UN Envoy advocates strong law enforcement for sustainable peace in Liberia
MONROVIA, August 13, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The senior UN Envoy in Liberia, Ellen Margrethe Løj says the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), together with its international partners, remains steadfast in supporting the Liberia National Police (LNP) to be fully and independently capable of tackling law enforcement challenges in post-conflict Liberia. Decorating 120 officers of the Nigeria Formed Police Unit (FPU) with the United Nations Peacekeeping Medal in the Liberian central city of Gbarnga, she stressed that “effective law enforcement is necessary for Liberia to achieve a steady state of security and sustainable peace.”
Acknowledging the crucial role the LNP will play in next year's elections, Ms. Løj said “it will be extremely important for us to see increased development of the LNP, especially as we approach the elections in 2011,” adding, “the international community has been forthcoming with support towards this end, though much still needs to be done.”
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) pointed out that the successful conduct of the elections would indicate to both the international community and Liberians that the country had taken control of its democratic process, saying this would be a major step towards rebuilding a peaceful and stable nation. She noted that it would take hard work and sacrifice to build a peaceful and stable Liberia, anchored on democratic principles, the rule of law and human rights. However, she said, “I am confident that Liberian people will take that challenge upon their shoulders.”
Turning to the Nigerian police officers, SRSG Løj praised their generosity and the numerous humanitarian services they had carried out in the local communities. “I know you have provided free medical treatment to many Liberians, bringing the humanitarian face of UNMIL closer to the communities,” she told the Nigerian peacekeepers, assuring them that their “acts of compassion and generosity will long be remembered.”
The UN Envoy lauded Nigeria for its unwavering commitment to UN peace efforts, describing the country as a committed ally of the world body. She applauded Nigeria's outstanding contribution to peace and stability in Liberia, noting that “Nigerians are cherished and well respected in Liberia because of their selfless contribution to the country.”
Dignitaries present at the ceremony included the Nigerian Charge d'Affaires a.i., Mr. Essesien Ntekim; UNMIL Force Commander, Lt.-Gen. Sikander Afzal; UNPOL Commissioner Gautam Sawang; Director of Mission Support, Mr. Hubert Price; Sector ‘A' Commander, Brig.-Gen. S.Z. Uba; Sector ‘B' Commander, Brig.-Gen. MD Mozammel Hossain; and Nigerian FPU Commander, Deputy Superintendent of Police Peter Jegede. Others were, visiting Assistant Inspector-General of the Nigeria Police Force, Abubakar Sardauna, and LNP Central Liberia Regional Commander Assistant Commissioner Daniel Gotojuwee.
After the ceremony, SRSG Løj visited the Gbarnga Central Prison and inspected the security fence being erected around the prison by the UNDP. She expressed satisfaction over the major improvements the correctional centre had witnessed in terms of security, and provision of recreational facilities for the inmates since her last visit a year ago. The SRSG called for more involvement of the inmates in agricultural activities as part of skills acquisition and to improve their nutritional intake.
Source: Mission of UN in Liberia
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