The Bureau of Public Affairs

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Monrovia, Liberia

Daily News Summary For Wednesday  May 29, 2019

News About President Weah’s Meeting With Visiting Lebanese Bishop On The Fight Against Substance Abuse, President Weah Today’s Address To The Nation, The Ministry Of Education Reassuring Its Commitment To Scholarship Students, Among Others Are Stories Dominating Today’s Newspapers.

Dominant Stories  

 Lebanese to Build Rehabilitation Center for Drug Addicts 

…Pres. Weah, visiting Lebanese Bishop Partner to ‘fight’ substance abuse

A high-powered Lebanese delegation led by Bishop Guy Paul Noujaim, founder and Chairman of Oum EL Nour-Liberia (OENL) on Tuesday, May 27,2019 held discussions with President George Weah at his Paynesville residence as part of efforts to fight the rampant drugs abuse in the country. Guy Paul Noujaim, said his organization, Oum EL Nour-Liberia is in the country to support government’s efforts in fighting the reported substance abuse. Oum El Nour is a non-governmental organization dedicated to prevention and treating victims of drugs and substances abuse in several countries, including Liberia. We chose Liberia for our outreach activities, and it is our hope that we will get the needed support from your government so as to impact the lives of hundreds of youth, who are grossly addicted to drugs, because they have found so much pleasure in the abuse of the narcotic substances associated with the abuse, Noujaim said, the Daily Observer newspaper asserts.

Related captions: President Weah Meets Visiting Lebanese Bishop on Fight against Substance Abuse- Frontpage

President. WEAH ADDRESSES THE NATION TODAY US$25M Saga, State Of The Economy Insight

As President George Manneh Weah addresses the nation today at 12 mid-day, Liberians from all works of life will be  glued by their radio to listen to their President. According to the Executive Mansion report submitted to his office by the General Auditing  Commission (GAC) on the US$25M mop up exercise. As the President’s office made special emphasis on the controversial report, which has raised serious eyebrows among Liberian across the country, it is believed that the President  diplomats in Liberia have made all possible efforts to convince the multinational companies of their respective countries to invest in Liberia The Heritage newspaper reports.

Related Captioned: Weah Speaks today-New Dawn

Ministry Of Education Remains Committed To Supporting Scholarship Students

The Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Education remains committed to supporting Liberian students who are benefiting from bilateral scholarships across the continent and promises to work with partners and stakeholder to ensuring their well-being is paramount as they go through their academic sojourn.  Amid the current financial challenges within government, the Ministry of Education has worked closely with the Ministry of Finance & Development Planning as a result of the emphasis on caring for Liberian students abroad. The efforts have resulted in the completion of processing and disbursement of some funds to scholarship beneficiaries (Liberia students) across the continent. The initial disbursement caters for some arrears of allowances as well as funds to cover tickets and luggage fees for returning students. Additionally, local scholarships fees were also processed and disbursed to cover arrears to Colleges and Universities across Liberia, the Frontpage reports.

President Weah Commissions Mary Ann Fossang…As Liberia’s Ambassador To Senegal

President George Manneh Weah on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, commissioned Liberia’s Ambassador to Senegal, Madam Mary-Ann Fossung, expressing confidence in her ability to explore new frontiers in Liberia-Senegal relations that would bring mutual benefits to the two countries and its peoples. The President said the appointment and subsequent commissioning of Madam Fossung as Ambassador to Senegal signaled a new dawn in the diplomatic ties subsisting between the two nations. President Weah admonished the new Liberian envoy to that sisterly state to strive for excellence on her new assignment. The Liberian leader indicated that his administration has explicit confidence in Amb. Fossung to perform and hoped she live up to that confidence. “You are one of few ambassadors we heard about as doing well for your government and people,” President said. “I believe you can still do well for your country so that the government and the people of Liberia can be proud of you.” The Liberian leader noted that Ambassador Fossung has made enormous contributions to Liberia and its people. He added: “I am therefore confident that the decision to have you serve as ambassador to Senegal will be justified in your performance in the coming months and years.” In response, Madam Fossung thanked President Weah for her preferment to serve Liberia as Ambassador to Senegal. She assured the President that she and her team would work diligently to represent the interest of Liberia in Senegal and other countries over which she has oversight functions. The News newspaper saysAmbassador Fossung said with over ten years of experience at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she would do her best, “and with God above, I will work to overcome would-be challenges for the common good of the Liberian people.”   

Related Captioned: GoL Reassures Scholarship Students-New Dawn

Chinese Diplomat Outlines China’s Contribution….To Liberia; Lauds Weah For Development

The News newspaperis reporting, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Liberia, Ambassador FU Jijun has outlined China’s numerous contributions to Liberia and lauded President George Weah for his developmental initiatives in the country. Ambassador Jijun said China appreciates the great efforts of the Liberian Government and people in improving the country’s educational and other sectors. According to him, by enhancing the education and strengthening cultural collaborations, China has helped Liberia to carry on several projects, including the building of the Fendell campus of the University of Liberia (UL), the Monrovia Vocational and Technology College (MVTC) and some primary and secondary schools in Liberia. “China has provided thousands of scholarships to Liberian students for their bachelor, masters and PhD degrees at Chinese universities and colleges, and short to long term training opportunities in China and Liberia,” he stated. The Chinese Ambassador made the statement Tuesday, May 28, 2019, when he served as guest speaker at program marking the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Chinese Confucius Institute at UL and the award ceremony of the Chinese bridge competition Liberia contest as a part of the Centennial Celebration of the UL. Ambassador Jijun said the world today is moving toward greater multi-polarity, economic globalization and cultural diversity and is rapidly becoming increasingly information-oriented.

‘’I AM Dying Slowing Algerian Refugee in Liberia Laments, Appeals For Help

 According to the Heritage newspaper a nailing Algerian Refugee in Liberia has made a passionate appeals to humanitarian organization Philanthropist, officials of government and well-being Liberians to help him seek further medical treatment abroad. Mr. El-Hocine Nait. Belaid, 72, who has been an asylum seeker in Liberia since 2006, recalled that he was involved in an accident in 2014 in the  country, and since then, he has been advised by doctor at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital to do further treatment abroad to restore his fragile hips. The John F. Kennedy Memorial hospital, which is situated in sinkor, Monrovia , is regarded as the leading referral in the country.

 Relate Caption:  Gove’t Brings Huge Consignment of Medical Drugs( Heritage newspaper)

Other Stories  

For Contribution To Economic Growth, Peace: MCC Honors Orange-Liberia, LoneStar, Others 

 The Monrovia City Government has honored over 25 diplomatic missions and corporate institutions in the city for their unceasing role in helping to secure, maintain and sustain peace and economic development. Some of the entities, including LoneStar Cell MTN, Orange-Liberia, the US Embassy and several others embassies and foreign Missions accredited near Monrovia  were awarded  for their support to the government and people of Liberia in achieving the government ‘s  Pro Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD) through donor  funding, budget supports and various kinds of robust private-public sector investment pens the Heritage newspaper.

$4m Drugs Arrived For GOL, Hospital

Amidst the countless public outcry drugs shortage in the country, the government has brought in 10 containers of drugs worth about US$4m to cater to the citizens health needs. Speaking during the presentation of he drugs at the National Drugs Service (NDS), the Minister of Health, Dr Williamina jallah, said the drugs received are in two categories; essential drugs, the most frequently used and the one for programs such as TB and HIV, among others. She further stated that the essential drugs were brought in by the government herself while the ones for programs was brought in by the partners such as USAID. Global fund, UNFPA, WHO and other well-meaning Liberians abroad pens the Inquirer newspaper.

Related Caption: President Weah Meets Visiting Lebanese Bishop on Fight Against Substance Abuse( Inquirer newspaper)

CBL Freezes Employment

According to the Inquirer newspaper The Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) has placed a freeze on employment at the institution. The decision which takes immediate effects also other human resource matters at the  CBL. A memorandum signed by the Executive Governor of the CBL, Mr. Nathaniel R. Patray, 111, on Tuesday, May 28 2019, direct that all matters related to promotion, salary increment, and other issue of staff benefit must be handled in line with the Bank’s policy through the staff performance Appraisal and Merit System. The CBL management warned that it would take stringent actions (including termination of service) against any staff found to be in violation of directive theInquirer newspaper reports.

‘’Stop Blaming Women Alone For Infertility’’ First Lady Weah

The Inquirer newspaper reports Fist Lady Clar Weah, says the society should stop blaming women aline for infertility in the family, as men share responsibility for this problem as well. She said it is unfortunate that in most society women are stigmatized for a family failure to bring forth  a child and therefore called on the media to bring about a paradigm shift around the issue of infertility. The First Lady comment were contained in a prepared statement delivered at  one-day workshop for media practitioners organized by Merck Foundation in partnership with the First Lady of Liberia. She noted  further in her statement that the media should serve as a guide in bringing about a huge change in the current scenario where women solely are blamed for fertility needs to be eliminated.   

PUL On Journalists Protection Ahead of June7 

To safeguard Journalist and news entities coverage of the anticipated June 7 protect, the Liberian National Police(LNP) has vowed to provide security for news men and women on duty during the public event. Speaking during a meeting with  some leaders of the press union of Liberia. Police Inspector General, Col Patrick T. Sudue on Tuesday, May 28 2019 said journalist will be protected throughout  the protest. Col. Sudue Cautioned journalist to work on visibilities  to avoid any situation of mistaken identity when gathering news about  the protest. The Police Boss however announced to ban on the deployment  of armed officers throughout  the June 7 protest. Meanwhile the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police expressed fear of what the  labelled assets on the loss referencing terror groups operating  in West Africa pens Inquire newspaper.

 Lawmakers Demand Audit of House of Representatives to Ensure Financial Uprightness

The call for a comprehensive audit of the House of Representatives is getting louder by the day as a group of lawmakers on Tuesday, May 28 reemphasized the need for the body to sanction a forensic audit. The lawmakers stressing the importance of protest are Representatives Vicent S. T. Willie (Independent, Grand Bassa County District #4), Francis S. Dopoh (Unity Party, River Gee County District #3), Robert Flomo Womba (UP, Bong County District #4), Lawrence Morris (Independent, Montserrado District #1) and Ceebee C.D. Barshell (Unity Party, Montserrado District #3). At a news conference on Capitol Hill, the lawmakers stated that auditing the House of Representatives is not just to promote accountability and transparency, but to place the House in a better position to ably exercise their oversight responsibility by holding the Executive and other sectors accountable. “I support the issue of auditing the House because that will not only bring improvement in our economy but will give a clear understanding as of the workings of House and the way forward,” said Rep. Barshell, the Frontpage news daily reports.

A Big Boost for Atlantic Foods Company, as PUR Water Passes International Quality Test

According to the Frontpage daily, Fredericktowne Environmental Testing Labs Inc. a certified water quality laboratory accredited by the Maryland Department of the Environment has given a clean quality bill to PUR water, a locally-produced water from Atlantic Foods Company. Mr. Amin Modad, Atlantic’s Chief executive officer, says the testing at a qualified and accredited water testing laboratory confirms PUR’s superior quality of water that is proven to be comparable to the best bottled waters even on the US market. The test was aided through the instrumentality of a renowned biomedical research scientist social activist and inventor, Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, who specializes in infectious disease, the Frontpage Africa newspaper writes.

PaSD Petitions Ministry of Finance to Increase Liberia’s Health Budget

A local civil society organization, the Partnership for Sustainable Development (PaSD) on Friday, May 24,2019 petitioned the Liberia government through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) to live up to its commitment by increasing the national health budget. In petition statement president to the Ministry of Finance leadership, PaSD said the government needs to also create clear budget lines reproductive maternal newborn child and adolescent health (RMNCH), Daily Observer writes.

Sherman, Tyler, Others ‘Bribery’ Case Resumes Today

An inside story of the Daily Observer newspaper reads that after nine  months following Supreme Court mandate to the Criminal Court ‘C’ at the Temple of Justice to take jurisdiction  over the Sable Mining alleged USD$950,000 bribery scandal that involved Senator Varney Sherman, and formal House Speaker Alex Tyler, expected to start today, May29,2019. It can be recalled that the trial was first halted after the prosecutors petitioned the Supreme Court to review the judgment of then Judge Yarmie Gbeisay, who they argued, had committed an error when he e-mail evidence of the prosecution, which prosecution claimed was key evidence that could convict the eight formal and current government officials allegedly involved in the bribery scheme, the paper reports.

Nimely Retires from Pro Basketball, Begins College Coaching

According to the Daily Observer newspaper, LIBERIA’S INTERNATIONAL Basketball star Saah Nimely has retired as an active basketball player at age 25, but has returned to Charlestion Southern University as Assistant Coach. The retirement of Nimely, who will be turning 26 on June 3, 2019, after Charleston Southern (CSU) men’s basketball team head coach Barclay Radebaugh, welcomed Nimley back to his college basketball team, and announced his addition to the staff as an assistant coach, the paper reads.

LCC, ILO Launch Employers’ Guide

Daily Observerwrites that The Liberia Chamber of Commerce (LCC) in collaboration with the International Labor Organization (ILO) on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 launched a 95-page Employers’ Guide for industrial relations in Liberia, which is to serve as a handbook for all employees in Liberia. The launch was graced by the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Professor Wilson Tarpeh who lauded the initiative by the LCC and the ILO, and further stressed that it will be in the interest of the people of Liberia, particularly the workforce and the Government.

House Invites Protest Organizers

With barely ten days to the much-talked about June 7 protest in Liberia, the plenary of the House of Representatives has invited the Council of Patriots (COP), organizers of the planned protest to ascertain reasons behind their protest. The House’s decision was reached as a result of a communication sent to plenary by Nimba County District #6 Representative Dorwohn T. Gleekia. According to the The News newspaper,Rep. Gleekia said the June 7 protest has the propensity of seriously dividing the country and its people. The Nimba County lawmaker said the issue regarding the planned protest is reaching an alarming proportion that could threaten the country’s peace and stability. He said while it is the constitutional rights of citizens to peacefully protest, it is important to invite the organizers of the protest to a meeting in order to listen to their plights and justifications for the planned protest. Rep. Gleekia stated that the House of Representatives, as the custodian of peaceful co-existence and direct representatives of the people of Liberia needs to understand the situation to find a possible solution. It can be recalled that President Dr. George Manneh Weah on May 14, 2019, (Unification Day) held a meeting with the leadership of the protest organizers. The President had anticipated finding a common ground with the protesters; however, during the meeting, the spokesperson for the group Abraham Darius Dillon only requested the President and the government to provide security during the protest on June 7.

LDEA Announces Operation Demolish Ghettoes

Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has announced that it will embark on Operation Demolish Ghettos. This exercise is part of the agency’s usual raiding of ghettos across the country. Speaking recently at the LDEA headquarters in Sinkor, Monrovia, the Spokesperson at the agency Michael Jipply informed this medium that the pending exercise is meant to clear off various communities of ghettos in the country by drug dealers. He said LDEA has observed that drug users operating at various ghettos in the country are causing serious harm to the growth and development of every segment of the Liberian society. Jipply noted that the pending operation will focus on demolishing ghettos that are operating among peaceful citizens and foreign nationals living in Liberia. Providing more information about its Operation Demolish Ghettos, he said the exercise will be conducted by the LDEA Chief of Operations, Agent Darius A. Davis, along with officers of the agency in keeping with the law establishing the LDEA. On the other notes, the official spokesman at the LDEA has also informed that authorities of the agency have called on the general public to cooperate with the agency in identifying individuals who are involved in illegal substances and areas they operate. He said the operation will last for two months following thorough and successful clean-up exercise,The News newspaper reports.  

No One Injured As Car Explodes Near Popular Mogadishu Beach 

A car loaded with explosives went off on Monday in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, targeting a popular beach restaurant, police and witnesses said. Zakai Hussein, police spokeswoman, confirmed that a park car filled with explosives detonated at around 6:30 p.m local time near Lido beach, but did not kill or injure anyone. “At a time of Iftar at 6:30 pm, a Toyota filler vehicle went off near Liido beach roundabout in Mogadishu causing damages but no causalities, “Hussein said in a brief statement, asserts The News newspaper.

International News  

Malawi Election: President Mutharika Re-elected after Court Battle 

(BBC) Malawi’s President Peter Mutharika has been narrowly elected to a second term in office with 38.5% of the vote. The 78-year old incumbent had face  strong competition in the 21 May election,  including from his deputy. The result was announced on Monday after an injunction ordered by the country’s high court was lifted. Challenger Lazarus Chakwera, who finished in second place, had sought to delay the results because of concerns over voting irregularities.  

London Teens Sent to Africa to Escape Knife Crime 

Rakhia Ismail says she knows parents who will

leave the UK once their children finish primary school

(BBC) Hundreds of British teenagers are being sent by their parents to East Africa to avoid knife crime the UK, representatives of the Somail community say. Why are they talking this drastic choice? Some names have been changed to protect the identity of the interviewees.

“In other those few years I was doing my A-levels it was tough. Just seeing people being stabbed”, Yusuf tells the Victoria Derbyshire programmer from his new home in Kenya. “London’s not the place to be for a teenager”, Yusuf was born and raised in London but moved to Nairobi after a close friend in his neighborhood was stabbed to death.

Uganda, UNHCR Launches 977 mln USD Emergency Relief Appeal

Uganda, UN Refugee Agency and other relief organizations in the east African country on Tuesday launched a 927-million-U.S. dollar emergency relief appeal to cater for the influx of Congolese and South Sudanese refugees fleeing into the country. A joint statement by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office and the Uganda Government Issue here said the money will address the needs for the over 1.3 million refugees expected to be in Uganda by end of 2020. The appeal also seeks assistance to continue supporting refugee hosting districts, according to the statement,The News newspaper writes.