— Launches New Pro-democracy Group-‘STAND’
IPNEWS: Barely a month ago since tough-talking Mulbah Morlu resigned as Chairman, of the opposition Congress For Democratic Change (CDC), the former CDC Chairman on Sunday, March 17,2024, to the surprised of many who turnout at the famous Park on Redemption Street, saw hundreds of young men under the banner STAND, calling for the establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court.
In a statement issued immediately after the formal Launch of STAND, former CDC Chairman, stated that his group STAND had assembled at a perilous time in the country’s history seeking to take upon themselves a task few will dare venture because of the complexity, danger and challenges that calling for War and Economic Crimes Court Establishment come with .
Mulbah Morlu reading the statement said the establishment of the WCC and other issues such as Assets Recovery remains a task that will require denial of self-freedom, exposure to threat on our physical bodies, family, and friends, you STAND believes there can be no task greater, and clearer in defining a person’s love for country, and commitment to improve humanity than the task of STANDing to seek justice.
“On this altar of Justice we STAND, to present to the people of Liberia, and the world at large, a grassroots redemption movement, Solidarity & Trust for A New Day, known as The Movement STAND; this struggle is not new. Since it’s founding as a nation state, our country has witnessed evolving political movements, particularly political parties seeking state power as champions to fight ills in society and address social, and economic inequalities.”
“Ironically, once these parties secure their primary objective of managing the State and its resources, they revert and become a mirror of the exact things they opposed. This pattern has existed for so long that it has become a norm, which often time leads to a state of hopelessness, and lack of trust in our governance system.” Morlu emphasized.
The new WCC and Assets Recovery Advocator maintains that while this pattern of self-seeking among politicians increases, unfortunately the presence of civil society initiative decreased, which has fueled widespread impunity, and governance failures, for generations must be reenergize.
Morlu: “And so, now than ever before, especially in the face of increasing governance recklessness, and unchecked wave of draconian leadership, and police brutality as was witnessed recently in Grand Cape Mount County, and other places; the quest for stronger governance accountability have made it compelling for the creation of a politically neutral, pro-democracy and civil society organization.”
“The Movement STAND grows out of domestic distrust in public policy decision-making under the Boakai- administration; and the vexing experienced from our collective past heightened the urgency for swift civil society action that demands five critical areas in the transformation of Liberia from a failed state.
He named key areas of focus for the STAND movement as the Establishment of a War Crimes Court; Promoting Audits and Assets Recovery, Respect for Tenure Law & Tenure positions, Improve Living conditions of the poor, and Advocacy for Civil and Human Rights.
He said the Movement STAND, with no political party affiliation nor a surrogate group for any political agenda, will be fearless in disrupting the status Quo when it comes to being the voice of the voiceless and championing causes that are relevant to justice and the pursuit of peace.
On the ESTABLISHMENT OF A WAR CRIMES COURT, Morlu STAND Movement narrates the killing of unarmed and defenseless civilians during the evil of the bloody Liberian war, stressing a fact reminiscent of the massacre at Lutheran Church, Telewoyan Hospital, Voinjama; the infamous Carter Camp massacre; the Duport Road massacre, RiverGee massacre, among others, leaving physical and emotional scars that cannot be healed by mere confessions, although confessions and genuine truth-telling have their roles to play.
STAND sustains that even the Liberian Constitution provides for the establishment of special courts to address specific legal issues, including WAR CRIMES.
“Article 34d that empowers the Legislature to create such courts with prescribed jurisdictional powers as may be deemed necessary for the proper administration of justice throughout the Republic.Therefore, justice for the victims can no longer be delayed, nor denied; the time to establish a War Crimes Court has come.”
“We won’t allow any pretenses for our archives to overflow with undeniable records of the systematic torture, rape, and indescribable atrocities meted out against ourselves,.family members, and fellow countrymen.”
“The bloody uncivil war socialize Liberians to opening up the belly of pregnant women to ascertain the sex of the unborn child, in a cruel gamble played by zealots gun tooting brutes, for their irresistible impulse to commit evil; beheading of begging innocent victims, chopping off the limbs of defenseless people, wickedly cutting off heads from the bodies of living humans, and mass murders of civilians seeking refuge in religious houses in a genocidal fashion due to their tribal orientation. In executing these atrocious acts, dull objects were used in a sadistic manner by the perpetrators.”
“Henceforth, The Movement STAND (Solidarity and Trust for a New Day) attaches ourselves to demands that President Joseph Nyuma Baokai issue an Executive Order to establish an office for War Crimes, which will engage with the international community, also President Boakai must write a letter to the Secretary General of the United Nations. We equally demand the Liberian Senate under the leadership of Senator Nyonblee Kangar Lawrence to concur with the House of Representatives on the establishment of a War Crimes Court.”
“The Movement STAND will seek for United Nations and United States sanctions on those individuals within the Boakai administration that are obstacles to the establishment of the War Crimes Court, including National Security Advisor Samuel Kofi Woods and Pro Tempore Senator Nyonblee Kangar Lawrence.”
“The establishment of a War Crimes Court is crucial for ensuring accountability, justice, deterrence, reconciliation, restoration, and rehabilitation. This court would be responsible for prosecuting individuals bearing the greatest responsibility for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and massacre during Liberia’s civil conflicts. The Movement STAND (Solidarity & Trust for A New Day), aims to highlight the importance of this court, its implications for victims and perpetrators, and the constitutionality of such an establishment in Liberia.” Mulbah Morlu exclaimed.
PROMOTING AUDITS AND ASSETS RECOVERY
The civil wars that ravaged Liberia in the late 20th century were fueled in part by the desire to control the country’s lucrative natural resources. Warlords and militia groups seized control of diamond mines, timber concessions, and other assets, using them to finance their campaigns of violence and enrich themselves at the expense of the population. The pillaging of Liberia’s economy during this period further entrenched corruption and impunity, leaving a legacy of economic devastation that persists to this day.
Unfortunately, the plagued of economic crimes have only hindered national development and perpetuated poverty and inequality among the poor. STAND advocate for greater transparency and accountability in the management of state resources, as well as the prosecution of those responsible for fleecing the state. In this regard, STAND demand separate accountability for profiteers of human sufferings, a fight against impunity in Liberia. We believe as we march on to the future, there can be no better time than now where Liberians and peace loving people of the world are required to STAND up to the menaces in our society, to hold public officials accountable by the auditing of government agencies and assets recovery. For this, we celebrate the efforts of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, to issued an Executive Order that established an Asset Recovery Program , and Audits.
RESPECT for TENURE LAW & TENURE POSITIONS
President Joseph Nyuma Baokai appointments to tenured positions where occupants of those position have time left for continue.service offends tenure law and expose a reckless disregard and disrespect to Constitutional governance. President Boakai’s action is illegal, bordering on authoritarianism.
Article 89b of the Liberian Constitution, being the Supreme law of the land, expressly grants that the Legislature, “shall enact laws ….and create other agencies as may be necessary for the effective operation of Government.” Thus, the Legislature purposely enacted tenure law as a check on an imperial power of the executive, as a means to preserve the integrity, and autonomy of certain public institutions, to discharge their functions without executive overreaching and prohibit removal of heads of those institutions by the pleasure of the President.
In the case, Cllr Kla Martin vs The Republic of Liberia, the Supreme Court, itself being the final arbiter of justice ruled in favor of tenure law by granting damages of payment to Cllr Martin for the unexpired period of his tenure. The claimed by the Boakai’s administration regarding article 56 powers of the President can only take effect except by express Legislative enactment , which is not the case with tenure law.
Morlu: “In this instant, STAND demand unequivocal revocation of President Boakai’s appointments to tenured positions, and allow those serving under the tenure law enjoyment of guaranteed Constitutional province.”
IMPROVING LIVING CONDITIONS OF THE POOR
In the aftermath of the civil wars, efforts were made to rebuild Liberia’s shattered economy and institutions. However, progress has been hampered by persistent corruption and a lack of accountability. Public funds intended for development projects have often been diverted into private accounts, the Judiciary and law enforcement agencies continue to face roadblocks in pursuit of of economic criminals due to limited or no resources to fight crimes. Thus fueling a culture of impunity that undermines investor confidence, hinder efforts to stimulate economic growth, and stifle job creation for ordinary Liberians. Thereby leaving majority of citizens living in abject poverty.
Subjecting ordinary citizens to poor living conditions in the face of Liberia vast natural resources, and the looting of state resources amount to human rights abuses, as such, we can not be seen as tolerating such abuses as though we are not a part of the global community of civilized nations. We cannot ignore the painful economic misery of the downtrodden. STAND believes, we must demand improved living conditions for ordinary people. This is the people’s desire, and national policy makers will be threading a slippery spiral not to zoom in to the masses outcry.
ADVOCACY FOR CIVIL & HUMAN RIGHTS
Liberia continues to suffer from bad human and civil rights record, including allegations of corruption, electoral irregularities, and political repression. Civil society organizations and human rights defenders continue to face harassment and intimidation, stifling dissent and undermining democratic norms. Furthermore, marginalized communities, including women, children continue to face discrimination and violence, highlighting the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in Liberia.
Although we cannot change the past , STAND believes we.can act in a common purpose to undo injustices, dehumanization, and humiliation of those without access to social jiustice by joining this fight for good governance and democracy.
We, Liberians , the world over can find solace in the conviction that a victorious fight for civil and human rights will save poor Liberians from the pains that many of us have come to know. In this we can truly erect hope and braced ourselves for the fight of a lifetime.
If Liberia is going to remain steadfastly insurmountable in maintaining a peaceful precinct, we must collectively catspraddle every resistance against
the exercise of civil liberty, and human rights.
With the above points, STAND believes that the need for justice in the aftermath of unspeakable horrors cannot be overstated, emphasizing that holding accountable individuals responsible for the rape, torture, and the cold-blooded murder of more than 200,000 men, women and children is critical to national healing and national rehabilitation in Liberia.
“Addressing past atrocities through legal processes promotes reconciliation, healing, and closure for affected communities, contributing to the restoration of social harmony within Liberia.”
“What happens to our peace if a people-driven option, which calls for the creation of a criminal court is not embraced, and the needed reform not endorsed; should the incumbent power fails in the deliverables that pertain to the socioeconomic liberation of the masses or is it in the interest of our desired peace and reconciliation to consent to a no-justice agenda? STAND adopts. a negative response.”
“In conclusion, the establishment of a War Crimes Court in Liberia brings a wealth of benefits, ranging from justice and accountability to economic development and international collaboration. This initiative represents a commitment to human rights, stability, and transparency, positioning Liberia as a responsible global actor while contributing to the broader efforts against impunity and economic misconduct worldwide.” Mulbah Morlu stated.
