Guinea Coup Leader Stays Out of Presidential Run-Off
Courtesy: VOA
31 August, 2010
The leader of Guinea's military coup, Captain Moussa Dadis Camara, has said he is staying away from the country so as not to disrupt an electoral process that is set to conclude with next month's second round of presidential voting. Captain Camara, who has refused to endorse any candidate, said he did not return to Guinea this month for the funeral of his son, Moriba, because he does not want to impact the upcoming vote. After taking power in a December 2008 coup, Captain Camara ruled Guinea for nearly all of 2009, until he was shot in the head by the former chief of the presidential guard. Read detail
Ellen Is Not a Saint
By:Nvasekie N. Konneh
30 August, 2010
Before taking the first step in writing this article, let me make a disclaimer: I am not one of those blind critics President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, nor am I one of her blind praise-singers. That point being made clear, let’s proceed. I left Liberia on the 13th of August for the US, having spent five months straight in Monrovia. This was my longest stay in Liberia in the last fifteen years. Except for the brief visit to my home town of Saclepea, Nimba County, I spent the entire five months in Monrovia. Read detail
PART THREE: FASTING THE MONTH OF RAMADAN
By: Sheikh Mohammed Kanneh
28 August, 2010
All praise is due to Allah who has presented us with Laylatul-Qadr (the Night of power) This night is greater than a thousand months and is the most meritorious in the periods of time. He has prescribed for us seclusion in the houses of the Allah. I testify that there is no God but Allah alone who has no partner, I testify that our master and leader Muhammad (PBUH), His servant and prophet. May Allah's peace and blessings be upon him, his family and his companions who were the masters of people of faith and knowledge. Read detail
Guinea's Interim Leader Wants New Decree Before Second-Round Vote
Courtesy: VOA
26 August, 2010
Guinea's interim prime minister wants a new decree from the country's military leader that would give the transitional government a bigger role in next month's second round of presidential voting. Some political leaders, however, fear the prime minister is trying to change the rules in the middle of the game. Prime Minister Jean Marie Dore said a bigger role for his transitional government in September's second round of voting will resolve some of the logistical problems that plagued June's first-round vote. Read detail
Senegalese Debate Whether President Too Old For Third Term
Courtesy: VOA
25 August, 2010
The director of African Studies at New York’s Columbia University has expressed shock that Senegal’s 84- year old President, Abdoulaye Wade, is considering running for a third term in the West African country’s 2012 general elections. Mamadou Diouf said it is impossible to understand that a man over 80 will insist on running as an incumbent seeking a second, seven-year term. “The first version of the constitution was saying that the president should be elected for two, five-year terms. But, two or three years later, the constitution was amended and the amendment actually created the confusion people are fighting about now,” he said. Read detail
A TRIBUTE TO DAVID DOWER KPOMAKPOR, 1935-2010:
By: D. Elwood Dunn
23 August, 2010
As Liberia mourns the passing of a distinguished son and as we join in condolences to family and friends, the passing of Professor David Kpomakpor is a teachable moment for the nation. In his own words: “May the life I live speak for me,” a most fitting epitaph that speaks volumes.
I never came personally to know Professor Kpomakpor, but since his time on the law faculty of the University of Liberia I have acquired an appreciation of his profile and followed his career. I have come to appreciate a gifted Liberian, a teacher, a lawyer, and a public servant. Read detail
PART TWO: FASTING THE MONTH OF RAMADAN
By: Sheikh Mohammed Kanneh
21 August, 2010
The second part of the blessed month of Ramadan (2nd ten days ) has come with serious spiritual and physical training and rehabilitation of the believers. As you may know earlier, this part of Ramadan is the time that believers do their utmost best to earn Allah's forgiveness, but In order to be eligible for Allah's forgiveness at this time, we should and we must strive to improve our relationship with Allah, repent sincerely from all of our sins and wrong doings. Read detail
The Fate of Mandingo Candidates In 2011 Elections
By: Sekou Kenneh-Opinion Leader
20 August, 2010
Sometimes last year, we found ourselves in the middle of an intensive discussion for the purpose of searching for a viable candidate to represent the Mandingo Community in the Jr. Senatorial by-elections for Montserrado County, Liberia; in the process, there were tremendous political- disconnect within our Community to the extent that the debate nearly crumble our unity.Fortunately, elders and stick-holders of the Mandingo Community took advantage of their wisdom, cultural and traditional norms to pacify the situation. Read detail
FELMAUSA: An Objective Analysis of the Past, Present and Future.
By: Phamolie Morris Kromah
20 August, 2010
When the great sons and daughters of the Mandingo origin got together to form an alliance of Mandingo associations around the U.S approximately 4 yrs ago, some did not believe in the realization of the dreams and aspirations of those individuals. Some did not believe that the Federation of Liberian Mandingo Association in the U.S.A (FELMAUSA) would be born. Some chastise the original founders on grounds that they were limited and as such couldn’t build an organization of sort from the ground up. Other pessimists considered their work sacrilege simply because their ideas did not take precedence in the process. Read detail
Why President Sirleaf Needs A Second Term?
By: Abu M Kamara
19 August, 2010
Some people without paying due attention to the changes and developments taking place in post war Liberia conclude that a second term for the current Administration is not necessary This view, in most instances is not based on any justifiable reason other than saying that a chance be given to another person to try. This sounds funny and indeed trivializes the seriousness attached to the business of governance. Arguably, democracy calls for among other things frequent elections in order to provide the citizenry the opportunity to choose among the competing forces and the decision to retain or reelect such individual or individuals rests with the people rather than those seeking power. Read detail
Ellen Invited to Islam as She Donates to Muslims
Courtesy: Public Agenda
19 August, 2010
The Grand Mufti of the Republic of Liberia, Sheikh Abubakar M.D. Soumaorro, has invoked the blessings and protection of Allah on Liberia and the president of the Republic. Sheikh Abubakar was receiving the gifts of 30 bags of rice which the president sent as breakfast for Muslims at the Gurley Street Mosque in central Monrovia.
In what can be described a show of solidarity with fasting Muslims, the president Her Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on Monday afternoon dispatched a team. Read detail
South African President Jacob Zuma Shower Praises on George Weah
By : Chorphie Charlie
18 August, 2010
Former UNICEF Ambassador George Manneh Weah, who is also FIFA 1GOAL Ambassador, has received huge praises for his role in bringing the 2010 World Cup to Africa. At a special event hosted by South African President Jacob Zuma recently in South Africa, Ambassador Weah was showered with many praises and blessing. President Jacob Zuma said that George Weah is a fine gentleman with a bright future. “If there were ten young men with the heart and desires of George Weah, all of Africa will never be the same.”  Read detail
CDC PRESS RELEASE: HARIRI: “WEAH AN INSPIRATIONAL LEADER”
By: Eugene Lenn Nagbe
17 August, 2010
(Beirut, Lebanon- August 16, 2010) – Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri has described CDC Standard Bearer George Weah as an “iconic and inspirational leader whose life story serves as a motivational factor” for modern world leaders like himself who believe in the well-being of humanity.He said it required a strong-willed personality to raise oneself from the depths of poverty and under-privilege to achieve success on the world stage and impact the lives of so many people. Read detail
Min. Woods Envisages Better Liberia
Courtesy: Public Agenda
17 August, 2010
Many are still ambivalent about the prospect of Liberia amid endemic culture of corruption which has undermined its development, regime after regime while most of its citizens are living in the pain of destitution. While there are those who think the country will remain caught in the throes of backwardness due to graft, there are others who think Liberia has already improved under the presidency of Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and is on an irreversible path of progress. Read detail
“TOTAL” To Build Station On Ganta
Disputed Land?
Courtesy: Public Agenda
16 August, 2010
On Monday, August 8, 2010, exactly 12 days after President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s first official comment on the reports submitted by the Special Presidential Nimba Land Dispute Commission, some residents of Ganta City have chosen to ignore call by the President that the recommendation of the committee’s report will be implemented and issues of land must not be used to disunite the nation. Read detail
Criminals Burglarize Ganta Mosque as Muslims Observe Fast
Courtesy: Public Agenda
14 August, 2010
Criminals have burglarized the central mosque in Ganta City, Nimba County on Monday of this week, just days before Muslims start their fast in the holy month of Ramadan.
The Chief Imam of the mosque, Imam Alhaji Issah Siaway, displaying three pieces of one-footed shoes and slippers, a knife as items left behind by the criminals, said the criminals entered by way of the fence, thereby using the exposed and idle ladders as a conduit. Read deatil
FASTING THE MONTH OF RAMADAN Part I
By: Sheikh Mohammed M. Kanneh
13 August, 2010
The month of Ramadan has arrived. Therefore, let's welcome this holy month with eagerness and love, and let's take opportunity of its blessings by obedience and abstention from sins. This is in conformity to these deeds to which the Prophet Muhammad ( sallallahu alaihi wa sallam ) motivated us towards till the day of judgment.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has mentioned " When the first night of Ramadan approaches, the Satan and the evil Jinns are imprisoned, the doors of Hell fire are closed without a single door left opened, the doors of Heaven are opened without any door closed. Read detail
VOM Chief donates to MMA
By: Al Donzo
12 August, 2010
The CEO of Voice of Mandingo and former President of Minnesota Mandingo Association, Honorable Musa Kamara, has donated one set of scrimmage vest to MMA soccer team over the weekend in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. The donation was part of his continued support for the community.
Hon. Kamara is credited for initiating the first organized soccer practice in the Minnesota Mandingo community and has since played a major role in the improvement of the game. His continued motivation and encouragement has brought not only people of the Mandingo Community together, but also members of different communities and ethnic groups. Read detail
Run-off elections to be held on September 19
Courtesy: France 24 News
11 August, 2010
Guinea's run-off election will take place on Sunday September 19, the presidency announced Monday, more than a month after a first round of voting in the west African nation's first democratic poll.
The decision ends a tense deadlock over the timing of the second round, which by law should have taken place last Wednesday. A meeting attended by the electoral commission, national transition council and the two final candidates "decided that the second round of the presidential election will be held on September 19," secretary-general of the presidency Tibou Kamara told AFP. Read detail
August: A Month of National Renewal, Celebration and Reflection
By Mohamed Sherif
10 August, 2010

This August 2010 marks the seventh year of the defeat of tyranny and the beginning of yet another democratic experiment in Liberia. Seven years ago, the guns fell silent; its operators withered across the Liberian landscape only to be known by varying macabre nomenclatures such as ex-fighters, ex-combatants, or former rebels. The momentous event seven years ago culminating into the collapse of the Taylor dictatorship signaled much-needed hope and freedom for the Liberian nation-state. Read detail
GUINEA'S POST ELECTIONS UNREST THREATENS PEACE IN LIBERIA
By: Tamba D. Aghailas
Courtesy: Bush Chicken website
09 August, 2010
Liberia and Guinea share may common characteristics: they have similar cultures, ethnic groups who speak the same dialects (Kissi, Kpelleh, Lorma, and Mano), and a porous border where anything can be smuggled across border lines. Unlike Liberia, Guinea has not experienced a full-blown civil crisis. Rather it has served as a hub for destabilization of neighboring countries, including Liberia and Sierra Leone.
In the case of the Republic of Guinea: A longtime army colonel, Lansana Conté took power in a bloodless coup d’état after the death of the charismatic pro independence campaigner and first president, Ahmed Sekou Touré. Conté seized power in April of 1984, ousting the then transitional government of Lansana Beavogui. Read detail
Imam Dukuly Makes History in Minnesota
By: M.Nations’ staff writer
09 August, 2010
For the first time ever for an Imam to give an invocation of Liberia Independence Day celebration was on July 31, 2010, when the Organization of Liberians in Minnesota (OLM) invited Imam Mohammed Dukuly to offer prayer (invocation) for the independence program. Imam Dukuly who carefully selected sura Al ‘Imram ( the family of Imran), charter 103 -105, a verse of the Holy Koran, which talks about unity and coexistence of diverse people for the sake of community empowerment. He recited the verse in Arabic and translated it in English as he went along. Read detail
LIBERIAN REACTIONS TO THE RECALL OF HIS EXCELLENCY NATHANIEL MILTON BARNES, LIBERIAN AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED STATE...
By: A. SAYKU KROMAH
08 August, 2010
Since the announcement of the Liberian Government on August 2, 2010 that Ambassador Barnes had been recalled for reassignment, we have received numerous calls from Liberians, both at home and abroad seeking our view on the reasons that may have motivated the President to recall him. My answer to most of them has been, "All Ambassadors serve at the, will and pleasure of the President."  Read detail
A Special Thank You Message from the Donzo Family
By:  Mohamed Donzo
08 August, 2010
On behalf of the Donzo family, I extend my profound thanks and appreciation to members of the Minnesota Mandingo Association and the Liberian and Somali community for the wonderful time spent at the baby naming event of our son, Hon. Aleo Donzo, over the weekend, in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. We feel incredibly blessed to have you as friends. We are glad you were able to attend. We are grateful for your support and your efforts to keep this great tradition alive-without you, the success of the event would not have been achieved. Read detail
Naomi Campbell testifies in war crimes trial (Special Court for Sierra Leone)
05 August, 2010

Muslims Start Ramandan Next Week
Courtesy: Public Agenda
05 August, 2010
As Liberians return joyfully from this year’s July 26 Independence Celebration in Nimba County, Muslims in Liberia are asked to brace themselves as the Holy Month of Ramandan approaches.
The Grand Mufti of Liberia, Sheikh Aboubacar M.D. Soumawolo has announced that the Muslims’ Holy Month will commence on Monday, August 10, 2010 since the preceding Shaiban Month is expected to end on Sunday, the day before. Read detail
A Two Year Old Dispute Resolved in Thirty Minutes, Community Leader Excited…
By: Lassana Bamba
04 August, 2010

A longstanding dispute between two renowned female Mandingo organizations in Minnesota has been resolved. Benkadi and Sere Sackor were recently invited by the leadership of the Minnesota Mandingo Association to find an amicable solution to their dispute which last for more than two years. Read detail
African Culture takes the Stage at Penn’s Landing This Summer, Press Release...
04 August, 2010

Gayflor made her first two solo albums in Liberia during the mid 1980s. She left the country for the Ivory Coast in 1989 due to the First Liberian Civil War; making her third album while residing in a refugee camp. She lived for a time as a refugee in Guinea before emigrating to the state of Pennsylvania in the United States where she currently resides. Read detail
Who becomes FELMAUSA’s next President and Board Chairman?
By: Independent Contributor
03 August, 2010

FELMAUSA’s fourth Annual Convention just came to an end in Philadelphia, PA with some critical questions unanswered. As we all know, the next convention is in the countdown status, and these key questions remain unanswered. Where will the next convention be held? Will President Mohamed Dukuly rerun? Who are other potential candidates for the Presidency and the Chairmanship of the Board of Directors? Read detail
Economic Analysis of Dual Citizenship: A social harm or social good?
By: Chorphie Charlie
03 August, 2010

The proponents for dual citizenship insist that traditional Liberians will gain economic benefit if such a law existed. Thus, this analysis adopts Ronald Coase's theorem, which remains a foundational premise to explore LAW as an institutional framework for understanding the principle of economic efficiency. This analysis does not presupposes expert knowledge in economics neither does it claim prior familiarity with the law. This is simply an attempt to engage a profound subject that troubles Liberia’s national social transformation project. Read detail