Liberian news editor free for 30 days



Sieh is escorted by Liberian security men

By ralph geeplay

Lawyers representing Frontpageafrica Editor Rodney Sieh have secured his release for 30 days in the Liberian capital of Monrovia. The lawyers contended that Sieh's imprisonment violated various provisions of the Liberian constitution of 1986, including the prohibition against debt bondage in Article 12, the Equal Protection Clause of Article 11, the due process clause of Article 20, and the directive against extreme punishment in Article 21. Kwame Clement [Pro bono] a former Liberian journalist and broadcaster in collaboration with Musa Dean and Samuel Kofi woods are leading the charge to see Sieh release.

President Sileaf: “Hustlers Become Heroes through Poisonous Pens"

By: Hawa Wesseh




Liberian president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says her public officials are assuming their responsibilities in the country at a time when the political environment is a difficult terrain in the country.
The Liberian president made the remarks this week when she commissioned 27 government executives including former controversial city mayor, Mary Broh who now heads the General Services Agency (GSA), a department of government that purchases and manages assets for the government.

Paean For Philip N. Wesseh: The Citizen Journalist

A Tribute: By ralph geeplay



Philip has given so much to Liberian Journalism over the course of his practice and to the art as we know it, to me though, he is the citizen journalist, his passion is incredible!

Will The Loyal Opposition Take a Stand in Liberia?

                               



If the current level of discontent amongst Liberians is anything to judge by, then there is a strong likelihood Liberia may experience severe turbulence in the months ahead. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s second term may not be as quiet as the first. The signs are everywhere.

President Sirleaf “Enduring Legacy”: A Rejoinder

ralph geeplay

President Sirleaf

                                   

Let’s pick some bones with Ms. Shirley N. Brownell, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s Communications Director and her well written op-ed, “Journey to Partnership: An Enduring Legacy for President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.”

Liberia’s Sirleaf: the burden of leadership

By ralph geeplay

The Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has been busy touring Europe: getting awards, giving speeches and receiving investors. For a Liberian president, Sirleaf clout in the international community is unmatched. On her most important trip days ago she stopped in Paris, France to receive France highest award, the Grand Croix of the Légion d’Honneur, commissioned by Napoleon in 1802 putting her in the company of the select few: Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Queen Elizabeth II, Aung San Suu Kyi, Toni Morrison and Lord Mountbatten, Etc.

Why Johnson Sirleaf is Wrong

By: ralph geeplay

Peace Laureate President Sirleaf

Introduction: The Liberian Government is yet to act on the much heralded Truth and Reconciliation Commission report, often cited by international experts and meant to addressed the nation's reconciliation process. For reasons best known to the Unity Party led government, the report has been shelved and the chairman of the Commission have fled the country claiming threats to his life from the powers that be. Cllr. Verdier claims can not be taken lightly, Sirleaf own aide that once headed the procurement commission was gunned down in the country, and those who murdered him in cold blood are yet to be brought to justice. In June 2008, this writer raised issues with Sirleaf that her actions or inaction to ignore the commission were atypical to the political peace Liberia sought in the aftermath of war [most of the major actors including Sirleaf would later appear before the TRC].  But back then, her refusal to meet the TRC  almost left it on one leg, and today, the simmering effects of violence, discontent, and trauma from a war weary people is still evident in the Liberian society, with perpetrators and victims living side by side while warlords responsible for gruesome crimes are serving in her government, while Liberia's borders see armed gangs determined to profit from war. It is being re-posted with minor edits.