UN Focus

40 Pages·2006·3.67 MB·English

UNMIL FOCUS
Vol. 3, No. 01 September - November 2006
Liberia an Example
of Hope: Kofi Annan
Reclaiming National Forests
Rebuilding Infrastructure
Message From the Special Representative
of the Secretary-General
S
ince I last ing financing proposals to donor partners, in
wrote in order to meet these requirements. I hope donors
UNMIL will respond favourably.
FOCUS, Laying emphasis on locally-driven develop-
the gov- ment to spur economic growth, UNMIL, togeth-
ernment and peo- er with the UN funds and agencies, has initiated
ple of Liberia have the creation of a UN County Support Team
continued to make (CST) in each of Liberia’s 15 counties. These
substantial strides teams have now begun assisting local authorities
in reconstructing in the counties to design, coordinate and imple-
the nation that ment community development projects. This ini-
until recently was tiative is the UN family’s response to the govern-
a victim of a long ment’s policy of decentralization and aligns UN
and painful con- assistance with the country’s own development
flict. agenda.
In late The UN family in Liberia continues to work
September, I had the opportunity to brief the actively in infrastructural development, educa-
Security Council in New York on Secretary- tion, health sector and refugee returns to support
General Kofi Annan’s latest report on Liberia. the Government’s own reconstruction efforts.
The report detailed the progress the country has In October, I attended the meeting of the
made so far in collaboration with the United Heads of the United Nations Peace Missions in
Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). While not- West Africa that was held in Dakar. The meeting
ing that Liberia is an example of hope as it strives acknowledged the Security Council’s continued
steadfastly to achieve sustainable peace, the support for the consolidation of peace in Liberia
Secretary-General also stressed the need for sig- and drew attention to the need for job creation,
nificant support from the international communi- national reconciliation and the realistic manage-
ty as the nation faces immense challenges in ment of expectations among the Liberian popula-
reconstructing its vandalised economy and in tion and the international community. A major
mending its torn social fabric. issue deliberated at this meeting was the fragile
Security still remains one of the major con- peace process in Côte d’Ivoire, a subject closely
cerns, as pointed out in the progress report, and linked to Liberia’s own prospects for lasting
UNMIL is encouraging the Government of peace.
Liberia to draw up a comprehensive security pol- A lot more work remains to be done before
icy and strategy. Simultaneously, the restructur- Liberia can fully emerge from the shadow of
ing of the Liberia National Police is ongoing, conflict. In view of the massive challenges facing
with the recruitment and training of a new force. the country, the international community will
The training of the recruits for the new Armed need to remain closely engaged in Liberia while
Forces of Liberia began in July and already over the process of reform and renewal moves ahead.
one hundred of the first group of trainees, includ- This will be the focus of the Partners Forum,
ing ten women, have graduated. The new AFLis which will bring Liberia and its partners togeth-
expected to be partially operational by late 2008. er in Washington, D.C., next February.
As the economy picks-up, prevention of crime
-- essentially a policing task -- must continue to
be a high priority for UNMIL. For this, the
Liberia National Police requires urgent, addition-
al donor support, especially for communications Alan Doss
equipment and transportation, well beyond what Special Representative of the
has already been delivered or pledged by donors. Secretary-General and Coordinator of
UNMIL has assisted the Government in prepar- United Nations Operations in Liberia
2 UNMILFOCUS September - November 2006
6 16
12
With the passage of the The 2006 Liberia National
4 National Forestry Reform Many organizations, includ- Human Development
Law and the lifting of timber ing UNMIL, are joining Report indicts the pro-
In his latest report on sanctions by the UN forces to rebuild Liberia’s longed conflict for inflicting
Liberia, Kofi Annan takes Security Council, Liberia is shattered infrastructure as major setbacks on the
stock of the progress made now poised to benefit from the World Bank takes the economy and indentifies
in the country and the chal- better forestry manage- lead in funding major road priority areas for develop-
lenges ahead. ment. works. ment.
Visit us at www.unmil.org
IN THIS ISSUE
14 Liberia an Example of Hope: Kofi Annan SSppeecciiaall RReepprreesseennttaattiivvee ooff tthhee
SSeeccrreettaarryy-GGeenneerraall aanndd CCoooorrddiinnaattoorr
16 Reclaiming National Forests ooff UUnniitteedd NNaattiioonnss OOppeerraattiioonnss iinn
LLiibbeerriiaa
18 WB Grant for Forestry Development
Alan DDoss
19 Diamond Ban Stays
DDeeppuuttyy SSppeecciiaall RReepprreesseennttaattiivvee ooff tthhee
10 Got Guthrie Back
SSeeccrreettaarryy-GGeenneerraall ffoorr RReeccoovveerryy aanndd
12 Rebuilding Infrastructure GGoovveerrnnaannccee
Jordan RRyan
14 County Teams Support Local Authorities
16 The Cost of Conflict OOffffiicceerr-iinn-CChhaarrggee ooff PPuubblliicc
IInnffoorrmmaattiioonn
18 Ex-fighters Need More Jobs Ben DDotsei MMalor
19 Threat of Food Insecurity
EEddiittoorr aanndd HHeeaadd ooff PPuubblliiccaattiioonnss
20 Interview: Alan Doss Mathew EElavanalthoduka
22 Hope for Liberian Green Revolution
SSttaaffff WWrriitteerrss
24 Restoring Confidence in Judiciary Yuko MMaeda
Sulaiman MMomodu
26 Networking Women in Governance J. WWesley WWashington
27 IDP Chapter Ends
DDeessiiggnn aanndd GGrraapphhiiccss
28 Women Join Security Services Paddy DDefoxy IIlos, III
29 First AFL Recruits Graduate
PPhhoottooss
30 Novel Approach to Arms Collection Eric KKanalstein
31 Patrolling the Borders
PPuubblliisshheedd bbyy tthhee PPuubblliicc IInnffoorrmmaattiioonn
32 Quick Impact Projects OOffffiiccee,, UUnniitteedd NNaattiioonnss MMiissssiioonn iinn
LLiibbeerriiaa
33 Fighting Lassa Fever
34 From China, With Love uunnmmiillffooccuuss@@uunnmmiill..oorrgg
35 Chinese Keep Roads Open
Printed by Buck Press Ltd., Accra, Ghana
38 Liberians Speak
September - November 2006 UNMILFOCUS 3
noted the steps taken to fight corruption
and improve economic governance.
Annan recalled his visit to Liberia in
July to witness the progress being made in
rebuilding the country and his meetings
with President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and
her Cabinet as well as senior public and
UN officials. “I was impressed by the
commitment and dedication to peace and
democratic governance demonstrated by
the leaders and people of Liberia,” he said.
The Secretary-General highlighted
security as one of the major challenges in
Liberia’s reconstruction effort. “The coun-
try is heavily dependent on UNMILfor the
provision of security, given that the new
police service is still in its formative stages
and the training of the new armed forces is
only just beginning,” he pointed out. He
urged the Liberian Government and the
United Nations to “remain vigilant” to
Liberia an
AAss tthhee 22000066 UUnniitteedd NNaattiioonnss
CCoonnssoolliiddaatteedd AAppppeeaall ffoorr
LLiibbeerriiaa hhaass oonnllyy rreecceeiivveedd 3344
ppeerr cceenntt ooff tthhee eessttiimmaatteedd
Example
rreeqquuiirreemmeennttss ffoorr tthhee yyeeaarr,,
hhee aappppeeaalleedd ttoo ddoonnoorrss ttoo
ggeenneerroouussllyy pprroovviiddee tthhee
aassssiissttaannccee rreeqquuiirreedd ttoo mmeeeett
of Hope:
tthheessee nneeeeddss..
carefully manage internal threats to stabil-
ity.
Kofi Annan
Although the reform and restructuring
of the Liberian National Police continues
to make good progress, Annan said the
Government urgently needs funds to com-
plete the basic training programme for
By MMathew EElavanalthoduka mous challenges in several areas,” he cau- new recruits as well as for specialized
tioned, urging donor countries to come police training, vehicles, communications
L
iberia, which was once at the forward to assist the country recover equipment and accommodation
centre of conflict in West quickly from long years of civil war. allowances. He lamented the low presence
Africa, now serves as “an “Liberia has continued to make tangi- of the national police in the interior of the
example of hope” and of what ble progress in a number of areas. The country which remains “far below accept-
can be achieved when leaders three branches of Government are func- able levels.”
and citizens work together, Secretary- tioning; the reform of the security sector is However, despite such problems,
General Kofi Annan said in his recent gradually progressing; the resettlement of Annan described the security situation in
progress report to the Security Council on internally displaced persons has been com- Liberia as having remained “generally sta-
the war-torn nation’s efforts to consolidate pleted; an increasing number of Liberian ble” since his last report to the Security
peace and rehabilitate its shattered econo- refugees have returned home,” Annan said Council in June and noted the steady
my. “Nevertheless, Liberia still faces enor- in his mid-September report. He also progress being made in the restoration and
4 UNMILFOCUS September - November 2006
consolidation of State authority through- reform will be seriously undermined if we
out the nation. cannot help Liberia create jobs for the
Annan cited in his report several multitude of young people, ex-combatants
humanitarian challenges that require and former employees who have few or
“urgent attention” in the country. They no economic opportunities,” he stressed.
include provision of health care, water and Doss urged donors and partners to
sanitation, education, shelter, food and contribute as a matter of priority to the
livelihood opportunities. As the 2006 initiative launched by the Liberian
United Nations Consolidated Appeal for Government in July for employment gen-
Liberia has only received 34 per cent of eration through labour intensive public
the estimated requirements for the year, he works. The World Bank, USAID, ILO,
appealed to donors to generously provide UNDP and the UN Mission in Liberia
the assistance required to meet these have already committed support to this
needs. initiative.
The Secretary-General also said that Although the Government has taken
Liberia's efforts to cultivate good relations some steps towards enhancing the rule of
with its neighbours were progressing well, law, a great deal remains to be done to
and highlighted the important regional ensure the effective administration of jus-
message sent by the transfer on 20 June of tice, respect for human rights and the end-
former Liberian President Charles Taylor ing of impunity, the Special
from Sierra Leone to The Hague to face Representative reminded the 15-member
charges of war crimes. “Not only did it body. The main obstacles are the lack of
signal that the world will not accept judicial infrastructure, a dearth of quali-
impunity, it also demonstrated the recogni- fied judicial and legal officers and finan-
tion by the Government of Liberia, region- cial constraints, he pointed out.
al leaders and the Security Council that Doss attributed the progress in
Mr. Taylor’s continued presence in advancing the peace process in Liberia to
Freetown was a threat to peace and stabil- efforts by President Johnson-Sirleaf, and
ity in the sub-region,” he said. Alan Doss the continued support of the Security
Briefing the Security Council on the Council and other member countries of
Secretary-General’s report, Special conflict recovery in Liberia, few are as the United Nations. However, in view of
Representative Alan Doss reiterated the pressing as the problem of unemployment, the massive challenges facing the country,
need for “constant vigilance and robust the international community will need to
management” to maintain political stabili- remain closely engaged in Liberia while
AAlltthhoouugghh tthhee GGoovveerrnnmmeenntt
ty in Liberia. Demonstrations and threats the process of reform and renewal moves
of violence by former security personnel, hhaass ttaakkeenn ssoommee sstteeppss ahead, he added.
disruptions by ex-combatants waiting or ttoowwaarrddss eennhhaanncciinngg tthhee rruullee If the security situation permits, the
contesting reintegration benefits and United Nations Mission in Liberia may
ooff llaaww,, aa ggrreeaatt ddeeaall rreemmaaiinnss
restive youth searching for employment begin its drawdown phase in early 2008,
are “sources of potential instability” in the ttoo bbee ddoonnee ttoo eennssuurree tthhee the UN envoy said. During this phase, the
country, he said. eeffffeeccttiivvee aaddmmiinniissttrraattiioonn ooff Mission will seek to progressively trans-
“We must be prepared too for disrup- fer security responsibilities to national
jjuussttiiccee,, rreessppeecctt ffoorr hhuummaann
tions that may come from other groups and and local authorities based on criteria and
individuals whose political and economic rriigghhttss aanndd tthhee eennddiinngg ooff timeframe to be discussed with the
interests have been adversely affected by iimmppuunniittyy.. TThhee mmaaiinn oobbssttaa- Government. The Council will be provid-
the new democratic dispensation and the ed with the plan for the drawdown in
cclleess aarree tthhee llaacckk ooff jjuuddiicciiaall
Administration’s reform initiatives,” Doss September 2007.
warned. He also highlighted the concern iinnffrraassttrruuccttuurree,, aa ddeeaarrtthh ooff Special Representative Doss also
that any deterioration in the security situa- qquuaalliiffiieedd jjuuddiicciiaall aanndd lleeggaall thanked the troop and civilian police con-
tion in neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire could tributing countries, past and present
ooffffiicceerrss aanndd ffiinnaanncciiaall ccoonn-
spill over into Liberia. To address this, the UNMILpersonnel, the UN Country Team,
United Nations Mission in Liberia has ssttrraaiinnttss.. humanitarian and aid organizations as
beefed up security in border areas and is well as ECOWAS, the African Union and
conducting concurrent patrolling with the the donor community, all of whom con-
UN Mission in Côte d’Ivoire. Doss informed the Security Council. “Our tinue to support the cause of peace in
Among the many challenges of post- efforts to bolster stability and accelerate Liberia and West Africa.
September - November 2006 UNMILFOCUS 5
NATURAL RESOURCES
Liberia’s rich forests, a source
of “blood timber” in the past,
are set to benefit the economy
RReeccllaaiimmiinngg
NNaattiioonnaall FFoorreessttss
By YYuko MMaeda ging, community forestry and conserva- the future generations; we can ensure
tion activities. For Liberia which has taken resource allocation and equity in distribu-
A
dramatic passage of the several steps to clean up the chaotic tion of benefits; we can make sure to add
new National Forestry forestry sector in recent months, the pas- value to our primary commodity, so that
Reform Law at the sage of the law cleared the final obstacle to we can move on steps along the develop-
Legislature in mid- secure the full lifting of the timber embar- ment ladder.”
September paved the way go -- the only condition the Security Liberia lies entirely in the Upper
for lifting by the Security Council a long- Council imposed in June to make a tempo- Guinean Rainforest ecosystem. Covering
standing UN sanction on timber trade in rary lifting permanent. nearly half of the national land, Liberia’s
Liberia for good, opening up a life-time Calling the passage of the law “a forests are home to about 240 timber
opportunity for the nation to regain control benchmark” in the reform of the forestry species, 2,000 flowering plants, 125 mam-
over its abundant natural resources to help sector, Johnson-Sirleaf envisioned the law mal species, 590 bird species and a few of
develop the country’s ruined economy would bring back credibility to forestry the remaining populations of endangered
while protecting its rich biodiversity. management in Liberia and could allow forest elephant in West Africa. Led by tim-
The law, subsequently signed by people in the forestry community to take ber trade that once amounted to more than
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf on 4 advantage of their natural resources. “We 50 per cent of the country’s exports worth
October, is to create a sustainable forestry now have the responsibility to implement an estimated US$80 million, forest
sector for the benefit of the people by this law,” vowed the President before sign- resources had contributed more than 20
holistically regulating commercial log- ing the law. “We can protect our forests for per cent of the national Gross Domestic
6 UNMILFOCUS September - November 2006
Product at peak time. Security Council President of the month counties of concession areas. In addition,
However, forest resources have never Kenzo Oshima said in New York. “This the law protects the right of local commu-
been properly managed or protected. important forestry legislation will ensure nities to ownership and usage of commu-
During the 14-year brutal civil war, timber that revenues from the timber industry will nal forest resources.
became a lucrative resource for Liberia’s not again fuel conflict.” Conservation and protection of
armed factions, who traded timber prod- The historic law stipulates the Forestry forestry environment are another major
ucts for arms. Logging concessions were Development Authority (FDA) take full- component of the law. All of the logging
given out to private companies two and a control over forest resources in commer- companies are now for the first time in
half times as much as the actual size of cial logging, community forestry and con- Liberia’s history required to go through an
forest land available, and only a little por- servation. It sets out the mechanism to environmental impact assessment and pro-
tion of tax revenue from trade went to the award concession rights, the imposition of duce an environmental management strat-
national coffers. To end the “blood timber” systematic taxation and various fees, the egy plan to ensure an ecologically sound
trade, the UN Security Council imposed a protection of forestry-dependent commu- usage of forest resources before starting
ban on timber exports in May 2003, nities and the establishment of protected their operations. The law also demands
months before Charles Taylor went into forest areas. protected forest areas such as National
exile and the warring factions signed the “Liberianization” is a key concept of Parks, National Forests and Game
Comprehensive Peace Accord in Accra. the forestry management under the new Reserves be established for wildlife pro-
Although export of timber came to a halt law to define a fine line between the pro- tection, eco-tourism and research activities
and some reform efforts were made by a tection of Liberian businesses and the pro- under a Protected Forest Areas Network.
donors-led Liberia Forest Initiative, the motion of foreign investments. It regulates “This law represents a major accom-
Security Council repeatedly renewed the that commercial logging agreements over plishment to put Liberia on the right track
sanction for lack of measures by the tran- a land area less than 50,000 hectares can for sustainable development, economic
sitional government to ensure the forest be given exclusively to Liberian-owned growth and employment creation,” com-
resources are used for development. companies while a land area between mended Oliver Pierce of the US
It was only after Johnson-Sirleaf took 50,000 and 100,000 hectares to companies Department of Agriculture Forestry
office early this year that reform in the owned at least 51 per cent by Liberian cit- Service, which provided technical assis-
potentially viable forestry sector took off. izens. tance for forestry reform. In the recent
She issued her first executive order to nul- The law also demands a community- past, the forestry sector employed more
lify all the 70 logging concessions, all of friendly forestry industry. The commercial than 7,000 workers.
which were previously found guilty of loggers are obligated to establish a social The passage of the law was a culmina-
fueling the war or not complying with the agreement with local communities living tion of a joint effort between the govern-
laws, and constituted a joint committee of on the fringe of concessions on the bene- ment and the international community,
the government and its international part- fits and access rights they could enjoy. including the UN Mission in Liberia.
ners, the Forestry Reform Monitoring And from the land rental fees the logging Together with experts from the World
Committee (FRMC), to develop a compre- companies pay to the government, 30 per Bank, the USDAForestry Service and the
hensive forestry reform package that cent would go to communities entitled to UN agency Food and Agriculture
included drafting the law and monitoring benefit and another 30 per cent to the Organisation, UNMIL’s environmental
the forestry.
“It’s wonderful to see this new law,
President Johnson-Sirleaf signs the new Forestry Reform Law
which does promote the sustainable use of
forest resources, has been signed by the
President,” said Jordan Ryan, Deputy
Special Representative of Secretary-
General who co-chaired the forestry
reform committee. “We hope…Liberia
will get back to work to develop forestry
in a sustainable way, which truly benefits
all of the people of Liberia.”
With the passage of the much-awaited
legislation, the Security Council on 20
October decided not to reinstate the sanc-
tion on timber trade. “Members of the
Security Council commended the Liberian
legislature for passing legislation that will
ensure a transparent, accountable and gov-
ernment-controlled forestry sector,”
September - November 2006 UNMILFOCUS 7
advisors and civil affairs officers have Protection Agency is one of the urgent
provided invaluable inputs to the challenges to be overcome for the full
forestry reform. implementation of the law. And forestry
“Forestry reform deals with three regulations covering such fields as for-
pillars: commercial forestry, community est land-use planning, chain of custody
forestry and conservation forestry… We management and environmental impact
have addressed all issues of forestry, assessment need to be developed.
from the issue of Liberianization to the “Forest is still intact,” Bwanali says. “It
issue of community rights,” recalled has to be governed well for a great
Joseph Sesay, an agro-economist and future. Enforcement institutions should
Civil Affairs Officer who has been be strengthened and the government
engaged in forestry reform from the ini- must ensure the implementation of the
tial stages and drew up a roadmap for law and regulations.”
the lifting of timber sanctions two years UNMIL, together with other inter-
ago. He says as Liberia produces a high national partners, stands by the govern-
quality of timber, the logging industry ment in implementing the law to make
would bounce back in a few years if the the forestry sector vibrant. “The inter-
law were implemented properly. “It has Tre national partners are delighted to sup-
potential to boost local economy by ma port the efforts of Liberians in having
o
generating large revenue from commer- di - R the control of the natural resources,”
cial forestry and creating lots of u said Ryan. “We need to make sure the
St
employment opportunities. Timber gli law is implemented fully and fairly. We
e
d
exports could generate US$140 million a hope the UN Country Team and UN
by 2010,” he projects. Liberia’s forests ersit County Support Teams in the fields will
Yet challenges in forestry reform are home to a Univ be able to work with logging compa-
still remain. Webby Bwanali, a Senior variety of animal mbi/ nies, FDAand people who would bene-
o
Environmental Advisor, says capacity- and plant gi B fit from this law.”
building of FDAand the Environmental species erlui
Pi
WB Grant for Forestry Development
By YYuko MMaeda Initiative, a coalition of donors, the gov- action of the World Bank, very timely.”
ernment and NGOs for a long-term Although the passage of the law
In an effort to strengthen Liberia's forestry development. was a milestone to help create a sustain-
forestry management, the World The grant came at an opportune time able forestry sector and lift the UN sanc-
Bank has given a US$2 million grant as the new Forestry Reform Law became tion on timber exports, its implementation
to Liberia to develop a soundly-gov- effective on 4 October. Regulating com- remains a considerable challenge as
erned, community-oriented forestry sec- mercial logging, community forestry and forestry-related regulations and other fun-
tor. conservation activities, the law is expected damental management mechanisms are
The Bank’s Development Forestry to allow the country to exploit its abundant not in place and the capacity of the regula-
Sector Management Project is to increase natural resources for the benefit of the tory body is weak. The Bank’s grant is
institutional capacity of Liberia’s forestry community and the country's eco- expected to address this area.
Forestry Development Authority and nomic growth, and protect the biodiversity According to the project document, the
other public entities, support community of forests. grant will be used for restructuring of the
forest activities, develop agro-forestry “The initial grant of US$2 million will FDA, training of log-tracking and chain of
management, assist small-scale private go to help vitalize the capacity of FDAto custody and developing new forestry reg-
logging businesses and raise public be able to implement the law,” said Jordan ulations. It will also provide training for
awareness on the forestry reform. The Ryan, Deputy Special Representative of developing sustainable forest management
three-year project will be implemented UN Secretary-General and UNDPCountry plans for communities and help establish
by the UN Development Programme in Coordinator who leads the UN efforts in two pilot community forestry concessions.
conjunction with the Liberia Forest Liberia’s forestry reform. “It’s a great Technical assistance to develop market-
8 UNMILFOCUS September - November 2006
Diamond Ban Stays
By YYuko MMaeda gems come from legitimate sources, not as in neighbouring countries. During the
from conflict-ridden regimes. It is a joint war, Liberia exported an estimated
Although the UN Security Council initiative of governments, international US$300 million worth of diamonds annu-
acknowledged some progress in diamond industry and civil society to curb ally.
Liberia’s reform on the diamond the flow of “blood diamonds” that have In a response to the world body’s
mining industry, Liberia failed to make a financed armed conflicts in Africa and decision, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf
UN ban on diamond trade lifted, accord- elsewhere, and has a membership of 45 on 31 October constituted a joint Task
ing to a statement issued on 20 October countries and regions, accounting for Force on Diamond to accelerate the gov-
by the Council. almost all the global production of rough ernment’s efforts to join the Kimberley
“Members of the Security Council diamonds. scheme. With Lands, Mines and Energy
were encouraged by the steps Liberia has The Council specifically urged the Minister Eugene Shannon as chair and
taken towards meeting the requirements government to take the necessary reform Special Representative of the Secretary-
for the lifting of the measures on dia- measures including the development of General Alan Doss as co-chair, the task
monds,” reads the statement by Security stronger management of the gem mining force is charged with ensuring the gov-
Council President Kenzo Oshima. But industry and more effective verification ernment takes up necessary measures to
the council concluded to retain the ban, and accountability mechanisms. At the meet the requirements for the lifting of
noting the findings by the Panel of same time, the Council expressed its wish the UN ban on diamonds.
Experts, a UN body to review sanctions, to lift the embargo “as soon as possible so Timber trade, another UN embargo, is
that “more needs to be done for Liberia to that revenues from the diamond sector can now free from any restriction as the
establish a Certificate of Origin Regime benefit the Liberian people.” It will review Security Council in October decided not
for export of Liberian rough diamonds.” the diamonds sanction again in December. to reinstate the ban, which was imposed
The certificate of origin regime is a The ban on Liberia’s diamond exports in May 2003 and temporarily lifted in
pre-requisite to join the Kimberley was originally imposed in 2001 along with June this year, since Liberia passed the
Process, an international certification arms embargo when it was a major source new Forestry Reform Law by the dead-
process to verify whether the precious to fuel bloody conflicts in Liberia as well line set by the Council.
oriented management of tree crops such as
cocoa and rubber will come as a part of the Jordan Ryan during an assessment visit to a logging company in
grant. The project also envisions support- Pleebo
ing the creation of micro-enterprises for
reforestation and community-driven
development projects around the Sapo
National Park.
FDA Managing Director John Woods
said the grant will help the community liv-
ing on the fringe of the forests receive
equitable share from the natural resources.
"This project is intended to improve the
livelihood of people in the forestry com-
munity and reduce the level of poverty.”
Paola Agostini, a World Bank senior
economist who led the formulation of the
project, said it will turn around the forestry
sector as a major source of growth and
income for Liberia. “The first major step is
done with the passage of the law. Anext
major step now is to implement the law
and to make sure all the regulations are in
place so that we can really be operational
in the forestry sector,” she said.
September - November 2006 UNMILFOCUS 9
Once ruled by rebel forces,
Liberia’s rubber plantations are
back under government control
Got Guthrie Back
By YYuko MMaeda occupied by ex-combatants to lay the foun- ants of the defunct LURD, one of the war-
dation for future investment. ring factions involved in Liberia’s civil
A
s he approached a curve on “With this repossession, the govern- conflict. In the last three years, hundreds of
the road toward the head- ment will restore State authority and rule of former rebels controlled the plantation to
quarters of the Guthrie law on the Guthrie Rubber Plantation…to tap and sell illicit latex for millions of dol-
Rubber Plantation from one create a peaceful and secure environment, lars and terrorized the plantation communi-
of the three entry points, give legal employment opportunities and ty of 36,000 people. August’s repossession
Allan Quee shifted the gear into second establish an interim management team to was a beginning of the long process to
and readied himself to encounter ex-com- rehabilitate the plantation,” declared recover the ruined plantation.
batants roaming around the overgrowing Agriculture Minister Christian Toe, who The takeover of Guthrie was not an
rubber trees. It was an automatic reaction also heads the government-UN joint easy task. Before the repossession, mem-
for the consultant who has been visiting the Rubber Plantation Task Force, which is bers of the task force carefully worked out
plantation daily for needs assessment. mandated to address multifaceted issues to a repossession strategy. First the Liberian
Instead of the violence-hungry youth, what overhaul the rubber industry. National Police assigned 12 police officers
caught his eyes was hundreds of smiling Liberia is home to one of the world’s to the plantation to secure the environment,
children in a brand-new white and blue largest rubber plantations, Firestone, and UNMIL deployed peacekeepers and UN
uniform running toward him. rubber accounts for most of the country’s police officers to backup the national secu-
“It was the most amazing moment I’ve export earnings. But without a proper over- rity force, another team of the task force
ever had since I started coming here every sight by the government, the rubber indus- prepared various reintegration opportuni-
day,” Quee recalls the day the plantation’s try has become a hotbed of economic ties to encourage ex-combatants to aban-
only full-grade school reopened in early crimes and human rights violations. don illicit business, and the government
October. “I was almost in tears.” Guthrie, the only government-owned identified an interim management team
Guthrie signifies a successful joint ini- plantation which stretches out 300,000 from the Rubber Planters Association to
tiative the government and the UN took to acres in two north-western counties of put the rubber business back and set up a
restore State authority over Liberia’s abun- Bomi and Grand Cape Mount, is the worst support group with relevant institutions.
dant natural resources. With the support of case. Opened in 1957, it was long managed Simultaneously, UNMIL engineers con-
the UN Mission in Liberia and other UN by Guthrie Rubber Company from structed pre-fabricated offices for them at
agencies, the government in mid-August Malaysia from 1981 until 2000, but has the centre of the plantation.
took over control of the plantation long recently been occupied by former combat- “This didn’t happen by chance; it was a
10 UNMILFOCUS September - November 2006