 |  |  |  |  |  |
| NEWS ARTICLE |
Actions by the Liberian government to institute legal proceedings against former officials of the quodam National Transitional Government of
Liberia (NTGL) has been welcomed by the International Contact Group on Liberia (ICGL).
ICGL which comprises the United Nations, European Commission, African Union, United States of America, ECOWAS, World Bank and other
countries such as Ghana, Sweden, UK and Germany, was established in 2003 to support the peace process in Liberia by providing "a high
level forum for coordination and discussion by all parties with interest in Liberia, at the regional level and beyond."
ICGL in a statement issued December 20, 2006 on the current ongoing steps against corruption, described the action instituted by
government as "a sign of its commitment to ensure accountable and responsible behavior by officials who hold positions of public trust."
In the statement, the regional and international body made reference to the ratification by the Legislature in September 2006 of the African
Union Convention on Combating Corruption.
Without detailing what that convention focuses on in terms of action and application, the ICGL said it saw the incorporation of these
international conventions into Liberian laws as an important step towards strengthening the governance of the country.
"In this context, the ICGL supports the recent initiatives undertaken by the government of Liberia to hold former officials of the National
Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL) to account for allegations of financial improprieties, as outlined in the reports that are in the
possession of the government".
Observers say is likely to give the government more teeth than it has to pursue those who may act ultra-virus in the execution of their
respective duties.
According to the ICGL, corruption allegations in the NTGL are not only noted in the ECOWAS audit report, but also the report of the
NTGL-appointed anti-corruption Task Force and audits of state-owned enterprises and government agencies, an indication that it wants the
government to take advantage of recommendations in those reports that are yet to be made public.
As earlier indicated by other stakeholders who applauded the government, the ICGL said it viewed these actions by the government of
Liberia as indicative of its strong belief in and respect for the rule of law.
More than thanking the Ellen-led administration, it also said "The ICGL urges the government to ensure that the investigations into these
allegations are conducted in an independent and transparent manner in accordance with international best practice."
Speaking on behalf of the ICGL, Co-chairman, Mr. Tunnacliffe, European Commission Charge d'Affaires, pledged that the ICGL stands ready
to support the government of Liberia in these endeavors to fight corruption, the culture of impunity and re-establish the rule of law and good
governance in Liberia.
Whether that in essence means that the ICGL will support institutions of government is a question wanting answer, but observers think the
pat accorded the government as it relates to the legal actions against the former government officials may fortify it to take more actions as it
may deem necessary.
It is the first time the ICGL has taken a position on the ongoing legal battle between the government and the accused which include former
Finance Minister Lusiness Kamara, his aides, Albert Quoi, Deputy Finance Minister for Administration and Expenditure Tugbeh Doe and
Payne Wolo among others.
| | | | | |
| Liberia: ICGL Gives Backing to Gov't By: The Analyst (Monrovia) December 22, 2006 |