A summit meeting of leaders of the sub-regional grouping, the Mano River Union opens Thursday in the Liberian capital, Monrovia.

(MONROVIA-May 14, 2008): A one-day summit of Heads of State and Government of the Mano River Union gets underway Thursday in Monrovia, with Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf chairing.

The Monrovia summit, will among other issues consider concrete measures, aimed at strengthening the Union's secretariat. The leaders will also discuss peace and security in the sub-region as well as the looming global food crisis, with the aim of adopting a comprehensive approach to tackle the food crisis.

According to an Executive Mansion release, La Cote d'Ivoire, which recently announced its decision to join the Union, will formally be admitted into the Union.

The Current chair of the Union, Liberia's President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will open Thursday's session with a statement. The leaders of Sierra Leone, Guinea and La Cote d'Ivoire will also deliver statements at the opening ceremony, following which they will retire behind closed doors for deliberations.

Meanwhile, Sierra Leone's President, Ernest Bai Koroma arrives in the country later this afternoon for Thursday's summit. President Koroma will be received upon arrival by President Ellen Johnson at the Roberts International Airport in Harbel, Margibi County. Guinean Prime Minister, Lansana Kouyate, arrived Wednesday afternoon at the James Spriggs Payne airfield in Sinkor. Prime Minister Kouyate was received by the Vice President, Dr. Joseph Boakai. Ivorian President, Laurent Gbagbo, is being represented by the Head of the Country's Economic Council, Mr. Laurent Dona Fologo.

Thursday's Mano River Union Summit is the first in Liberia since the ascendancy two years ago of Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as President.

The Mano River Union was formed in 1973 to foster economic and regional cooperation between Liberia and Sierra Leone. Guinea joined the Union a few years later and has since remained an active and influential member. - The End -

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Addresses Women's Conference in Niamey, Niger

(Monday, May 12, 2008): President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was a featured speaker Monday at the Women for a Better World Conference held in Niger. A special guest of the President of Niger, Mamadou Tandja, the President spoke candidly about Liberia's challenges as they relate to gender development while also underscoring her Government's triumphs in increasing the enrolment of female students as a part of Liberia's compulsory primary education initiative. The President was addressing hundreds of women from the Continent of Africa and Spain, who converged on Niamey, Niger's capital, to devise concrete actions to ensure that women are involved in the creation of a better world. The results of their commitments are listed in the Niamey Declaration.

During her keynote address, President Johnson Sirleaf lauded Conference attendees, saying, "Thanks to all the women here as we join the sisterhood in making this world a better place." Speaking about the constantly evolving constructs of gender in Liberia, the President said: "When I go into the countryside and meet young girls, when we ask them 'What do you want to be when you grow up?,' they say President!" President Johnson Sirleaf also informed the gathering that Liberia is well on course to meeting requirements that will qualify the country for the Education for All Fast Track Initiative. The initiative was endorsed last year at the 2nd Women for a Better World Conference held in Madrid, Spain

During his address, President Tandja noted that National Women's Day in Niger, which coincidentally falls on the second day of the Conference tomorrow, commemorates the day his country mobilized and fought for democratic engagement of women. He said that the international community can never move forward without championing the full engagement of women in the social, political, and economic spheres. The theme of the Niamey conference, he said, reinforces the solidarity of women for a better world.

Gertrude Mongella, President of the Pan-African Parliament, elicited a round of deafening applause when she praised President Johnson Sirleaf for being an example of what women are capable of doing: "I appreciate your presence among the many women you have worked with in your lifetime. You have honored us, you have made us proud." She listed as one of the priority areas of intervention the role of African women in the midst of the food crisis, saying that, "If women were eating less and last before the food crisis, women are not eating at all now. If the women of Africa do not eat, then Africa is dead." Mongella also asserted that the revolution of equality between women and men has begun, and "there's no turning back."

The role of women's advocacy in Africa is nothing short of a miracle, said Mongella. The AU Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa was ratified by 46 African states, and has gained momentum since its inception in the early stages of 2006. The Protocol, which is a result of advocacy and activism among African women, has as one of its action items, buttressing the role of women in government, to which President Johnson Sirleaf has risen as a shining light.

The Women for a Better World Conference was launched as a means of strengthening the relationship between African and Spanish women, given Spain's keen interest in development assistance to Africa. The first conference was held in Mozambique, the second in Spain, and the third in Niger. Sources at the Niamey meeting suggested that the next Conference would be held once again on African soil.

The Spanish 1st Vice President, María Teresa Fernández de la Vega, declared that women need to be involved in all decision making processes in order for the world to be a better place, alluding to the Conference's theme. Her clarion call for the collaboration between Spanish and African women was met with applause.

In addition to attending the Conference, President Johnson Sirleaf also held bilateral talks with President Tandja. They deliberated on the need for more effectiveness in carrying out Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocols. President Johnson Sirleaf also briefed President Tandja on Liberia's development agenda as well as the Mano River Union's (MRU's) incorporation of Cote d'Ivoire, which will be the subject of much discussion during the MRU's conference hosted by Liberia in Monrovia this week. President Tandja discussed his concerns about drug-trafficking in the region, and urged more cooperation amongst ECOWAS member states.

In an interview after giving her keynote address, President Johnson Sirleaf noted that her goals for women's development are to increase the rate of girls' and women's literacy, develop a mechanism for improving the quality of women-led food production, increase the enrolment of girls in schools, and address staunchly the scourge of gender-based violence in Liberia, particularly rape. She also discussed the importance of Denmark choosing Liberia as a model country for Millenium Development Goal 3, and suggested that the Ministry of Gender & Development would be actively engaged in devising strategic policies and programs to enhance Liberia's commitment to MDG3.

The President returned late Monday night on a special flight commissioned by President Tandja. The Liberian delegation consisted of a cross-section of women in key leadership positions, such as Gender Minister, Varbah Gayflor; President of the Red Cross in Liberia, Theresa Leigh Sherman; President of the Association of Female Lawyers in Liberia, Deweh Gray; Monrovia City Mayor, Ophelia Hoff-Saytumah; Maryland County Senator, Gloria Scott; and Montserrado County Representative, Alomiza Ennos, among others. -The End -

President Sirleaf Visits Grand Bassa - Tours Concession Company Sites

(MONROVIA-May 10, 2008): President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has toured facilities of concession companies operating in Buchanan Grand Bassa County, urging the companies to ensure that Liberians are placed in high positions of operations. Visiting sites hosting the operations of the World Steel giant, Arcelor-Mittal Saturday, the President said she was encouraged that the company had stepped up activities surrounding its operations since her visit last year. Arcelor-Mittal's General Manager for Projects, Mr. Malvinder Singh, informed the President that his Company has brought in the first consignment of rail and other heavy duty equipment, worth nearly US $20-million dollars, to begin work on a 260 kilometers rail.

An Executive Mansion release says the President also toured an area affected by erosion, urging the management of Arcelor-Mittal to assist local county authorities find temporary solutions, while government finds long-term measures to the erosion threat to Buchanan city. "I know that it is not in your operations, but I would ask you to cooperate with our superintendent and try to address some very, very difficult problems here, like the erosion and some of the road that will allow people to have access, without intruding and affecting your operations in anyway or impeding your risk factor," the Liberian leader urged the company.

The President also made a similar appeal when she toured the operations site of the Buchanan Renewable Energies, a multi-million dollars investment in Liberia. Both companies have assured the President that they would work with county authorities to tackle the erosion threat.

In a related development, the President has urged the Arcelor-Mittal Management to speed up the process under which Liberians will undergo advanced training, in keeping with an earlier agreement. "Within the next two months, those fifty people must be where they are supposed to be in training," the Liberian leader emphasized.

Meanwhile, President Johnson Sirleaf has urged citizens of Grand Bassa to protect the investments in their county by serving has watchdogs against anyone who may attempt to undermine the investment in the county. "Please call the authorities and tell them that somebody is doing something wrong. Have some meetings among yourselves and tell your peers that as long as this investment goes, all of you will benefit and that will stop any kind of destruction," the Liberian leader pleaded with citizens of the county.

During her visit to Buchanan, the President also held talks with the Legislative Caucus of Grand Bassa County, attended also by the county's superintendent Julia Duncan Cassell. Responding to concerns that the Buchanan Road Project has been abandoned, the President informed the officials that work on the road will commence during the next dry season. The President said a funding gap for the project was responsible for the delay, but said funding is being made available to begin work on the road project.

Upon arrival in Buchanan, citizens lined the routes to welcome the President and entourage, which included Internal Affairs Minister, Ambulai Johnson, Lands Mines & Energy Minister, Dr. Eugene Shannon, as well as National Investment Chairman, Richard Tolbert. - The End -

President Sirleaf and Stakeholders Meet To Discuss Looming Global Food Crisis

(MONROVIA, May 7, 2008): President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has held the first in a series of consultative meetings with stakeholders, geared towards developing a national food policy. The meeting also sought to solicit feedback on the way forward, both in the short and long terms.

An Executive Mansion release says President Johnson Sirleaf informed the gathering that the looming global food crisis affects specific commodities, including the nation's staple food, rice. She expressed Government's concern about the need to find domestic solutions to the global problem. The Liberian leader further expressed concern about the availability of rice on the local market. The President reiterated that a long-term solution lies in the increase of domestic production.

For their part, the stakeholders offered Government a wide range of suggestions which they believe could help address the situation if implemented successfully. They complained about the difficulties faced by business people in transactions at the Freeport of Monrovia. The stakeholders also called for a continuous campaign by Government to encourage Liberians to begin making gardens in their backyards. The stakeholders also said there is a need for well structured approaches towards finding short and long-term solutions. The possibility of compelling logging companies to organize farms during their operations was also suggested.

The stakeholders also spoke of the need for Government to subsidize rice for a year while a massive national planting exercise is carried out during the period. The need for Liberians to find other staples apart from rice was also advanced by the stakeholders, as a means to counter the looming food crisis. They also stressed the need to promote food security as a business enterprise. As a means of attracting more students to agricultural production, the stakeholders suggested that scholarships be offered by Government to study agriculture in high schools and tertiary institutions.

The two-hour long meeting, called by the Liberian Chief Executive, was held Wednesday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It brought together other Government officials, including Vice President Joseph Boakai; Cabinet Ministers; heads of political parties; as well as the President and executive members of the Liberia Chamber of Commerce and the Liberia Business Association. Heads of political parties present included Dr. Togba Nah Tipoteh of the Alliance for Peace and Democracy (APD); Mr. David Farhat of the Free Democratic Party (FDP); Mr. Alhaji G.V. Kromah of the All Liberia Coalition Party (ALCOP); Mr. Isaac Manneh of the Liberia Unification Party (LUP); Mr. Peter Vuku of the True Whig Party (TWP); and Dr. Charles Clarke of the Unity Party (UP).

More broad-based consultations with stakeholders have been scheduled by the President in the coming weeks and months.

Indiana University honors President Sirleaf

(Saturday, May 03, 2008): The University of Indiana has conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. The honorary degree was conferred on the Liberian leader at the University's 179th Commencement held today in Bloomington, Indiana, U.S.A.

Indiana University President Michael McRobbie, who read the conferral statement before thousands of graduates and well-wishers, said President Johnson-Sirleaf has had an illustrious career and has achieved many accolades in the face of difficulties. He said Liberia and the University of Indiana enjoy a good relationship and revealed that the University has the largest archival historical collection on Liberia that can be found outside the country.

During an earlier address to the faculty of the University, President Johnson-Sirleaf dedicated the Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree to the people of Liberia. She expressed the hope that her presence at the University would bring what she referred to as 'added value' to Liberia's relationship with the institution. The President said Liberia needs to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of the University of Indiana. She further challenged the University to put forward a commitment to assist Liberia. Speaking on the progress made thus far by her administration, she emphasized that her government has brought hope back to Liberia which she said cannot be quantified. She praised the U.S. Government for its strategic partnership with Liberia, referring to it as Liberia's number one partner.

President Johnson-Sirleaf was also made an honorary citizen by the City of Bloomington by Mayor Mark Kruzan. She also held private talks with United States Senator Richard Lugar. Senator Lugar is a former Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has concluded her visit to the United States and is scheduled to return home next week. - The End -

Methodist Conference Honors President Sirleaf

(Fort Worth, Tx. - April 29, 2008): President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has dedicated the James K. and Eunice Mathews Bridge Builder Award to the women and children of Liberia. The President received the award Tuesday at the General Conference of the United Methodist Church being held in Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.A., from April 23-May 2, 2008. The Conference is held once every four years.

The James K. and Eunice Mathews Bridge Builder Award was created to honor a person who has played a significant role in building global community and dismantling barriers that separate people. The Liberian leader received the award from Bishop William Oden, Ecumenical Officer of the United Methodist Council of Bishops, making her the first ever recipient.

Earlier, President Johnson Sirleaf addressed the Conference of 3,000 delegates under the theme 'A Future with Hope.' The President emphasized that the threat on the livelihoods of women and children is a challenge that has concerned our generation as well as generations in the past. She spoke of Liberia's economic difficulties, adding that it is necessary for the country to build its agricultural sector to adequately address poverty. President Johnson Sirleaf also spoke of the need to address problems faced by the youth. She said that the enforcement of universal primary education in Liberia has resulted in 44% enrollment in schools, but stressed the need for better compensation for teachers.

Speaking on the challenge of democracy, President Johnson Sirleaf said development cannot succeed unless citizens participate, adding that people should be the end objective of development. She paid tribute to the United Methodist Church for its continuous efforts in bringing about change. She traced the origin of the United Methodist Church, calling herself a proud alumnus of the College of West Africa (CWA) in Liberia. She praised the church for providing leadership to the Liberian Council of Churches as well as promoting democracy and the rule of law. The President said Liberia needs the church more now than ever before, adding that the quest for national renewal is huge.

The Liberian leader further solicited support for the United Methodist Church in Ganta, a town in Nimba County, one of the country's 15 political sub-divisions. She informed Conference delegates that despite the enormous challenges faced by the world, Africa can boast of positive developments despite news coverage to the contrary. - The End -

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO 13

SUSPENDING TARIFF ON ROAD
CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT, FORESTRY EQUIPMENT,
AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT AND AGRICULTURAL SEEDS

1. WHEREAS, to accelerate the pace of road construction and rehabilitation, the development of the forestry sector and agricultural production in Liberia, the Government of the Republic of Liberia has reviewed the tariff imposed on essential equipment and agricultural seeds;

2. WHEREAS, the Government of Liberia recognizes the increased need to stimulate activities in the above sectors after years of war, and to provide incentives under the infrastructural and economic revitalization pillars of the Poverty Reduction Strategy by encouraging private sector involvement in the procurement of essential road construction equipment, forestry equipment, agricultural equipment and agricultural seeds;

3. WHEREAS, in the exercise of the Executive power vested in her by the Constitution, the President may issue executive orders in the public interest, either to meet emergencies or to correct particular situations which cannot wait until the lengthy legislative process has run its course;

4. NOW THEREFORE, the Government of Liberia hereby places a moratorium on import tariff on the type of road construction equipment, forestry equipment, agricultural equipment and agricultural seeds classified under the Tariff Numbers of the Liberian Revenue Code attached to this Executive Order, with immediate effect. This moratorium shall expire on 31 December 2008, at which time the import tariff rates provided for in the revised Liberian Revenue Code shall be in effect.

5. This Executive Order shall take immediate effect on the 15 day of April A.D., 2008.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA, THIS
15 DAY OF APRIL, A.D. 2008

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
PRESIDENT
REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA

UN Secretary-general, Ban Ki Moon Visits Liberia - Assures Citizens of Cautious Drawn-down Exercise

(MONROVIA-April 22, 2008): United Nations Secretary-general, Ban Ki Moon, on an official visit to Liberia, has assured the country that the UN's drawn down plan will proceed in a cautious and gradual manner, to ensure that the gains made in consolidating peace are not put at risk. A gradual withdrawal, the UN Secretary-general said, should allow the government sufficient time to assume full responsibility for national security. Addressing a news conference at the end of a two-day visit to Liberia, the Mr. Ban observed that despite the considerable progress, Liberia still faces significant reconstruction and development challenges, but noted that government is working hard in partnership with the international community to tackle the challenges. The International community, Mr. Ban said, has been generous, calling on the world community to continue to support Liberia's recovery.

The UN Chief warned against squandering of funds provided by the international community for Liberia's reconstruction. He urged Liberians to fight corruption in all forms and pursue peace for the growth and development of the country.

According to an Executive Mansion release, the Secretary-general expressed concern over what he referred to as the persistent scourge of rape among the population as well as sexual abuse and exploitation by UN personnel. He said the UN will continue to take stern measures to curb such acts, which contravene all that the World Body stands for. The UN's most senior diplomat also expressed regrets that rape continues to be the most commonly committed crime in Liberia. He called on community and government leaders as well as traditional chiefs, elders and prominent Liberians to take the lead in combating the scourge of rape and other acts of sexual and gender based violence.

The UN Secretary-general, who arrived in the country Monday for a two-day visit, earlier addressed a Joint Session of the 52nd session of the National Legislature. In his address, Mr. Ban, accompanied by his wife, spoke of the rising food prices around the world and challenged Liberians to take advantage of the country's abundant agricultural resources by demonstrating to the world that the country has the capability to not only meet its own needs, but also to export food to the region. "I challenge you to reduce poverty and create jobs in Liberia by developing your agricultural sector," he emphasized. The SG's address was preceded by a meeting with Vice President, Dr. Joseph Boakai, who lauded the role the United Nations continues to play in consolidating peace in Liberia.

The Secretary-general, who was later briefed by members of the Cabinet during a session at the Foreign Ministry, lauded the government of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for the remarkable progress taking place in the country. Mr. Ban recalled that as a former South Korean diplomat it has long been his wish to visit Liberia. He expressed gratitude for the reception accorded him, and assured the Cabinet of the UN's continued support toward the development programs of the country. The UN Secretary-general praised the spirit of team work exiting among all branches of government, despite the initial difficulties.

He said it was important that government continues to implement sound policies toward transparency in the management of state revenue. The UN chief also lauded the government for embracing the GEMAP program, and urge government to take advantage of the program by building the capacity of Liberians to effectively take over the management of the country's resources.

On armed robbery, the UN boss said the mission will continue to work with government to build the capacity of the police and the military to tackle the security situation in the country. The UN Secretary-general acknowledged the high expectations, inspite of the limited capacity, but noted that much can be achieved with the proper coordination of programs.

Secretary-general and Mrs. Ban were later honored at a gowning ceremony which took place at the C.C.Dennis Auditorium of the Foreign Ministry. The ceremony, spearheaded by traditional chiefs and elders, led by the Chairman of the traditional Council Chief Zanza Kawa, was witnessed by members of the Cabinet as well as the Speaker Alex Tyler and other senior members of government, including Vice President Joseph Boakai and the Acting head of the Cabinet, Mr. Ambulai Johnson and members of diplomatic missions accredited near Monrovia.

The UN Secretary-general has now left Liberia for Burkina Faso on the next stage of a tour of a number of West African countries, which will also take him to La Cote d'Ivoire. The UN Secretary-general has been attending the 12 United Nations conference on Trade and Development held in Accra, Ghana.

The visit to Liberia by Mr. Ban is the first by the United Nations Secretary-general since he assumed office last year, succeeding Dr. Kofi Annan of Ghana. - The End -

Denmark gives 22 million dollars to Liberia

(Thursday, April 17, 2008): The Government of the Kingdom of Denmark says it will provide 100 million Danish kronens (22 million United States dollars) to support Liberia's Millennium Development Goals (MDG). The Danish Government has also announced that it will relieve Liberia of its bilateral debt of 160,000,000 Danish Kronens (3,305,785.1 United States dollars).

Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen made the disclosure today at the Christiansborg Castle in Copenhagen, after concluding political talks with President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. He said Denmark was pleased to announce a beginning of what he referred to as 'a strong Millennium Development Goals 3 partnership between both countries'. The Millennium Development Goals 3 (MDG3) is a global campaign which aims to achieve women empowerment by the year 2015. He revealed that his country's aim is to make Liberia what he called 'a model country in the fight to achieve the Millennium Development Goal 3'. The Prime Minister further called on other donors to support Liberia in this regard. He paid tribute to President Johnson-Sirleaf, saying she has done 'an extraordinary job in Liberia since the end of the country's lengthy civil conflict. He revealed that Denmark is proposing to initiate a global coalition which will stand ready to initiate the success of the MDG.

For her part, President Johnson-Sirleaf said she was extremely pleased that Denmark had chosen Liberia to be a MDG3 model country. She said Finance Minister Antoinette Sayeh is in Paris, France, to continue the debt cancellation campaign. The President emphasized that the Danish bilateral debt cancellation gesture would be of paramount help to Liberia as Minister Sayeh lobbies with other countries for more debt cancellations.

Earlier, The Liberian leader served as keynote speaker at the Copenhagen Millennium Development Goal 3 Conference on women's empowerment. During her address, she stressed that gender based violence is a critical issue. She further praised the Danish Government for bringing the empowerment of women to the forefront. The Liberian leader said there is 'a tidal wave of revolutionary change to which she is a testament'. She informed the conference delegates that she has accepted Denmark's call for Liberia to be a MDG3 model country and added that the financial assistance of 22 million U.S dollars to be given to Liberia will be used for the intended purpose.

President Johnson-Sirleaf also paid a courtesy call and held private discussions with the Her Majesty Queen Margrethe of Denmark. The Liberian leader and entourage have concluded a very successful two-day state visit to the Kingdom of Denmark and will shortly leave for the United States of America for a private visit. - The End -

Keynote Address by Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf President of the Republic of Liberia
at First Meeting of the Africa Commission Copenhagen, Denmark 16th April 2008

Your Excellency, Mr. Chairman and Prime Minister of Denmark, Honorable Andors Fogh Rasmussen;

Mr. President and Colleagues - President Kikweti and other members of the Africa Commission;

Colleagues, Excellencies;

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am humbled to have been selected to deliver these keynote remarks at this first meeting of the Africa Commission (AC). My appreciation and optimism about the future of this Commission are deepened by the potential, promise and possibilities it opens for North-South and South-South cooperation and partnership. I therefore thank you for the invitation - and for the honor.

We all know that the past 30 years have been disastrous for most of the people of Africa. As a whole, sub-Saharan Africa recorded average annual per capita growth of almost exactly zero for the thirty years between 1970 and 2000. The poor performance was nearly universal across the continent with three notable exceptions: Botswana, Mauritius, and Cape Verde. It is worth noting that all three of the relative success stories were democracies with strong macroeconomic management and low debt burdens.

Beyond these three countries, the record was pretty dismal, and in some cases downright ruinous. For example, Liberia's GDP per capita collapsed by more than 85 percent between the 1980 military coup and the 2003 peace accords.

The reasons for Africa's poor growth performance have been widely discussed and debated. Most analysts point to a combination of three broad factors. First, many African countries face unusually difficult geographical circumstances. In addition, many SSA countries are very small, which limits their ability to attract investment and connect with and compete in world markets. One implication of the typical small size is that many countries are highly dependent on one or two commodity exports, making them vulnerable to the well-documented resource curse.

Second, external political and economic factors have undermined growth in SSA. Colonialism left deep scars that still affect the continent today. On the economic front, the oil, currency, and interest rates shocks of the 1970s and 1980s undermined macroeconomic performance and added to debt burdens that still are not fully resolved today. Africa's dependence on natural resource exports has made many countries continuously vulnerable to commodity price shocks that are far outside of their control.

Third, and perhaps most important, poor governance and misrule has been at the heart of poor performance across the continent. Few African countries established electoral democracies or other systems by which citizens could hold their leaders accountable. In many countries leaders simply took and held power by force. Economies were badly mismanaged, with dual exchange rates, hyper-inflation, large budget deficits and widespread interference in markets all too common. Resources were used to enrich a small elite, leaving most people in deep poverty. Corruption, patronage, and the absence of the rule of law have allowed leaders to abuse their power, in many cases leading to prolonged and deep civil war, conflict, and violence.

Paul Collier in his excellent recent book The Bottom Billion argues that the dismal performance of the poorest countries, including most SSA countries, is in large part due to them getting caught in one or more traps:

" The conflict trap, in which very low incomes make countries vulnerable to conflict, and conflict further reduces incomes in a terrible negative cycle;

" The natural resource trap, in which economies that are overly dependent on a few natural resources are subject to booms and busts, rampant corruption, conflict, and disincentives for investment in the rest of the economy;

" The geography trap, in which countries that are landlocked with bad neighbors have few options to expand production and economic growth, and whose fates are tied to the neighbors that they cannot control; and

" The governance trap, in which mismanagement keeps economies stagnant (or worse), often with large financial gains to the small elite in control, and low incomes make it difficult to build the institutions and train the people needed for good governance.
Fortunately, the universal bad news out of Africa has changed. Slowly but surely, a growing number of African countries have begun to turn around, ending conflicts, installing good governments, implementing stronger economic policies, and getting back on their feet. But because it is good news, and because it is happening gradually, it generally does not get the attention it deserves. The recent good news does not guarantee long-term success, not by any means. Nevertheless, the signs are encouraging and hopeful.

Critically, these changes are structural, not cyclical. The first is political: slowly, but surely, more countries in Africa are becoming democracies and establishing accountable and transparent systems of governance. In 1989, there were just four democracies in all of sub-Saharan Africa. Today there are about 18. In the space of a generation, Africa has gone from very few democracies to more than one-third of the continent.
The second big shift is vastly improved macroeconomic management by most African governments and the end of significant economic distortions. These macroeconomic problems are now distant memories for most SSA countries. With a few unfortunate exceptions - countries have shifted to strong macroeconomic policies.

The third big change is the end, finally, of 25 years of huge debt burdens in Africa.

The end of the debt crisis is bringing about two kinds of changes. First is the improved financial position of governments that no longer must service debts. Some governments are using the newly-freed resources to increase spending in health, education, infrastructure, or civil service wages. Others are reducing their budget deficits, in effect reducing the cycle of borrowing new money to repay old. Still others are using some of the resources to build their foreign exchange reserves.

Second, and less obvious, the end of the debt crisis is providing countries with much greater capacity to design their own economic policies and spend less time continually renegotiating old loans with creditors such as the IMF and the World Bank.

Africa's bilateral partners have played a major role in this success, supplementing national budgets to achieve national development agenda, providing funding to catalyze debt relief, responding to humanitarian and peacekeeping needs. Bilateral help also engendered problems - the need to respond to numerous policy and procedure requirements, to less than successful efforts to harmonize aid flows toward a common national agenda.

Today poor countries, African countries face an era of unpredictability and challenges, a world in which there is the widening gap between rich and poor nations on account of the new scramble for sources of energy, the unfolding specter of global warning and climate change, the rising number of unemployed youth, the threat of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the spread of hunger against the backdrop of increasing cost of food - not the least is the challenge that our civilization faces to confront and together overcome violence in all its manifestations especially against women, children, and the elderly, while fighting global terrorism.

The Africa Commission represents a pragmatic response to these old and new development challenges and needs of Africa. It is particularly significant as too many of our countries fall behind in efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
This Africa Commission is also a testimonial of the empathy of the people and Government of the Denmark for the people of Africa as we together endeavor to confront these new challenges and consolidate the progress of the past two decades. In establishing and promoting the Commission, Denmark has gone beyond the traditional bilateral and multilateral channels of development cooperation and assistance to develop newer and more creative approaches to strengthen international development cooperation with Africa.

I believe that Africa's development remains the most critical challenge to the peace and stability of our global community, an opportunity for the world to realize its full potential in human betterment and fulfillment.

On the other hand, Africa's underdevelopment would undermine our collective efforts to deal with common threats to our societies such as drug trafficking, flight of trained human capital, especially from the poor South to the rich industrialized North, grinding poverty, illegal cross-border migration - and unprecedented human trafficking such as we have recently witnessed.

My Government also shares the view of the Government of Denmark that the most compelling duty of leadership and stewardship of our time is youth and employment. The rapid and high growth of the populations of young people everywhere, especially in Africa, represents an opportunity and a challenge as we endeavor to lay a solid foundation for a prosperous and productive future for our countries. Creating and providing jobs for our youth, engaging their boundless energies, and enhancing their opportunities for better and more fulfilling lives make them indispensable agents of development and socio-economic progress.

Drawing from the lessons of my country's ignominious civil war, unemployment, small or large, especially among young people, transforms them into a potentially ready and willing source of instability, violence, chaos, and destruction.

If we fail to educate and give our young people opportunities for self-fulfillment, we deny them hope for living - and a group that is without hope or has no reason to live falls for anything and does anything to give itself validity, relevance, meaning and purpose. In Africa, such groups have been used as pawns in furthering the power ambition of fortune seekers self-styled liberators or freedom fighters.

I am also glad that the Africa Commission goes beyond the need to address youth and employment, a recognition of the fact that the current inequality between men and women in Africa and other parts of the world is a structural impediment to growth and development if the achievement of the Third Millennium Development Goal on Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women is to be actualized by 2015. Women, whether they are in Africa, Europe, North America, Asia, or elsewhere, who constitute the backbone of society and are the custodians of its values must have equal rights and equal access to the factors of production. And as women have historically demonstrated, they can be good and strong and bold and innovative leaders. Their commitment to democracy and social justice are often unsurpassed. They are fair, they are inclusive - and above all, my experience show that women bring to leadership special natural skills and sensitivities that many times are lacking in their male counterparts. Indeed to achieve this objective, the African girl child, primacy in planning and programming - in education and socio-economic empowerment.

As the Africa Commission prepares its program for sustained and profound engagement with Africa, I salute all of you members of the Commission for the major contribution which you have already made to African development and for the innovative strategies that will result from your participation in the Africa Commission.

I thank you! - The End -

Prez Sirleaf off to Denmark, USA - Talks with Danish Prime Tops Visit

(MONROVIA-April 15, 2008): President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will Wednesday join 17 other world leaders in launching the Africa Commission in Denmark. The Commission, intended to formulate new strategies to strengthen international cooperation with Africa, is being proposed and chaired by Danish Prime Minister, Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

While in Copenhagen, the Danish capital, the Liberian President will hold talks with Prime Minister Rasmussen and other Danish officials, aimed at reactivating bilateral relations between the two countries.

The President who left the country late Tuesday afternoon, travels to the United States for a two-week visit following the four-day official trip to Denmark. While in America, President Johnson Sirleaf will participate in a number of events, including fund raising activities for the Liberia Education Trust and undertake medicals. The Liberian leader will also use the US visit to take off a few days' rest, according to an Executive Mansion release.

The Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Ambulai Johnson, will coordinate the affairs of State, in close consultations with the Cabinet and the Vice President, Dr. Joseph Boakai, during the President's absence from the country.

Amid growing alarm over food prices world wide, Prez Sirleaf outlines Measures to address Problem

(MONROVIA-April 14, 2008): Amid growing alarm over the cost of food throughout the world, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says the solution to the alarming world wide increase in the prices of basic commodities, especially rice, lie in the ability of Liberians to return to the soil and grow more food. Every space in the back yard, every farm, and every community, the President said, must start to grow rice, cassava, and plantain, "for projections show that increase in food prices will be with us for a long time to come." To tackle the price increases, the Liberian leader said, government has approved and forwarded for Legislative ratification, a US $30-milllion Concession Agreement for investment in large scale mechanized rice production. Another proposal, the President said, is under consideration, requesting the Chinese agricultural team to start the training and a program for production of large scale mechanized rice, near the Central Agriculture Research Institute (CARI) in Bong County.

An Executive Mansion release, quoting the President's address, says a committee chaired by the Ministry of Agriculture will look at the purchase and distribution of seed rice for those ready to plant. "We are studying the possibility of offering public land to those who are willing to go to their communities to engage in farming," the Liberian leader also disclosed.

On the increase in the price of petroleum products, the President said, government has also taken measures to address, in a small measure, the increase, by providing subsidy to the Monrovia Transit Authority, to keep transport cost at current levels. Other measures, such as reduction in LPRC storage fees, the President maintained, would undermine government's efforts to address urgent needs in repairing the oil jetty and the storage tanks that have been without maintenance for years.

In addition, President Johnson Sirleaf informed the nation, that measures have been taken on cement that should assure availability at the retail price of $US.10.50, an amount lower than that which is the reported street price.

The President assured the nation that government is still exploring other general price control measures such as charges being levied on goods imported into the country. An Executive Order, the President disclosed, is being finalized which will put a freeze on taxes and duties for agriculture, forestry and road building equipment, until the end of December. The Ministry of Commerce, the Liberian leader said, has been instructed to be even more vigilant in price control enforcement.

The Ad hoc Price Commission, which has been established and is now at work, she said, should provide additional recommendations, not only for rice, but other essential commodities as well. At the same time, the Liberian leader said, the tax system provided in the 2000 Revenue Code is being reviewed with the aim of making revisions that will reduce certain taxes, while harmonizing others, consistent with ECOWAS protocols.

On reports of an increase in armed robbery, the President said the United National Military Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) has been asked to be more vigilant and proactive in patrols. The Justice Minister, the President said, has been urged to do more by providing logistical support for the police and a more effective system of justice. "If there is no improvement in the situation within a month or two, the Chief Executive warned, "I will take more drastic measures, even if unpopular, to ensure better protection of our innocent population.

The Liberian leader, however, expressed concern about mob action by some citizens who take the law into their own hand and proceed to destroy public and personal property. She described such individuals as criminals who must bear the weight of the law and be required to pay for what they destroy. - The End-

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Monday addressed a conference on Women's Health in London

(LONDON , April 8, 2008): President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has told a conference on Women's Health in London, that Liberia welcomes any assistance by individuals and institutions, willing to provide short-term volunteer services in all medical areas, especially in maternal and child health care. The President said Liberia needs physicians and nurses, pharmaceuticals, drugs and supplies, as well as basic diagnostic equipment. In many instances, the Liberian leader noted, 'our need such as in medical equipment, represent your waste.'

Delivering the keynote address Monday at a 2-day Women's Health Conference, held at the Queen Elizabeth ll Conference Centre in London, President Johnson Sirleaf spoke of progress in the health sector of the country, inspite of the awesome challenges of overall post conflict reconstruction in the sector.

Recounting the moderate achievements in the health sector of the country, an Executive Mansion dispatch quotes the President as speaking of the commencement of a vigorous program of rehabilitating the country's hospitals and health centres throu

ghout the country, equipping them to provide services for women, both during pregnancy and child birth, and providing medical equipment and supplies to four of Liberia's rural regions.

In general, the President informed the Conference, that her government has concentrated on four key areas, which include policy and planning; health infrastructure rehabilitation; human resource development; health care services delivery, health care strengthening and administration and resource mobilization.

In the area of policy and planning, the Liberian leader said, government has formulated a National Policy and developed a National Health Development Plan that incorporates the care values and key program priorities of improving the country's health infrastructure, human resources development, primary healthcare, including maternal and infant mortality and fistula management, health support system, monitoring, evaluation and health financing.

"We have developed and adopted a Strategic Plan on national Reproductive Health, a National Health Promotion Policy and five-year plan, including a National Orphanage Guidelines.

In improving infrastructure, we aim at operationalizing some 550 health facilities as compared with the current 354. However, more needs to be done as we continue to face challenges in reversing the high maternal mortality and morbidity in Liberia.

Our human resource development goals seek to train doctors and nurses, and health care workers at improved national training institutions. We ask them to make the sacrifice of service, but we know that we need to compensate them commensurate with the sacrifice we require of them," the President indicated.

She also spoke of the need to make the country's health facilities accessible to all citizens at a cost that they can afford. "Our citizens should not have to choose between dying and receiving medical care."

With barely seven years left to the 2015 benchmark date of the Millennium Development Goals, President Johnson Sirleaf said, her government's aim is to reduce maternal mortality by 75 percent; "commit ourselves to create the environment at all levels of our national health system to support and promote maternal and neonatal health; provide professionals for all of our rural health services at all levels of our health delivery system; make quality health care services available and accessible to all pregnant women; build relationships across our national health system to enhance networking among communities throughout the country and improve healthcare delivery to all women."

As delegates gathered to examine ways of improving maternal health, the President emphasized, "we must match our works and enthusiasm with concrete actions. Improving maternal health and achieving the rest of the Millenniums Development Goals may elude us if we, both weak and strong nations, do not collaborate to rescue the most important pillars of our human society: Our mothers, our sisters, our daughters, our nieces. In the developing world, their very survival is threatened and we need to take action to save them."

In the past two years, the Liberian leader noted, government has undertaken a number of concrete steps to deal with a debilitating health problem with continues to confront women during child birth. With the assistance of expatriate volunteer doctors from the hospital, Mercy Ships, she disclosed, 351 women have undertaken surgery for fistulae conditions with an estimates success rate of 95 percent. A Fistula Unit has been established at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Medical Center, the main public teaching and referral hospital in the Capital, Monrovia. JFK was itself affected by the 14-year crisis and has begun a slow and costly journey of recovery with the restoration of essential medical services.

Additionally, the President said, a fistulae management and care has been integrated as part of the core curricula for medical and nursing institutions operated by the JFK Hospital. Since fistula surgery began in late 2006, approximately 400 cases have been treated at the hospital and in its outreach program. The success rate is 98 percent. Fistula management is gradually being introduced as part of the reproductive health services in all secondary health facilities throughout the country.

The Liberian leader applauded the contribution of philanthropist Ann Gloag and the Gloag Foundation of Scotland who contribute to Mercy Ships and have agreed to renovate a wing of the JFK hospital as dedicated space for a Fistula ward. Philanthropist Gloag and her Foundation, the President said, have played a vital role in assisting government to address some of the health care needs of the country.

Madam Gloag, who also spoke at the Women's Health Conference, confirmed plans to renovate two floors of the JFK hospital which will provide for more than 150-beds, fifty of which she said will be dedicated to a fistula unit. The renovation, she said will be completed in November this year. The President was guest of Ms. Gloag during a one day visit to Scotland on Saturday.

The Conference held under the theme, 'Women's Health in the 21st Century, was also addressed by the wife of British Prime Minister, Mrs. Sarah Brown. Convened by the University College London (UCL) Institute for Women's Health, the Conference was intended to discuss issues affecting women's health and to advance solutions to address the problems. - The End -

President Sirleaf and British Prime Minister Hold Talks

(LONDON, April 7, 2008): Bilateral talks have taken place in London between President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown.

An Executive Mansion dispatch from 10th Downing Street said, the President lauded Britain for its leading role toward debt relief for Liberia as well as the country's security sector and civil service reform programs. The President briefed the British Prime Minister on government's development agenda which have been drawn around Peace and security, Economic revitalization, Infrastructure development and Governance and the rule of Law.

Despite the steady progress, she acknowledged, more needs to be done to tackle several other areas which continue to hamper government's development program. The President spoke of the need for more training for the national police, judges, health care workers and educators. She noted that although progress has been made toward relieving the country of its debt burden, Britain's leadership in helping Liberia achieve comprehensive debt relief will be crucial.

The President also spoke of a drawn down plan of the United Nations Peace Keeping Force. "Once the process is complete, our security forces should be ready to take over the security of the country," the Liberian leader informed the British Prime Minister. The government, President Johnson Sirleaf said, would need all support it can muster in helping it achieve that objective.

Prime Minister Brown, in response, lauded the Liberian leader for the progress being made in tackling the challenges facing the country. The British Prime Minister assured the Liberian leader of his government's support in enhancing the government's development agenda.

Mr. Brown expressed support for government's efforts towards the health care delivery system of the country, and promised that his government will provide support to train Liberian health workers. He also spoke of a malaria and education initiative, pledging that Liberia will also benefit from the programs. As part of his government's health initiative, Mr. Brown disclosed that Britain will also provide vaccinations, and bed nets to help the country's fight against malaria. Mr. Brown also pledged his government's support for a fast track education initiative that would enhance government's primary education program.
"You have been an inspiration to not only Liberia and Africa, but the entire world, and we want to back you in anything you do to help your people," the British Prime Minister assured the Liberian leader.

Responding to President Johnson Sirleaf's concern over the slow delivery on promises, the British Prime Minister said, his team will commence work at once, to ensure that Britain delivers on its commitment to Liberia in time.

The President has also held talks with the Chairman of the British Council, Lord Neil Kinnock. During their meeting Monday, the British official said the Council was willing to work with Liberia in promoting partnership between youths of Liberia and neighbouring countries to help strengthen cooperation among the neighbouring countries. A delegation from the British Council is scheduled to visit Liberia shortly to explore other areas of cooperation.

President Johnson Sirleaf, who later addressed a conference on Women's Health, is now headed back for home. - The End -

Progressive Governance Summit Ends in London

(LONDON - April 6, 2008): Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is among three African leaders invited to attend a summit on Progressive Governance in London, England, which ended on Saturday. The two-day summit also attended by twenty world leaders including African Union Chairman, Ghanaian President John Kuffour, as well as South African President Thabo Mbeki, discussed the global challenges facing the world community and the recognition of the need for a coordinated action to respond to the economic, environmental and security challenges.

A dispatch from the Office of the Press Secretary, quoting a communiqué released at the end of the Summit, noted that globalization, driven by advances in information and communications technology, has transformed the world, breaking down traditional boundaries between countries and enabling integration across national frontiers, lifting millions out poverty. These changes, it was noted, present both unprecedented new opportunities for all, as well as new threats and challenges. The leaders, in the communiqué, made particular mention of the global economic uncertainty, and the need for a collective response. "We believe that Progressives are well-placed to response to these challenges, including thorough effective action by multilateral organizations. We also need to involve all relevant players in our efforts to address global issues effectively," the leaders pointed out in the communiqué, citing the European Union (EU) as one important element of any international response.

The leaders welcomed the many changes arising from globalisation, and the prosperity it has brought to countries and individuals, but cautioned that it is vital that more is done to spread the benefits of globalisation further, "so that all people have an opportunity to benefit from the possibilities for economic and social development it offers. It is vital, too, that we do not degrade the environment on which this development is dependent," the leaders emphasized.
On poverty and Development, the Progressive Governance Summit recalled the Millennium Summit in 2000, where the international community vowed to spare no effort to achieve the eight key millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Today, they acknowledged that global inequalities have become more acute, and despite unprecedented global wealth, some2.5 billion people still live on less than $2 a day.

The leaders noted with increasing concern, that although plans were made to eliminate the illiteracy of young people by giving young persons the chance of education and a plan to cut infant and maternal mortality, much progress has not been made toward achieving the goals for 2015 in health and to educate every child.

"Education is the means to break the intergenerational cycle of poor development, disease and aid dependency. It is key to individual opportunity and national growth and the dignity of self reliance. For every year of schooling in the poorest countries, incomes grow by more than 10-percent. For girls that can be up to 20-percent. To this end, we call for immediate global action to put the Millennium Development Goals at the forefront of the international agenda - only by recognizing that this is truly an emergency can concerted global action be brought about. We commit to work to make 2008 and the following years a turning point in the fight against poverty. We pledge to work together to help the world get back on track to meet the MDGs," the leaders noted in the communiqué.

The communiqué: "We know we will only succeed if governments, the private sector, and all strands of civil society work together. And to catalyse, inspire and focus activity within this broad coalition - and to measure progress towards the 2015 pledges - today we agree that the world community should give priority to some2010 milestones towards our 2015 goals including:

75 million more people lifted out of extreme poverty in Africa; 25 million more children in school; 4 million more children's lives saved; 35 million more births to be attended by skilled health personnel between now and 2010; 70 million more people given improved access to water.

A series of international meetings throughout 2008 will indentify what more we all need to do to meet these goals and agree concrete action plans. In September, at the UN - and for the first time ever, we will join business and a wide range of civil society groups in an event to mark the halfway point to the MDGs, take stock of progress, and agree additional steps the international community will take to accelerate action."

Meanwhile, Former United States President Bill Clinton, who also participated in discussions at the Progressive Governance Summit, has praised Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and her government for promoting development programs aimed at improving the lives of Liberians. Mr. Clinton, who represented his Foundation at the Summit, also praised Rwanda for the progress that country has made. Mr. Clinton described Liberia and Rwanda as countries emerging out of conflicts but are providing honest and transparent leaderships to propel development in their respective countries. The former US President, recalling his visit to Liberia over a year ago, acknowledged the progress taking place, particularly regarding the restoration of basic services including electricity. He lauded the international community for responding to Liberia's needs, but maintained that much need