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this page Inter Faith in Action - Perspectives
Liberia
The Revd Canon Dr Herman Browne was asked at no notice to speak about is home country. He spoke with affection of the greenness and beauty of the countryside and with a sense of optimism for the future. The following brief note records key points.
Nearly 80% of the country is neither Muslim nor Christian, but adherents of African Traditional Religions. Whilst a significant part of our commercial sector was handled by Muslims, Christians dominated the political scene, and remain predominantly urban.
The civil crisis presented both Muslim and Christian communities with the singular task of having to preach peace. This endeavour generated an unprecedented level of co-operation that resulted into a common plan for the removal of former Pres. Charles Taylor, the deployment of ECOWAS military troops, demobilisation of soldiers, and the immediate launch of relief items. This four point plan was adopted and implemented by ECOWAS which has led to the presence of UNMIL in the country and a remarkably peaceful country to date.
There were clear signs that Liberia was getting back on its feet again. The resilience of Liberians was again demonstrated clearly with the election of her (and Africa's) first female President. There are gradual signs of significant progress in her 12months in office. In the areas of:
- governance and accountability
- appointment of highly competent Cabinet ministers
- Her own accessibility to the people and her promotion of press freedom
- Foreign investment in development initiatives in areas of clinics, schools, electricity, roads,
- increment and regular payment of civil servant wages.
February 2007
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