Photo: allAfrica.com It has been announced in Monrovia that the Political leader of the Congress for Democratic Change or CDC, Mr. George Weah has accepted his recent appointment as Liberia's Peace Ambassador by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. An Executive Mansion release posted on its website quoted President as informing a recent meeting of political leaders that with the National Conference Committee launching the Reconciliation Roadmap, Mr. Weah consented to work with the Government of Liberia as "Peace Ambassador".
The President Sirleaf informed the Liberian Politicians that the CDC Political Leader will assist with reconciliation efforts, noting that he would put his own plan of action together as to how he proceeds. While many may be apprehensive about Ambassador Weah's conspicuous silence since his appointment by the President, in terms of how he regards such privilege, it is also important to hail Madam Sirleaf for such decision. Many may be considering such development as one that is in the supreme interest of a nation that has been and continues to be divided for a number of socio-economic and political reasons.
President Sirleaf's decision to name the soccer legend-turned politician as Peace Ambassador and his acceptance must be seen as a new chapter in our efforts to reconcile our differences, as well as make and maintain peace. Let us also be reminded that our peace-building process is not within the purview of Ambassador George Manneh Weah alone, but us all, as he is only being used as a stimulant or one to encourage all of us in the process.
As the Executive Mansion has expressed the government's unflinching support in terms of the availability of the necessary resources to propel the Peace Ambassador and the process, Weah is also expected to continue to place Liberia at the core of his initiative(s) toward genuine reconciliation and peace for the land of his nativity.
As a way of assisting the process upon which Ambassador is about to embark, we must all divorce ourselves from vices that would infuse 'bad blood' into such national undertaking. This goes to suggest that the lies, gossips, trickeries, etc., etc. which breed conflicts among people and institutions, must find their way out of this new-found initiative for smooth-landing.
Our cooperation and sincerity with this national drive as Liberians must be positively manifested in our attitudes/utterances, fully bearing in mind that Liberia is our own, and we must, therefore, disengage with our un-necessary politics and 'politricks or 'divide and rule' so that, this time, the "center will hold and continue to hold, for things not to fall apart" again.
Again, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and Ambassador George Manner Weah must be commended for such a positive result emanating from their recent meeting of the minds at the invitation of the former at the Executive Mansion, We can only hope and pray that both personalities, too, will not allowed themselves to be carried away to be drawn into unfortunate situations against this new initiative.
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True reconciliation is an illusion without at least partial justice!!! I applaud Madame Sirleaf for her courageous work in appointing George Weah as Peace Initiative ambassador. This initiative will serve both parties equally well: demonstrating Madame Sirleaf's willingness to work with the main opposition, CDC, while at the same time giving Weah the opportunity to showcase his leadership credentials, which would be pivotal comes 2017 elections. The report from TRC (or whatever the name is) ought to be implemented with few modifications. Ellen is already the president, asking her to step down won't be ideal at this point. So, instead of her stepping down from public office, half of her pension (when she retires) should be withheld for 10 years. This money should be invested in programs that Liberian youth would benefit from. Prince Johnson should step aside when is current senatorial term ends in 2014. He should hold no government office on the national level. I was once in favor of sending PJ to the ICC but I now have zero trust in the ICC given that the court is focussed solely on African leaders. These recommendations fall short of the punishment PJ et al desire for the pain they have caused Liberia/Liberians. However, given the current state of affairs, I believe most reasonable Liberians would accept these. I pray and hope that this Peace Initiative will be fruitful