Why Kill Over Land When We Can Dwell on Water?

In  our corner of the world, land ownership issues continue to remain a very sticky affair. Take for instance the case of Liberia. That country continues to grapple with many of the legacies of its protracted civil conflict, as it seeks to move forward with its recovery efforts: reforming governance, establishing the rule of law, etc. One of the most visible legacies of the Liberian civil war is this issue of informal settlements throughout the country.

The nation's capital, Monrovia, is currently teeming with over 1.4 million inhabitants, nearly three times its intended capacity of 500,000. It may be recalled that at the height of the conflict, Monrovia became a place of refuge; nearly tripling its population as waves of internally displaced persons (IDPs) arrived from rural combat zones in search of safety. 

Consolidating Processes of Transformation: Sirleaf's 2014 State of the Nation Address

In her 9th Annual Message, the President said the country (Liberia) is stronger, safer, steadier

Annual Message to the 3rd Session of the 53rd National Legislature of the Republic of Liberia By President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of the Republic of Liberia,

Capitol Hill, Monrovia, Monday, 27 January 2014

Observing MLK Day

What do you think would have been the focus of Dr. Martin Luther King's activism today, if he were alive?

Would the issue of same-sex marriage had made it to Dr. King's advocacy agenda? And what can you predict would have been his stance on this matter?

State, in clear terms, your views here:

Join  the debate today.

Liberia Halts Public Land Sale

Liberia has placed an indefinite moratorium on public land sales and all transactions including the issuance of tribal certificates and town lot certificates. The moratorium takes immediate effect.

In Executive Order NO.53, issued Monday, December 23, 2013, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf insisted that this moratorium applies to all individuals, government functionaries, local officials, traditional authorities, communities, groups, businesses and associations involved in public land transactions.   

According to the President, the moratorium applies to all activities involving the issuance of tribal certificates by traditional and other governmental authorities or the issuance of town lot certificates by municipal authorities.   She then ordered the relevant ministries and agencies of government to closely monitor the situation to ensure compliance with this moratorium. 

President Sirleaf has warned that all tribal certificates and town lot certificates issued by any local authority during the period of this moratorium shall be considered illegal and void.

Liberia: Sirleaf Waives Right to Appoint

Sirleaf charges CSA to recruit
political appointees

President Ellen Johnson has finally waived her right to appoint, as President. That is now the responsibility of the Liberian Civil Service Agency (CSA).

As mandated by the President, CSA will, henceforth,  do the vetting of political appointees before they are presented to her for appointment, the Executive Mansion announced Thursday,  December 19, 2013,  in Monrovia. 

This is a demonstration of her commitment to the process of depoliticizing the civil service, it added. She, however, observed that merit-based appointments will continue to be a matter that will not be compromised.