The Bureau of Public Affairs

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Monrovia, Liberia

DAILY NEWS SUMMARY FOR WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2017

Stories dominating today’s edition of our summary of the local dailies includes news of President Sirleaf’s commendation to Liberians for their patience and peaceful demeanor, her message of congratulations to His Excellency Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya, following his re-election and the Carter Center’s call for all political parties to reaffirm their commitments to a peaceful process.

DOMINANT STORIES

Pres. Sirleaf Addresses The Nation…Commend Liberians For Patience, Peace Demeanor

The INQUIRER newspaper reads that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has addressed the nation commending Liberians for their patience and peaceful demeanor. President Sirleaf spoke Tuesday, November 7, 2017 in a nationwide address at her Foreign Ministry Office in Monrovia. She said Liberia’s laws and democratic institutions are strong; they will withstand this challenge, and they will stand the test of time.  She urged Liberians to continue to respect each other, the rule of law, human kindness and decency. She said she was glad that all political parties have agreed consistently and publicly to adhere to the provisions provided under our laws; noting these provisions include the right to challenge, through an established and orderly process, the voting and electoral arrangements that have been put in place.

Related Captions: EJS Expresses Uncertainty Over Electoral Process Says Country Democracy Under Assault (Women Voices), Ellen Urges Politicians To Do Better (The New Dawn)

Pres. Sirleaf Congratulates Mr. Uhuru Kenyetta On His Re-election

The INQUIRER newspaper reports that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has sent a message of congratulations to His Excellency Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya, following his re-election. President-elect Kenyatta recently received, for the second time, the mandate from his fellow compatriots to steer the affairs of State of his country. According to a Foreign Ministry release, the Liberian leader, in the message to her Kenyan counterpart said, “Your re-election to this high responsibility is a testament of your ingenious leadership not only in Kenya, but the entire Africa,” adding that the people of Liberia celebrate with you this great accomplishment. President Sirleaf assured president-elect Kenyatta of Liberia’s continued support and cooperation with the people of Kenya. The Liberian leader entertained the hope that the cordial ties of friendship and cooperation existing between the two countries and peoples will continue to be strengthened in the years ahead.

Related Captions: President Sirleaf Congratulates Uhuru Kenyetta On His Re-election (WOMEN VOICES), President Sirleaf Congratulates Uhuru Kenyetta On His Re-election As President Of Kenya (INSIGHT)

Carter Center: Political Parties Delaying Hearing Not NEC

According to the New Democrat newspaper, the Carter Center has reiterated its call for all political parties to reaffirm their commitments to a peaceful process and ensure that their supporters maintain calm and exercise patience as they await resolution of electoral disputes. The Carter Center says it is critical for all parties to reaffirm their commitment to a peaceful transition under the Farmington and Ganta Declarations, to refrain from using inflammatory rhetoric, and to work with all election stakeholders to ensure that the people of Liberia understand the process.

Related Captions: Under the Farmington And Ganta Declarations: Reaffirm Commitment To Peaceful Transition…Carter Center Tells Political Parties (INSIGHT), Carter Center Encourages Political Parties…To Reiterate Messages Of Peace (The NEWS), Reiterate Messages of Peace And Patience Carter Center Encourages Liberian Political Parties (NATION TIMES), Carter Center Urges Political Parties To Continue Reiterating Messages Of Peace, Patience (WOMEN VOICES)

OTHER STORIES

LP, UP Demand Documents, Records

The Hearing Officer of the National Elections Commission (NEC) currently conducting the joint investigation complaint filed by the Unity Party and the Liberty Party has been requested to  issue a Writ of Subpoena Duces Tecum on the Chairman of the NEC and the Director of the Liberia National Police to Produce Voters roll and investigative report. According to the INQUIRER newspaper, a Subpoena Duces Tecum is a court order commanding someone to bring certain document or records to court. Making the Subpoena on behalf of the joint parties on Tuesday, November, 7, 2017, Cllr. Benedict Sannoh pointed out that it is important that they obtain copies  of the final voters roll at the polling stations, copies of the presiding officers’ worksheet, the investigation report of the NEC presiding officer who was arrested in Nimba county, and a staff of the office of the President, Mr. Amos Sebo who was arrested with voters registration printing machine and electoral material. Cllr. Sannoh pointed out that the documents are relevant to their case and that the subpoena be issued on the persons named.

Liberia's Police Chief Clarifies Attack On Associate Justice’s Home

Police Inspector General, Col. Gregory Coleman, has confirmed an attack at the home of Associate Justice Sie-A-Nyene Youh but said there was no political motivation behind the attack. Addressing reporters Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at the Police headquarters at Capitol Hill, the Police chief expressed his administration’s commitment to investigating the attack. He mentioned that Police officers assigned at the home of the Associate Justice have been invited for questioning. “Investigation was done as the result of the situation. So far so good, we wish to root out any political motive but Police officers assigned at the home of the Associate Justice have been invited to the LNP Headquarter for investigation,” said Col. Coleman who disclosed that the LNP under his watch is committed to providing security for the Chief Justice, Associate Justices and every Liberian. A statement released by the Judiciary on Monday, November 6, stated that the home of Associate Justice Youh attacked Sunday, November 7, 2017 by some unknown men who threw large stones into her compound, reads the FrontPage Africa newspaper.

Assistant Public Works Minister Receives

The recognition of the Assistant Public Works Minister for Community Services all started in 2015 based on his dedicated service to the water, sanitation and hygiene sector of Liberia. Assistant Minister Yarngo at the time received the accolade as WASH Champion by the sector of Liberia. Since that time, Assistant Minister Yarngo has been contributing to his country, the sub-region and the world at to ensure that underprivileged benefits from WASH services are provided to the underprivileged. Due to his contributions, the Assistant Minister has received another award from Loughborough University in the UK, reports WOMEN VOICES newspaper.

Related Caption: Assistant Works Minister Receives Alumnus Accolade (INSIGHT)

For Comprehensive Reconciliation In Liberia: FIND Concludes Roadmap On Reconciliation Program

The INSIGHT newspaper reads that the Foundation for International Dignity (FIND) said it is to shortly conclude a roadmap on a comprehensive reconciliation program in Liberia. The Executive Director of FIND, Mr. Roosevelt Woods, said that a consultation of stakeholders across the country has been taking place for the past three months; and that the final document is nearing completion. Mr. Woods indicated that the reconciliation roadmap covers such issues like gender mainstreaming, land and other issues that were not previously included in other reconciliation documents.

WFP, MOE Resume School Meals-153 MOE County Officials Trained For Improved Delivery

According to the FOCUS newspaper, the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) and the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Education (MOE) will resume their flagship school meals Program in early November, targeting 127,000 students in nine of Liberia’s 15 counties. The Head of School Meals Program at the WFP, Mr. Johnson Kolubah, said: “The WFP Country Office has been working on the commodity procurement and shipment to begin school meals for the targeted beneficiaries including 4,000 girls who receive take home rations to encourage them remain in school.