AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT ELLEN JOHNSON-SIRLEAF
February 6, 2008
Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
President of the Republic of Liberia
Executive Mansion
Monrovia , Liberia
Madam President:
This letter is to express the anguish that I and most Liberians are experiencing with the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) as a direct result of the lackadaisical and inconsequential treatment given it by your Administration.
The concept of the TRC was first introduced in a Resolution by the 51st Legislature and finally made part of the Accra Accords by the stakeholders in the Liberian conflict as a way of fostering genuine healing and reconciliation in the aftermath of many years of war, death and destruction. Based on the belief that the TRC’s approach will produce a lasting-healing effect, Liberians and the International Community concluded that a War Crimes Tribunal or a prosecutory resolution to our problem would do nothing but exacerbate the pain and continue the anguish among the people.
As you may be aware, all of the agreements made by the Parties to the Liberian conflict prior to 1997, carried full amnesty for the leaders and individual participants in the war, except for acts committed outside of combat. These agreements were fully endorsed by the United Nations, the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS). I speak with knowledge and authority because I am a signatory to all of the above Referenced agreements.
Because Liberia has been ruled by the very tyrants, warlords, their sponsors and associates for the past 27 years, including you since 1980, absolutely, no one has seen fit to address the issue of acts committed during these oppressive regimes and numerous wars, outside of combat in the Court of competent jurisdiction within the Republic of Liberia . There are certain crimes under Liberian Laws, including murder that has no statute of limitation. I am certain this is universal. The framers of these agreements along with the International Bodies supporting them left a window for the Republic of Liberia to bring to justice people who may have committed crimes such as murder under the cloud of war or civil disturbance.
Right off the top of my head, here are some murder cases that should be addressed under the criminal statutes of Liberia: The wanton murder of: Mr. Jackson F. Doe and Professor Yekeson, both of whom were the well publicized guests of Mr. Charles Taylor, then rebel leader; Mr. Michael Doe, killed at the Hotel Africa, not involved in any combat, Mr. Samuel K. Doe, who was no longer President by virtue of the ECOWAS decision to replace his with the Sawyer Government. Records show that Doe was invited to the Peace Keepers Headquarters. His living body was delivered to Mr. Prince Johnson, then Leader of the Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL). The recorded and videoed detail of how Doe was slaughtered is around. There was no war involved. Even the smallest child in the Country knows that no amount of private negotiation between the family of Doe and those responsible for his gruesome death can negate the jurisdiction and authority of the Republic of Liberia to investigate as to whether a crime against the State has been committed. I beg to differ with Hon. Prince Johnson regarding his recent utterances concerning the Doe issue.
The gruesome murder of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Dokie, the murder of John Yomie and Deputy Minister Vaye, numerous persons taken from places of refuge such as the Greystone Compound near the American Embassy in Monrovia and other internal refugee camps around the country who were murdered by their adopters, the beating to death of Isaac Gono, a driver, by Charles Taylor, Jr. and his body guards on the front step of Mr. Taylor’s house and with his participation are very obvious cases that must be addressed from a government perspective. The list goes on but suffice it to say that if Liberia will restore itself to the Comity of Nations, it should be a country of law and not men.
The issues surrounding the conflicts from 1979 to 1990 are so complex and compounded by the death of those who bear the greatest responsibilities and cannot participate in this healing process, i.e., Presidents Tolbert, Doe, etc. Who then are those in that era envisaged by the law that created the TRC proposes to forgive or be punished by the will of the President?
The work of the TRC covering that very period has been further compounded and muddied up by the usual selfish, careless, wanton, callous and insensitive approach of your government to our complex social issues. Had you been interested in genuine-lasting peace and reconciliation among all the people of the Republic of Liberia, and also, had you been conscious of the deep seated pain caused by the 135 years of minority domination of the Liberian society, a principal cause of the war, your Administration could have declared and sponsored a broad based National Mourning and Memorial Service across the country for the almost 300 thousand lives lost as a result of the 14-year civil war to include the two Presidents (Tolbert and Doe) that were killed under grotesque circumstances including the 13 Officials of government of the Tolbert Administration who were executed in 1980. Instead, your Administration supported a memorial service and erected monuments memorializing the lives of only the 13 Americo Liberian or Conguar Government Officials who were executed in 1980. What message did this act send to the rest of the Liberian People who are still mourning for the loss of 300 thousand of their relatives and fellow citizens? Try cleaning that up when you get to the TRC.
To the best of my understanding, the only parties to the Liberian conflicts who may not be covered by outright amnesty are the leaders of LURD & MODEL and their fighters. The Accra Peace Accord left their fates to the TRC that is currently in effect. Also to the best of our knowledge, no International body that we know of is seeking prosecutory action against anyone in these groups. They like all other Liberian liberators were encouraged and sponsored by some member of the so called International Community to employ force of arm to bring about political change in their country. The justification for which LURD and MODEL received enormous support to force the Taylor government out is no different from the one used to remove the Tolbert and Doe governments. What is clear is the pattern that Liberians have been urged by the Powers that control the World to forcibly and bloodily remove one leader after another starting with William R. Tolbert, Jr., yet, after each leader is removed, the International Community, especially the U.S. has done very little to infuse enough resources required to develop, promote and sustain democracy in Liberia. If the so called International Community would even demand one ounce of social justice, economic and political fairness for every million dollar put in places like Liberia , the country would become a beacon of democracy in West Africa .
Those of us who harbor and are prone to conspiracy theories think that the former colonial powers who took millions of the children of Africa to distant lands as slaves have a neo-colonial agenda to keep the people of Africa in a perpetual quandary of conflicts. Supposedly, this policy is well thought-out, calculated with an adjustable conflict-flame thrower. In a split second, deadly conflicts in places like Liberia can be adjusted to low or high intensity. The conflict in Liberia is currently in the low intensity mode. It could be adjusted to high intensity in a matter of seconds. My thinking above, could be merely the conjecture of a frustrated person whose descendant were captured like animals, some killed and some used to serve their fellow men under subhuman conditions.
How is the conflict in Liberia any different from the conflicts around the world? The answer is very simple. To change matter in every situation, new elements must be added to the old. In the situation with failed state like Liberia , any change must start with the organic laws (constitution) of the country. Economic and social imbalances must be adequately addressed. Infusion of financial and material resources to enable the people of the affected country to recover and catch up with the current times must take place. The Marshall plan in Europe after World War II, the massive infusion of economic, human and material resources being infused in Afghanistan and Iraq is an example.
I am sure you can recall after the bloody overthrow of the Tolbert Government, the military regime under Sergeant Doe received an unprecedented aid from the United States 75% of which was military, (weapons, military tanks and ammunitions), even though we were not threatened by any of our neighbors. Again, in resolving our current nightmare, we have been required to raise an Army as the most urgent priority. General Doe supposedly had a 6000-man, well trained army in West Africa with superior weaponry. In the face of a challenge from the people, that army crumbled like a piece of cookie. Madam Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, is our priority really an army, or the disarmament of the hearts of the Liberian People?
I mentioned the pattern of the vicious cycle of violence in Liberia and that it seems to be controlled by the Western Powers simply to remind you that this is not about you as you should know by now, especially since you took over as President of Liberia. You should by now realize that those among the World Powers who want to do us good are far less than those who want to see us burn whether slowly or in an inferno. Suffice it to say, that no one in the International Community is seeking to punish anyone in Liberia for the war, including LURD and MODEL.
The International Community has determined that Taylor should be prosecuted for rape, mayhem and crime against humanity in Sierra Leone and not his own country where he was a rebel leader for seven years and President for another six years. During those periods, 300 thousand of his people perished and the nation burned to ashes. Yet, the same International Community made the determination that the TRC process of national healing is the best way forward to bring closure to the Liberian People. Therefore, you need to understand this and let’s move forward, genuinely with the process.
The current stalemate and dismal performance of the TRC is directly linked to the manner in which your Administration is handling issues as they relate to the Commission which among other things include funding and the participation of government officials including yourself in the process. This is a healing process in which Liberians from all facets of the society should participate, especially those in high places like me, you and other former war lords, fighters, incumbent government officials, clergy, etc. We cannot “have our cake and eat it, too”; as the saying goes. In the matter involving the TRC healing method, no one person should be the judge and the jury. In fact there should not be a judge and jury in this process. Rather, it should be a forum in which Liberians will have the opportunity to bring to light what actually happened to innocent Liberians, and for them to embrace each other, with the intent to never again see such ugly period in our history.
Two years into your administration of the affairs of our nation, the TRC is spinning in a circle of triviality marked by attention seekers telling tall tails, making outlandish allegations and telling sensational stories. The process seems to be opening up more wounds than healing any.
A while back, you were asked as to whether you would testify before the TRC? Your response was swift and blistery, “if someone has any charge against me, let them go and file it with the TRC and then I will appear to answer it”. There is no need for anyone to implicate you. In a way, you implicated yourself during the campaign when you offer an apology to Liberians for what you referred to at the time as “stupid statement” made by you in the painful past. The statement you made in 1990 was, “Let Monrovia burn, we will rebuild it”. However, in recent times, you admitted to making a “Stupid Statement”. which you say was, “Let the Mansion burn, we will rebuild it”. Well, it looks like God granted your wish. He waited until you occupied the Mansion as your office before he let the devil set it on fire. Our Lord Jesus Christ says, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Do you notice that you are doing some of the wrong things that your predecessors did that led to their bloody demise?
You will see Madam President, the day you appear before the TRC voluntarily and testify as to your participation in our revolution and offer the same heartfelt apology similar to the one you made during the campaign, a great cloud will be lifted from over the work of the Commission. This will immensely enhance the work of the Commission and open the road so that other people in high places like you will muster the courage to come voluntarily to the Commission. I am sure our learned friends, former and current officials of Government like Doctors, Sawyer, Fahnbulleh, Tipoteh and others have their own contribution to make to this healing process but they do not want to outshine you.
Madam President, In the name of genuine peace and reconciliation I urge you to muster the courage to step up to the plate. If you can recall, Presidents Nelson Mandela and Fredrick de Klerk were among the first group of people to appear before the TRC in South Africa . They did not have to be accused as you have demanded.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE WAY FORWARD
1. You should quickly propose a Legislation to remove the unconstitutional portion of the Act that created the TRC which contravenes the right of individual from incriminating him or herself. This provision of our Constitution is crucial to our system of jurisprudence. Have the Legislature strike out any portion of the law which gives the President the authority to be the final arbiter of matters that have been resolved by the TRC as enunciated in the TRC Chairman’s recent speech, that when the Commission has completed its work; he said, the Commission “…will report to the President there and then the President will decide whether to prosecute or forgive”. How can one who was an active participant in the crisis such as you decide whether to prosecute or grant forgiveness to others who took part in civil war? I find this too troublesome. I am sure you do too.
2. Go voluntarily before the TRC and wholeheartedly speak your mind. Kick off the process of confession and repentance for our generation. With a Harvard Education, you have the capacity, charisma, and practical knowledge of our struggle to infuse the healing words to the process. You certainly will ease the pain of the younger generation of Liberians who have not gotten any substantial education since 1980, while your and my children lived in the comfort of the United States where they acquired the best education which in the eyes of your Administration renders them superior to their fellow Liberians who were forced to remain in the country to either survive or perish. You can do this by passionately narrating the history of the struggle including your personal experiences and sacrifices. The numerous imprisonments, torture and inhumane treatment meted to you over the years should not be left out.
3. Let the next generation of Liberians know that a multitude of people have paid the ultimate price with their lives so that a Liberia that is good for its entire people will evolve through a participatory democracy. Tell them not to take this achievement for granted. Let them know it came from blood sweat and tears. Tell them to prepare themselves with education and wealth building in anticipation of taking the mantle of State from our generation. Your example will produce a domino effect for there is no one in our country that does not have an experience to share in the name of peace and reconciliation.
4. Instruct the Minister of Justice to appoint a Special Prosecutor to deal with crimes committed by individuals outside of combat, especially murder as prescribed in the agreements to resolve the conflict. If Legislation is necessary under our Constitution, Please obtain it.
5. Reduce the TRC to a simple forum through which the Liberian People can tell each other the truth and reconcile. If someone accused by another refuses to appear, the TRC should have the subpoena power to compel them to do so. If it is a crime outside of combat and the statute of limitation has not run out, send it to the Special Prosecutor and the Court.
Madam President, If you cannot find the room in your heart to lead the way to igniting the power that the TRC needs to propel into motion, dissolve it and save us the anguish. Liberians are not vindictive people. They are God fearing and quick to forgive. If the Liberian people could forgive Mr. Charles Taylor whose 1997 campaign slogan was, “I killed your ma, I killed your pa, please forgive and vote for me”, they forgave and elected him President, they will forgive each other. Be reminded that you too were forgiven by the Liberian people. They elected you in 2005, even though in 1990, you went on the BBC to order Monrovia burnt. The Liberian people accepted your apology and elected you. Most of us who have been and are still in the upper layer of our National Public Lives have come there from the benevolence of our people. While some us may have committed serious wrongs including murder and Mayhem while prosecuting a just war, our people still find us worthy of governing them. Hence your appearance before the TRC will be a great step in the right direction. It will go down in history as one of your greatest achievements.
In the ultimate interest for genuine reconciliation and peace, I remain,
Respectfully yours,
Jucontee Thomas Woewiyu
Former President Pro Tempore of the
Liberian Senate
AFRICAN PANORAMA
Tom Woewiyu
President Sirleaf
The US Government have chosen not to bring AFRICOM to Africa at this moment. The idea is still up in the air but has not received the kind of support from Africans on the continent. Most Africans view the step by President Johnson-Sirleaf as a sell out, but some Liberians see a different picture. Opposition politicians view this attempt by Jonson-Sirleaf as a way to fortify her presidency, crush oppositions and remain in power indefinitely, thus returning Liberia to a one party state. In the eyes of the Johnson-Sirleaf supporters, the reason is economical not political. It doesn't take a brain surgeon to look at the remnants of American Institutions in this failed state and conclude on the benefits of any other American establishments. If America is to propose any new venture such as AFRICOM on the continent of Africa, the very first thing to do is to make it right this time in Liberia. And to make it in the shortest time possible. If Johnson-Sirleaf is so close a friend to America as alleged, why don't Liberians see lots of American Manufacturing Facilities? Why are the Chinese coming to build roads and other projects in Liberia and not Americans? Today, China has agreed to build plants and facilities not only in Liberia but in other African Countries. China has even agreed to build a new African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. So America must take Liberia very serious if she is to make impact in Africa because when America talks about ventures to the African world, Africans look at Liberia and see the real American contributions to Africa. And as you can see, Liberia is not a pretty site to look at right now. A country that has been so close to America yet is so backwards in every facet of life. Some Liberians feel proud of their American heritage and quick to tell other Africans that their country was founded by freed American slaves, but when it comes to America, Liberia is just another African nation whose citizens must obtain visas like other foreigners to enter the USA.
Recently, US President George Bush called on Liberians to think about returning home. A home where 85% of the citizens are jobless, where a senator recently said he received orders from Amos Sawyer, Archbishop Michael Francis ( the head of the Arch Diocese of Monrovia ) and a Western Government (US Government) to kill a sitting Liberian President. A country where the justice system is completely paralyzed and the three branches of government have been controversially branded with rampant corruption recently as few months ago. A country where the president requested the citizens to inform the government about anyone seen or involved in corrupt practices, but when the Criminal Court Judge Charles K. Williams tells the government and people of Liberia that the state prosecutors offered him $10,000 to influence a verdict in the controversial treason trial, the Judge is not commended but removed from the case and the state prosecutors walk free. A country that is still divided where voices are heard screaming across the globe for the establishment of a war crime court to bring the perpetrators of the Liberian Genocide to book. Especially the architects and principal architect who masterminded and financed this form of HIGH CLASS TERRORISM on defenseless people. A country where the architects and the principal architect are masquerading, traveling around the world and impersonating as citizens who believe in the rules of law. A country taken back to prehistoric days. A country where the life of the government Auditor General was threatened by higher echelons in the government because he stood up to expose corruption in the government.
President Bush have said that Liberia has a great president but some Liberians begged to differ. Most Liberians will like to return home and help rebuild their broken country but are not willing to work with those in leadership who destroyed their country. Mr. President, as a Christian you know that there must be reconciliation in order to heal. The Liberian people have not attempted this process correctly because, their president failed or refused to voluntarily face the TRC and confess everything she knows about the destruction of Liberia, in its entireties with all honesty. The leader must exhibit seriousness by taking the first step to face the TRC. This bold attitude will compel others to follow. If the nation fails to heal, Liberia will not be able to move forward. Like Mr. Samuel Koffi Woods said, " only in Liberia that UNDERABLES becomes HONORABLES". Most Liberians will be very glad to return home and help rebuild their broken country, but please don't expect them to do so until the President is willing to take the first step. It's time President Sirleaf, face the TRC NOW!!!
SENIOR STAFF AFRICAN PANORAMA FEBRUARY 21, 2008
STOP DODGING THE TRC ELLEN, FACE IT NOW!!!
Liberian President and US President Bush
Liberian President Johnson-Sirleaf was quick to request US President George Bush to bring AFRICOM Headquarters to Liberia without looking at the big picture of how Africans view Liberia. President Sirleaf, it's time to CONFESS TO THE TRC. It's time to confess everything you know about the Liberian crisis. From Libya to Burkina Faso, from Cote D'IVoire to Liberia. Stop dodging the game, the rest of the players will need to follow the leader. AFRICOM should not be of keen interest to you at this time.
