[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]

Politics News

Protests mar Weah’s speech at UN

U.S. – based Liberians held protests for and against President George Manneh Weah and his delegates outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York following his address Wednesday, 26 September. In a live video on Facebook, two opposing groups of Liberians were seen standing on the sidewalk in New York outside the United Nations headquarters with flyers and posters.

Anti – Weah protesters were calling for the establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia, a subject Mr. Weah’s address to the UN General Assembly did not touch.

It has been one of the longstanding demands by some Liberians both home and abroad to prosecute those that committed or sponsored the commission of war crimes during Liberia’s brutal civil wars here. One of the protesters seen on a live Facebook video laments that his parents were killed during the war.

He vows not to rest until rebel leaders are made to face justice. He complains that some of those that committed crimes are now working in government. Another protester was seen shouting: “Bring back our money,” and differed with President Weah’s message to world leaders committing to end corruption in public service under his watch.

The protester argues that under Mr. Weah’s watch, an alleged LD$16 billion disappeared in thin air. “We outside the country will continue to put pressure on the international community to make sure our moneys don’t go free. How will you end corruption when just nine months in office your government can’t account for our country’s money? Y’all bring back our money,” a female protester angrily demands.

Another protester also notes that he is not afraid of showing his face to the camera, pointing out that even upon his return to Liberia he will still push the same point he’s pushing in front of the United Nations headquarters in New York.

He warns that they are going to start another campaign in demand of President Weah’s resignation if he fails to sign for the establishment of a War Crimes Court to bring people like Senator Prince Johnson to account for the so many lives that were taken away during the civil war.

Meanwhile, members of the pro-Weah group sang praises as they welcomed President Weah after his address before the U.N. General Assembly. The pro – Weah protesters expressed thanks to the Liberian leader for the level of work he has done in less than one year.

[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]

By Ben P. Wesee–Edited by Winston W. Parley

[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1] [bsa_pro_ad_space id=2] [bsa_pro_ad_space id=3] [bsa_pro_ad_space id=4] [bsa_pro_ad_space id=5] [bsa_pro_ad_space id=6]

NewDawn

The New Dawn is Liberia’s Truly Independent Newspaper Published by Searchlight Communications Inc. Established on November 16, 2009, with its first hard copy publication on January 22, 2010. The office is located on UN Drive in Monrovia Liberia. The New Dawn is bilingual (both English & French).
Back to top button