– Madam OluBanke King-Akerele laments, condemns Foya violence
The Angie Brooks International Centre for Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development International Peace & Security (ABIC) condemns the recent Developments in Lofa, joining both the ECOWAS, the UN System and others in their cry for speedy investigation; “this time however, we want such an investigation with international assistance. In this regard, we have since early May been calling for such investigation starting with the assault on the church service of Senator Prince Johnson allegedly by members of the CDC’s youths brigade – reference our article in the Observer in that connection.
More recently, both as a Patriot and an Elder of Mama Liberia, as well as a retired Senior UN System official of some 25 years in international service with direct acquaintance with the aftermath of the independent assessment of the Rwanda Genocide, of which the role of the international community was found wanting, by their not responding in a timely manner to the “writings on the wall”.
“I have consistently in my speeches at the LCC and other as well as in my recent article titled “The Farmington Declaration – Dead or Alive? (published in Observer 22 Sept. & Women’s Voices 22 Sept.) highlighted the need to enhance the nation’s security as part of the electoral process.”
Specifically, “I have stressed the fact that the growing electoral violence were “early warnings” and thus signs that require serious; practical and preventive action and not just talk of peace and condemnation by the leadership of the key political protagonists.”
As such, she said “it is clear in the wake of developments in Lofa just days before the election of 10th Oct. that violence is far from behind us. The Citizenry needs protection which has been wanting; Mr. President, must take off his CDC candidate hat and put on his President of the Republic of Liberia hat and attend his obligations to the Liberian people, as President of R.L. and not of the CDC.”
“I’m not really
• It is time for a call from the leadership of the nation for strengthening of security of the nation. There continues to be reports of arms importation in the country with no accountability of why & wherefo
• We are all also aware of training of militias of CDC cohorts allegedly, Why? what for? We need investigation of this by the internationals.”
As an Elder of “Mama” Liberia; and as a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, she said “I am once more raising the alarm and urging President Weah to call for enhanced security of the state. –How? By getting trained security from outside the country to help our gallent officers and be assigned throughout the country especially in violent prone areas as a deterrent to violence. The recent Lofa developments are yet a continuation from the May attacks on Senator Prince Johnson church – yet to be investigated & accounting for.”
“It is time to call on the UNMIL forces in Abidjan to help us as well as other countries to strengthen our gallent Liberian officers. Reference in this regard the fact that Kenya has responded to Haiti’s call for assistance and sent officers, there.”
“On their departure from Liberia UNMIL said we could call on them if needed. We need them now it is time to make that call. Our nation is in trouble and as per the pledge of Mr. President during the meeting with the representation of the UNSG from Dakar, Senegal, when his Excellency indicated that he was not unmindful of his national obligation to protect his citizens as well as his pledge at the UN General Assembly recently –it is time to deliver.
“Mere admonition of peace & condemnation is clearly not enough, and not working!Where are the President’s Advisors? To them I say that History will hold them responsible if they do not give proper and timely advice to Mr. President. Also, where are the Women of the nation; for God sake? Rat trap is in town – let no one forget!”
“To the international community we thank you for all you are doing re condemnation of the Lofa events and calling for investigation. Yet there is need for robust response. The writings are on the walls!
Talk of peace is not enough. We need action and demonstration of serious preventive measures. To NEC and the Minister of Defense as well as the Joint security sector – What are you all doing?”
“The problem continues. The writings on the walls are “early warning”! what new measures are being put in place given the reality of escalating violence.
For President Weah, it is in your hands to safe the nation by calling on external assistance – a battalion of trained security officers to strengthen and enhance our security in responding to vulnerable spots throughout the nation – serving as a deterrent to more violence.”
“Your oath of office to protect your citizens is at stake. That oath was not as head of CDC but rather as President of the Republic of Liberia to which you cannot and must not renege at a time that it is clear that our nation is not able to provide its citizens the necessary wherewithal protection and security that is called for. We do not want to see the army in the streets; we do not want to see “tear gas”, or “silent weapons”
