The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) is endowed with the task of dealing with violence in Liberia and instituting of a peaceful environment.

 But it appears, UNMIL is finding it rather difficult maintaining peace within its operations as some of its contractors are fermenting enormous trouble for the peacekeepers.

Root of the problem

On February 25, 2008 over 100 Liberian contractors of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) thronged the headquarters of UNMIL in Sinkor protesting what they termed as unfair treatment being meted out against them by UNMIL.

The initial reaction of the Liberian-UNMIL employees was peaceful as they reportedly sought the attention of the leadership of the Mission but as they claimed, nobody at the helm of authority of UMIL ever care to listen to their plight lest to talk about finding an amicable solution to their grievances.

The protesters assembled peacefully at the headquarters of UNMIL carrying placards with out the hope of drawing the attention of authorities but instead of some of the leaders listening to them, they were reportedly bullied and dispersed without being heard.

The spokesman of the aggrieved UNMIL workers, Morris Brown, told journalists that they were demanding re-instatement to their jobs, payment of their wages and other fringe benefits.

He claimed they were denied every opportunity as contractors alleging that their cups are full and they wanted solution to their plight. He noted that they appealed to UNMIL authorities to give them their just benefits but UNMIL is yet to give them credence.

Instead of listening to the protesting IC workers, he also alleged that UNMIL authorities ordered that they be dispersed by UN and the Liberia National Police security officers.

UNMIL, in a issue a press statement, dismissed the claims as false information and said individual contractors (ICs) were recruited on a temporary basis to carry out functions which would normally be contracted to local companies. 

But after the February 25th protest by IC workers, UNMIL also clarified that the United Nations General Assembly regulations provides for the use of ICs but on short term basis and that all UN missions are required to seek competitive offers from established local companies to provide these services on a longer term basis. 

“Every individual contractor working in UNMIL has signed a contract that clearly states the limited duration of these contracts,” UNMIL said recently.

UNMIL spokesman, Ben Dotsei Malor, said the Mission's individual contractors were reactivated on a temporary basis to carry out functions which would normally be contracted to local companies.

Ripples of un-lending ears

The dispersing of the over one hundred individual contractors has resulted into fracas that left two vehicles of the Mission set ablaze and three personnel injured in the melee that characterized the protest of the IC workers of the UNMIL.

 The Chief of UNMIL Public Information, George Somerwill said UNMIL was alerted of the incident on Tuesday that individuals believed to be former Individual Contractors of the Mission had burnt two Nissan Patrol Jeeps and damaged other property.

He said three UNMIL personnel including one national and two international staff also sustained serious injuries and are currently responding to medical treatment at the Mission’s medical facilities at the Star Base.

According to him, the Liberia National Police, supported by UNMIL military and Police units from India immediately responded and brought the situation under control.

He said 17 persons have been arrested in connection with the violence and are undergoing investigations. UNMIL, Somerwill said has condemned the violence perpetrated against UN personnel and the destruction of property belonging to the UN.

He stated that UNMIL personnel are in Liberia to support the people of Liberia and the government, adding that such actions impede the ability of the UN to carry out its mandate.

“UNMIL is taking all necessary security measures at all of its locations within and out of Monrovia to prevent the recurrence of such incidents,” he said.

He has reiterated UNMIL statement of the 25 of February, after the first violence that the Mission has taken steps to ensure that all qualified and high performing ICs are given the chance to be interviewed and considered for employment with the private Liberian company which has taken over their responsibilities.

ESG Donates To Women Organization
 
An international NGO and a partner of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Energy and Security Group (ESG), has donated six parlor solar system and six lanterns to the Women of Liberia Peace Network (WOLPNET) some.

Energy and Security Group is providing lights to Liberia and recently extended their services to the Southeastern counties - Sinoe, Grand Gedeh, Rivergee, Maryland and Grand Kru counties amongst others.

Making the presentation in the Pipeline Community recently the Project Manager of ESG Kristin K. Stroup said the donation is in continuance of the small light to day and big light tomorrow.

She said in leeward counties where they made similar donation of these lights, which are purely intended to brighten up the streets, schools and clinics at night.

She added that night schools are for older women and men who never had the opportunity to learn during their young age:  “This is an opportunity to give light during their studies”, she said.

The Chief Executive Officer and President of the Women of Liberia Peace Network (WOLNET) Una K. Thompson said the gestures of ESG is a clear indication of the love and interest the international world has developed in developing the minds of women.