-As National Council of Chiefs gets a new Chairman
By Jerromie S. Walters
The recent transition in leadership of the National Council of Chiefs in Liberia appears as a substantial shift in the country’s traditional governance landscape. Chief Zanzan Karwor, who has held the position of Chairman since June 2006, has seen his nearly two-decade reign come to an abrupt end, culminating in an election on August 9, 2024, where Chief Arthur W. Dowahsucceeded him as the new Chairman of the National Council of Chiefs.
Chief Dowah emerged victorious in a competitive three-man race, defeating Chiefs Bob Koffi Zah from Rivercess County and Nelson Neow from Maryland County. Chief Zah garnered nine votes, while Chief Neow received one vote. Unlike the case of his predecessor, Chief Dowah has a 2-year tenure as mandated by the Local Government Act of 2018.
The election aligns with the provisions of Chapter 3 of the Local Government Act (LGA) of 2018, which abolished the former council and established the current National Council of Chiefs. Others elected are Paramount Chief Ballah Gbotorlu from LofaCounty National Vice Chair for Culture and Traditional Affairs, and female Paramount Chief Rhoda Garmu of Grand GedehCounty who will take on the role of National Vice Chairperson for Peace-building and Reconciliation.
Zanzan’s Ascendancy:
Chief Zanzan Karwor was elected Chairman of the Traditional Council of Liberia in June 2006, at an election held in Gbarnga, Bong County. Chief Karwor’s election in Gbarnga was initially met with optimism as he took on the mantle of leadership during a time of post-conflict recovery. However, as years turned into nearly two decades, his uninterrupted presence in the role became a double-edged sword. While some lauded his experience and continuity, many Liberians grew increasingly critical, perceiving his long tenure as a sign of stagnation and a lack of democratic processes within traditional governance.
Public sentiment shifted dramatically over the years, with Chief Karwor facing intense verbal and psychological scrutiny. Critics argued that his prolonged leadership stifled new ideas and perspectives, leading to a disconnect between the council’s activities and the needs of local communities. The perception of an entrenched leadership, resistant to change, fueled calls for reform and renewal within the traditional governance structure.
A New Era for Decentralization:
The newly elected officials were formally inducted into their positions on Saturday, August 10, 2024, during a ceremony held at the EJS Ministerial Complex. The event was graced by a host of dignitaries, including President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, members of the 55th Legislature, and representatives from the diplomatic and donor communities.
Emphasizing the potential of decentralized governance to accelerate socio-economic development, F. Sakila Nyumalin, Sr., Minister of Internal Affairs expressed his satisfaction with the establishment of local government structures, including the National and County Councils of Chiefs, as well as the National Council Support Office, in accordance with Chapter 3 of the Local Government Law.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has finalized the regulations for the Revenue Sharing Law, enabling fiscal decentralization and defining qualifications for the Local Government Fiscal Board members, who will be appointed by the President.
The Minister also shared that a comprehensive nine-day orientation program had been completed for the members of county administrations and the National and County Councils of Chiefs. This training focused on their roles and responsibilities, emphasizing integrity, transparency, and accountability.
As part of the ceremony, the leadership of these structures was elected and is now set to be inducted into office. “The ARREST Agenda can only be realized if we work together, with a solid foundation for decentralization firmly established at the local level,” Minister Nyumalin remarked. She underscored the crucial role of chiefs in maintaining peace and fostering sustainable development within their communities.
In a heartfelt moment, the Minister invited the Paramount Chiefs from all 15 counties to meet with the President, expressing their commitment and support for his administration. “Here is your President, your leader, your friend, the father of the nation!” she proclaimed.
Moreover, Minister Nyumalin acknowledged President Boakai’scommitment to advancing the implementation of the Decentralization Program, as outlined in his State of the Nation Address earlier this year. She highlighted the President’s proactive measures, including the appointment of county officials in line with the Local Government Act of 2018 and the establishment of the Ministry of Local Government.
“Your Excellency, you have organized and presided over the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Decentralization, directed the speedy implementation of the Revenue Sharing Law, and ensured that signatories of Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions (MACs) operating in County Service Centers are devolved. These efforts aim to reduce transaction costs for citizens accessing essential services,” Minister Nyumalin stated.
Minister Nyumalin extended his gratitude to the leadership of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and UNDP for their financial support of the orientation workshop held in Gompa City, Nimba County. He also commended civil society organizations for their coordination and collaborative efforts in supporting the decentralization initiative.
Noise ahead of the elections:
On Friday, August 2, 2024, Internal Affairs Minister Francis Nyumalin announced the end of Chief Zanzan Karwor’sleadership as the Chief of the National Traditional Council of Chiefs and Elders of Liberia. “The 15 Chairpersons of the County Council of Chiefs will elect their National Chairperson and other members of the leadership of the National Council Chiefs, which now replaces the erstwhile National Traditional Council of Chiefs & Elders then headed by former Chairman Chief Zanzan Karwor,” he noted.
Ex-officials of the National Council of Chiefs and Elders of Liberia (NACCEL) did not attend the events in Ganta because they felt disrespected by the Internal Affairs Minister’s approach towards the matter.
”The only thing I know is that the Minister went to the office and said everybody should turn their keys over (Some part of last month). The keys my office staff had and the one I had we put all together and I think they (Officials of the Internal Affairs Ministry) are already in possession of all of the offices.” To understand better, our source was quizzed if they had been to work since the time of the request by the Minister: “If the authority comes and says I don’t want to see you, who am I to stay? So I just back off,” one of the ex-officials told this paper.
On the other hand, Chief Trokon Jonathan Cee, the Vice Chair for Elders, Culture and Traditional Affairs of the Traditional Council of Chiefs and Elders of the Republic of Liberia alleged that the Minister’s move contravenes the Local Government Act. “This Country called Liberia is a country by law and the local government Act for which he is speaking of, we have a serious problem with the Local Government Act because the act that enacted us into law, we came up with a name called National Council of Chiefs and Elders but the Act they repealed is National Traditional Council of Chiefs and Elders and we were not created with that name. Even if you check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you will see that name called National Council of Chiefs and Elders.”
He continues, “Even if the National Council of Chiefs and Elders was repealed, by law, then what becomes of the law? They all have breached the Local Government Act. Number 1, the President of the Republic of Liberia is still nominating Statutory Superintendent in this Country and those people are going for Confirmation to the House of Senate. Those people who passed the law, they all have breached the law.”
The National Council of Chiefs of Liberia is an institution that represents traditional leaders in Liberia. It serves as an advisory body to the government on matters related to traditional governance, customs, and cultural practices. The council aims to preserve and promote the traditional values and customs of the diverse ethnic groups in Liberia.
