures to document the experiences of Liberians and address varying issues that impacted the conflict.
The commission has been conducting investigations and research into cases of abuse and other violations during the conflict, as well as holding several individual, institutional and thematic hearings. Thematic and Institutional hearings expand the TRC inquiry beyond victims and contrite perpetrators.
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