The Challenges and Opportunities of Security Sector Reform in Post ...

of their oversight duties. Combined with the transitional nature of the legislature, this
credibility crisis provides unique challenges to the reconstruction process and has
significant implications for the future role of Parliament in the governance process in
Liberia.
Elections: There is general concern among faction leaders and civil society alike that
elections might take place in 2005 without the completion of crucial programmes such as
reintegration and the restructuring of the security apparatus. While scepticism was
expressed in some quarters that faction leaders might be advocating a postponement of
elections in order to hold on to their positions (since the CPA prevents them from
contesting elections), there is a real desire among ordinary Liberians to avoid a repeat of
1996/97 when Liberians were rushed into elections after the Abuja II agreement, without
adequate preparation to ensure a secure and stable environment.
In this regard, there are real challenges to be overcome before elections can safely be
held. Parts of the Liberian hinterland were still inaccessible at the time of our visit. There
was no civil authority in some counties. Superintendents are yet to be appointed in some
areas given disagreement between the NTGL Chair and faction leaders. Some Liberians
are arguing for a census, creation of proper electoral constituencies and voter
registration, all which will require enormous human and material resources, in addition to
time, if an environment for ‘free and fair’ elections is to be created.
Judiciary: This branch of government has never been independent of the Executive. It
suffers from poor infrastructure most visibly demonstrated by the lack of court rooms
and poor salaries. Lawyers are concentrated in Monrovia because of even poorer
infrastructure in the hinterland. The net result of this is that it is difficult to dispense
justice in most parts of the country including Monrovia. Yet an independent and
effective judiciary is crucial for promoting and sustaining a democratic culture.
Economic Reconstruction: Efforts to regenerate the national economy appear to have been
sidelined. While long-term economic reconstruction is an official Government priority,
practical efforts in this direction are largely uncoordinated. Attention seems to be
devoted mainly to the political aspects of reconstruction without commensurate interest
in ensuring that issues like smuggling, management of the country’s natural resource
base, etc., are addressed within the framework of post-war reconstruction.
The University of Liberia: Like other Liberian institutions, the University of Liberia suffers
from poor infrastructure and poor staffing. It has a huge and growing student body
(currently some 15,000 students) which it is ill-equipped to service. The main library was
seriously neglected during the war, as a result of which large parts of its collection of
books and documents have been lost or damaged. The university finds it difficult to
attract qualified personnel given the poor terms and conditions of employment. Public
resources allocated to the University from current NTGL revenue fall far short of what is
required to allow the institution to operate at a minimally acceptable standard.
IV.RECOMMENDATIONS
In view of what the team witnessed on the ground and the insights gained during our
discussions with national leaders, the UN and civil society representatives, enhanced
collaboration between national and international actors will be required to bring
sustainable peace and security to Liberia. Among the priorities are:
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