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102 results found
Items 1 - 50 of 102
Liberia
| 1 Apr 2013
Opposition protested President Sirleaf Johnson’s nomination of Jerome Kokoya as next chairman of Elections Commission on basis of Kokoya’s membership of ruling Unity Party. UN mission (UNMIL) 14 March restated commitment to “providing maximum security” despite troop reduction. Defence Ministry refuted claims attack in Côte d’Ivoire attributable to gunmen from Liberia (see Côte d’Ivoire). UNHCR 19 March closed Dougee refugee camp following repatriation of over 5,200 Ivorian refugees.
Liberia
| 1 Feb 2013
President Johnson-Sirleaf 19 Jan said Liberia prepared to send military platoon to join ECOWAS peacekeeping mission in Mali. Defence Minister Bernie Samukai 8 Jan announced troop withdrawal from Côte d’Ivoire border by 13 Jan. Former president Taylor 22 Jan began appeal against war crimes conviction at ICC.
Liberia
| 30 Dec 2012
President Johnson Sirleaf’s office 5 Dec announced former opposition presidential candidate George Weah to lead national reconciliation process. ECOWAS president 19 Dec highlighted need for security along border with CDI, praised coordination efforts between countries. UN panel of experts on Liberia 17 Dec reported over 10,000 Sierra Leoneans illegally mining diamonds in Liberia.
Liberia
| 1 Dec 2012
Thousands of opposition supporters 5 Nov rallied in Monrovia to mark one-year anniversary of deadly police shooting during 2011 elections. Prominent human rights lawyer 26 Nov called for resignation of President Johnson-Sirleaf for appointing sons to key govt positions in violation of constitution.
Liberia
| 1 Nov 2012
President Johnson Sirleaf 18 Oct met with CDI President Ouattara, announced joint military operation along border; security forces same day arrested warlord Bobby Julu for suspected role in CDI conflict. Govt refuted UN expert report claims that several Ivorian rebel training bases established in east.
Liberia
| 1 Oct 2012
UN peacekeeping force (UNMIL) 21 Sept expressed serious concern over reported “mercenary” activities at Grand Gedeh County refugee camps, 20 Sept transferred 3 combat helicopters to Liberia-Côte d’Ivoire border. UNSC 17 Sept extended UNMIL mission to Sept 2013, authorised troop reduction, police increase. Cross-border illegal activities, insecurity continued along border with CDI: court 11 Sept charged 6 Ivorians with murder, mercenary activities, rape, arson, illegal possession of firearms, theft; Liberia/CDI 14 Sept partially reopened border. UNSG Ban 11 Sept said govt “lacks resolve to stamp out blood-diamond trade”, USAID 13 Sept threatened to stop funding Kimberley Process.
Liberia
| 1 Sep 2012
UNSG Ban 15 Aug said overall security remains “stable albeit fragile”, main security concerns include civil unrest, public disorder, violence against women and girls, further expressed “extreme concern” regarding continued instability along Côte d’Ivoire border. Security forces 14 Aug arrested 6 suspected of 12-13 Aug attacks on military outposts in Côte d’Ivoire.
Liberia
| 1 Aug 2012
Govt early July launched first large-scale military operation since war ended in effort to target mercenaries using country as base to launch raids into Côte d’Ivoire; President Johnson Sirleaf 12 July said could soon reopen border. Opposition party Congress for Democratic Change 7 July convened meeting attended by 5 political parties, including ruling Unity Party, to discuss need to reform electoral laws and constitution to avoid suspicion during elections.
Liberia
| 1 Jul 2012
President Johnson Sirleaf 9 June closed border with Côte d’Ivoire, 14 June said working with Côte d’Ivoire President Ouattara to deal with deadly border attacks. Govt 14 June announced orders to arrest 10 Liberians and Ivorians in connection with attacks; court 21 June ordered extradition of 41 Ivorians for suspected role in 2011 post-election violence.
Liberia
| 1 Jun 2012
Govt 28 April launched first of 5 regional justice and security hubs in Gbarnga. Senate 4 May pulled out of joint legislative group set up to probe national oil company NOCAL, review oil production sharing agreements. Special Court for Sierra Leone 30 May sentenced former President Taylor to 50 years in jail for war crimes, crimes against humanity.
Liberia
| 1 May 2012
Special Court for Sierra Leone 26 April found former President Taylor guilty of war crimes, crimes against humanity, provoking mixed reactions in Monrovia as many still loyal to Taylor, others still awaiting justice for Liberia civil war crimes. Robert Sirleaf, son of President Sirleaf, 2 April filed $11 mn libel suit against daily The Independent following accusations of nepotism over appointment as chairman of national oil company NOCAL by President Sirleaf late March.
Liberia
| 1 Apr 2012
Head of Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) party, Winston Tubman, 5 March retired following expulsion from CDC last month, replaced by former football star George Weah. UNMIL 6 March confirmed reduction of troops from 15,000 to 8,000. Clashes between Ivorian refugees and local population in Grand Gedeh 20 March left over 500 seriously wounded.
Liberia
| 1 Mar 2012
Acting UNSRSG Moustapha Soumare 23 Feb expressed concern over reports of “rebel training” in Grand Gedeh County. Sirleaf-Johnson accused of nepotism following early Feb appointment of sons, relatives to govt.
Liberia
| 1 Feb 2012
President Johnson Sirleaf inaugurated 16 Jan for 2nd 6-year term. Attendance of opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) leader Winston Tubman sparked unrest in party ranks; angry CDC youths 15 Jan attempted to attack Tubman at party HQ. Liberian authorities 28 Jan arrested 70 “mercenaries” for alleged involvement in plans to destabilise Côte d’Ivoire.
Liberia
| 2 Jan 2012
Reconciliation talks between ruling Unity Party (UP) and opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) collapsed 19 Dec after reported CDC request for dismissal of justice minister, key govt positions. UNSC 14 Dec renewed panel of experts mandate monitoring compliance with sanctions imposed in connection with civil war, 17 Dec prolonged arms embargo by 12 months, citing political situation as threat to regional security. Police flogging of 3 journalists 17-20 Dec prompted concerns over press freedom. Security forces 23 Dec fired teargas to disperse thousands of youths protesting over govt late payment for part-time jobs; curfew imposed, Information Minister sacked.
Liberia
| 1 Dec 2011
President Johnson-Sirleaf secured second 6-year term in 8 Nov run-off election with 90% of votes; turnout only 38%, vote boycotted by main opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC). At least 2 killed, several injured during clashes between CDC supporters and police on eve of election; Johnson-Sirleaf 14 Nov announced investigation into violence; national police chief sacked 26 Nov. Govt order to close 3 media outlets for broadcasting hate messages overturned 15 Nov by court. CDC leader Tubman 11 Nov said willing to work with President but 12 Nov called for annulment of election results, fresh elections. Unauthorised march by CDC supporters took place 21 Nov without violence despite govt warning and declaration by CDC chairperson Doe-Sheriff that protest not approved by party; Doe-Sheriff and 4 other CDC officials expelled from party 27 Nov, Doe-Sheriff home hit by petrol bombs 29 Nov. U.S. Congressmen Christopher Smith and Jesse Jackson 19-20 Nov warned of possible sanctions against political leaders seeking to undermine peace process; head of Reconciliation Commission Leymah Gboweeh 24 Nov criticised move.
Liberia
| 1 Nov 2011
Increased UNMIL/UNOCI presence on Liberia/Côte d’Ivoire border ahead of 11 Oct presidential vote. Incumbent President Johnson-Sirleaf named Nobel Peace laureate 7 Oct, secured 44% in first round vote; 9 opposition parties including Congress for Democratic Change 15 Oct alleged fraud, 26 Oct called for removal of election commission chair as precondition for participation in 8 Nov run-off; chair resigned 30 Oct but CDC yet to confirm participation. Senator and former warlord Prince Johnson, placed 3rd in election, reportedly requested 30% control of govt in return for endorsement of Johnson-Sirleaf in run-off. Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire deployed 540 police officers, 280 gendarmes ahead of second round.
Liberia
| 1 Oct 2011
Concern over viability of elections continued; co-Chair of National Elections Commission 2 Sept said time, logistical challenges will prevent organisation of presidential, legislative polls in Oct. ECOWAS leaders 10 Sept met in Abuja to discuss Liberia-Côte d’Ivoire border security; authorities announced seizure of “worrisome” amount of arms, ammunition in border area, requested UN intensify monitoring of border zone. UNSC 17 Sept extended peacekeeping mission another year.
Liberia
| 1 Sep 2011
Govt 6 Aug signed agreement with Côte d’Ivoire for voluntary repatriation of Ivorian refugees from Liberia; authorities 10 Aug seized arms, ammunition near border.
Liberia
| 1 Jul 2011
Amid continued concerns over mercenary influx from Côte d’Ivoire, police 17 June seized major arms cache near Ivorian border. Presidential candidate Prince Johnson 1 June endorsed recommendations of Truth and Reconciliation Commission; includes recommendation that he be prosecuted for war crimes.
Liberia
| 1 Jun 2011
Security forces continued to intercept alleged mercenaries attempting to enter Liberia from Côte d’Ivoire, including 12 arrested 23 May. Ahead of Oct 2011 presidential elections, National Elections Commission (NEC) 9 May announced de-registration of 8 political parties for failure to meet basic requirements; 24 other parties approved for participation. NEC 24 May announced August referendum on lowering residency threshold for candidates.
Liberia
| 1 May 2011
Massive influx of refugees from Côte d’Ivoire continued; almost 150,000 registered since end-Nov start of crisis. Security forces 6 Apr arrested 95 armed men attempting to cross into Liberia, 11 Apr arrested alleged leader of mercenary recruitment ring. UN SRSG Ellen Løj 18 Apr warned of serious threat of contagion from Côte d’Ivoire.
Liberia
| 1 Apr 2011
UNHCR 24 March warned mounting violence in Côte d’Ivoire threatened stability in Liberia as estimated 90,000 refugees have fled across border since end-Nov start of crisis. UN SRSG Ellen Lój 16 March warned security situation becoming “more complex”, 24 March announced increased UNMIL activity to prevent cross-border violence. Ahead of Oct 2011 presidential elections, electoral commission chairman James Fromoyan 23 March denied accusations of corruption; opposition earlier alleged Fromoyan favours incumbent President Sirleaf.
Liberia
| 1 Mar 2011
Month saw arrival of estimated 15,000 refugees from Côte d’Ivoire (see Côte d’Ivoire); UNHCR figures indicate over 40,000 refugees registered in Liberia since end-Nov start of crisis. Ahead of Oct 2011 presidential, legislative polls, electoral commission announced 1.7 million registered to vote, fewer than anticipated 2.1 million.
Liberia
| 1 Feb 2011
Political crisis in Côte d’Ivoire continued to cause influx of refugees to Liberia (see Côte d’Ivoire). UNHCR 11 Jan said more than 25,000 in urgent need of protection with hundreds more arriving each day; 25 Jan said camp construction underway to house up to 18,000 refugees. President Sirleaf 25 Jan said situation did not threaten Liberia’s stability. Following Dec allegations that Ivorian ex-president Gbagbo was recruiting former militia in Liberia, reports 6 Jan said scores of fighters from former rebel groups of both countries were being recruited, crossing border. Voter registration commenced 10 Jan signifying start of build-up to October general elections.
Liberia
| 1 Apr 2010
Local media 1 March reported 26 Feb violence in Voinjama, northern Lofa County, had left 4 dead; police rejected clashes religious, claimed ethnic. Lofa senator 2 March said violence was premeditated. UN Special Representative Løj rejected accusations UNMIL biased in its response.
Liberia
| 1 Feb 2010
Debate over politically sensitive recommendations of Truth Commission continued, with divides between regional representatives calling for full implementation and those stressing risks for stability. President Johnson-Sirleaf 25 Jan confirmed intention to seek second term in 2011. Information minister Lawrence Bropleh, accused of misappropriating $260,000 govt funds, resigned 15 Jan, denying guilt.
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Liberia
| 4 Jan 2010
Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission published final report 2 Dec, with recommendations to govt including 30-year ban on President Johnson-Sirleaf and 51 other officials holding office and creation of special court to deal with atrocities during civil war.
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Liberia
| 1 Dec 2009
Head of anti-corruption commission for public procurement and presidential aide Keith Jubah killed 1 Nov by gunmen near home north of Monrovia; 10 arrested.
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Liberia
| 1 Oct 2009
UNSC 15 Sept voted to extend UNMIL mandate into 2010 to assist with planned 2011 elections. UNMIL police officer killed 24 Sept by unknown gunmen in Monrovia.
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Liberia
| 1 Sep 2009
President Johnson-Sirleaf 28 July gave official apology for support to former president Charles Taylor; followed truth commission’s call for her to be banned from public office. U.S. Sec State Clinton, during Liberia stop of her 11-day Africa tour, stressed strong support for Johnson-Sirleaf and Liberia’s role as U.S.’s “partner and friend”.
Liberia
| 1 Aug 2009
Truth and Reconciliation Commission submitted final report to parliament 1 July, recommending review of govt institutions, establishment of local conflict resolution forums, prosecution of 200 people and listing 52 that should be barred from public offices for 30 years, including President Johnson-Sirleaf over alleged failure to show remorse for past support to Charles Taylor; generating heated public debate. In 6 July press conference 7 former warlords announced they would oppose efforts to bring them to justice.
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Liberia
| 1 Jun 2009
Govt 8 May announced results of national census, opening door for electoral threshold bill, amid concerns over impact of delays on election timetable. Truth and reconciliation commission announced popular interest in establishment of special court to prosecute atrocities committed during civil war.
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Liberia
| 1 May 2009
Some political manoeuvring ahead of 2011 elections: 2 opposition parties 2 Apr merged with ruling Unity Party (UP); 9 opposition MPs crossed floor to UP mid-month. Raised speculation President Johnson-Sirleaf preparing not to seek re-election.
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Liberia
| 1 Apr 2009
Police charged lawyer, several retired soldiers with conspiracy 10 March, accusing group of planning “illegal” demonstration over President Johnson-Sirleaf past support for the National Patriotic Front during civil war.
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Liberia
| 1 Mar 2009
President Johnson-Sirleaf 12 Feb delivered long-awaited testimony to Truth and Reconciliation Commission after multiple postponements, denied allegations she had solicited financing for former President Taylor’s NPFL, though admitted having been a sympathiser.
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Liberia
| 1 Feb 2009
President Johnson-Sirleaf 18 Jan removed all non-statutory members of Liberia’s public corporation boards citing poor governance and performance amid ongoing debate over levels of public corruption; reappointments expected shortly. Govt 22 Jan signed $2.6b iron ore exploration deal with China Union, 1 of largest ever single foreign investments in Liberia.
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Liberia
| 5 Jan 2009
Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) named perpetrators and “persons of interest” set to appear before commission for role during 1999-2004 conflict. But TRC dealt early blow by President Johnson-Sirleaf’s failure 18 Dec to make appearance in response to allegations of her role in conflict; her office reportedly objected to public hearing, inadequate security. Some 200 escaped from UNMIL-guarded maximum security prison in Monrovia 1 Dec; majority still at large. UNSC 19 Dec voted to renew arms embargo, sanctions on key figures in civil war and mandate of expert monitoring panel.
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Liberia
| 1 Dec 2008
UN peacekeepers 7 Nov increased patrols along Côte d’Ivoire border following unsubstantiated reports of incursions by rebel fighters.
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Liberia
| 1 Nov 2008
Truth and Reconciliation Commission 13 Oct survey stressed threat of return to civil war posed by rising land tensions, also governance failures and unemployment. Followed 6 Oct armed stand-off between communities locked in year-long land dispute, Voinjama district. Son of Charles Taylor and U.S. citizen Chuckie Taylor convicted in Miami for torture during involvement in Liberia’s 1999-2004 civil war.
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Liberia
| 1 Oct 2008
UN Special Representative Løj 3 Sept announced second stage of UNMIL drawdown, to 12,000 troops, to begin Oct. Anti-Corruption Commission officially approved 12 Sept, but marred by controversy after opposition, civil society opposed appointment of commission head, claiming links to president. Son of former President Charles Taylor began trial in Miami late Sept for atrocities during father’s rule, in landmark U.S. case into torture committed overseas.
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Liberia
| 1 Sep 2008
UNSG Ban Ki-moon 15 Aug recommended UNMIL mandate extended to Sept 2009 and police units expanded due to security risks. Controversy over Senate presidency after 5 Aug vote to suspend temporary president Nyenabo, later ruled unconstitutional by Supreme Court. Anti-corruption commission set up 22 Aug following donor, opposition calls to fight graft.
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Liberia
| 1 Aug 2008
Govt 9 July acknowledged deteriorating security, police criminality as violent crime reportedly peaked early July. Justice minister 4 July disclosed plans to combat security service inefficiency.
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Liberia
| 1 Jul 2008
At least 19 farm workers killed in 7 June attacks in Margibi, Grand Bassa counties linked to land dispute between 2 senators; Senator Kaine charged with murder, awaits trial. UN arms embargo, monitoring panel extended to 20 Dec.
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Liberia
| 1 Jun 2008
Ex-VP Moses Blah testified against ex-President Charles Taylor – on trial for role in Sierra Leone conflict – at SL special court despite death threats; gave evidence of troop atrocities and Libyan support. Prosecutor said Taylor held billions in foreign accounts. General Julu and retd Colonel Dorbor on trial for alleged coup plot against Sirleaf govt acquitted 2 May.
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Liberia
| 1 May 2008
UN SRSG Ellen Margrethe Løj 14 Apr stressed fragility of peace, continued reliance on UNMIL for security amid concerns over planned UNMIL drawdown impact. Paris Club creditors 18 Apr agreed $254m debt relief for Liberia, conditional on IMF-set reforms. 2 Apr UNMIL report alleged corruption among court officials.
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Liberia
| 1 Apr 2008
17 former UNMIL contractors arrested after attacking UNMIL staff, vehicles 11 March. Police 20 March seized 30,000 ammunition rounds near Sierra Leone border. Special Court for Sierra Leone officials said witnesses testifying against ex-Liberian President Charles Taylor subject to intimidation, death threats. First census in 24 years conducted 21-23 March.
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Liberia
| 1 Mar 2008
UNMIL announced troop reduction 6 Feb; force strength to drop to 12,250 (from 15,000) by Sept 2008. During 21 Feb visit by U.S. President Bush, President Johnson-Sirleaf urged him to ensure “gradual” UN drawdown; Bush promised education aid and support for reconstruction effort. Chair of group supporting war crimes court Mulbah Morlu briefly detained for sabotage and threatening security during Bush visit. 1 killed and police station burned by crowd protesting murder of local woman by detainee in Tappita 13 Feb.
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Liberia
| 1 Feb 2008
Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) opened, Monrovia, 8 Jan; heard testimony of former rebel leader Joshua Blahyi who admitted responsibility for 20,000 deaths including human sacrifices. Supreme Court ruled 14 Jan President Johnson-Sirleaf can temporarily appoint local mayors, due to insufficient funds for local elections. Final phase of rehabilitation and reintegration of estimated 9,000 ex-combatants launched 18 Jan, Monrovia.
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Liberia
| 2 Jan 2008
UN Security Council extended arms and travel embargoes for 1 year 19 December in response to increased gun violence. Ex-President Gyude Bryant arrested 7 December after missing court appearance on embezzlement charges; released 8 December after agreeing to appear at 10 December ruling.
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Items 1 - 50 of 102