Financial News pg 7 TOP STORIES

Liberias Debt Burden Creeping Up Again, President Sirleaf Acknowledges

$750 MILLION IN THE RED

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FRONTPAGEAFRICA NEWSPAPER WISHES TO CLARIFY THAT THE PAPER DID NOT HONOR DR. J. MILLS JONES AS GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR, AS IS CARRIED IN AN ADVERT FOR A PICTORIAL IN ALMOST ALL OF THE NEWSPAPERS. WE DO NOT HONOR POLITICIANS; WE GRADE THEM BASED ON THEIR PERFORMANCE IN SERVICE TO THE LIBERIAN PEOPLE. WE WERE NOT CONSULTED AND WE DO NOT ENDORSE IT.

NOT PART OF MILLS JONES HONOR

CENTRAL BANK OF LIBERIA

MARKET BUYING AND SELLING RATES LIBERIAN DOLLARS PER US DOLLAR

BUYING THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2014 THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014 L$80.00/US$1 L$80.00/US$1 L$80.00/US$1

SELLING L$81.00/US$1 L$81.00/US$1 L$81.00/US$1

These are indicative rates based on results of daily surveys of the foreign exchange market in Monrovia and its environs. The rates are collected from the Forex Bureaux and the commercials banks. The rates are not set by the Central Bank of Liberia.
Source: Research, Policy and Planning Department, Central Bank Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia

VOL 8 NO.526

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Monday, February 3, 2014

Rodney D. Sieh, rodney.sieh@frontpageafricaonline.com

A
Monrovia -

n investigation by FrontPageAfrica has unraveled yet another serious waste of Liberian Government resources at the Liberia Telecommunications Authority. Coming on the eve of a radical effort by the government to go after various private firms for taxes, documents in possession of FrontPageAfrica suggest that Angelique Weeks, the chair of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority(LTA), recently entered into an advanced negotiations with a Chinese company, Qingfian International(Lib)Group Development Co. Ltd.(CNQC) to rent its apartment building to house the LTA. The building is located on the Congotown back road near the Baptist Church. FrontPageAfrica has also gathered that prior to the signing of the lease agreement, the National Investment Commission turned down an asking price of US$450, 000 per annum for the same building, causing many to wonder why the LTA settle for such a ridiculous offer. US$385,000 Per Annum for Lease FrontPageAfrica has also gathered that that LTA chair has agreed to pay US$385,000.00(Three Hundred Eighty Five Thousand United States Dollars)per year, with a threeyear upfront payment to a Chinese Landlord totaling US$1,155,000.00 (ONE MILLION, ONE HUNDRED FIFTY FIVE THOUSAND UNITED STATES DOLLARS). The four-story building contains thirty-one rooms and six bathrooms situated on two lots of land. According to a source within the LTA, the lease agreement was sent to the Ministry of Justice in keeping with the Procurement Law. However, it appears that the Ministry of Justice was reluctant to sign off on the deal despite insistence of Weeks. One source said the ministry was reluctant committing the government of Liberia to a lease agreement that made the government a tenant of a Chinese Company in Congo Town. More importantly, concerns have been expressed about the LTAs unilateral decision to lease a building for more than a million dollars when the same money could build more than one permanent structure for at least two or three government agencies.

Ironically, Weeks, who was recently re-nominated by President Sirleaf to a second term as chair, told a Senate committee during her confirmation hearing that the LTA was unable to effectively carry out its functions because of funds to procure certain equipment. Weeks testimony before the Senate coupled with the LTAs ambitious lease agreement is raising questions in view of the LTAs intention of renting an office space for over one million United States dollars. The LTA currently leases three buildings across town, while

The price tag is said to be in the tone of US$385,000.00(three hundred eighty five thousand United States Dollars per year, and to pay three years up front. The total LTA would pay the Chinese landlord would come to US$1,155,000.00(one million, one hundred, fifty five thousand united states dollars).
Ms. Weeks maintains two offices for herself. The Minister of Finance Amara Konneh recently accused the LTA of not meeting its commitments to support the national budget, which has contributed to budgetary shortfalls which could affect important infrastructure and social services programs. This recent action on the part of the LTA Chair is only one of many bad decisions affecting the LTA under the leadership of Weeks, who apparently seems to enjoy the presidents confidence despite many indiscretions. FrontPageAfrica has learned that the LTA has not, as of Fiscal

Year 2012/2013 and Fiscal Year 2013/2014, submitted its procurement planning for approval in keeping with Section 40 of the PPCA. The regulations state that prior to approval of Procurement Plans must be obtained from the Public Procurement Concessions Commission before any contracts can be awarded for Fiscal Year 2013/2014. The LTAs noncompliance, FrontPageAfrica has learned was deemed a violation of the PPCA as Procurement Planning is the beginning from which transparency and accountability of GoL funds can be ascertained. FrontPageAfrica has also learned that the PPCC, in pursuit of safeguarding government funding and ensuring value for money in keeping with donor support requirements, requested that the LTA provide clarification assessments with regards to among other things, the total number of staff of the LTA, the cost of purchasing the CNQC Qingian International(Lib) Group Development Co. Ltd building, Prospect of renovating government-owned property for its use; and the possibility of purchasing a land and constructing its own property compared to spending more than a million dollar for a lease property. The LTA reportedly did not provide the documentations at the end of the December 6, 2014 deadline. The contract was reportedly signed in December. LTA Fails Value for Money Test Liberias international partners and donors have in recent months stressed the importance of value for money. The British governments Department for International Development (DFID), for example, has made it quite clear that it will follow the British governments policy of value for money by supporting strategic management and greater transparency in ensuring tightened contract management and controls in the UKs support to infrastructure and work closely with the government and the donor community to monitor and support the implementation of the governments anti-corruption strategy. Thus, some political analysts say, lease agreement such as the one signed by the LTA is bound to raise red flag, internationally.

Monday, February 3, 2014

email to Burphy:

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Ms. Burphy: Would be grateful if you could arrange an interview with the chair regarding the topic below. Please let me know what time would be best. Regards Rodney The email to Burphy was followed by a follow-up text message but nothing substantial was gathered from the LTA over why more than a million dollars was spent on a sub leased property of a foreign company. The LTAs controversial lease agreement comes in the Aftermath of a recent decision by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf to dismiss the entire board of the Liberia Telecommunications Company(LIBTELCO), including the Managing Director Ben Wolo, based on the conclusion of an agreement which failed to meet legal requirement. LIBTELCO Dj vu? The board was suspended pending the outcome of an investigation into its alleged failure to stick to the provisions of the Public Procurement Act in concluding a contract with a European company, Ketter Telecom (K3). It is unclear whether Sirleaf will take action similar to the one she took when the LIBTELCO board signed an MOU without with a foreign company in violation of the Public Procurement Concession Commission. Weeks predecessor Albert Bropleh was arrested in July 2011, by officers of the Liberia National Police and escorted by tight security to a local prison in Tubmanburg, Bomi County Liberia for jumping bail. Bropleh was tried in August 2010 at the 12th judicial Circuit in Tubmanburg, Bomi County on three count charges, after being indicted by the Government of Liberia for the crimes of economic sabotage, theft of property, and criminal facilitation in the amount of US$ 70,000.00. As this story went to press, Senator Fredrick Cherue, Vice Chair of the Committee on Postal Affairs and Telecommunications in the upper house told FrontPageAfrica that he is in communicating with the board of the LTA to seek further clarification on the matter. No Award Without Compliance A FrontPageAfrica reporter who visited to the building in question last Friday noticed some movement on the premises. A worker confirmed that the LTA management were already in the process of moving into the building, suggesting that that the LTA went ahead and signed the MOU even though it was advised by the PPCC not to do so, a clear violation of Section 31. 1 of the Amendment and Restatement of the Public Procurement and Concessions Act states that No Procuring Entity shall enter into a procurement contract above the Thresholds establish by Regulations promulgated by the Commission unless a minimum of fourteen (14) days have lapsed since the notification of intent to award a contract was delivered to the Commission. In the case of the LTA, committing governments taxpayers to a lease agreement surpassing one million when the PPCC clearly requested additional information and urging the LTA to look at the prospect of renovating a government-owned property for its use; or the possibility of purchasing land and constructing its own property. The PPCC Act also states that no award may be made until the Procuring Entity takes steps to bring the proposed procurement into compliance with the Act.

LTA, Weeks Dodges Questions FrontPageAfrica made several efforts to get a response from Weeks and the LTA to no avail. On Jan 29, 2014 at 1:55 AM the following message was emailed to Chairlady Weeks seeking clarity on the matter: Hon Weeks, Hope all is well. We recently came in possession of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Liberia Telecommunications Authority(LTA) and Qingjian International(Lib) Group Development Co. Ltd.(CNQC) to sub lease a four-story office building containing thirty-one rooms and six bath rooms situated on two lots of land, lying and situated on the Congotown Back Road, approximately 100 yards from the First Baptist Church, Congo Town. The price tag is said to be in the tone of US$385,000.00(three hundred eighty five thousand United States Dollars per year, and to pay three years up front. The total LTA would pay the Chinese landlord would come to US$1,155,000.00(one million, one hundred, fifty five thousand united states dollars). We plan on running a story and are seeking clarification on the following: A. Would this building replace the current two rental properties the LTA is currently using? B. How does the LTA intend to fund this project? Who will pay? C. During your recent confirmation hearing before the Senate you insinuated that the LTA was unable to effectively carry out its functions because of lack of funds to procure certain equipment. Dont you think the purchase of such an elaborate building would raise a red flag especially in the wake of recent declaration from the Minister of Finance that the LTA has not

met its commitments to support the national budget? D. Couldnt the LTA use such funds, if they have it to actually build a building of their own? E. Do you think spending one million plus dollars on a lease property is good investment for the LTA and value for money for Liberia and its international partners? F. Finally, did the LTA seek approval from the Public Procurement Concessions Commission before advancing on the lease property? Looking forward to hearing from you before going to press. We are also open to conduct an interview with you regarding this at a time of your convenience. Sincerely Rodney D. Sieh Publisher, FrontPageAfrica www.frontpageafricaonline.com Ms. Weeks responded the same day with the following message: Mr. Sieh: I am about to go to sleep after a long and hectic day, so I'm not currently disposed to provide a detailed response. However, I can tell you that some of your information is wrong, so the premise of many of your questions is flawed. If you'd like to arrange an interview with me, please contact Ms. Jarsea Burphy, LTA's Director of Public Affairs, who I'm copying for her awareness. Thanks. Angelique Weeks, Chairperson Liberia Telecommunications Authority FrontPageAfrica, as requested by Weeks immediately sent an
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A look at recent events putting the telecommunications sector under scrutiny in Liberia
THE ALBERT BROPLEH SAGA THE LIBTELCO SUSPENSION

A SECTOR IN TURMOIL
Weeks predecessor Albert Bropleh was arrested in July 2011, by officers of the Liberia National Police and escorted by tight security to a local prison in Tubmanburg, Bomi County Liberia for jumping bail. Bropleh was tried in August 2010 at the 12th judicial Circuit in Tubmanburg, Bomi County on three count charges, after being indicted by the Government of Liberia for the crimes of economic sabotage, theft of property, and criminal facilitation in the amount of US$ 70,000.00. THE NOVAFONE MYSTERY
Novafone, which replaced Comium as a cellular carrier, pressed criminal charges against one of its own employees, Hussein Dakroub, a Lebanese national who is the companys ISP Technical Supervisor for illegally operating a device that was stealing from Novafone, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority(LTA), the government of Liberia as well as rival carriers, Lonestarcell/ MTN and Cellcom. Investigators have also informed FrontPageAfrica that the companys CEO Chady Salim is being considered a Person of Interest in the case and that more people may be involved in the scam.

The LTAs controversial lease agreement comes in the Aftermath of a recent decision by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf to dismiss the entire board of the Liberia Telecommunications Company(LIBTELCO), including the Managing Director Ben Wolo, based on the conclusion of an agreement which failed to meet legal requirement.

FrontPage COMMENTARY EDITORIAL Liberias staggeringmacro-economic

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Monday, February 3, 2014

Commentary

SELECTIVE JUSTICE IN LIBERIA Failure on the ruling Unity Party government to hold the

ONE GROUP GETS PUNISHED; ANOTHER GO FREE BECOMING THE NORM IN UP-LED GOVERNMENT

woes: tackle supply-sideconstraints

Musa Dukuly (PhD), suawantiwar@yahoo.com, Contributing Writer

SOMETHING UNHEALTHY is creeping up in Liberia today. Since the ushering in of the post-war government of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, a lot of officials accused of corruption or engagement in violations of public procurement policies have either walked scot free, thanks to a flawed judicial system or avoided prosecution in the absence of political will to fight the corruption cancer. A RECENT SUPREME COURT ruling hit to the core of the problem when the court ruled that former Minister of Lands, Mines and Energy, Dr. Eugene Shannon, grossly erred by extending the Bentley International Trading Incorporation concession agreement. READING THE ruling, Chief Justice Francis S. Korkpor Sr., pointed out that Minister Shannon lacks the legal authority to have extended the Bentley agreement to 15 years without any legal validity. The Supreme Courts pronouncement comes on the heels of an appeal for the Writ of Madamus, motion to rescind ruling and petition for declaratory judgment growing out of the case involving Bentley International and the Government of Liberia (GoL).

Liberia Telecommunications Authority( LTA) accountable for entering into a wasteful one million dollar plus lease agreement will validate the perception many have that the UP-led government is unserious about fighting corruption. At a time when donor nations are insisting on getting value for money, it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that this LTA deal stinks to high heavens.

IN APRIL 2013, the company entered into a 20-year mining agreement with the Government of Liberia(GoL), which was approved by the President of Liberia on May 10, 1978 and ratified by the Legislature, thereby becoming law. JUSTICE KORKPOR noted that, although the Bentley agreement was signed by the Lands Mines and Energy, it was also signed by the Minister of Finance, attested to by the Minister of Justice, approved by the President of Liberia and ratified by the Legislature, and as such, any extension within this agreement was wrong to be unilaterally done by an individual which the former Lands, Mines and Energy Minister did. Based on those circumstances, the Supreme Court dismissed and denied the Companys appeal and ordered the presiding Judge to take jurisdiction over the case and give effective Judgment. IN THE WAKE of the court ruling, a recent book by Canandian investor Len Lindstrom entitled Corruption 101-Liberia Style also cited Shannon, Roosevelt Jayjay, Miller and Sherman, who Lindstrom notes were principle signatories to illegal licenses issued by MLME over Liberty Properties, all of whom surely knew and understood the Mineral Law and the constitution of Liberia and consequently had to be fully cognizant of the utter illegality of their actions. DURING THE PERIOD, the investor says his company brought in some 21 geologists from Ghana and employed up to three hundred people in the forest, especially contract workers in the outline areas, working hard and heavy, transitioned into mineral expedition agreement. Lindstrom says all of those agreements were ratified under the current regime, under the UP government and have gone through by GEMAP, approved by the Ministry of Lands, Mines & Energy. Lindstrom lists nearly a dozen officials who played one role or the other in his current predicament. THOSE NAMED ARE: Jonathan Mason, who was minister of Lands, Mines and Energy at the time, Eugene Shannon, who replaced Mason in 2006, Albert Chie, Assistant Minister for Exploration, Murray Gessler, replaced Albert Chie as Assistant Minister of Exploration, Carlton Miller, replaced Murray Gessler as Assistant Minister for Exploration, Mulbah Willie, Deputy Minister of Operations, ECB Jones, replaced Willie as Deputy for Operations, John Nylander, Deputy Minister for Administration, Walter McCarthy, replaced Nylander as Deputy for Administration, Emmanuel Sherman, Head of the ministrys Cartographic Department and later replaced Miller as Assistant Minister for Exploration when Miller was shuffled to Assistant Minister of Planning.

Musa Dukuly (PhD), suawantiwar@yahoo.com, Contributing Writer Economic activities remarkably expanded in Liberia, averaging7-8 percent growth rate over the last 5 years, but inherent supplyside risks are eroding the gains. Existing economic indicators of spiraling inflation, depreciating exchange rate and diverse fiscal constraints are imminent economic challenges requiring wide range of policy debates and discussions to elicit pragmatic solutions. Sustaining the growth calls for pragmatic policy actions from all strategic fronts to help mitigate economic waste and redirect resources to productive sectors. Thus, this commentary seeks to provide a synopsis on monetary and fiscal implications of the supply-side constraints (i.e, factors that inhibit economic productivity). Supply-side and Monetary issues Liberias inept ability to handle supply side constraints is mounting the inflationary pressure. In the face of weak external demand for Liberias exports and escalating price of fuel, the current macroeconomic imbalance is hurting all facets of the economy. The existing structural constraints, coupled with fragile fiscal and monetary coordination, are indicative of a threat to any strongmacro-economic fundamentals (high foreign reserve, domestic savings, investments, etc), which are essentially vital fora sustained resuscitation of the real sectors. Stepping up effort to improve competitiveness of exports and promote agricultural activities would tame inflation by checking on the rising prices of food.The foregoing is suggestive that monetary phenomenon, as perceived by few stakeholders, may not be the main inducement of the persistent rise in prices, rather supply-side remains the pacemaker of our-staggering economy. However, the general perception appears that the monetary authoritys financial inclusion program of advancing finance to the vulnerable businesses is influencing inflation, while others attribute the inflationary pressure to the depreciation in exchange rate, which is partly acceptable. Despite the relative exchange rate stability enjoyed in most of 2012, the economy was still exposed to inherent risk of potential depreciation in the exchange rate and high inflation due to sluggishness in priority investments to ease infrastructural constraints for a thriving real sector. In addition, the persistent current account deficit is mainly ensuing from high importation of goods (especially food and fuel) and the failure of the real sector to generate adequate foreign exchange. All of these have made the public uncertain of how long the various policies undertaken will go to dis-inflate and stabilize the economy. Aside from other external shocks, the wide spread between the exchange rate in banks and forex bureaus is under-pinningan expanding parallel market that could likely increase transactions outside the banks and support inflation. Inward remittances are likely on a downward trajectory potentially due to the drawing down international staff (especially UNMIL) and slowing foreign aid. This phenomenon directly implies a high demand for dollars; the propagatory effect is leading to pass-through effect to rising prices. So, what is the policy fallback to narrow this gap? It is understandable that increased economic uncertainty provokes monetary authority to be discretionary in using unconventional
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monetary policy to stimulate output in Liberia. Based on the weak supply response, the monetary authoritys action of not instituting an expansionary policy is strategic, because it may influence higher inflation if production does not respond favorably to money growth. So, the current policy path of the monetary authority to support smallholders seems appropriate because of the limited interest of other financial institutions in small holders, which are the main springboard for livelihood by many downtrodden in Liberia today. The low cost credit to them (small holders)would help to boost domestic production and potentially ease the burden of inflation. The effectiveness of this policy however depends on whether significant portion of the exposures is directed at domestic activities in agriculture, furniture or other local-made products, instead of re-enforcing the high importation of goods that is already subduing the economy. In any case, a key socioeconomic implication of the policy are induced financial struggle on economic agents, who may use portion of the investment returns to meet other payment needs (school, rent, medical, transport, etc), including food, which are the main absorbers of low-income households incentives in Liberia. Perennial intervention to contain build-up in the exchange rate pressure is also an indication of necessary utilization of monetary instrument in the short term, but it is not sustainable. The intervention mechanism, often counteracted by capital outflows and sometimes public hoarding of foreign currency in the economy, is likely complicating the economic stability. The need to partly offset the trade deficit via other capital inflows is vital to further contain exchange rate variability. Interestingly, this would ensure that the stability of the exchange rate vis-a-vis the demand for United States Dollars (USD) is not as badly out of balance as the supply. The Treasury bill regime (recently launched) is a worthy monetary venture for the medium to long term to control liquidity and ease some of the imbalances, but massive education and sensitization are required to make it more effective. In addition, de-dollarization effort in terms of payments of salaries and other domestic transactions in Liberian dollars ought to be reenforced to relieve the operational challenge on monetary policy. Fiscal policy and supply-side issues Tax mobilization has inched up, but fiscal policy still needs sound rethinking to strengthen effort in tackling development priorities that would remove supply-side bottlenecks. Increasing demand for recurrent expenditures has implications for budget deficit that propels inflation via its(deficit) financing. Given the financial constraints of the giant economies to assist Liberia with budget or programme support, domestic window would remain thin to offset any budgetary shortfall. Thus, intention to raise the planned budget by more than 25% (cumulative) over the last three years may have been good, but risky due to donor fatigue and nonautomation of revenue collection mechanism to ensure accuracy of revenue forecast. Thus, instituting expansionary fiscal policy without a tactful monetary policy remains a huge risk, given the perennial budget deficits endured over years.

You can read the full commentary on www. frontpageafricanonline.com

committing the government of Liberia to a lease agreement that made the government a tenant of a Chinese Company in Congo Town. More importantly, concerns have been expressed about the LTAs unilateral decision to lease a building for more than a million dollars when the same money could build more than one permanent structure for at least two or three government agencies. WE HOPE THAT the ruling Unity Party government will examine the LTA for what is no doubt a very wasteful venture, clearly in violation of the Public Procurement Concessions Commission which, according to a FrontPageAfrica investigation advised the LTA to explore the possibility of renovating a government owned building or even allocating a land to build one for itself. FAILURE on the part of this government to hold LTA accountable will validate the perception many have that the UP-led government is unserious about fighting corruption. At a time when donor nations are insisting on getting value for money, it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that this LTA deal stinks to high heavens.

LATE LAST YEAR, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf suspended the entire board of national fixed line operator Liberia Telecommunications Corporation (Libtelco) with immediate effect, pending the outcome of an investigation into its alleged failure to stick to the provisions of the Public Procurement Act in concluding a contract with a European company, Ketter Telecom (K3). NOW COMES report that Ms. Angelique Weeks, Chair of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority(LTA) recently entered into a one million, one hundred fifty thousand United States Dollars lease agreement with a Chinese landlord valued at US$385,000.00(Three Hundred Eighty Five Thousand United States Dollars)per year, with a three-year upfront payment. THE FOUR-STORY BUILDING contains thirty-one rooms and six bathrooms situated on two lots of land. According to a source within the LTA, the lease agreement was sent to the Ministry of Justice in keeping with the Procurement Law. However, it appears that the Ministry of Justice was reluctant to sign off on the deal despite insistence of Weeks. One source said the ministry was reluctant

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Monday, February 3, 2014

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT OUR STORIES ON THE WORLDWIDE WEB

Send your letters and comments to: editor@frontpageafricaonline.com

YOU WRITE; WE PUBLISH; THEY READ!

The Reader's Page

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COMMENTS FROM FPA ONLINE

FUMBLING EJS: LIBERIAN PREZ FUMBLES STATE OF NATION DELIVERY
MARTIN KPAHN I do not think FPA representation of the president's state of union address is fair. You were overly negative negative. While all may not be rosy both the negatives and the positives achieved should be highlighted not focusing almost exclusively on the negatives as you did. SYLVESTER MOSES It was a persuasive promise from a chef who announced a mouth watering menu of great dishes to a wolfish group of impatient diners. Is there enough time to prepare the foods, would all the ingredients be ready? Admittedly, mistakes and delays were made but the hungry diners must consider that though the dinner is late, the chef remorsefully understands they are hungry, and is rushing with the cooking. We ask for the patience of Swiss tennis stat Stan Wawrinka, the winner of the 2014 Melbourne Tennis Open, who after many tries finally defeated top - ranked Rafael Nadal. Reportedly Stan had these words - from a poem written by Nobel Laureate Samuel Beckett - tattooed on his left arm: Ever tried. Ever Failed. No Matter. Try Again. Fail Better. So in spite of wasted opportunities a lot can be achieved. And never mind that the argument was turned on its head that instability causes poverty, rather than poverty poses a threat to stability, it is gratifying that the linkage between the two was recognized. That is an incentive to focus on jobs, equality of opportunities, youth training, education, empowerment, decentralization, reconciliation, social justice and security sector professionalism and preparedness. Lets exercise forbearance, my people. WILLIAM PONDER FPA ,my advice is to follow the patterns of Western media especially those in the United States after a president gives an Annual Address. Interview both sides, those who take away something positive from the speech as well as others who (as you have interviewed here, feel that the speech didn't live up to expectations. This will create a balance set of views. From this presentation, it would appear from someone on the outside that after a two-hour speech, there was not one citizen out of the nearly 4 million people living in the country that had anything positive to say. We all understand Liberia has many challenges and there are many who feel a lot more needs to be done. However, let us also celebrate our successes while we hold ourselves to account for the failures. This is the only way we can build-on the successes and correct the failures in order move forward. Other than that, I want thank and congratulate FPA for its new roll-out of news coverage. There has been some major improvements. Phil George Top Commenter Umass Lowell With all due respect Sirleaf is too old and weak to be an effective President. Liberia needs a hands-on chief executive who can get out there every day and see what's going on because you can't trust those rascals calling themselves officials. No senior level official has been arrested and charged for corruption! She's a joke! Unfortunately we are a long way off from the next election. Folks, isnt it time to change the term of office to 4 years? Have we learned anything yet? George Alonzo Kamara CEO & Founder at Primecomputersstore.com This is the same president that came out and publically stated that "the education system of this country that I am currently ruling is a complete mess", it is during this very same government administration that (25000 or 25 thousand students fails the university of Liberia entrance; at which the entrance requirement was 50 for English, and 45 for map. Not a single students of this 25000 couldn't make this grades. At the time our belovely president took power, these listed students was in 4th grade. Now tell me fellow readers of this media from 4th grade up to 12th grade is 8 years. Therefore these first groups of students under our belovely president leadership, learn nothing but complete mess". This is why the university doesn't want to allow person with disabilities to enroll cause they will make the different. All these guy's does is to spared or crook with money to pass. very clear my good people. Now my next is the jobs facilities: according to the latest report from IMF, united nation, the unemployments rate is 90 percent. that is out of our population which is 3.4 millions. And our president is saying that over hundred of companies/NGO, employ 150 employees, other employ 90 women. If we do the map, we will be left with 60 to 75 percent left unemploy. Finally please university of Liberia, please sees reason to allow person with disabilities to enroll in our nation own university. Our constitution state that government is fully responsible to provide equal education, equal job employments, equal justice, equal security to all citizen of this nation. thanks the voice of the voiceless advocate.

The Editor,

FORMER MINISTER SHOWS NO SHAME IN DEFENDING GOLS MISTREATMENT OF LATE DIPLOMAT AMET

It is an outrage for a former Minister of Foreign Affairs to justify government's mistreatment of the late Mr Amet and, for that matter, all serving and former diplomats, by stating that information reaching her is that he was buried with honors. Honor by whom? The same government that kept him in a foreign land for years without paying his salary and benefits? These people have no shame! I wonder if that was the treatment her father received when he served in the Foreign Service? This crap of a letter appears more intended to promote her book, hence really does not merit a response. Even so, I believe Liberians in Paris and employees of the mission there who have made numerous complaints against Amb Thomas (which, by the way, have gone unanswered by the Pres or Minister) well know the truth and would be more uneconomical with it than the former Minister who, understandably and typically, would want to defend her administration. From the vantage point of her high horse, it is conceivable that she does not know that there is a driver's room at the embassy in Paris, and that a senior diplomat had unwillingly called home for several years. Sadly, this signals how far removed our officials are from the realities facing the officials serving in foreign coteries under extremely difficult conditions. No wonder, therefore, rumors have it that they often have to resort to "innovative" means of sustaining their families' livelihoods. Perhaps more important is for the current Minister to tell the Liberian people what is the real added value of the Mission in Geneva, and, with no resident representation since its establishment several years ago, how can the Government of Liberia characterize the return on investment attributable to its existence. Similarly, what did the former Minister envisage at the onset in this regard. Challenge the GOL to make public the annual reports of the Permanent Mission to Geneva for the years since its reopening.

is a federal law enacted in 1977 which prohibits American companies from paying bribes to foreign government officials and political figures for the purpose of obtaining business. There are two provisions to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. First, the anti-bribery provisions which are enforced by the Department of Justice and second, the accounting provisions which are enforced by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). If Firestone, as you want us to believe is supporting Gbollie, the Company will be fined and the corporate leader sentenced to imprisonment by the United States Government; something which Firestone is solely aware of. And so, such alignment does not exist with Gbollie and Firestone. Gbollies 2011 defeat scenario It is still being investigated to ascertain why Gbollie lost 2011 election in District one but not necessarily that he did not perform as the Political Observer standpoint in Lomaxs story wants us to believe. However, these are the preliminary circumstances summing up the defeat. Gerrymandering In the process of setting electoral districts, gerrymandering is a practice that attempts to establish a political advantage for a particular party or group by manipulating district boundaries to create partisan advantaged districts. The resulting district is known as a gerrymander. In addition to its use achieving desired electoral results for a particular party, gerrymandering may be used to help or hinder a particular demographic, such as a political, ethnic, racial, linguistic, religious, or class group, such as in U.S. federal voting district boundaries that produce a majority of constituents representative of African-American or other racial minorities, known as "majority-minority districts Gbollie is a victim of gerrymandering as many other losers in the 2011 polls. When the political districts were demarcated, Gbollie contested in an area that he was relatively popular, all because his home town, the Duside region fell in that area; which was insignificant to the overall voting bloc of the district. This time is the entire county and the winner will be the ultimate choice of the people. At this time gerrymandering will not be the case. (See Wikipedia for reference) The other part of the story that I like to comment on is that Gbollie is seeking the Presidents support. This, I am not sure but again, if he decides to do that, it will be something good because the President is the leader of the nation and anyone wanting leadership can seek her support. After all, the relationship between the President and Gbollie is cordial. A synopsis of Gbollies achievements that may trigger his return to the capitol this year Nationally, Gbollie is credited as the lead lawmaker for the Security Sector Reform process leading to major reforms in the Liberian Security Sector thru the crafting and sponsoring of key legislative instruments including the New Defence Law. He became known among his peers as forceful and a floor fighter for his stance on national issues. At the District and County level, he supported and is still supporting scholarship, tuition aid and youth exposure schemes. He built a medical facility and constructed modern bus stops along the Harbel- 15 gate routes to shelter commuters waiting for commercial vehicles and facilitated broad based Economic Empowerment Initiative for his constituents. He used his oversight to advocate for reform in Firestone; something which saw direct benefits to the People of Firestone thru quality medical service, education and improved housing for employees and dependants of Firestone Natural Company. Harbel Multilateral received direct support from the Renegotiated Firestone Agreement because of the argument proffered by Gbollie and his peers and for the first time in 80 years, Firestone runs a functional and well equipped high school; second to none in the Republic. Those things did not happen thru natural means, because as the man in whose district these things became visible, had to make laws, represent his people and use his oversight responsibility for their protection and benefit. That he did and that I am sure he will do if given the chance by the people of Margibi County this year. Yonyon Massalay masswil1985@yahoo.com

The Editor,

PRESENTING THE FACTS-FRONTPAGES RATING OF SAAH GBOLLIE FOR MARGIBI SENATORIAL SEAT IS UNEMPIRICAL

In its January 27, 2014 edition, Frontpage Africa newspaper and online version with undisputed admiration from cross section of Liberians at home and abroad, published a story captioned Liberia 2014: the Fight for Margibi County Rotation Politics-Upper versus Lower, who replaces Jah?. In the story, the writer evaluated the proposed contestants for the Senate seat in the October polls in the county. Among other things, the story outlined the chances and challenges of each of the perceived contestants, but what is of most interest to me is the evaluation of Atty. Saah Richard Gbollie; which in my mind lacks the empirical measurement. Dont get me wrong, Lomax is a good writer and frontpage is the best Liberian newspaper but probably the research needed for this story was not extensive. Excerpt of Lomaxs story Political observers say if Gbollie could not win his native town in 2011 it would be difficult to win the entire county. Many Margibians are of the conviction that Gbollies declaration is being sponsored by Firestone which, they say, could stave off concerns of aggrieved workers. Gbollie was seen as not too buoyant for the contest, but with his sojourn in the Lower House, and knowing that he can comfortably return to the comfort of the Senate if he loses is a heartwarming development. Gbollie-Firestone Alignment, an illusion The alignment of Gbollie with Firestone is impossible as it violates the Foreign Corrupt Practise Act of 1977 The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

The comments expressed here are those of our online readers and bloggers and do no represent the views of FrontPageAfrica

DISCLAIMER

Rodney D. Sieh, Managing Editor, 0886-738-666; 077-936-138, editor@FrontPageAfricaonline.com; rodney.sieh@FrontPageAfricaonline.com Wade C. L. Williams, News Desk Chief, wade. williams@frontpageafricaonline.com; 0880664793 Francis F.B. Mulbah, Layout Editor; 0886639382 REPORTERS Sports Editor, Danesius Marteh, danesius.marteh@ frontpageafricaonline.com, 0886236528 Henry Karmo, henry.karmo@frontpageafricaonline. com Al-varney Rogers al.rogers@frontpageafricaonline. com, 0886-304498

EDITORIAL TEAM

Sports Reporter, A. Macaulay Sombai,macaulay.sombai@ FrontpageAfricaonline.com, 077217428 COUNTY NEWS TEAM Grand Bassa, Alpha Daffae Senkpeni, 0777432042 Bong County, Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@ frontpageafricaonline.com, 0886-484666 Sinoe County, Leroy N.S Kanmoh, leroy.kanmoh@ frontpageafricaonline.com 0886257528 BUSINESS/ADVERTISING Kadi Coleman Porte, 0886-304-178/ 0777832753, advertise@ frontpageafricaonline.com

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Monday, February 3, 2014

ANGEL TOGBAH AN UNSOLVED MYSTERY

This week, FrontPageAfrica presents the perspectives of several players in an unsolved mystery, six years lingering. UP NEXT? The Parents of Hans and Madea Williams Talk about What it is like having their siblings behind bars

~ A SPECIAL REPORT BY MAE AZANGO ~

Monrovia t has been over six year since the death of little Angel Togba, who allegedly died of hanging herself in the home of her guardians Mr. Hans Williams and his fiance Madea Kpakue on the Old Road in late 2007. While the late Angel Togba was alive, she attended the Christ the King Catholic School in Old Road. Her classmates from the 7th grade class have all graduated and are attending different colleges but students two years behind Angel, are now in the 12 grade and they are expressing their views over the case that is now in suspense, since the lawyers of Mr. Williams filed an appeal five years ago. Divided Views on both sides The views on both sides of the aisle remain as polarizing as the verdict which landed Hans and his fianc Madea KPakue behind bars. Both maintain their innocence and continue to await a Supreme Court verdict. This week, FrontPageAfrica will present the perspectives of several players in an unsolved mystery, six years lingering. If the Hans Williams family cannot be put to death by hanging, they should be sentenced to life time in jail, then setting them free to remind us of old memories. Therefore, the government to do something about the case because we all seek justice, and bringing the case back for the final judgment, is justice, Says Christopher A. Monibah, of the Christ the King Catholic School. Christopher 19, is now in the 12th grade was two classes behind the Late Angel Togba when she died. He said he remembered the late Angel to be easy going person and very shy and he felt bad when she died. We lived in the same neighborhood in Old Road before she passed away, we want the lawyers to seek justice for the student, because Angel was our friend and school mate. Felicia S. Williams, 17, says she knew Angel Togba very well and they often walked home together after school,

ANGEL TOGBA CASE?

Mother, Schoolmates Still Holding Out Hope for Justice

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE

because they lived in the same area. Even though Angel was the quiet type and always kept to herself, I dont think Angel could be brave enough to hang herself. Even before she died, that Saturday was our Gala Day Celebration and Angel was really dancing and enjoying herself at the program. So we were all shocked on Monday, when we heard she had hanged herself. Felicia says she remembers Angels class always took Physical Education before her class, so the week before Angels death, she borrowed Felicias PE uniform, the one she took her photo in, because hers was still at the tailor shop. I feel justice should prevail because if Angel was their biological child, they would want justice as well. Therefore, I want justice to be done, because if it is left undone, another person may follow suit. I think the people of Liberia should be careful and protect their children as their future because

Because someone cannot give you their child and that child die while in your presence, they were home when it happened. Even if they say they did not kill her, they should take the responsibility because they were not looking after her if she took her life. So I still blame them for whatever happened and whatever the law of this land says it, should be done. - Sue Togbah, Mother of Angel

President John F. Kennedy once said children are the fundamental resources of

everyone, and they must at all times be loved cherished and respected. So I want

those responsible for Angels death, to spend the rest of their lives in jail.

Judiciary Not Really Functioning Mustapha Kemal Kanneh, 20, is also in the 12 grade class at the Christ the King Catholic School, and he also remembers the late Angel to be a friendly but quiet person. As an ordinary Liberian and a youth, I feel the judicial system is not really functioning, because there are many frauds. Angel Togbas case is considered a judicial fraud. If people are convicted of such a crime as murder, and are living in perpetual enjoyment is wrong, because I read in local media that Hans Williams fiance Madea is running a restaurant in the prison center and living a luxurious life in prison, Says Mustapha. If you are indicted of such crime, you should be treated as a prisoner and taken to Zwedru Central Prison to do hard labor, because when you do a crime, you should be punish for that crime, instead of living well at the Central prison in Monrovia.

Monday, February 3, 2014

Frontpage

Page 7

ANGEL TOGBAH AN UNSOLVED MYSTERY

This week, FrontPageAfrica presents the perspectives of several players in an unsolved mystery, six years lingering. UP NEXT? The Parents of Hans and Madea Williams Talk about What it is like having their siblings behind bars

A SPECIAL REPORT BY MAE AZANGO

Mustapha said he is calling on the Liberian government to strengthen the judicial system because there are many injustices in the society due to the poor judicial system in the Country. I am saying this directly to the President, that there should be a complete scrutinizing of the judicial system of Liberia because it is hurting the Liberian people in so many ways. Because we see this as against humanity, for people to be living in a country where the rule of law is not strong, and people rights are being violated daily. I think it is unjustifiable to our rights to life. Justice System Unfair, Says Angels mom Sue S. Togba, Mother of the late Angel said her family is still waiting because they dont know how to hold up. I do not want to say the justice system is fair or not, but there are a few people in this country who still want to abide by the law, and yet there are others who say some people cannot be punished for what they do, Said Mrs. Togba. It is not what I think, but the law of the land says, if you commit a crime, you should bear the penalty for the crime you committed. Mrs. Togba sadly says since six years ago, Madea Mothers family who happens to be her family, wont say sorry for what happened and they do not speak to her. This whole thing, I cannot say it is only the Hans Williams family to be blamed but my family as well. Six year until now, my family does not realize they went wrong somewhere. Madea family who is my family continues to say no, they wont say sorry to for what happened. Since this whole thing, you dont hear the Madea family on radio but only the Hans Williams family always on radio defending their family. Continues Mrs. Togba, for the past six years, Madea mother and some of her uncles do not speak to her, but only few of her relatives do. And being honest, even if they are saying they did not kill the little girl, the child was living with them at the time she died, so they are suppose to take the responsibility of what happen and beg for forgiveness. Because someone cannot give you their child and that child die while in your

presence, they were home when it happened. Even if they say they did not kill her, they should take the

responsibility because they were not looking after her if she took her life. So I still blame them for whatever

happened and whatever the law of this land says it, should be done. Leaving it to the Lord Speaking more about her family, Mrs. Togba said she cannot say she is sad that the entire Madeas mother family wont speak to her, but what she feels is regret. Because if you trust your family, and something happens, they wont come up and say they are sorry, I see it as a big regret. She said Angel was the second to the last child who is now 16 years old, and if she was alive, she would be celebrating her 21st birthday, because December 2nd would have made her 21 year old. The name Meideh, as she was called, meant Somebodys own in her fathers native tongue. And Angel touched so many people who knew her life; because she made her presence felt whenever she was around. She was the one who always went around the family members; she knew all of her uncles, because she always harassed them at their offices for transportation, lunch and phone cards,

Says Mrs. Togba. She has been away from us a long time and no matter what we say or what we do or the punishment they get or no matter happens, it wont

bring her back to us, but we all will go to her one day. If the family feel what they did was right, as Christians, we leave it with the lord, and ask that his will be done.

Page 8 | Frontpage

A
Monrovia -

fter another long standing heavy libel suit on a journalist, the Supreme Court of Liberia has awarded another huge fine on a civil society organization in another libel suit. The Supreme Court of Liberia has dismissed an appeal filled before the court in a case involving the Central Bank of Liberia represented by and thru its Executive Governor, Mills Jones and the Management of a civil society organization, the Movement for the Defense of the Downtrodden represented by and thru its Executive Director, Mr. Alfred G. Togbah, Sr. In its ruling dismissing an appeal filed before the high court by the legal counsel of the defendants after the Sixth Judicial Circuit Civil law Court had already rule against the defendant in the libel suit, the Supreme Court stated, That the appeal taken by the appellants from the final judgment of the trial court in an action of damages for libel instituted by the movant/appelle against the respondents/appellants court be and the same is hereby dismissed. Based on the decision of the court, the Clerk of Court has been instructed to enforce the earlier ruling of the lower court. The Supreme Court concluded in the action of dismissal The Clerk of this Court is hereby ordered to send a mandate to the court below directing the judge presiding therein to resume jurisdiction over the case and enforce its judgment. Costs are adjudged against the respondents/appellants. AND IT IS HEREBY ORDERED. In its judgment the Supreme Court indicated that the respondents/appellants following the announcement of an appeal before the lower court failed to comply with other statutory requirements for protection of the appeal. The Supreme Court Stated Following the announcements of representations, counsel for movant/appellee informed the

-Court Rules $700 million Payment to CBL, Governor Jones

HEFTY LIBEL FINE

the Board of Directors and Officers, all of the City of Monrovia, Liberia to pay seven hundred million Liberian dollars (LD$700,000,000.00) and that each of the defendants be made to pay all costs and expenses Plaintiff may incur as a result of defendants malicious and false press statement and publications. The Central bank of Liberia through its Executive Governor Jones filled a libel law suit before the Sixth Judicial Civil law Court against the Movement for the Defense of the Downtrodden during the December term of Court, AD 2011. The law suit grew out of a press statement issued by the civil society organization questioning the bidding process for the construction of the New Central bank of Liberia headquarters on Buchanan Street. Quoting the complainant, the lower court stated Plaintiff says that Defendants press statement carried on the internet website was seen and read by millions of people in and out of Liberia. Plaintiff says that the internet being a search engine or tool to which people from all over the world and everyone even in the remotest part of the world have access. Defendants, by publishing such defamatory Press Statement not only in the newspapers but on the internet, are telling the whole world that Plaintiff has committed a crime although there is no proof as to the truthfulness of such allegations contained in the Press Statement. Plaintiff says further that in the absence of such proof, Defendants Press Statement is a deliberate attack on the integrity and moral character of Plaintiff and intended to disgrace, degrade, and reduce Plaintiffs good name, character or reputation within the financial and banking world. Plaintiff says further that the defamatory Press Statement published by defendants imputing criminal conduct or offense and lack of integrity on the part of Plaintiff with respect to its function, has the potential to tarnish its international image in the financial community at home Nation Address recently called for the abolition of repressive laws, indicating that obsolete laws that retards promotion of Liberias fledgling democracy. This government was one of the first two Africans states that signed the Table Mountain Declaration, which calls for decriminalization of Freedom of Expression. Therefore, we will submit, for your consideration, bills to repeal all repressive laws as found in the statutes and in decrees of the PRC. The harsh rulings have been legally argued as violating human rights since the fine are heavy to the extent that the defendants are unable to pay. Article 21 of Liberias and abroad. states that According to court records, Constitution excessive bail shall not the defendant alleged be required, nor excessive that the Central bank of Liberia at no time did the fines imposed, nor excessive Management of Central Bank punishment inflicted. of Liberia conduct a bid for The Liberian penal Code is also the preferment of a company against heavy fine imposed on to complete said building individuals without knowing which is in flagrant abrogation their ability to pay such fines. of the Public Procurement & Alfred Togbah, the head of Concession Act of Liberia, the Movement for the Defense this the defendant stated is false of the Downtrodden told and misleading and shows that frontpageafrica that he and his defendants have other reasons organization respect the ruling for defaming and tarnishing the of the high court. good image of plaintiff and its We respect the opinion of the Supreme Court which is management. Following months of legal the final arbiter of Justice, we processing, the Sixth Judicial are yet to receive the official Circuit Court held the notification on this matter defendant liable prompting an and we will provide further appeal from the legal counsel comment at the appropriate time of defendant. Another Test for repressive Togbah says he only heard about the court decision on the laws The current ruling by the court radio through phone in callers. for enforcement of 700,000,000 The Executive Director of the libel suit against a civil society Movement for the Defense organization is another test for of Downtrodden disclosed the laws of Liberia which many that his lawyer is also yet to receive the final decision of the say is repressive in nature. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Supreme Court dismissing his delivering her 9th State of the appeal and remain calm until the appropriate time.

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LAW & ORDER

Monday, February 3, 2014

Court that movant had filled a five-count motion to dismiss the appeal based on the fact that the respondents/appellants, although having announced an appeal from the judgment of the trial, filled a bill of exceptions, they had failed to comply with the other statutory requirements for perfection of the appeal, including that they had failed and neglected to file an approved appeal bond and to serve on the appelle and file with the clerk of court a notice of completion of the appeal, which two are mandatory preconditions for the perfection of the appeal and the assumption of jurisdiction by the Supreme Court, as evidenced by a Clerks Certificate issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court for the Sixth Judicial Circuit, Montserrado County. The high court in its ruling mandated the lower court to enforce the ruling against the defendants, the Movement for the Defense of the Downtrodden represented by its Executive Director, Mr. Alfred G. Togbah, Sr.,

C
Monrovia-

entral Bank Governor Dr. J. Mills Jones said Liberia could only be successful if it has an educational system that is capable of producing individuals with the requisite skills to make the countrys economy competitive in an integrated world. Dr. Jones said the mess in the countrys education system must be fixed if the country is to progress and develop for the future. He said students hold the key to Liberias future and they must do everything possible to be good citizens of the community and the country at large. We cannot win the war on poverty if we continue to rely on handouts, said Dr. Jones. The war on poverty will be won when Liberians are economically empowered.

Speaking when he served as guest speaker at the installation of the United Methodist University student government, the CBL boss said Liberia could only be successful if there are well-paid and capable teachers, professors and administrators in the educational sector to teach students well. Dr. Jones said the young people have more at stake in building the new Liberia calling on them to believe in themselves adding that no amount of foreign aid can build Liberia but Liberians themselves. You have a pivotal role to play in getting Liberia to rise to its potential realizing that it is within our power to build a stable body polity, projections and more equal opportunities for allhe said. He said the Agenda for Transformation launched by the Government of Liberia is an opportunity to recalibrate the

AT UMU INDUCTION- DR. MILLS JONES CALLS FOR LIBERIAS ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

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NEWS EXTRA

countrys development strategy to raise the standard of living of all Liberians adding that the CBL, through its policies is committed to supporting this

agenda and will continue to do so, especially when it comes to maintaining a suitable market environment. Economic transformation is

not an option on the table for discussion; it is the choice of the Liberian people and therefore it is the responsibility of all of us to work towards the

transformation we desire, he said. Id like you to listen to the words of Bob Marleys redemption son: emancipate yourself from mental slavery; none but ourselves can free our mind and if anybody tries to tell you that you cant, lets also refer to President Barack Obama and say, yes we can. The CBL governor donated eight photocopiers to the University and made commitment to provide scholarships and financial aid to students in need at UMU at a well-attended program held on Friday January 31, 2014.

Monday, February 3, 2014

Monrovia our years after both the IMF and the World Bank heralded Liberias debt relief in the tone of US$4.6 billion in nominal terms, the post-war nation appears to be gradually falling into the books of international creditors. Addressing the nation in her annual message last week, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf revealed that her administration is already indebted to creditors in the tone of almost one billion United States dollars Loans contracted from external sources to date total approximately US$757 million. In support of a wide range of development activities, Acts covering US$456 million have been ratified while Acts for US$300 million are currently before you pending ratification. $US40 Million Domestic Debt Added Sirleaf: Domestic debt service during the period totaled approximately US$40 million, representing settlement of Central Bank of Liberias US$7.5 million bridge and US$21.2 million overdraft facilities. An additional US$11.8 million was paid to settle other domestic debts, and US$7.09 million to external debts. The President added that reform of the fiscal system which started in 2006 is still a long way away from the efficiency level required to fully support our economic aspirations. The budget has increased significantly since FY2006/7, allowing service provision and investment to expand. Core revenue (tax revenue, non-tax revenue and grants) increased by an average of 29 percent each year, and total revenues, including contingent revenue and onbudget borrowing, rose from US$148 million in FY2006/7 to US$559 million in FY2012/13. Continued sluggishness in core revenue, increasing by only 17 percent over the previous year, and an average 27 percent over the seven years, suggests more effort to strengthen the Ministry of Finance which needs to take bolder steps, including proposed legislation to broaden the tax base. Prior to the end of the civil war and the ushering in of the Sirleaf administration, Liberia had a staggering debt load which heightened during the civil war. When international creditors decided to forgive Liberia of billions of dollars, it was aimed at supporting the post-war nations efforts to implement a commercial debt reduction strategy, in the context of the Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) Initiative. Previously Large External Debt Erased Liberia inherited one of the

$750 MILLION IN THE RED

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FINANCIAL NEWS

Frontpage

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Liberias Debt Burden Creeping Up Again, President Sirleaf Acknowledges

based on a revival of iron ore mining, forestry, and commercial agriculture. The immediate challenge is to focus investment on roads, electric power, and ports to unblock bottlenecks that inhibit private sector investment. But those factors have not so far allowed the government to reap the returns of the debt reliefs goal. Today, the government is not only in the red and on the verge of spiraling its debt to new heights, but the budget to date is not performing well as the government embarks on a major tax collection exercise in hopes of salvaging funds to support the budget as Sirleaf acknowledged in her annual address last week. Even though good partnership relations through grant support and one-off payments from sign-on bonuses have covered revenue gaps over the past years, this practice is not sustainable and could become a disincentive to efficiency in tax collection and tax consciousness. A vigorous tax enforcement plan is being finalized by the Ministry of Finance, to be implemented by a Special Task Force as we move to make the Revenue Authority operational at a much faster pace. The activities of this Task Force may cause discomfort and embarrassment for some public officials and prominent individuals and businesses that are yet to pay their fair share of taxes. We encourage each of us to check our records and move quickly into full compliance. It is only by paying our fair share of taxes that we can boast of truly contributing to our national reconstruction and development. All this coming amid governments trumpeting of its economic policies. Capital expenditure in the Public Sector Investment Plan (PSIP) increased to US$138 million in FY2012/13 from the US$51.9 million allocated in the previous year, Sirleaf noted, adding: This included off-budget lending of US$14.4 million through concessional loans and credits. Additional off-budget financing through grants and loans to support programs and projects amounted to a disbursed amount of US$499 million, representing about 83 percent of the aid projection of US$567 million. With the governments borrowing approaching the billion-dollar mark, financial analysts say, the UP governments successors could get off to a rocky start if the debt ceiling continues to climb as the post-war nation fight to restore its economic sanity.

worlds largest external debt burdens as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) following the fourteen years of conflict. The governments external debt in June 2007 totaled US$4.7 billion, accounting for 657 percent of the GDP and over twenty times larger than its total exports. Additionally, most of the approximately US$1.2 billion of eligible commercial claims had been reduced to judgments or subject to pending litigation. The ability of the countrys emerging private sector to

trade, obtain trade credit and attract foreign direct investment was adversely affected by the governments arrears and the countrys low credit rating. The goal was that the servicing of that high level of debt would substantially reduce the domestic resources available for vital social services so critical in a country where 64 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, with nearly 50 percent in extreme poverty and none of the Millennium

Development Goals (MDGs) are likely to be met. Sirleafs high-profile image and international clout was instrumental in helping Liberia successfully eliminate its commercial debt, estimated at US$1.2 billion in 2009. In the process, the country improved its external commercial relations and averted costly litigation and risks to financial assets. Many financial analysts at the time were convinced that with the debt burden now off, Liberia had some room to maneuver in terms of muchneeded development project. However, the government has struggled since to find money to refurbished the damaged hydro at Mt. Coffee which laid dormant until the recent ground breaking exercise to jump start the project. Critics of the government say, while the government could be on the verge of recurring massive debt in the millions before it leaves office in 2018, creating some early burdens for whichever government replaces it after the 2017 elections.

More importantly, some critics of the administration are still baffled over how a debt reduction exercise designed to support the post-war nations efforts to develop and implement an effective and low cost commercial debt reduction strategy in the context of the Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) Initiative, has not yet impacted the citizens. The HIPC was launched in 1996 by the IMF and the World Bank to ensure that no poor country faces a debt burden it cannot manage. It entails coordinated action by the international community, including multilateral organizations, governments, and private creditors. In 1999, the initiative was modified to provide faster and broader debt relief and to strengthen the links between debt relief, poverty reduction, and social policies. Critics, Supporters Divided on Impact The release of debt burden should, critics say given the government a lot of room to do other projects. Supporters of the administration counter that the accumulation of new debt is a good thing because the whole idea of debt relief is to allow Liberia to secure additional financing, in initially modest amounts, to help deliver critically needed services and infrastructure necessary for Liberias future prosperity. But critics say development has not come in the droves many Liberians anticipated. Finance Minister Amara Konneh, who Minister of Planning at the time of the debt waiver, said then: The granting of debt relief marks a significant milestone in Liberias path toward recovery. Macroeconomic conditions are broadly favorable for a recovery of growth in 2010,

Page 10 | Frontpage

Monrovia vorian refugees living in Liberia have appealed to Ambassadors and representatives of various countries and organizations around the world for more support during an unprecedented visit to refugee camps in Liberia. With more than 52,000 Ivorian refugees living in four camps and various communities in Liberia, some 20 ambassadors and representatives of international organizations flew from the Liberian capital, Monrovia, to the PTP Refugee Camp in Grand Gedeh County and the Little Wlebo Refugee Camp in Maryland County near the border with Cte dIvoire on 29 January and 31 January respectively in order to get firsthand impressions of the Ivorian refugee situation, amidst funding reduction in the wake of refugee emergencies in other countries such as Syria and the Central African Republic. The Ambassadors and representatives were from Brazil, Cameroon, Cte dIvoire, European Union, France, Germany, Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, Sweden, and USA. Others were the African Development Bank, African Union Commission, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the World Bank. The Government of Liberia was represented by Cllr. Abla G. Williams, the executive director of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC). Senior

FIRST-HAND KNOWLEDGE
Ambassadors visit refugee camps, as refugees appeal for more support
while in refuge and to use such skills upon their return, she remarked. Ambassador Kapieletien Soro of Cte dIvoire urged the refugees to return home and reiterated that peace and stability had been restored to their country. Acknowledging that progress has been made, the refugees, however, called for stronger reconciliation efforts, increase in repatriation grant, and disarmament as factors that would encourage more returns in the ongoing facilitated voluntary repatriation process. During the visit to Maryland County, two Liberian senators from the county who joined the delegation, John A. Ballout and H. Dan Morais, noted that they were once refugees in Cte dIvoire before returning home to vie for public office. Senator Morais donated note books and pens to the refugees and promised to donate more school materials. This mission is to give the opportunity to the ambassadors to see how their donations are being used and to exchange views with refugees on finding durable solutions to their situation, said UNHCR Representative Khassim Diagne, expressing gratitude to the ambassadors for visiting the refugee camps, most of them for the first time.

Monday, February 3, 2014

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UN officials, including the UN Mission in Liberia and UN agencies, were also part of the delegation.

At Liberias largest PTP camp located at a former Prime Timber Production site and currently hosting more
v

than 12,000 refugees, the ambassadors toured various facilities and witnessed activities refugees are engaged

in such as the cultivation of acres of land and skills training. UNHCR works in collaboration with the LRRRC and other partners. At the Little Wlebo camp with more than 10,000 refugees, the delegation witnessed schools in session and refugees poultry production initiative. During the visit, US Ambassador Deborah Ruth Malac launched a newly-constructed USfunded Womens Centre with literacy classes, day care centre, and micro finance and income generating components. It is my hope that this centre will give the opportunity to women and girls to acquire skills

MONROVIA, Jan 30 ormer Interim President and Chairman of the Governance Commission, Dr. Amos C. Sawyer will serve as orator at this years Armed Forces Day on February 11. It will mark the 57th anniversary of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and the 106th year of the existence of the Liberian army. The celebration will be held under the theme: Enhancing the Capabilities of the Armed Forces of Liberia to Meet

Contemporary Challenges, according to Captain Dessaline Felix Allison, AFL Chief of Public Affairs. Allison told a news conference that the official celebration will commence on Thursday, February 6, with a symposium at the Monrovia City Hall on the theme: Inter-Agency Cooperation: Fundamental Necessity for the Security of the Republic of Liberia. He said Dr. Lawrence K. Bropleh will serve as Moderator, while Dr. Amos C. Sawyer, Chairman of the Governance Commission

of Liberia will serve as Guest Speaker at the symposium. On Friday, February 7, a Jummat Service will be held at the Gurley Street Mosque at 12:00 P.M. for Muslims serving in the Armed Forces of Liberia. On Saturday, February 8, soldiers of the AFL will embark on a Clean-up Campaign and Medical Outreach simultaneously in the Township of West-Point beginning at 6:00 a.m. According to Captain Allison, the clean-up and the medical outreach will be followed by a Kickball match between the female teams of the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization and the Armed Forces of Liberia.

SAWYER IS ARMED FORCES DAY ORATOR

On the same day, there will be a mini-knockout Olympic involving the football teams of the Armed Forces of Liberia, Liberia Broadcasting System, Liberia National Police and UNPOL at about 1:00 P.M at the Samuel K. Doe Sports (SKD) Complex in Paynesville. On Sunday, February 9 there will be a thanksgiving and intercessory prayer Service at the Philadelphia Central Church Congo Town, adjacent Total Gas Station. The Intercessory Service commences at 11:00 A.M. The official celebration of the Armed Forces Day will take place at the Barclay Training Center Grand Stand, beginning at 7:20A.M on Tuesday, February 11. Celebrating alongside the AFL will be the Liberia National Police, Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization, Liberia National Fire Service, The Executive Protection Service, The Drugs Enforcement Agency, Liberia Scouts Association and other relevant agencies. According to Captain Allison, a Change of Command ceremony, when an out-going Commander symbolically passes on authority to the in-coming Commander, is expected to be held during the ceremony. It can be recalled that the Commander-In-Chief of the AFL, President Ellen Johnson

Sirleaf in her recent annual message mentioned that a Liberian Chief of Staff will be appointed to take over command of the AFL. It is expected that Maj. Gen. Suraj A. Abdurrahman, Command Officer-In-Charge of the AFL will relinquish command to a new Liberian Chief of Staff onFebruary 11. During the ceremony, two new boats donated by the U.S. government to the Liberian Coast Guard to enhance the operational capabilities along the Liberian coast will be commissioned on waters at the Coast Guard Base on Bushrod Island. LINA TSS/PTK

Monday, February 3, 2014

Invitation for Bids (IFB)

Liberia Electricity Corporation P.O.Box10-165 Waterside 1000 Monrovia, 10 Liberia Liberia Electricity Sector Enhancement Project (LESEP)
SUPPLY, DELIVERY, INSTALLATION & COMMISSIONING OF ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING (ERP) HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE FOR THE LIBERIA ELECTRICITY CORPORATION IFB Number: ICB/LEC/LESEP/ERP/04/13/14 INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVE BIDDING
1. This Invitation for Bids (IFB) follows the General Procurement Notice (GPN) for this project that appeared in UNDB online, on March 7, 2012. 2. The Government of Liberia has received a grant from the Government of Norway toward the cost of the Liberia Electricity Sector Enhancement Project (LESEP). 3. The Liberia Electricity Corporation acting as the Implementing Agency intends to apply part of the proceeds of this grant to payments under the contract No: IFB Number: ICB/LEC/LESEP/ERP/04/13/14, for the Supply, Delivery, Installation & Commissioning of ERP Hardware and Software for the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC). 4. The Liberia Electricity Corporation now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for the Supply of the above mentioned goods and related services to be installed at the following sites: i. LEC Head Offices, Computer Center, Waterside, Monrovia, Liberia for the Main Data Center ii. LEC Bushrod Offices, Computer Center, Bushrod Island, Monrovia, Liberia for the Disaster Recovery Site as described in the Schedule of Requirement of the bid document and summarized below: Bidder should note that this tender is a single package and is to be tendered as a whole.

Worx Mobile App; XenApp; XenClient; XenDesktop; XenMobile; XenServer; ShareFile; Frontpage Network Management Software 7 Supply, Installation and commissioning of Developer Tools - Microsoft LOT Dynamics AX 2012 (10 user license) 8 Supply, Installation and commissioning of Backup Software - Symantec LOT NetBackup Enterprise for Windows environment 9 Server accessories, tools and other accessories required for the LOT installation and commissioning of servers, network equipment, backup and Enterprise Planning Software application 10 IT and Functional Expert Training (refer to Table - 3) LOT 11 End User Training (refer to Table - 3) LOT 12 Technical Support (Recurrent Annual Support and Maintenance) LOT
The estimated delivery period of the ERP/IT System is 6 months.

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1 1 1

1 1 1

Item Description of ERP/IT System N 1 Supply (Customization & Development) and Installation of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software application (100 concurrent users, 250 users license) Supply, Installation and commissioning of the Servers for the ERP Supply, Installation and commissioning of the 42U server rack and Server UPS Supply, Installation and commissioning of Network Equipment (router, firewall and switch) Supply, Installation and commissioning of Backup Hardware - Symantec NetBackup 5230 for Windows environment Supply, Installation and commissioning of Network Software (100 concurrent users)license Citrix Enterprise Edition Worx Mobile App; XenApp; XenClient; XenDesktop; XenMobile; XenServer; ShareFile; Network Management Software Supply, Installation and commissioning of Developer Tools - Microsoft

Unit of QNTY Measure LOT 1

5. Bidding will be conducted through the International Competitive Bidding (ICB) procedures specified in the Government of Liberias Public Procurement and Concessions Commission Act and Regulations (PPCA) and approved by the PPCC, and are open to all bidders from Eligible Source Countries as defined in the Guidelines. 6. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from the Liberia Electricity Corporation and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 0900 to 1700 hours, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. More information on how to purchase bidding documents can be obtained by contacting Thelma Saunders or Alfred Cassell at tsaunders@lecliberia.com and acassell@ lecliberia.com respectively. 7. Qualifications requirements include: a) Bidders must have successfully completed at least two (2) similar contracts done within the last three (3) years, of similar nature and complexity, each with a value of at least US$ two million (USD2,000,000). For a Joint Venture, the Partners should collectively meet this specific experience provided each joint venture Partner has had relevant experience in the component contract it is designated to perform. b) Minimum average annual turnover of US$2,000,000 (USD 2million), calculated as total certified payments received for contracts in progress or completed, within the last two (2) years. c) The Bidder shall also demonstrate that it has access to financial means (evidence of a line of credit), sufficient to meet the cash flow amount of USD 500,000.00 US Dollars (USD 500,000). d) A margin of preference for certain goods manufactured domestically shall not be applied. e) Bidders must provide audited Financial Reports for the last two 2 years 2011 and 2012, depending on the financial year of the firm. f) Bidders must provide a Certificate of Registration g) Bidders must provide prove of authorization from Microsoft Corporation as Implementation agents/partners for Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 product. h) Additional details are provided in the Bidding Documents.. 8. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English may be purchased by interested bidders on the submission of a written Application to the address below and upon payment of a non-refundable fee Two Hundred United States Dollars (US$200.00). The method of payment will be Bankers Check in favor of LEC or paid in cash to the Chief Accountant Office, 3rd Floor, LEC Central Office. Alternatively, a direct payment into Liberia Electricity Corporation Project Account No: 10610000012034, (Swift Code No. ECOCLRLM) held with ECO BANK LIBERIA LTD and submitting the payment advice as evidence to collect the Bid Documents. 9. Bids must be delivered to the address below at or before 10:00 am local time, on February 27, 2014. Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected. 10. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders representatives who choose to attend in person at the address below at 10:00 am local time, on February 27, 2014. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security of Twenty Thousand United States Dollars (US$20,000.00) or in an equivalent amount in a freely convertible currency. 11. An on line bidders pre bid meeting shall be held on February 3, 2014 and detailed on LEC Website as shown below. 12. The address referred to above is: The Chief Executive Officer, Liberia Electricity Corporation P.O Box10 165 Waterside 1000 Monrovia, 10 Liberia Email:jnchoe@lecliberia.com, dbeyan@lecliberia.com, and gwatkins@lecliberia.com and copied to gsylvestre@mhi.mb.ca This information will also be available on the LEC website as shown below: www. lecliberia.com

2 3 4 5 6

No No LOT LOT LOT

10 2 1 2 1

LOT

Page 12 | Frontpage

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARIAT

LEITI

Monday, February 3, 2014

LIBERIA EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE

January 21, 2014

For Immediate Release

The Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (LEITI) in collaboration with its Independent Administrator (Ernst & Young Ghana/MGI Monbo & Company) is reconciling all payments from the oil, mining, agriculture and forestry sectors to the Government of Liberia from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012. As part of its mandate, the LEITI requested all entities operating in these sectors to submit reporting templates of payments made to the government for the period under review and in support of its 5th Reconciliation Report. It is important to note that after series of extension in deadlines from November 22, December 20, 2013 and January 15, 2014 the below listed companies have not submitted reporting templates as required. LEITI is therefore constrained to enforce the Multi-Stakeholder Steering Group (MSG) Regulation of 2009 which in part calls for Public Censure. Failure to submit reporting templates may lead to additional sanction by the LEITI MSG. The companies concerned are: Agriculture 1. Liberia Agriculture Development Corp 2. Liberia Forest Product 3. LIBINC Oil Palm 4. Sime Darby 5. The Liberia Company Forestry 1. B&V Timber Company 2. Bargor & Bargor Enterprise 3. Ecowood Incorporated 4. Euro Liberia Logging Inc 5. Geblo Logging Inc 6. International Consultant Capital 7. Liberia Hard Wood Corp 8. Thunder Bird International Mining 1. Acquarian Commercial Holdings Inc 2. Amlib United Minerals Ltd 3. Ascension Resources Ltd 4. Bukon Jeddeh Resources Ltd 5. Investment Development Corporation 6. Konblo Bumi Inc 7. Liberia Development Initiative 8. Middle Island Resources 9. Mount Belle Resources Liberia Ltd 10. Planet Minerals Limited 11. Shankil Resources Inc. 12. Southern Cross 13. Thacket Mining Inc. 14. Viola International Inc. Signed: ______________________________ LEITI Secretariat

Monday, February 3, 2014

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Page 14 | Frontpage

Monrovia he Government of Liberia (GOL) is concerned at the deteriorating security, humanitarian, and human rights situation in the Central African Republic (CAR), characterized by intense and devastating religious and communal violence. According to an Executive Mansion release quoting a dispatch from Addis Ababa, the Liberian Government, in a Statement issued Friday, January 31, at the ongoing 22nd African Union Summit in Ethiopia, asserts that the current state of peace and security in the CAR is a cause for concern and should therefore trigger concerted, robust, and expeditious actions by the international community, with the aim to restoring the country on the path of peace, stability and democracy at the soonest. The Liberian Government welcomes the recent election of Her Excellency Catherine Samba-Panza as Interim President of the Central African Republic, and the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2127 (2013) authorizing the deployment of the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic (MISCA), which in December 2013 assumed authority over the ECCAS Peace and Consolidation Mission in CAR (MICOPX).

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WORLD NEWS

Monday, February 3, 2014

IN BRIEF UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT TAKES SICK LEAVE AMID CRISIS

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

Liberian Government Issues Position Statement on Central African Republic; Expresses Concern at Deteriorating Security, Humanitarian and Human Rights Situation There
peacekeeping presence in the CAR. The GOL supports the recent decision emanating from a meeting of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), held on January 29, 2014, endorsing the transformation of MISCA into a multi-dimensional peacekeeping mission under the aegis of the United Nations. Liberia believes that such transformation represents the The GOL Statement said that in spite of these laudable developments, it is of the view that the persistent climate of violence and instability requires a stronger and more robust international most viable means of securing political stability and dealing with the complex and urgent situation in the Central African Republic.

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA t the 22nd Session of the Assembly of the African Union, taking place in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has presented the Final Report of the High Level Panel on Fragile States, recommending bold steps to reverse the entrapment of fragile states in poverty, while promoting the spirit of friendship and partnership, embodied in optimism and commitment throughout all nations. Presenting the report, President Sirleaf, as Chair of the Panel, stated that it conducted a robust year-long consultative and deliberative process with African Governments and civil society whose responses noted that fragility is a universal problem; that all nations directly or indirectly are at risk and must work collectively to address it. The President also noted that countries that lack robust institutions, diversified economies and inclusive political systems are the most vulnerable, and that fragility comes about when internal or external pressures become too great for national institutions and political processes to manage, creating a risk of violence. Also addressing the meeting was the President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Donald Kaberuka, who, in October

AT 22ND AFRICAN UNION SUMMIT, PRESIDENT SIRLEAF PRESENTS FINAL REPORT OF HIGH LEVEL PANEL ON FRAGILE STATES
2012, established the High Level Panel on Fragile States and invited President Sirleaf to Chair the eminent group. The Panel was asked to review the likely sources of fragility in Africa in the coming years, and to make recommendations both for the Bank and the wider policy community as to how they should be tackled. According to a dispatch from Addis Ababa, the Panel Chair, in presenting the report, noted that the analysis clearly shows that fragility is rooted in poverty and that poverty is complex and multidimensional, and also determined that there are special circumstances of fragile states that need to be addressed through sustainable development and inclusive growth, which take into account changing population dynamics for job creation. The analysis also considers ensuring healthy, skilled and educated individuals; promoting better management and equitable access to natural resources; reducing inequalities, especially among the continents youth and women; and increasing social protection for the most vulnerable. The Chairperson also said that managing the underlying drivers of conflict require adequate policy responses to some of the most disruptive social, economic and environmental changes; that building resilient states and societies, through cause, to intermediate among all stakeholders of society, including the private sector to ensure the end of fragility through resilient states. Concluding, the Liberian leader said that the Report calls for policies implemented going forward to be done under the framework of five recommendations, which stipulate: Increased focus on potentially disruptive economic, social and environmental change; new instruments for supporting private sector development in isolated communities; more use of private sector and civil society capacity in delivering public goods and services; investment in regional frameworks for resilience; and a more integrated response to conflict and fragility. There is confidence that with the guidance and commitment of Member States, measures can be implemented to ensure that, in the future and in conflict-affected areas, no person, community or nation will be left behind, and everybody can look to prosperity through sustained growth and development, President Sirleaf declared. For his part, the AfDB President, Dr. Kaberuka, in thanking President Sirleaf and Panel members for accepting to serve, observed that security and development are inseparable, and thus fragility, which leads to insecurity and conflict, must be tackled.

KIEV, Ukraine (AP) kraine's embattled president is taking sick leave, his office announced Thursday, a surprise development that left unclear how efforts to resolve the country's political crisis would move forward. Protesters have been calling for his resignation for two months. A statement on the presidential website said the 63-year-old Viktor Yanukovych has an acute respiratory illness and a high fever. There was no indication of how long he might be on leave or whether he would be able to do any work. He was not known to have any previous health issues. "I don't remember official statements on Viktor Yanukovych's colds. But I remember well, when on Aug. 19, 1991, the vice president of the USSR, Gennady Yanayev, announced the serious illness of Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev," political commentator Vitaly Portnikov wrote on his Facebook page. Gorbachev's purported illness was reported on Aug. 19, 1991, as hardline Communists opposed to his reforms attempted an unsuccessful coup against him and held him under house arrest. Although the coup failed, it accelerated the collapse of the Soviet Union, which officially was dissolved four months later.

stronger links of institutions, and partnership at the national and regional levels, the private sector and civil societies, are paramount to the continents survival. President Sirleaf pointed out that the report endorses the findings of the New Deal on Fragile States, which calls for stronger ownership, harmonization, results and mutual accountability; that broadbased and participatory country leadership and ownership of all actors, including government, civil society and the private sector, are pre-conditions for sustained and irreversible gains. Speaking further, President Sirleaf said that the report, which is based on the themes of managing change and forging partnership, recognizes that Africa is changing at extraordinary speed and that the values of peace, security and justice are central to development. These changes

pose certain risks, and therefore fragility is seen not as a category of states, but a risk inherent in the development processes itself, in every country and region, and on every level. If we are to build resilient and legitimate states, address the potential drivers of conflict and effectively meet challenges of change that will inevitably come, there is need for inclusive and proactive policies to be implemented by all African countries, regional and continental institutions, as well as development partners, President Sirleaf stressed. There is a need for cooperation to be led by Regional Economic Communities that operate within the political context of the African Union, the President said, noting that the Report calls for greater involvement of Africas continental institutions, particularly the African Development Bank, which has championed the

SUICIDE BOMBERS STORM IRAQ MINISTRY BUILDING, 24 KILLED

BAGHDAD (Reuters) ix suicide bombers burst into an Iraqi ministry building, took hostages and killed at least 24 people including themselves on Thursday before security forces regained control, security officials said. The brazen attack on the building belonging to the Ministry of Transportation in northeast Baghdad coincided with a month-long standoff between the Iraqi army and anti-government fighters in the western province of Anbar. No group claimed responsibility but suicide bombings in Iraq are the trademark of al-Qaeda linked groups. State buildings are a target for the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and its allies that have been regaining momentum in a campaign to destabilize the Shi'ite Muslim-led government.

Monday, February 3, 2014

NORTH CONQUERS WEST

L
LIBYA HOLDS OFF GHANA TO CLINCH AFRICA NATIONS CUP CROWN
ibya claimed their first senior African title with a 4-3 penalty shoot-out win over Ghana in Cape Town. The African Nations Championship final had finished 0-0 after 90 minutes before Joshua Tijani missed the crucial spot-kick to give Libya victory. Ghana's Abdul Mohamed had the best chance to win the match in extra-time but put his shot wide. Both goalkeepers then saved two penalties each in the shootout before Tijani missed the target. A run of six games in the space of 20 days, including extratime in each of Wednesday's semi finals, took its toll on both teams as they battled to create any clear cut scoring chances in the regular 90 minutes. Both sides spurned good chances to break the deadlock in the second period of extra time. First Mohamed saw his shot roll tantalisingly past the right upright and a few minutes later Libya's Abdelsalam Omar, unmarked in the six-yard box, had his header well saved from point blank range by Ghana goalkeeper Stephen Adams. Given the history of past matches between these two countries, extra time came as no surprise. Their previous two meetings in the group stages of this year's competition and the 2009 event ended in 1-1 draws, while Ghana won the penalty shootout in the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations final after the teams finished level at 1-1 after extra time. In the day's third-placed playoff, Nigeria beat Zimbabwe 1-0 thanks to Christian Chinonso Obiozor's late goal.

Sport

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SPORT BRIEF
PACERS SIGN FREEAGENT CENTER ANDREW BYNUM

he Indiana Pacers signed freeagent center Andrew Bynum on Saturday, the team announced. The acquisition of Bynum could deliver the Pacers a formidable bench presence as they try to get past theMiami Heat and reach the NBA Finals. After a failed partnership with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Bynum was suspended and ultimately traded to theChicago Bulls, who released the former All-Star center on Jan. 7. There's still intrigue about Bynum's ability to overcome chronic knee problems and become something of a force again, despite an uneven performance in averaging 8.4 points and 5.3 rebounds for the Cavaliers over 24 games. Bynum met with Pacers president Larry Bird and team officials in Indianapolis on Friday, the Indianapolis Star reported. "We are obviously happy to have him join our team," Bird said in a news release. "He gives us added size, he is a skilled big man and he has championship experience. With the minutes he gets, he should be a valuable addition."

MOYES RUES 'BAD LUCK' AS MANCHESTER UNITED LOSES TO STOKE

LIGA - VALENCIA STUN BARCELONA AT CAMP NOU

from the spot, his first Liga goal since September. But Valencia would not be denied as Paco Alcacer converted the excellent Sofiane Feghoulis low cross, with Jordi Albas dismissal for a second yellow card forcing Barca to play the final 13 minutes with 10 men. The result means both Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid can overtake Barcelona atop La Liga on Sunday. Atletico just need a point at home to Real Sociedad, while Real would go top if they win at Athletic Bilbao and their city rivals fail to beat Sociedad. It was a strange match played in emotional circumstances following the passing of former Spain boss Luis Aragones, who managed both clubs during his 35-year coaching career. Several of the Barcelona team played under Aragones, and the team started well, dominating possession and taking the lead when Sanchez clipped an inventive effort over Diego Alves, from a very tight angle. The hosts continued to pass rings around Valencia, who are stuck in mid-table after a disappointing campaign so far. Sergio Busquets went close from distance, while Messi stung the palms of Alves. Valencia, meanwhile, were limited to occasional counter-attacks, with their best chance a long shot from Feghouli that was well-saved by Victor Valdes. But Barca paid for their failure to add a second when, not long after Ricardo Costa spurned a free header, two missed tackles from Xavi and Cesc Fabregas allowed Parejo to complete a one-two with Feghouli before finishing past the stranded Valdes just before half-time. Barca seemed shell-shocked and went behind not long after the restart, as Barca failed to clear a straightforward cross from Antonio Barragan. The subsequent defending was atrocious, as little Piatti was allowed to head past Valdes, who was again stranded. The officials gave Barca a route back into the match when Costa was adjudged to have handled in the box. It was a woeful call as the defender a. did not handle the ball, b. had his arm down by his side, thus rendering any contact accidental anyway and c. was barely two yards away from the deflection that took it into his midriff.

arcelona seemed to be cruising after Alexis Sanchezs sublime 7th-minute chip, dominating possession until Dani Parejo exploited terrible defending to equalise just before half-time. Pablo Piatti added a second early in the second half as Valencia again hit Barca on the counter, but the hosts were given a lifeline whenRicardo Costa was incorrectly penalised for handball in the box. The ball clearly struck the Valencia captains shoulder, and with his arm by his side it was a dreadful decision. Lionel Messi equalised

anchester United manager David Moyes rued his side's profligacy and "bad luck" after slipping to a 2-1 defeat at Stoke City. Saturday's reversal at the Britannia Stadium was United's eighth Premier League loss this season as a Charlie Adam double either side of Robin van Persie's brief equalizer handed Stoke the points. After Stoke's first league win over United since 1984, Moyes bemoaned the fact his players failed to make the most of the possession they enjoyed in and around the penalty area.

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