Liberia seems to be one of a few countries in Sub-Saharan Africa that is moving toward stability and legitimacy.
Past Leadership
Former President Charles Taylor faces war crimes and crimes against humanity; however, his case has been postponed to June 4. He is charged with 11 counts relating to his involvement in the civil war in neighboring Sierra Leone . The delay comes in protest of Taylor?s hearing in The Hague versus in Freetown, where he can face his peers and people. The prosecutor petitioned that the trial must take place in Liberia to ensure transparency and to facilitate witness testimony. While the trial, funded exclusively by voluntary donations, is unlikely to be broadcast in Liberia, BBC is sending two Liberian journalists to report on the trial?s proceedings. The trial is expected to last 12-18 months.
Another former leader of the 2003-2005 interim government, Gyude Bryant, also faces an investigation by ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) into stealing millions of dollars in state funds. Should this investigation prove a success, it may become a model of transparency and accountability for Liberia?s efforts to combat official corruption. ECOWAS?s investigation led to various other top officials? arrests. Conversely, if it is a failure, it could set the country back politically, judicially, and economically, highlighting ineffective systems of government.
Such efforts to bring leaders to justice are rare in Africa, and it is encouraging to see that this echelon of Liberians is not above the law. Their convictions will send a message to laymen that criminality is intolerable and will be punished, a tremendous step toward legitimacy for a nation roiling in civil war not too long ago.
Emigration
The Liberian ?migr? population is returning to Liberia, due mainly to the widespread return of civility and stability, in order to set up businesses and promote the Liberian economy. This return of a middle class?those who were able to flee the war–is a much needed boon to the country, as an educated and financially savvy population begins to build international confidence in Liberia and attract larger corporations to their capital. Similarly, China?s President Hu Jintao recently visited Liberia to strengthen relations and to promote a joint venture malaria center. In what may be its first foray into west Africa, China will be seeking logging, ports, and extraction agreements and political alliances against Taiwan. Such a relationship may upset Liberia?s delicate relations with the US , who provided substantial financial assistance during Liberia?s checkered past.
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf herself has brought back confidence in the nation, due in part to her Western education and work experience, her willingness to post expatriates to political positions, and her efforts to eradicate corruption and bribery. She will have to dance gracefully with China and the US in order not to anger either influential global power yet attract their investments.
Conclusion
While the country has a bit of public relations? work to do?it is best remembered for child soldiers and a conflict zone–multinational corporations have begun to invest and open operations in Liberia and are using it as a hub for business elsewhere in the region. As the current President continues her campaign to bring Liberians home and to establish rule of law, Liberia will likely experience a renaissance in a region desperately seeking a model of good governance.
