Last week was surreal to say the least. I was invited to the German Compound, in Monrovia, where President Sirleaf-Johnson raised a toast to 82nd birthday of Her Majesty the Queen.
Admist the cocktails and Liberian band playing the British national anthem there was much talk about the impressive leadership of President Sirleaf-Johnson. As the first female head of state of an African country she has attracted many strong supporters. She has inspired the country to look forward while maintaining the fragile peace which has been in place since 2003.
A fellow intern had the opportunity to see the President in action as she responded to a protest outside the Ministry of Justice. Tensions had been rising in one of the counties where a group of labourers were killed in a dispute over land. The protest in Monrovia was calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. As fears of mob violence began to take hold, the sound of the President's motorcade could be heard in the distance. As the President stepped out of car the crowd fell quiet and listened attentively to her call for patience and calm. The crowd took heed and dispersed. That was all it took!
The fact that the President had to respond at such a micro level is indicative of the fragile nature of peace in the country but also the lack of means of communication. It also demonstrated the impressive command she wields over the people of Liberia. The experience highlighted that there seems to be a lot resting in the hands of just one person - without her the stability of the country is in serious jeopardy.
Admist the cocktails and Liberian band playing the British national anthem there was much talk about the impressive leadership of President Sirleaf-Johnson. As the first female head of state of an African country she has attracted many strong supporters. She has inspired the country to look forward while maintaining the fragile peace which has been in place since 2003.
A fellow intern had the opportunity to see the President in action as she responded to a protest outside the Ministry of Justice. Tensions had been rising in one of the counties where a group of labourers were killed in a dispute over land. The protest in Monrovia was calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. As fears of mob violence began to take hold, the sound of the President's motorcade could be heard in the distance. As the President stepped out of car the crowd fell quiet and listened attentively to her call for patience and calm. The crowd took heed and dispersed. That was all it took!
The fact that the President had to respond at such a micro level is indicative of the fragile nature of peace in the country but also the lack of means of communication. It also demonstrated the impressive command she wields over the people of Liberia. The experience highlighted that there seems to be a lot resting in the hands of just one person - without her the stability of the country is in serious jeopardy.
1 comment:
I am going to be in Liberia in just a few weeks. I've enjoyed reading your blog and seeing Liberia through your lenses. Thanks!
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