Liberia:Issues at hand.

Liberian president:Ellen Johnson Sirleaf




Two factors can really prolong armed conflicts in any region of the world. They are cultivation of hard drugs especially Cocaine, opium and heroin on one hand, and presence of mineral resources especially crude oil, diamonds and Gold on the other hand. This is because the militants, warlords and rebels make lots of money through the exploitation of these minerals and through deals on hard drugs like cocaine and heroin. In the first instance, Columbia and Afghanistan are good examples while in the second instance, the Niger-delta of Nigeria and Congo DRC, are very good examples. Moreover, through history, Sierra Leone in collaboration with Liberia has been very good examples.
The gradual return of peace in Liberia following the end of the civil war in 1996, the deposition of Charles Taylor’s government, the signing of a peace deal in 2003 and the election of the first African female president Ellen Johnson sirleaf in Nov. 2005 remains a welcome development; partly because the war in Liberia has had a spiraling effect on the rest of the sub region. We are aware of the influence of Charles Taylor’s government on the war in Sierra Leone
However, recent developments have shown Liberia drifting toward a state of uncertainty as a result of the burgeoning drugs trade in the country. Recently the United Nations secretary general Ban ki-moon in August 18, 2009, issued out a report warning that “the burgeoning drugs trade in Liberia is a serious threat to the countries long-term of stability”. According to him, drug gangs continued to affect peace even in Sierra Leone and Cote d’ Ivoire and he continued that if the trend is not checked, it could spark renewed conflict in the West African region. (Source: BBC news).
Drug addition and trafficking in Liberia, is to a great extent, an aftermath of the 1989-1996 civil war. This is not surprising since these drugs were freely consumed by ex-combatants during the civil war. Years after the civil war, they continue to use these drugs because they have become addicted to it. Presently, cannabis is cultivated in southern Liberia, while Marijuana cultivation is now preferred to oil palm and rubber plantation. (www.irinews.org). Another dimension to this trend, is the diversion of drug cartels of South America to Liberia with the hope of trafficking drugs through it reroute to Europe. To streamline their schemes, they are recruiting ex-combatants who had fought during the civil war. This is a worrisome development which deserves immediate attention. Based on this backdrop, the government of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf should look beyond the 13,000 strong UN peace keeping force, for an implementation of chief Ban ki- moon’s recommendation which suggests the development of national security institutions that are independently operational.
However, the UN should help the fledgling Liberian government to build this independent and unified custom, Army, and Police force in line with international standards. Moreover the Liberian government should aggressively embark on infrastructural development and rehabilitation. Priority should be given to educational and agricultural infrastructure. Resumption of iron ore exploitation at the Bomi hills area as well as regeneration of rubber and oil palm plantation will reduce the level of unemployment as well as crime in Liberia.
Multinational agencies and corporations (foreign investors) will play a great role in the resuscitation of the Liberian economy; in the light of the above, Liberians should avoid acts which could tarnish our image on the global arena. If our country will maintain a positive image in the global economic environment, Liberia will be a major investment destination and a country where most businesses will thrive in trust, good faith, competence and integrity.