Ban-Ki-moon Wants Government Prosecute Corrupt Officials

In the latest report to the Security Council on the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), UN Secretary General, Ban-Ki-Moon noted that more action is required by the Government of Liberia to tackle corruption in Liberia, including through prosecution of corrupt officials when required.

According to UN Daily News, February 22, 2010, the UN Secretary General emphasized that the public’s perception of corruption among officials undermined “confidence in the Government’s commitment to good governance and the rule of law.”

The publication noted that the fight against corruption is pertinent especially ahead of preparations for the 2011 general and presidential elections which will be under the full charge of Liberians, with international assistance.

The General Auditing Commission (GAC) under the mantle of stewardship of the uncompromising Auditor General has been working around the clock to remain the pillar of government engine in the fight against waste, fraud, corruption, fiscal impropriety, misuse and abuse of public resources.GAC has thus far conducted, completed and published more than 30 audit reports of government ministries, agencies, bureaus and commissions, but little is being done by the government in terms of prosecuting those public officials captured by the audit reports that misapplying, siphoning, mismanaging and stealing public monies entrusted to them. The audit reports also recommended for effective and efficient system and control in those areas audited.

In another development, UN Daily News indicated that more than a decade after its civil war, Liberia is heading towards reconciliation but significant challenges remain in the development of its security and legal institutions, which will impact the future of the United Nations mission there, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a new report.

Noting the need to ensure that the Liberian National Police are independently operational and that Liberia redoubles its efforts in the area of rule of law, the Secretary-General identified financial resources as a requirement for continued progress in Liberia. “I urge the Government to also take steps to adopt legislation to institutionalize the national security architecture,” Mr. Ban wrote in his latest report to the Security Council on the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).

“Ensuring successful security sector reform in Liberia will require sustained donor support for the Liberian National Police and other security agencies,” the Secretary-General added, noting that little concrete assistance has materialized from the Justice and Security Partners’ Forum held in New York in September 2009.

Among the areas that need sustained donor support, as highlighted by the Secretary-General, is the establishment of an efficient communications system, provision of technical assistance in key operational areas, including women and child protection, and the construction of a new Monrovia Central Prison to replace the existing structure which is “overcrowded and dilapidated.”

Mr. Ban called on the Government to assume greater responsibilities for the development of the Armed Forces of Liberia, calling it a “major step towards the progressive assumption of responsibilities for security by national authorities.” With this as a goal, he highlighted the need for an effective management and regulatory framework which would be “rigorously, transparently and fairly enforced at all levels.”

Among the challenges to security is the increased illegal cross-border activities at the Mano River which forms part of the border with Sierra Leone, the Secretary-General noted.

“Instability could spread across borders to destabilize the fragile sub region and, combined with the likely humanitarian consequences of a large population movement, could impede much of Liberia’s peace building and development efforts,” he wrote, noting that Liberia will have to cooperate with its neighbors to address these issues as UNMIL draws down.

On the political front, the Secretary-General welcomed the release of the final edited version of the report by the Parliament-enacted Truth and Reconciliation Commission ordered to investigate and report on gross human violations that occurred in Liberia between January 1979 and 14 October 2003.

“The time has come for Liberia to define the road it will take towards reconciliation,” he wrote. “I urge continued constructive dialogue within Liberian society on the road ahead regarding the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.”

As a component of the follow-up on the implementation of the Commission’s recommendation, the Secretary-General urged the Liberian Senate to formally establish the planned Independent National Commission on Human Rights, urging the Liberian Senate to act on the nominees “as soon as possible.”