Special Assignment News Page

::Contemporary Liberia - A synopsis of our nation's rebirth.

TBy: Sehgran K. Gomah
Website Editor-In-Chief.
email: gomahism2gran@yahoo.com Cell No. 231-6-551-246

For the past fifteen years which marked the height of the Liberian civil war, the country’s natural resources, especially timbers and diamonds, became black-deal commodities. Warlords struggled to capture areas where timbers and gems were found to strengthen their military powers through illicit mining and illegal sale. Liberia became a big center for illicit trade between the warlords and illegal international hustlers.

These resources were not sold for cash in all cases. Their transactions were dominated by barter-system, arms and ammunition in exchange for either timbers, gold or diamonds, a system which turned to be very glaring that, Liberians described as “Gobachop,” you chop I chop, and not you chop we chop.

The ego-centric nature of these warlords soon brought tough time on the entire country. No accountability for the resources of the people, least to talk about benefit.

There is a Liberian parable which says “ninety nine days for rogue and one day for the master.” In what appears to be a meticulous observation and investigation by the international community about the mis-use of the country’s resources, surfaced, and based on facts gathered, they placed sanctions on the country’s timbers and diamonds. No more “Gobachop.”

But, following her ascendancy to the nation’s highest office in 2005, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, has been exploring avenues to resurrect the country from where the warlords had taken it.

President Johnson-Sirleaf’s efforts began with the expression of penitent to Liberia’s neighbors and other countries who were hurt by the warlords during the civil crisis. She then took the courage to appeal to those countries Liberia owes, and in a very short period, her appeal landed on fertile ground. The UN Security Council not too long ago, lifted the sanctions on timbers and diamonds after satisfying the Kimberley process.

And, as we speak, the Liberian government is highly creditworthy, an implication that Liberia has regained her credibility at the international level. Bravo Madam President ! Now, she’s going out to encourage investors to come and invest in Liberia, so that Liberians will have jobs in both the private sector and government, to rebuild their lives and country.

Liberians are very impressed, Madam President, with the signing of another agreement, this time with the holy country of Israel for our holy diamonds, under the Kimberley process. As you and Eli Avider sat face- to- face, exchange ideas and signed the agreement on behalf of your respective countries, our gems were rejoicing beneath the soil, because they saw themselves as holy stones heading for a holy land.

Not only that, but this time, their values would be used to benefit Liberia and its citizenry, with the belief, that when they shall have left the scene, they would had left a benchmark and posterity will judge them for the good they did for their country and people. Thank you very much, Madam President and welcome back home. | Archive Version