-Eminent Liberian woman weighs in on apt issues confronting the Liberian society
By Olubanke King-Akerele
~ A Liberian Patriot; Pan-Africanist and Development Professional~
Olubanke King-Akerele, an eminent Liberian Patriot, Pan-Africanist, and Development Professional, recently celebrated her 78th birthday on May 11, 2024. Throughout the years, especially since entering her mid-70s, she has been vocal about various societal issues, drawing from her extensive professional experience as a former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Commerce and Industry in Liberia, as well as her international roles in development organizations across Africa and beyond.
With a career spanning over 24 years in countries such as Senegal, Mauritius, Seychelles, Zambia, and various crisis-ridden nations in Africa, King-Akerele has been a strong advocate for constructive proposals to address challenges facing Liberia and promote nation-building. In her latest article, titled “A Patriot’s Cry @ 78 yrs,” King-Akerele highlights a range of pressing issues facing Liberian society. These include security imperatives, drugs, the judiciary and justice system, women’s representation in the legislature, land commission concerns, and the need for a national advisory council.
She commends the new Liberian government for its efforts in addressing drug-related issues and emphasizes the importance of tackling internal and external security threats. King-Akerele also raises concerns about the judiciary system, extra-judicial killings, and the need for international assistance to address long-standing cases. Furthermore, she calls for increased female representation in the Liberian legislature, citing successful models from other African countries like Rwanda. King-Akerele also stresses the importance of addressing land issues, youth unemployment, and promoting Liberian ownership in the economy.
In addition, she advocates for the establishment of an Independent National Advisory Council in Liberia to address global and regional challenges, promote private sector investments, and enhance national development. Madam King-Akerele’s article comes just ahead of Liberia’s 178th Independence Day Celebration, and as a comprehensive overview of key issues facing Liberia, offering constructive proposals and urging the government and society to take action for the nation’s progress and unity.
She writes: “On 11 May I clocked 78 yrs. Over the past years, essentially since I entered my mid 70’s, I have published a piece entitled A Patriot’s Cry ~ at 75 years (in 2021;) at 76 years ( in 2022) and again at 77 years (in 2023). So, what has all that been about? Primarily on issues facing our Society, building on my professional experience, both nationally as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Commerce and Industry as well as internationally, providing constructive proposals for enhancing or improving Liberia’s responses to such issues and tackling them.
My international experience as a development professional over some 24 yrs have spanned Senegal; Mauritius & Seychelles as well as Zambia;(UN Resident Coordinator & UNDP- Resident Representative), Division Chief at UNDP headquarters for East (Eritrea, Ethiopia; Uganda & Kenya) and Central Africa, including Cameroons and the crisis countries of Rwanda, Burundi; Central African Republic; Chad; Equatorial Guinea; Democratic Republic of Congo and Congo Brazzaville; Deputy at UNIFEM (today’s UN Women) and United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) as Managing Director for Regional programmes – Africa; Asia & the Pacific; Latin America and the Caribbean, the Common Wealth of Independent States (CIS).
Furthermore a UNDP sponsored four months sabbatical in the Tiger Countries of South East – Asia (namely Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines) was undertaken, with lessons for Africa; which were subsequently applied in Southern Africa as the Zambia – Malawi – Mozambique Growth Triangle.
In view of this, I have thought to present highlights and a summary of the issues tackled over the years in the chart below, before documenting my Patriot’s Cry @ 78 yrs. What impact, if any? In some cases yes but in general very little. So why bother? The answer lies in the words of the Jewish Rabi Tarfon: “You are not obligated to complete the work; Butneither are you free to abandon it”.
The “work” may differ from society to society; from nation to nation; it may be civil rights; or Human rights; or it may be, as in our case, Reconstruction and Nation-building and all of its manifestations and imperatives.
It is therefore one’s contribution to that work that impels and underlines my Patriot’s Cry, one must do one’s part and then pass on the Baton to the next generation to do their part – the process of nation building As such the details of previous Patriot’s Cry are being consolidated and published in full separately.
Given that this rendition of my Patriot’s Cry is taking place against the backdrop of a new dispensation following our nation’s successful elections in late 2023 and yet another peaceful transfer of power, we begin by giving the Good Lord praise and glory for making it possible; to the Liberian people and the International community – our Partners, for the role played by all.
We commend in particular the National Election Commission and management of the electoral process which was full of unimaginable challenges but was pulled off with President Weah’sstatesmanship in acknowledging the election results and handing over the Government to newly elected President Joseph Nyumah Boakai and his Vice President Jeremiah Koung. While it is still very early we wish to congratulate the new Government and give support of its ARREST agenda and extend best wishes for its implementation.
The challenges, to be sure are many, while efforts to date are generally commendable. In particular, with regards tackling the drugs imperatives; the work of Inspector General of the Police on several levels, amongst others; mis- steps notwithstanding. Given that the Administration is still young, we look forward to corrective actions where such actions are called for sooner than later. As a Patriot we are pleased with the call by President Boakai for nothing short of Patriotic Action in the implementation of its ARREST agenda at the recent cabinet retreat. Having said that since several others have pointed out where such corrective actions are called for I shall not repeat them here.
At the same time we look forward to the public being sufficiently informed on the accounting of the inaugural funding which continues to be outstanding and for which we understand there has been an audit. We understand further that Miatta Fahnbulleh, Chair of the Inaugural Committee, has also called for this, while acknowledging the appreciation by the President, of her work.
So, what constitutes my Patriot’s Cry as I clocked 78 yrs. just over two months ago on 11 May 2024? That Cry consists of the following: (1) concern with security imperatives; (2) Drugs; (3) Liberia’s Judiciary and Justice; (4) reality of Liberians in the economy; (5) Women in the Liberian Legislature; (6) the land imperatives facing “Mama” Liberia; (7) Desecration of our nation’s national cemetery; (8) silence of Liberia on ongoing crisis in the Middle-East – Israel & Palestine; (9) NASSCORP; (10) Divisiveness in the Society which is growing; violence and hate speeches verbiage with serious implication for national cohesion and unity (11) Steps to encourage Diaspora investment and their return to contribute to nation-building; (12) Silence of the interfaith and religious bodies on critical national issues which the society needs to hear their voices on; and not silence
Security Imperatives
We have, since early this year, thru several news articles or in speeches, underscored the need for serious attention to the threats of the security situation facing Liberia. In this regard my articles on this subject have featured in Front Page Africa of 18 March 2024 and The New Dawn of 14 March 2024.
The security threats are both internal and external, about which Liberia cannot afford to keep its head in the sand. They are real and urgent. We must be proactive. Internal threats are evident in the crime wave that is permeating the society; violence leading to deaths; murders and dismemberment etc.
External threats are evident from the extraordinary developments in the West African Sub-region with long standing allies of the French, British and U.S.A. being expelled from the Sahelian States of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso in the wake of new Partnership being formed. Of significance in that regard is the implications for ECOWAS and ultimately for the AU.
Liberia being a Founding member of both the ECOWAS and the OAU (now AU), the public would like to be informed on what role we are playing in this development which appears to be at a stand-off, at the moment as regards the nations impending withdrawal from ECOWAS and plans for a new Sahelian grouping!
There is also the threat from significant presence of Burkinabe nationals in Grand Gedeh as Farmers. In this connection, Diaspora Grand Gedeans have raised alarm and called on Government in news article of Daily Observer 20 March 2024 to address their concerns, given the new reality in our Sub-region.
In view of the above – mentioned, we urge Government to undertake an assessment of the security threats and request ECOWAS and the United Nations to support our efforts with technical assistance to enhance Liberia’s Security forces in undertaking such an assessment. We have to be proactive in such matters. When this is combined with the issue of hate speeches, (handled below,) it makes the concern here twice as valid and urgent.
On a related international issue – the Middle East Crisis of the Palestinians and Israel. Given that it was Liberia’s vote that brought Israel into the Comity of Nations at the United Nations, might there be a potential role that Liberia could play in advising Israel in this matter? South Africa has taken the lead in Africa on this. Not that we might go that route but surely Liberia has “standing” to ignite some pressure on Israel from our Government. This issue is of historical import.
Drugs imperatives
We commend Government on the action underway by the new Administration, and designating the drug issue as a national emergency. However, the recent developments in the Liberia’s Drug Enforcement Agency is of great concern and must be addressed. Having said that there is a need for an investigation of what happened to the cocaine case a year and the half ago when those involved were found innocent and fled the country without a moment hesitation once they were freed. We urge the highest priority to this matter, by the new government.
I had raised alarm on the Drugs through my first Patriot’s Cry in 2021 as I clocked 75 years. As such there is need for sufficient financial allocation by Government of Liberia if it is truly a national emergency! Indeed, could not our Legislators put 5% each of their salary and benefits in a special fund demonstrating their genuine concern for our future generations and leadership, to which the Internationals could contribute? The Fund would be managed by the UN Drug Control Programme for West Africa with Liberia as part of the management structure. This is a serious proposal along the lines of President Boakai’s administration’s “Think Liberia; Love Liberia; Build Liberia.”
Liberia’s Judiciary and Justice
We are informed of the UNDP Liberian Judiciary strategic plan 2024 – 2025 with the theme: Re-branding the Liberian Judiciary. This is very much called for. We thank the UNDP for financing same. The Judicial system is the bedrock of our nation. Several challenges have been experienced recently and require attention.
Foremost amongst these are the series of extra Judicial killings and murders that occurred? The case of the Auditors; the Immigration officer; the NEC officer in Grand Gedeh and so many others, including our Peace Ambassador Reverend William R. Tolbert III. We are pleased that the new Government has indicated plans to address these. But it is necessary to move fast. What is the status? Here again, we may need to call on international technical assistance if we are to make meaningful progress on such long outstanding cases.
Indeed, it was Bishop Michael Francis in 1986 on receipt of the Man of the Year Award who said:b“Iam not against the Government. But we have to be the conscious of the nation”.
Given that, we ask where are the voices of the churches? The Inter- Religious Council? We have not heard from them on so many outstanding matters as evident in Ambassador Nathan Barnes – “Enough is Enough” article some time ago. Indeed, there can be no Sustainable Peace without Justice and a Judiciary that is responsible and in which the citizenry has confidence.
Case of former Chief Justice, Gloria Musu Scott We have read the published letter to the Minister of Justice by the Family of the former Chief Justice Gloria Musu Scott. They are appealing for a review by the new Minister of Justice in view of the various radio releases by the former Government Chief Investigator from the U.S.A. in which he revealed how pressure was put on them to find guilty the former Chief Justice and others even though there was insufficient evidence to support the verdict.
As the case is pending before the Supreme Court, we look forward to its attention there which we understand is now scheduled for late July. We understand that progress in the case is dependent on appointment of the outstanding Associate Justice to constitute the full bench of the court. We are pleased to see the said appointment recently by the President.
Land Commission
This Body needs urgent reassessment as there are too many growing problems and cases for which action is lacking. Land will be the next major crisis for our nation. We need to be proactive in terms of attention to them and not keep our heads in the sand.
Women and the Liberian Legislature
While we are pleased to note the increased presence of women in public office at the Executive level, today the legislature of Liberia has one of the lowest number of females of any government in Africa, compared to Rwanda with the 61.3% and Sierra Leone with 30.4% women in Parliament.
Are we going to learn from the “best practice” of Rwanda or keep doing things the same way, and expecting different results. Liberian women are medical doctors, lawyers, professors, architects, computer experts, owners of businesses, head of international agencies, Ministers of Government agencies, etc. We can change the current situation if we work together to change the way our elections are held.
Liberian women must work together to bring about meaningful change of the current situation, by petitioning the Legislature to allow a percent of legislative seats for women only.
Since President Kagame became president of Rwanda in 1994, the number of women has increased each and every year. He changed the constitution to have a special election where only women are eligible to run for 24 seats of the 106 seats. Women are also eligible to run in the general election. This has resulted in women occupying 61.3% of the seats today! 2 seats are reserved for youth, and 1 for disabled in Rwanda.
NASSCORP
I spent 5 yrs. of my young professional career in my early 30’s at the then Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs (MPEA) developing; and designing the national Social Security and Welfare scheme as counterpart to the UN ILO Advisor, Mr. Ambo. The Scheme was launched by late Director General, Richard Morris to whom I served as Deputy on secondment from the MPEA in February 1980.
While we commend the extraordinary successes, over the years under the Von Ballmoosmanagement, there appears to be a serious issue regarding application of the Funds in recent times with implications for Beneficiaries and Pensioners. We need some answers and an audit over past years and more recently with assistance of the International Association of Social Security. Where called for, as a result of the audit findings, the replenishment of funds not appropriately applied, must be attended by relevant authorities, Government and individuals.
Education & Training
The nation needs to aim at achieving the 30% of budgetary allocation to education and training by end of this administration, for which we are launching an appeal, to ignite steps toward that at the earliest.
The nation’s Future Leadership
Our Future – our youth! Aside from the significant drug issues addressed earlier, the issue of youth unemployment and preparation for leadership of the nation is urgent, as per the late Rev. Emmanuel Bowier admonition to the youth:bPrepare yourself for leadership: sitting on the old mat to plait the new mat.
This is a dossier with which we have been closely associated both in Liberia and other African countries, We therefore urge meaningful and serious attention by Government to it and encourage existing efforts underway, such as the Liberia’s Digital Transformation Project initiative recently.
10) Divisiveness in the society
This is a serious threat to the nation. Constructive criticism should be the order of the day. Instead, the opposition through hate speeches and provocative diatribe are inciting violence and promoting divisiveness. This must be tackled with education and training at the community level as well as in the school system, religious and faith based institutions and civil society.
We are well aware of what such hate speeches led to in Rwanda. In short, such phenomenon is a serious internal threat to our nation’s security as highlighted earlier and undermines healing the nation which is essential for reconciliation and national unity. Such threats must not be taken lightly.
11) Other current critical Issues a) Returnees from Ghana
This is matter that I dealt with during President Johnson Sirleaf’s first term. I led a high powered Government Delegation in my capacity as Minister of Foreign Affairs; comprising Minister of Justice and high level immigration officials. Although I am not abreast of updated details, I want to say that we must be careful in the critique being leveled against the Government of Ghana; the UNHCR; the LRRRC and the aspersions being cast against the Returnees. The late Ambassador Von Ballmoos and myself worked very closely on this in the past.
Rice Issue:
This remains a challenge as I also had to deal with it as Minister of Commerce and Industry. Indeed upon my departure, we had 5 importers – four of whom were Liberians while we made arrangements for warehouses at the Port for Liberian importers. But the Cartel is real, there is no doubt. Having said that the current Minister of Commerce and Industry is a Liberian through and through while efforts to bring in racism against him is uncalled for. Mr. Modadworked with me, at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and amongst others, played a key role in Liberia’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Certainly, the issue of Rice has to be carefully managed in our society, once and for all. I believe that the Ministry of Agriculture during the Weahadministration made some positive steps on that, as regards innovative responses to promote local production. The appointment of Amb. Charles Minor to head the Commission on Rice established by President Boakai is very much in order.
Liberians in the Economy
Here again, Liberians need to be provided for. We recall the late Dr. Sawyer’s article in the Heritage newspaper of 22 January 2016 entitled Liberian ownership of the economy is cardinal. This was in his capacity as Chairman of the Governance Commission.
This is a matter with which one remains passionately associated with over the years at various level and in several African Countries. I am following it closely. In that regard there needs to be more policy and Legislative innovative approaches and action if we want to see meaningful developments for Liberians rightful place in the Economy. Without this we will go nowhere otherwise.
Independent National Advisory Council
My last Cry is the need for establishment of an Independent National Advisory Council in Liberia. This is not coming from myself alone but as a result of discussions amongst a number of senior experience expertise throughout the nation who have no particular political affiliation – rather their allegiance is only to the Lone Star – the Republic of Liberia.
Such a Council cannot and must not be Government driven. It would be concerned with Global and Regional mega –terms, Regional integration & cooperation; private sector and investments considerations as well as national issues, including social demography of the nation.
It could be Co-Chaired by legal minds and the private sector with Economic development finance & public sector expertise and experience; two or three vice Chairs: one from the private sector, for example Chamber of Commerce, and representative from civil society and one from the Diaspora.
Such a Council would reinforce and enhance the Government and tap the expertise that our nation has and needs to benefit from, amongst others, – Such a Council should explore amongst others, prospects of establishment of a Liberia Fund to propel the nation’s development as we cannot continue to be dependent on donors. This is where we need a Romeo Horton who has left us. Might there be others ready to tackle such a prospect? The encouragement of Diaspora investments could prove a trigger to this.
As I close this Patriot’s Cry one is reminded of the role and place of the church and Christianity in our nation (essentially our Christian Heritage) as well as other religious faith. In this connection we reproduce below some of what previous leadership have said with implications for the nation’s need for Healing and Unity.”
