THE BUREAU OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Monrovia, Liberia.

NEWS SUMMARY FOR THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

News of the United Nations Security Council extension of UNMIL mandate by one year, the Liberian Senate endorsement of a US$11 million cocoa agreement between the Government of Liberia and the Liberia Cocoa Corporation and the Samaritan Purse International pronouncement of the arrival of a US$800,000 Ebola Materials in the Country are among stories dominating our summary of the local dailies for today, Thursday, October 2, 2014.

UN Security Council Extends UNMIL Mandate In Liberia

The United Nations Security Council has extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMILL) by one year to September 30, 2015. Disclosing this during a press conference at UNMIL's headquarters in Monrovia Wednesday, the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG), Karin Landgren, said this is due to the Ebola pandemic that has hit the country and claimed the lives of hundreds since March this year. Landgren explained that because of the Ebola crisis, the United Nations Security Council did not discuss the drawdown of UNMIL and security transition during its Council meeting on September 9, 2014. The UN official said it devoted discussions entirely to the rapid development related to Ebola outbreak, which they termed as Liberia's 'gravest threat since the end of the civil war,” The Analyst writes.

Related Captions: UN Halts UNMIL’s Drawdown To Fight Ebola(The Informer), UNMIL’s Mandate Extended(Inquirer), Council Extends UNMIL’s Mandate(New Dawn), UNMIL Extends Operations to 2015(Daily Observer)

Senate Endorses US$11 Million Cocoa Agreement

The Liberian Senate has endorsed a US$11million agreement signed between the Government of Liberia and the Liberia Cocoa Corporation (LCC). According to the plenary, its decision to approve the agreement is in line with the government’s effort to encourage Liberians to invest in the economy, as the LCC is a solely Liberian-owned cocoa company providing technical assistance to Liberian farmers. The Senate plenary made the pronouncement following the reading of a report from the Committees on Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, during its regular session at the Capitol Building on Tuesday. The committee’s report, among other things, opted for the ratification of the agreement based on testimonies from ministries and agencies of government involved with the sector. Speaking further on the committee’s recommendations, Senator Henry Yallah of Bong County indicated that the company is doing a pilot project in Lofa County where it intends to produce cocoa, variety of food supplements and products.
“With this company, there will be no exportation of raw materials, but rather finished food products,” he stressed,the New Republic writes.

Related Captions: Senate Endorses US$11m Cocoa Agreement(In Profile Daily), Senate Endorses US$11m Cocoa Agreement(Informer), Senate Endorses US$11m Cocoa Agreement(Heritage), Senate Endorses US$11m Cocoa Agreement(INSIGHT),

747 Jet Arrives With Essential Supplies For Communities, Homes And Awareness –Samaritan Purse Delegation

Samaritan Purse International has announced that a 747 jet with critical supplies to operate community care centers, home based intervention kits and awareness materials will arrive in the Country Thursday morning at the Roberts International Airport in Margibi County. Samaritan Purse International through its Head of Team in Liberia, Nathan Glancy and its Program Manager for the ELWA Hospital Construction Project, Gentry Taylor made the disclosure Wednesday to Vice President Joseph N. Boakai when the SPI officials called on him to brief him on the upcoming activities by the SP to help in the fight against the deadly Ebola virus, the Informer reports.

Related Captions: Samaritan’s Purse Brings In US$800,000 Ebola Materials Today(Inquirer), To Finally Stamp Out Ebola, Samaritan’s Purse Flies In US$800,000 Worth Anti-Ebola Materials Today(Daily Observer)

NEC Updates Aspirants On Special Senatorial Election

The National Elections Commission (NEC) on Wednesday held a meeting with Independent Aspirants whose names appeared on the provisional list of candidates for the 2014 Special Senatorial Election. The meeting was called to brief the independent aspirants on the current state of the 2014 Special Senatorial Election. During the meeting, the Chairman of the NEC, Cllr. Jerome George Korkoya, informed the aspirants that the Commission has written the President of Liberia and the Houses of Senate and the Representatives are recommending the postponement of the Special Senatorial Election. The Special Senatorial Election is scheduled for October 14, 2014, but Chairman Korkoya says under the current circumstances, the commission cannot conduct a free, fair transparent and credible election, FOCUS  reports.

Related Captions: NECWants Gov’t To Announce Election Postponement – Meets Senatorial Aspirants(Informer),  NEC Updates Independent Aspirants – On Special Senatorial Election (In Profile Daily), NEC Updates Independent Aspirants On The Special Senatorial Election (New Dawn)

Liberian Takes Ebola To USA

Another Liberian man identified as Eric Thomas Duncan is the second so far months after the late Patrick Sawyer exported Ebola to Nigeria, to be diagnosed with the deadly virus days upon his arrival in the US. Mr. Duncan, according to a Liberian magazine TMZ, is said to have travelled to the United States on an immigrant visa through his wife who is an American citizen. The victim left Liberia on the 19th of September and arrived in the United States the next day. He started to show signs of the virus four days after he arrived in the US.
The wife of the victim is said to have lived in the US for almost 15 years before sending for her husband to join her in Texas, New Dawn reports.

 Related Caption: Man From Liberia Diagnosed With Ebola In US(Focus), Ebola Hits America(In Profile Daily), America Records First Ebola Case..GOL Regrets Incident(Heritage),The Liberian Who Transported Ebola To America(FrontPage Africa), First Ebola Case Diagnosed In The US(Daily Observer), Ebola Fear In US(New Democrat), Liberian Diagnosed With Ebola In The US(West Africa Info Post)

Five DEA Officers Dismissed For AWOL

The Administration of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has, with immediate effect, dismissed five officers, charging them of protracted absence without leave (AWOL) among other administrative and operational irregularities, which contravene the dictates of the Code of Conduct of the institution and Civil Service Regulation. The officers dismissed include Agents Sylvester F. Williams, Jacob W. Dehmue, Swen D. Sleapo, and Prince Bestman. Meanwhile, DEA Director-General Anthony Souh has reiterated warnings to all employees of the agency to develop the habit of serving their native land with deep sense of patriotism and nationalism, especially at a time when our nation is struggling to repel the deadly Ebola virus which has engulfed every sector of the land, In Profile Daily reports.

Related Captions: Five DEA Officers(Focus), DEA Dismisses 4 – As Director Sends Stern Warning(Daily Observer)

OTHER STORIES

“Ellen Achievements May Be Reversed”

Foreign Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan says much of the progress achieved by the Ellen Johnson led government may have already been reversed because of the impact of the deadly Ebola outbreak. Addressing the 69^th Regular Session of the United nations General Assembly in New York Monday, Minister Ngafuan lamented that Ebola has made Liberia a sad story amid dark clouds which have befallen the nation in the midst of a menacing virus. The Minister recalled that only a year ago, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf addressed the body on a positive note highlighting significant achievements in the past and lofty aspirations for the future. But today he said the country is being consumed by Ebola, West Africa Info Post reports.

Related Caption: Massive Hardship Imminent – As The Economy May Drop By 12% in 2015, if…(Insight)

Pres. Sirleaf Congratulates Nigeria, China

President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has sent a congratulatory message to the Governments and Peoples of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China, respectively, on the auspicious occasion marking Nigeria’s 54th Independence and China’s 65th National Day. President Sirleaf extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Government and People of Nigeria as the West African state observes her Independence Anniversary Wednesday.
A Foreign Ministry’s press release issued in Monrovia, said in a dispatch sent to her counterpart, President Goodluck Ebebe Jonathan, the Liberian leader expressed hope that the cordial ties of companionship existing between the two countries and peoples will be further strengthened in the spirit of African unity and solidarity. She also prayed that Almighty God will continue to endow President Goodluck Jonathan with abundant wisdom and strength as he leads his people to noble heights.   Meanwhile, in her message to the Chinese President, XI Jinping, President Sirleaf extended warmest felicitations and best wishes to the Chinese leader, and through him, to the Government and People of China, New Dawn reports.

Related Caption: Ellen Congratulates Nigeria & China(Heritage)

Sirleaf Meets Delegation From Heartt Foundation

President Sirleaf meets with delegation from Heartt Foundation and AmeriCares led by the Foundation's interim executive director, Masmina Sirleaf. A visiting delegation of the Health Education and Relief through Teaching (HEARTT) Foundation and its collaborating partner, AmeriCares has held a meeting with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at her Foreign Ministry office. According to an Executive Mansion release, the head of delegation, HEARTT Foundation's interim executive director Masmina Sirleaf, informed the Liberian leader that the visit was aimed at briefing her about HEARTT and AmeriCares' intervention in West Africa and Liberia in particular in light of the outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus disease now ravaging the sub-region. For her part, President Sirleaf welcomed HEARTT and AmeriCares to Liberia and recognized their local partners, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the Monrovia Rotary Club. She reflected that she has followed HEARTT's work in Liberia long before the start of her administration and described their work as "a good example of Liberians helping Liberia”, the Analyst reports.

Related Caption:  More Anti-Ebola Shipments To Liberia (The New Dawn)

Nigeria Donated To Ebola Fight Again…Celebrates 54^th Independence Day With Prayers

The Federal Republic of Nigeria had made a second donation to the fight against Ebola in Liberia the first being US$50,000 early this year. Making the second donation yesterday at celebration marking Nigeria’s 54^th Independence celebration which was observed in the form of a prayer rally at the Nigerian Embassy near Monrovia, Nigerian Ambassador to Liberia Madam Chigozie F. Obi Nnadozie said her country is committed to fostering the long standing friendship that exist between the two countries. Receiving the donated items which included rice, cooking oil and mattresses, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf praised the relationship subsisting between Nigeria and Liberia and especially lauded Nigeria for always standing by Liberia even if it is bringing about peace and assisting with the fight against the deadly Ebola virus, Inquirer reports.

U.S. Delegation Seeks Understanding On Ebola Response

A high power delegation of the United States of America is in Liberia seeking understanding on how to response to the Ebola outbreak in the country. The US delegation headed by Assistance Administrator of USAID's Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance, Nancy Lindborg, told a news conference at the US Embassy near Monrovia Wednesday that the delegation was in the country to have a better understanding on how the situation was on the Liberian soil especially as it relates to the Ebola virus outbreak. Also speaking was the head of the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Dr. Thomas Kenyon, who reiterated the willingness of the US Government through the CDC to help respond to the Ebola outbreak min Liberia, theAnalyst writes.

Kenya Airways Resuming Liberia Route Oct. 24, Air Ivoire On Course

Relief is on the way for travelers out of Liberia and Sierra Leone looking to book a flight to neighboring Ghana, Nigeria and other neighboring states. FrontPageAfrica has learned that the East African airliner, Kenyan Airways is poised to be the second airline to resume flights to Ebola-stricken Liberia. The airline has penciled in October 24th, 2014 as its tentative date for the resumption of flights to Liberia, Airport Authority sources confirmed Tuesday. Addressing the 69th United Nations General Assembly Monday, Foreign Minister Augustine Ngafuan singled out Kenya and Ivory Coast for relaxing travel restrictions and the announcement of the resumption of flights to Liberia and Sierra Leone. Liberia Airport Authority sources confirmed to FrontPageAfrica Tuesday that Kenya has already notified airport authorities that it intends to resume flights on the 24th of October. Air Cote D'Ivoire is expected to resume within a week, FrontPage Africa reports.

U.S. Delegation Seeks Understanding On Ebola Response

A high power delegation of the United States of America is in Liberia seeking understanding on how to response to the Ebola outbreak in the country. The US delegation headed by Assistance Administrator of USAID's Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance, Nancy Lindborg, told a news conference at the US Embassy near Monrovia Wednesday that the delegation was in the country to have a better understanding on how the situation was on the Liberian soil especially as it relates to the Ebola virus outbreak. Also speaking was the head of the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Dr. Thomas Kenyon, who reiterated the willingness of the US Government through the CDC to help respond to the Ebola outbreak min Liberia,  the Analyst  writes.

Sirleaf Meets With U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense

President Sirleaf Meets With US Assistant Secretary of Defense, Michael Lumpkin Meets with UN Secretary-General's Special Representative on Ebola Response, Anthony Banbury. A high-powered United States delegation currently in the country has hailed President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's international engagements since the outbreak of the Ebola epidemic in Liberia. According to an Executive Mansion release, the head of delegation, Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Lumpkin, said the United States sees the eradication of the Ebola virus disease as paramount and urgent and will work with the Liberian authorities in achieving this goal. Mr. Lumpkin said he has felt and seen the courage of the Liberian people in fighting the virus and their eagerness to return to normalcy should be supported by the international community. In response, President Sirleaf welcomed the creation of the UN Ebola Response office in Accra and encouraged the office to promote information exchange on the virus among affected countries, The Analyst reports.

UNICEF To Train 400 Mental Health, Social Workers

The United Nations Children Fund or UNICEF says as orphaned children of Ebola victims confront the devastation left by the disease, it is accelerating response to roll out both traditional and new ways to meet their physical and emotional needs. In a statement issued here, UNICEF says it has trained 400 additional mental health and social workers in Liberia, including 2,500 Ebola survivors, now immune to the disease - to provide care to quarantined children in Sierra Leone; and providing an estimated 60,000 children in Guinea living among Ebola-affected communities with psychosocial support. UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Manuel Fontaine, said amid a climbing death toll and widespread panic, the Ebola outbreak continues to ravage West Africa, leaving thousands of orphaned children in its wake.
According to preliminary reports obtained by UNICEF, the Ebola death toll in the three affected countries continues to rise, suggesting a spike in the numbers of orphaned children in the past few weeks and the likelihood that they will double by mid-October. At the same time, the UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER) continues to establish its headquarters in Accra, Ghana, to lead the world body's efforts in containing the spread of the disease,
 New Dawn reports.

 German NGO Donates To GOL

A Germany based charity organization, Humedica International Aid has brought into the country 45 tons of medical supplies for the government of Liberia to assist in its effort in the fight against the Ebola outbreak. Speaking to reporters late Monday evening at the Roberts International Airport upon arrival, the Advisor of Programmer and Project of the aid group, Raphael Marcus said the donation was a demonstration of loyalty and commitment to the Liberian people. According to Mr. Marcus, the world was with Liberia in the fight against Ebola and will stay engaged until a full recovery of the situation. He thanked the leadership of President Sirleaf for remaining engaged with the rest of the world in combating the virus as according to him it has the propensity to reverse all the gains made by the administration. Meanwhile, President Sirleaf has welcomed the intervention by Humedica Aid International as it will go a long way in Liberia’s Ebola fight. President Sirleaf reiterated her earlier call for Liberians to follow the measures intended to prevent the continuous transmission from persons to persons as the surest way to defeat the virus, New Dawn reports.

UPF Marks International Day Of Peace

The improvement of health facilities, training and attractive wages of nurses are some changes that should be made after the Ebola crisis, Dr. Vuyukandai  Golakai has said. According to Dr. Golakai, there should be an established Liberian directory of health services and transformation of the Health Ministry from healthcare delivery to planning and implementation. Dr. Golakai, who is the Dean of the A.M. Medical College of the University of Liberia, spoke when he served as one of the lead panelists during a one-day celebration of the International Day of Peace held recently at the St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Sinkor, Monrovia. Making a power point presentation, Dr. Golakai said to forge peace and development after the virulent Ebola pandemic, the health sector needs reform, FOCUS writes.  

PUL Prexy Calls For ‘Relevant Information To Transform Lives’ 

The President of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), Abdullai Kamara, has challenged Liberian journalists to remain vigilant in disseminating relevant information to transform the lives of the Liberian People. He said the media plays a significant role in shaping the development and growth of the people and nation, despite the challenges it faces, including criminalization of media offences, Heritage reports.

MOE Plans to Reopen Schools - Introduces Radio Program

The Ministry of Education says it is planning to re-open schools but with no mention of the definite time, announcing also that it will soon begin providing educational courses via radio. Deputy Minister for Early Child Education, Felicia Doe-Somah, who addressed the Ministry of Information's regular Ebola press briefings Tuesday clarified, however, that the reopening of school is contingent on instructions by the necessary authorities. She told journalists that hand washing buckets will be placed at every school corner at various institutions when schools are reopened to ensure the necessary hygienic measure that will forestall the spreading of the deadly Ebola virus amongst students, the Analyst reports.

Agriculture Launches Smallholder Project In 12 Counties

The Government of Liberia received a grant of US$46.5 million from the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) and a loan of US$6.4 million from the African Development Fund (ADF) to finance the Smallholder Agriculture Productively Enhancement and Commercialization (SAPEC) Project Implementation, the total project portfolio stands at US$54.4 million. The Deputy Minister of Technical Services, Dr. Sizi Subah and Assistant Minister Chea Garley were among other senior officials from the Ministry that graced the occasion, Inquirer reports.