TITLE: After 21 Days Ultimatum, War Crimes Court Group  Declares No-Confidence in President Sirleaf; Plans Nation-Wide Demonstration to peacefully compel her resignation…

BY: The People of the Republic Of Liberia, Thru the Forum for the Establishment of A War Crimes Court In Liberia…

WHEREAS, it has been established that beginning 1989 and continuing through 2003 within the territory of the Republic of Liberia not less than five (5) different armed factions engaged in open warfare where combatants equipped with light as well as heavy weaponry arrayed themselves and exchanged fire in a contest for supremacy;  

WHEREAS, it has been established that at the early stages of the war the constituted government was overthrown, resulting in the total breakdown of law and order, placing the entire population at great peril without protection, security, or defense against the onslaught of the various armed factions;  

WHEREAS, it has been established that as a consequence of the war all institutions within the Republic collapsed and the various armed factions partitioned the country and governed their respective enclaves where combatants, acting on the command of their leaders, violated the conventions of war by engaging in rape, torture, mass executions, slavery, as well as the use of children in active combat;  

WHEREAS, it has been established that in order to prevent mass extermination of civilians, an international military force - Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) - was deployed in the Republic of Liberia against fierce resistance from the armed factions;

WHEREAS, it has been established that the direct impact of the war on the Liberian economy in terms of lost revenue, productivity and goodwill, as well as destruction of the infrastructure, underemployment, accrued interests, etc. is estimated at between one hundred (100) and one- hundred-and-fifty (150) billion United States Dollars;
  
WHEREAS, it has been established that the human costs of the war, though incalculable, account for not less than 1.2 million people uprooted and displaced; a staggering 350,000 – 575,000 psychological and/or physical injuries, as well as a minimum of 250,000 murdered;

WHEREAS, it has been established through public confession of accomplices as well as the preponderance of evidence that Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Mr. Charles Taylor were the principal planners, financiers, and decision-makers of the brutal 14-year war; and,

WHEREAS, it has been established that documented evidence of the systematic and widespread atrocities committed in Liberia during the war are currently in the possession of, among others, the United Nations, the United States Government, the European Union, the Special Court for Sierra Leone, the International Media, the Economic Community of West African States, the Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission, as well as the victims themselves;  

REALIZING that international law imposes duties and responsibilities upon states as well as individuals to prosecute and hold accountable, individuals, institutions and nations bearing the greatest responsibility for war crimes, crimes against humanity and violation of international humanitarian law;
THEREFORE, by the power vested, as stipulated in Article (1) of the CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA;

- [“All power is inherent in the people. All free governments are instituted by their authority and for their benefit and they have the right to alter and reform the same when their safety and happiness so require. In order to ensure democratic government which responds to the wishes of the governed, the people shall have the right at such period, and in such manner as provided for under this Constitution, to cause their public servants to leave office and to fill vacancies by regular elections and appointments.”] –

WE THE PEOPLE HEREBY DECLARE MRS. ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF AND MR. CHARLES TAYLOR (ET AL) WAR CRIMES SUSPECTS AND FORBID THEM FROM HOLDING PUBLIC OFFICE AND/OR REPRESENTING THE REPUBLIC IN AN OFFICIAL CAPACITY UNLESS VINDICATED IN A COURT OF LAW. AND ALL OTHER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS SUSPECTED OF COMMITTING WAR CRIMES ARE HEREBY FORBIDDEN FROM HOLDING PUBLIC OFFICE, TO UNCLUDE THOSE SUPREME WAR ACTORS OUTSIDE OF GOVERNMENT, UNTIL A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION VINDICATES THE AFORESDAID.

With this DECLARATION, THE PEOPLE OF LIBERIA, by virtue of our CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY, hereby authorize the Legislative and Judicial Branches of Government to proceed expeditiously without fail in conferring upon the vice president, Hon. Joseph N. Boakai, the title of Acting President until such time Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is cleared of all charges related to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

As Acting President, Hon. Joseph N. Boakai , consistent with the TRC’s recommendations, shall present a petition from the People of Liberia to the United Nations requesting the creation of a war crimes court, or expansion of the Special International Court for Sierra Leone to include Liberia. Humanity being one, the life of a Liberian is of no lesser value than that of a Sierra Leonean or any other people.

In honoring the will of the Liberian people, Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf shall cooperate fully with the Legislative and Judicial Branches of Government to ensure a smooth, peaceful transfer of power. Overwhelming evidence of her direct involvement in the rape, torture, maiming, as well as the executions, enslavement, and murders of tens of thousands of defenseless Liberians, corroborated by her own testimony before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, makes it impossible for her (President Sirleaf) to heal this nation and restore normalcy.

As it relates to Mr. Charles Taylor (Mrs. Sirleaf’s accomplice), regardless of the outcome of his trial at The Hague; he along with others bearing the greatest responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity shall face prosecution at the war crimes court for Liberia which the United Nations shall authorize.  

In closing, we hereby announce the holding of a peaceful nation-wide demonstration for the resignation of Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and all suspected war criminals holding public offices in the government of the Republic of Liberia. This Demonstration will be held on 24th April 2009 beginning at 10 A.M in all major cities of Liberia, including Monrovia. Peaceful and law-abiding Liberians, in an orderly and peaceful manner, shall converge before the Monrovia City Hall and march to the Foreign Ministry, demanding the resignation of the Liberian leader. Corresponding events will also take place in Voinjama, Kakata, Buchana, Zwedru, Gbarnga and other major political cities.

PREPARED THIS TWENTIETH DAY OF MARCH IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD TWO THOUSAND AND NINE; AND, ON BEHALF OF THE LIBERIAN PEOPLE AND THE INSTITUTION NAMED SUPRA, SIGNED BY:

___________________
Mulbah K. Morlu, Jr.
National Chairman

CC;
•    Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, President, R/L
•    Hon. Joseph Boakai, Vice President, R/L
•    Hon. Alex Tyler, Speaker of the House of Representatives
•    His Honor Johnnie Lewis, Chief Justice, R/L
•    Counselor Phillip A.Z. Banks, Minister of Justice, R/L
•    Mrs. Hilary R. Clinton, Secretary of State, United States of America
•    The European Union
•    The African Union
•    ICGL
•    ECOWAS
•    UNMIL
•    The Civil Society in and out of Liberia
•    Religious institutions, et cetera

Comments (11)

	1. 22-03-2009 01:10
	if this is the case why have TRC? puting blame of a nation on one individual to be the trouble shooter.

alarm blow

	2. 22-03-2009 07:51
	Support the war crime court in Liberia  Fellow Liberian, I do believe that there is no peace without the transparent rule of law, meaning the wishes of the majority in this case MUST PREVAILLED. What is wrong with the war crime court being established in Liberia? When we were cheering when Taylor was indicted and taken to the Hague. Remember that one good turn deserves another so, if I may asked a few questions to my colleagues Liberian, what happen to the citizens of Nimba that were massacred in 1985? The Lutheran Massacred, the more than 2500 innocent people amputated in the crisis and what would happen to those who killed over 200,000 innocent people during the crisis, the genocide that took placed against certain ethnic group in Liberia, who campaign in the USA for the first 10,000USD funding to rage war against this peaceful nation?     Should all of the genocide, atrocities, cannibalism and inhuman acts go with impunity? The answer is NO, the victims keep crying for the most needed justice while the perpetrators enjoy public and government offices, stealing public funds to sponsors their families in the USA and yet they are preaching good governance and democracy.     So let the wishes of the people be done and if the international community failed to bring these perpetrators to book, than, everlasting peace is not yet achieved in Liberia and it would be a total disgrace to the UN Missions in Liberian, one of the world largest bodies, so the international community act now to save the nation for another uncertainty of crisis.     Please, UN, AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL AND OTHER WORLD BODIES, follow the examples of Sudan, DR Congo and Sierra Leone by bringing to book those evil perpetrations that are hiding behind the power of their offices and status in government, and in the name of God, democracy, peace and equal justice to all, please support the establishment of the war crime court in Liberia to bring them to BOOK regardless of their status in government/Liberia

concern

	3. 23-03-2009 13:34
	CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION?? What part of the constitution that states that Mr. Morlu can give the President 21 days ultimatum to leave office - oh, that's the country called California, constitution?    We are going to see this great support for Mr. Morlu on April 24 when we see hundred of thousands of Liberians leaving what ever they suppose to do to come out and demand the President to step down.    The Liberian people will just show Mr. Morlu the clown he is when only he and his paid ex-fighters are on their fool’s errand.

The Liberian People

	4. 23-03-2009 20:42
	Small Changes We hardly See!!! CLICK AND READ!!!    "There is one more change that must be written about, and it is probably the most important, the most priceless change of all: people in the streets are now more civil to one another, they are now more cordial and the social tension has lessened very much. Liberians are regaining that sense of humor that is so particular to them. This is where one finds out that the war is slowly but surely sliding in the back of our minds… That change that makes people smile, be friendly and look to the future with hope is one that no money can buy. And we must all work to make that hopefulness last for ever…"

The Liberian People

	5. 25-03-2009 08:42
	Small Changes We hardly See!!! Mr. Morlu should be grateful that is free to express himself without fear of torture. Where was Mr. Morlu during the regime of Mr. S.K. Doe and Charles Taylor? Where was this so-called activates? They hide when tyrants are in power and raise their ugly heads and self-glorifying activism. As I've always said, we have seen the likes of Mr. Morlu before in the persons of Tipoteh, Sawyer, Baccus Mathews{late} who did the same, but when they were given the opportunity they failed miserably; They became part and parcel of what they preached against. Fellow Liberians, 14+ years of civil war, hardship, should be our guide not to return to civil disobedience. Mrs. Sirleaf is not perfect but she has done extremely well. If anyone thinks she failed, use the ballot box. Mr. Morlu behavior detracts investments from Liberia.

Say

	6. 25-03-2009 09:36
	Small Changes We hardly See!!! It really shows how Morlu is looking for recognition; Why CC the US Secretary of State, EU? This silliness needs to stop! Majority of Liberians want to rebuild our country; It is time that Liberians put LIBERIA FIRST, COUNTRY FIRST!  BALLOT BOX IF WE THINK OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS AREN'T REPRESENTING OUR INTEREST!

Say

	7. 25-03-2009 16:56
	DOMOSTRATION IS WHAT LIBERIANS NEED!!!! DOMOSTRATION IS WHAT LIBERIANS NEED!!!!    Say,     The most important thing for Liberia right now is for Mr. Morlu to continue his demonstrations. Whether these daily demonstrations are putting fear in potential investors to not invest in an unstable country is no big deal. When these potential investors go somewhere else and Liberians are left with no jobs and no pay checks to feed and send their children to school, we can all be grateful to Mr. Morlu and his supporters for making Liberia the premier democratic country in the history of the world.    Through his intransigent, the Liberian people will meet all of their needs. The past 25 years has shown Liberia as the beacon of stability - it is that stability Mr. Morlu wants to continue.    So we all can just relax and let Mr. Morlu carry the touch of democracy and stability as far has he wants. We all know the history of peaceful demonstration in Liberia. Just few days ago, there was another peaceful demonstration at the Guthrie Rubber Plantation with one dead person and damaged to properties. Most of those in that demonstration were ex- fighters just like the core group for Mr. Morlu planned demonstrations.    If these demonstrations get out of hand and there are dead people and damaged to properties, we will again show the outside world how stable it is for people to come and invest in our country - we will be thankful to Mr. Morlu for once again given us democracy and stability.

The Liberian People

	8. 26-03-2009 12:12
	DOMOSTRATION IS WHAT LIBERIANS NEED!!!! Liberian people, where are you living? is it in America? meanwhile you don't care if any one is hurt in Liberia, good Man.    Mr. Marlu will be paying those folks funds from the stores after looting.

Concern

	9. 27-03-2009 02:59
	DOMOSTRATION IS WHAT LIBERIANS NEED "The Liberian People", I hope EJS give you the Human services job you seek. From what I'm reading on this forum from you, it appeared you really need help.

Thomas Doe

	10. 27-03-2009 09:46
	Utter Nonesense M.K. Morlu,    In my view, everything you've written above is trash! First of all, you don't speak for all Liberians. Certainly, you don't speak for me, Morlu. So, to say "we the Liberian people declare........." is utter nonsense! Your masquerade exposes you as a villian who shows no respect for the rule of law. A person who seeks my interest should not be injudicious. Sadly, you have shown your self to be injudicious!    Critical facts:  It is not wrong to demonstrate in a democratic society. But, it is wrong to demonstrate without permission. To demonstrate without permission shows a clear violation of state laws and disregard for the law-abiding citizens who live in it.    It is my understanding that you requested a permit to demonstrate, but you were denied. We do not know the specific reason for denying you. In any case, you know why you were denied. It is incumbent upon you to show cause because you want the law on your side. What you should have done is to re-apply. You should have re-applied several times because you want the law on your side.      It is not wrong for patriotic citizens (as you claim to be) to show concern or demand changes in all levels of government. But it is wrong to demand changes without employing the various tools of democracy that are available. The first of these tools is what I call "friendly persuasion". Through the use of friendly persuasion, the laws of a state are followed and respected. You talk to your enemies because that's how peace is attained. Example, in order to show that you're not a fogy or an egotist, you should have lobbied the members of the Liberian legislature. You should have privately engaged the president, Mrs. Johnson-Sirleaf before going public. In this world, no dispute gets adjudicated without talking to one's enemy. You didn't do it. Even if you felt that you would end up no where with the "do-nothing, rubber-stamped legislators", you should have lobbied the Liberian legislature because they are your "elected representatives".     Instead of taking steps that could present you as loyal and credible, you always take the law into your hands and sound populist themes in hopes of convincing the Liberian public. That will not work!    About fifteen years ago, a booby named Charles Taylor brought Liberia to its knees because he spoke your language. In no time, the Liberians succombed to Taylor's whims and Liberia became a land of blood. As a consequence of Taylor's manipulation of the Liberian people, foreign troops are in occupation of our country, Liberia is slidding backwards economically in a community of nations, a Nigerian general is the head of the Liberian army, Sierra Leone generals train Liberian soldiers, etc. Liberians will no longer accept outlandish demands without the employemnt of democratic tools. Serra Leonean generals train Liberia's army?  I can only chuckle! If Liberia eventually degenerates because of your aggressive approach and benightedness, you will pay a price! This is not a threat!    There are no roads in Liberia, I mean "good" roads! There aren't good schools in Liberia, I mean "good schools"! There is no electricity in Liberia, I mean "in the counties"! The foregoing issues are more important than hurting your lungs by yelling in the streets lawlessly about a "war crimes court". Will such a court employ a bulk of our people? Will such a court generate funds that could build a good road to Buchanan, Bassa county? You're a neophyte who relishes confrontation as a way to get things accomplished. Almost everything you do these days rises to the level of bedlam. What's going on, Morlu?    The case is often made about Johnson-Sirleaf's involvement in the bloody Liberian civil war. I do not support a person who operates in darkness. At some time, Johnson-Sirleaf will have her day in court. Yes, we can wait! What is peculiar is your true intent. It has been rumored that "some" members of the Liberian legislature that I warned you about earlier were involved in the mayhem. Are these members exempt? Or are you a hypocrite? Are you interested in a Nobel Peace Price? Nothing ever gets said from your lips about the members of the Liberian legislature who may have played a murky role during the civil unrest. Is this what they call "double standard"? I doubt that you're a good human rights campaigner, because you violate the basic civil rights of peaceful Liberians when you and your people masquerade in the streets of Liberia without permission.    A majority of the Liberian people will not buy into your "Charles Taylor" type politics. If you want to be taken seriously, show respect for the rule of law. It's 100% acceptable for your views to be aired or discussed. It's good to demonstrate, but it must be done within the confines of the law.    I hope you're listening!

Makumana

	11. 02-04-2009 19:34
	War crimes court is the way forward For the first time in 2009, I fear I must disagree with the so-called "all right-thinking people" -by defending the liberty of my comrade Morlu. Mixing words and deeds is dangerous and so is mixing up politics and real life.  How am I going to achieve this? You ask in your ready, mortal voices.  Well, I have a number of ideas. The most sensible one at the moment is somehow treating a sparrow with radiation and convincing it to peck me silly. Since I would not like to render myself sterile because I do not have the answer to every corruption problems, nobody does. I just know that one place where the answer does not lie is pretending as if everything is normal around us. Liberia would be safer not tolerating people who have no respect for the law and citizens of the land. Having the old wines in new bottles in the likes of Ellen Sirleaf in govt is not portraying the true Liberia.  Evidence shows that being straightforward with young people is far more effective. Why deny the truth of so many things which we see as being obvious? Guilt isn’t an emotion you often hear expressed in politics, I’m not expecting anyone to feel guilty anyway because coming out guilty will not give room for the disgrace part of the game. Such insults seems to be routinely accepted as okay, rather than being seen as a form of bullying-which is actually is. The only way to get a bully to back off is to give it back to them in their own coin. I mean tit for tat, strengths in numbers. Of course, you run the risk bully will swing at you but, since all bullies are cowards at heart and grown up bullies who pick on defenceless little kids are probably the biggest cowards of all.     It is my belief as a Christian that God desires us to act with justice and righteousness, and to support a pressure group to help alleviate the injustice in our world of today. May God of justice, forgive us and people who chose an easy life by ignoring injustice. To challenge our indifference and give us wisdom that we may bring justice and righteousness to those who are trapped in oppression and exploitations.  Forum for the establishment of a War-crimes court of Liberia saw injustice of our situations and acted immediately. This movement only demand for justice inversely proportionate to our proximity to those suffering injustice. A “war crimes court” is urgently needed if Liberia is to be free from oppressors and intimidation that has been going on for decades because we cannot continue to live in the lawlessness that led us to the war and destruction. http://www.childsoldiersforum.freehosting.net

Joseph Spencer

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