Principal Craftsmen: When will you face the TRC of Liberia?
Jan 3, 09:44 PM
(The following is the original version of an article by Henry N. Scere II that was published in Front Page Africa on Dec 27, 2007.)
My attention has been drawn to the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Liberia. In that, the TRC in Liberia has not considered what I may called the “Principal Craftsmen” of the civil conflict in Liberia to face the Commission. But the Commission has focused its attention on people of non-relevance (if I may say) in the truth process of the country.
I have personally thought about not engaging the Commission on the matter of bringing forth those “Principal Craftsmen” of the civil conflict in our beloved country. But it was overwhelming, after reading an article from The Analyst News website written by T. Q Harris entitled: “IF KERPER CAN’T, THEN ELLEN SHOULDN’T HOLD THE PRESIDENCY.” I was constrained to call the Commission’s attention to those “Principal Craftsmen.” To name a few: President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Harry A. Greaves (no wonder L P R C has a problem), Tom Woewiyu (who has admitted publicly but not to the Commission, though I stand to be corrected), Dew Mason and many others. These people and many that I do not have the time now to name will better help the healing process of our country.
My Father (Henry G. Scere, Sr.) used to quote a law that I have not read personally from any legal book, although I have heard others comment on it. States: “The man who buys a stolen property is more than the person who stole the property; therefore, the buyer should be treated drastically.” If, and only if, we can hold to the philosophy of this quote, which is, to discourage the theft, we are to first of all deal drastically with those who assure the thefts of “good Business” for stolen properties.
In naming the “Principal Craftsmen” for the civil conflict in Liberia, our beloved President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s name is always at the top the list of supporters. Internationally and nationally, people’s attention is being called to her involvement in supporting Charles Taylor. Even, this allegation has found part of our President’s profile as it is mentioned by BBC focus on Africa website – “She (Ellen) was imprisoned in the 1980s for criticizing the military regime of Samuel Doe and then backed Charles Taylor’s rebellion before falling out with him and being charged with treason after he became President.”
I know others will say that this is not secret, but it is prudent for our beloved President to come public formally and make know to the world, her motive for supporting the civil crises and her involvement in killing Jackson F. Doe and others (as it is mentioned in the article by T Q Harris Jr.) and her approval message for the destruction the of Executive Manson of Liberia, which she was eyeing during those days.
However, I have tried to find out, why has the President not face the TRC? But I was told that she has not been called upon to share her story of involvement. I think this is a very poor excuse. Because there is something called a volunteer (is a person who puts in their 3 Ts: Times, Treasures, and Talents), which our President knows how to do well. As it is mentioned in the December 7, 2007 edition of Daily Observers entitle: President Sirleaf Takes HIV/AIDS Test: “Tubmanburg, Bomi County, The Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf as a pace-setter of the nation over the weekend submitted herself to the much publicized HIV/AIDS test being offered by the ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW) in Tubmanburg, Bomi County.” With this acknowledgement and many that I do not have the time to name for now. I would like to ask our well respected President to please be a pace-setter of peace by submitting to the TRC. This will not cost her anything, but will only to bring her another award by the international community, which has given her the highest esteem ever given in the world.
Let me appeal to the TRC, if they have not written the President and others “Principal Craftsmen” to submit to the Commission, they should please do so for the sake of peace. Mother Liberia and her children (Liberians) need peace. However, I stand to be corrected, the Honorable Chairperson of the Commission Cllr. Jerome J. Verdier Sr. said in his acceptance speech that he will not leave any stone unturned but all of the big stones are still untouched!!! And only the small stones are being move around. Why? Because they are irrelevant and can be kicked around at anytime. No wonder every career person is turning to the Presidency. Sooner or later a professional kickball player will be running behind the presidential position (I used the word behind, because it seems to be that people are running toward presidential position and it continues to move forward).
For the Creator of the universe to reconcile the world to Himself, He had to send his only begotten Son into world, who possessed all of the deity of God to face death (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). Then what should hinder about our war-makers. For South Africa to enjoy peace, the major actors were brought before the TRC of South Africa at the early stage of truth telling process of that nation. They submitted to all forms of questions for the Commissioners headed by Bishop Desmond Tutu. In the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Sierra Leone, our backdoor neighbor, the Chairperson Bishop Joseph Christian Humper mentioned: “The Report is all-inclusive in that it does not only expose perpetrators and identify victims but also serves as a mirror through which all Sierra Leoneans can and, indeed, are encouraged to examine their own roles in the conflict.” (source) This is where I am hoping that TRC process of Liberia will reach. Then, if and only if, we can see the “Principal Craftsmen” face the TRC, we will have the same all-inclusive report that will build the foundation of lasting peace.
Let me call the LCC attention to its role in the Truth Commission of Liberia, the LCC churches have their focus on the Human Rights Commission, which should not be the priority of the church. The Apostle Paul called the church’s attention in the ministry of truth, when he mentioned: “The things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Timothy 3:14-15).” Therefore, let Mr. Benjamin Lartey and Bishop Sumoward Harris awaken the mind of the churches of Liberia (LCC) to the essence and success of truth telling and not push for the establishment of a new commission, when the first one has not produced fruits.
In fact, I have a problem with the establishment of a Human Rights Commission, particularly, when the TRC has not produced any concrete fruit. Even the TRC seems to be more operational in USA than in Liberia, where most, if not all, of the atrocities occurred. I think, this is where we need to direct our attention, to see a fruitful TRC in Liberia. Having the TRC running in concomitant with the Human Rights Commission will cause a serious problem and many people who are the “Principal Craftsmen” will repel from the process.
Rosalind Shaw made a good observation, when she mentioned in her report on the topic: Forgive and Forget: Rethinking Memory in Sierra Leone’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission: “The problematic nature of truth telling in Sierra Leone TRC was compounded by the operation of the Special Court of Sierra Leone – the tribunal created to put on trial those who bore the greatest responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Many Sierra Leoneans feared the TRC was a secret conduit for evidence that would be turned over to the special court. Because of this, many ex-combatants simply chose not to participate in the TRC process (see: www.usip.org/fellows/reports/2004/0429_shaw.html ).” This, I believe, will be the same condition of our process. The Human Rights Commission will have the same terms and references as the special court of Sierra Leone. However, what is the essence of another commission, when we have TRC. Even, what will be the role of the Human Rights Commission, when we have the court that just needs to be effective, if it is not? However, in the future, I will present a retrospective look at the TRC and recommend “The Future of hope” for the TRC and people of Liberia.
Let me conclude with a statement that I read from Cllr. Charles Brumskine Christmas message: “Cllr. Brumskine warned that each must first be changed if we would change our Country; adding, ‘Our Country will not progress unless we are healed from within and renew our relationship with our fellow Liberians.’” (source article ) For this to happen successfully, our “Principal Craftsmen” have to submit to the truth telling process in Liberia. It is my hope, my salvation, and my all, that this warning will be considered by all “Principal Craftsmen” of the civil war in Liberia. This is not to belittle government officials, politicians and others who will fall within that nomenclature, but it is a humble process that we all need to acknowledge for the healing process to take place.