Breaking News: Frustrated over the status of the Federation, FELMAUSA’s Prez Mohammed Dukuly plans to resign at the upcoming convention in Philly
02 July, 2010
Unconfirmed report reaching our news desk states that FELMAUSA’s president, Honorable Mohammed Dukuly plans to surprise the Mandingo community with his untimely resignation as president of the organization during the convention in Philadelphia, PA. Though the exact reason for Dukuly’s planned resignation is yet unknown, but many community members believe that there are plenty of reasons for Mr. Dukuly to step down. Some of the people we spoke to on the subject cited Dukuly’s growing arrogance and his lack of vision for the organization. In comparison, some are now saying that his predecessor, Honorable Richmond Konneh was by far better- humble, respectful, a better listener, hardworking and more presidential than Mr. Dukuly has ever been. Read detail
A Thank You Message From The Sackor Family
By: Lussane Sackor
30 June, 2010
The Sackor family would like to thank the entire Minnesota Mandingo community and members of the larger Liberian and Nigerian community for the love and support shown to us on the birth of our son Mohammed L. Sackor. We would also like to thank you for your presence and the well wishes that made our June 27, 2010 baby naming ceremony a success.
Your gifts and monetary contributions have been received with much gratitude and although we may not be able to pay back in kind, we pray that the Almighty Allah bless you and keep you in his favor. Read detail
Two Top Gov’t Officials To Address Liberians In Minnesota on Friday, July 2, 2010
Courtesy: OLM
30 June, 2010
 

The Ministers of Finance and Planning Hon Augustine K. Ngufuan and Hon. Amara Konneh will be in the Twin Cities this Friday, July 2 to interact with Liberians on the role of the Government of Liberia to get the international community involved in the nation’s debt reduction and the Achievement of HIPC. Read detail
LIBERIA'S INFORMATION MIN. HON. CLETUS SIEH TO RAP ON FEMALE EMPOWERMENT AT FELMAUSA CONVENTION
By: Phamolie Kromah
29 June, 2010
As FELMAUSANS get ready to congregate and design strategies and methods at which they can collectively engage in the uplift of their community as well as Liberia, The information minister of the republic of Liberia Hon. Cletus A. Sieh will serve as the keynote speaker at this year’s FELMAUSA Convention Hon. Sieh in his letter of acceptance thanked the FELMAUSA executives for his preferment. Min. Sieh narrated that it was a great opportunity for him to have the chance to interact with Liberians in the U.S. especially a viable organization like FELMAUSA.  Read detail
Guinea Prepares to Elect President
Courtesy: VOA
27 June, 2010
Guinea prepares to go the polls Sunday for what many hope will be the country's first free and fair presidential election.
Sunday's poll is meant to return Guinea to civilian government after a military junta seized power in December 2008. A successful vote could mark the end of more than 50 years of dictatorial rule in the West African country.What has been a lively six weeks of campaigning for the 24 presidential hopefuls ends Friday at midnight. Read detail
Guinea hoping for end to military misrule
Courtesy : BBC
27 June, 2010
When Guineans go to the polls on Sunday to elect a new president it will be the first time since independence 52 years ago that the people of this West African nation will freely choose their leader.Until now, elections have been skewed in favor of those already in power and the country's leaders have only brought brutality, corruption and poverty to its people. In a country with the largest bauxite deposit in the world, as well as an abundance of gold and diamonds, it is shocking that some of Guinea's 10 million people can only afford one meal a day. Read detail
Two dozen candidates and no soldiers in Guinea's presidential poll
Courtesy: France 24
26 June, 2010
Guinea goes to the polls on Sunday in a presidential election that could give the West African state its best chance at emerging from a history of authoritarian rule followed by the leadership of an unstable military junta. In the first free and transparent presidential elections since Guinea achieved independence from France in 1958, 24 candidates are running – and in a first for the West African state, not one of them is a military figure. FRANCE 24 looks at the main contenders. Read detail
The walk to democracy
By: Musa V. Sheriff
24 June, 2010

The 1990s was a decade of war, political violence and economic stagnation throughout the Mano River Basin. The cause of these troubles could be explained from many paradigms.  Perhaps one could make sense of the so-called Structural Adjustment Program, or the lack of responsible leaderships. Whatever dimensions one may seek to explain the decade of instability in the Sub-region could make sense. But one thing that is cleared today is that, the Sub-region is on the walk to democracy. Read detail
Sekou Kanneh Donates Generator to a Pro-democracy Group
By: Nvasekie N. Konneh
21 June, 2010
A prominent business man and aspiring candidate for the representative seat of District #7, Sekou Kanneh, has donated a 2.5 KV generator to a pro-democracy group Forum for the Protection of Democracy at Amagachie in Paynesville. Mr. Kanneh made the presentation on Thursday, June 17, 2010 at the group’s hatai base in the same area. During the brief ceremony at which time the generator was presented, Mr. Kanneh said he had come to identify with the young people who make up the membership of the group in the community and show his support for their coming together in the interest of the community. Read detail
For Not 'Fetching Water' for Domestic Use, Lawmaker Wife Detain Driver for 72 Hrs
Courtesy: Liberia observer
20 June, 2010

Sinoe County District #2 Representative in the Lower House of the National Legislature, Timothy Davies, and his wife, Mona, have reportedly brutalized the lawmaker's driver for not fetching water for their domestic use. Driver Chemon Jackitay, alias 'Bill', told the Daily Observer over the weekend that Rep. Davies' wife, Mona, at her husband's Roberts Field Highway Community residence ordered him to fetch water for their domestic use, something, the driver said, he rejected on grounds that he was not employed to carry out domestic functions. Read detail
Empowering Mandingo Women in Liberia
By: Musa V. Sheriff
18 June, 2010

Woman must not accept; she must challenge. She must not be awed by that which has been built up around her; she must reverence that woman in her which struggles for expression. I am sure using this powerful empowering quotation by Margret Sanger will inspire, motivate and encourage young Mandingo women in Liberia and all over the world. Over the past months I have been pondering over this social phenomenon: Empowering Mandingo Women in Liberia, and what need to be done? Read detail
Baby Sackor Birth Announcement:
Courtesy: VOM
18 June, 2010

We are glad to announce that Loseni and Fatu Sackor were blessed with a bouncing baby boy on June 17, 2010, at 12:03 am at the Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. The baby weighed 8lb 2oz. at birth and is doing fine along with the mother and the father.
The family is currently in Room 354 but will be returning home shortly; they can be reached at 763-381-4721 or 763-464-9893. Further information about time and place of naming ceremony will be communicated promptly.
1Goal Ambassador George Weah, Advocates for Children Education: Marking International Day of African Child
By: Office Staff of Amb. George M. Weah
17 June, 2010
Today is a memorial period in the history of the world. It was on this same day, 34 years ago, when poor black South African school children took to the streets to demand a better education. Hundreds of those children were brutally murdered and many more were gravely wounded. It is upon their honor that I, George Manneh Weah, former UNICEF Ambassador joined with a few of the world’s most celebrated footballers to launch the 1GOAL campaign. Read detail
News & Views from the Diaspora with Nvasekie N. Konneh Sekou Kanneh, a Liberian Success Story
16 June, 2010
When I returned to the states in 2008 after a brief visit to Liberia, I wrote an article with the caption, “Some Good News from Home.” The focus of the article was the heart warming success stories of fellow Liberians who did not leave the country despite all the upheavals; they stayed on and engaged in businesses and are striving to succeed or have achieved some level of success despite everything. I was one way or the other celebrating the success of those Liberians who are making the difference in Liberia. Some email responses to that article were very negative.  Read detail
Guinea army arrests 'not linked to election'
Courtesy: BBC
15 June, 2010
The arrest of several army officers in Guinea is not linked to elections due in two weeks' time, the army chief has said.
Col Nouhou Thiam said the detentions were over allegations of financial impropriety.
Several of those detained were close to the former military ruler, Capt Moussa Dadis Camara, who was shot in the head in an assassination attempt last year. The army has promised to step down after the poll on 27 June. The BBC's Alhassan Sillah in Conakry says the arrests had led to wild rumours circulating in the capital. Read detail
Drug Agency Makes Big Catch Seize cocaine worth over US$1BN
Courtesy: Gambian News
14 June, 2010
The National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDEA) has successfully made one of the biggest drug seizures in Gambian history in their quest to make the country a drug-free environment following the arrest of 12 suspects. The suspects were said to have been involved in trafficking over 2 tonnes, 340kgs, 500 grams of cocaine worth over US$1 billion which was stored in a warehouse in Bonto and at the Baobab Island in Kuloro, Kombo East, Western Region. Read detail
Violent Extremism Overshadows the True Meaning of Islam
By: Nvasekie N. Konneh
11 June, 2010
Since coming home from the US I have made it my business to attend Friday prayers in different mosques in Monrovia. So on May 28, 2010, I was at the Ahmadiya Mosque on Lynch Street. For most mainstream Moslems in Liberia or elsewhere in the world, this will be unusual because to many, the Ahmadiyas are not “authentic Moslems.” My reason for attending prayer at the mosque on this Friday was to simply see whether there was any difference between the way they pray and the way we pray in our mosques.  Read detail
HISTORICAL MENDACITY- AN AFFRONT TO PATRIOTISM
By: VARLEE A. CONNEH
Courtesy: Liberian Observer
10 June, 2010
A rejoinder to one Flomo Kokolo’s article “The Mandingo Question in Liberian History and the Prospect for Peace in Liberia”, dated April 16, 20 and 21 in the Daily Observer.

HISTORICAL EXISTENCE OF MANDINGOES IN LIBERIA BEFORE AND AFTER INDEPENDENCE
The Mandingoes’ contributions to Liberia before and after independence are enormous and have greatly reformed the economic, socio-politico landscape of this nation-state. The existence of Mandingo as a formidable Islamized language in Liberia formerly called the green coast can be traced as far as the 14th century when the first European explorer in person of the Portuguese international Pedro-Di Centra arrived. Read detail
'Family Talk' Heals Old Civil War Wounds in Rural Sierra Leone
Courtesy: VOA
08 June, 2010
Eight years after Sierra Leone's civil war ended, some communities have yet to come to terms with the destruction, murder and rape committed on them by their own people. Many have never spoken of what happened to them during the war and most have never confessed to the crimes they committed. Until now. A unique community healing process is reuniting villages that suffered some of the worst violence of the conflict. Read detail
Liberia sends seven to US on cocaine-smuggling charges
Courtesy: BBC
07 June, 2010

Liberia has deported seven people to the US after they were arrested for allegedly trying to ship 4,000kg of cocaine there, the goverment says. The suspects are accused of trying to bribe top Liberian officials to protect large cocaine shipments "since 2007".
The men have now been charged by prosecutors in New York with conspiracy to import cocaine.  Read detail
Campaigning Underway for Guinea Presidential Election
Courtesy: VOA
06 June, 2010
Campaigning is underway for this month's presidential elections in Guinea that are meant to return the country to constitutional order after 18 months of military rule.
What is most notable about the 24 people running for president is that none of them are soldiers. That is at the heart of a regionally-backed transition program led by General Sekouba Konate, who took charge in Conakry after coup leader Captain Moussa Dadis Camara was shot in the head six months ago. Read detail
Martin Dorliae’s genocidal Manifesto: a classic platform of hate and destructions
By: Mohamed Sherif
04 June, 2010

On Sunday, May 31, Mr. Martin Dorliae was elected President of the United Nimba Citizens Council (UNICCO) at their annual convention in Newark, NJ. It must be noted that Mr. Dorliae's victory is a huge loss to unity and progress among Nimbaians in the Diaspora in particular and every other Liberian in general. This intensely tribal bigot with a genocidal agenda has done nothing but to further divide the people of Nimba along tribal and sectarian lines. Read detail
“If I can graduate, absolutely yes you can” New University of Minnesota graduate, Mrs. Kotumu Kamara, challenges the community
By: VOM Staff writer
04 June, 2010
Twin Cities, Minnesota. Over the weekend, Mrs. Kotumu Kamara graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BA degree in Global Studies and minor in Social Justice. Speaking at her graduation ceremony held in Brooklyn Center , Mrs. Kamara challenged the Mandingo community to enroll in school and graduate like she did. If she can graduate from University, absolutely everybody can. She told the audience that perseverance was her greatest asset in school. Mrs. Kamara immigrated to the United States of America in 2003.Read detail
Over US$70,000 For Nimba Dispute
Courtesy: Inquirer News
03 June, 2010
The Special Presidential Committee set up to look into the controversial land crisis in Nimba County says it has currently set aside the amount of US$ 70,844,000.00, to be used as an amount that will be disbursed to parties associated with various land cases in the county. A member of the committee told this paper that the amount in question would be used to pay some of the parties as a way of amicably and peacefully resolving the issue. A member of the Secretariat of the committee, Prince Forfor said the committee has been making frantic efforts to resolve the many land disputes in the county and so far, it has been able to resolve a total of 592 cases. Read detail
Carter Center Helping Traditional Leaders in Liberia Resolve Land Disputes
Courtesy: VOA
03 June, 2010

In Liberia, the Carter Center is helping traditional leaders better manage local disputes, including rival land claims. The 18-month project aims to improve the resolution of local disputes in Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Maryland, and Margibi counties by helping indigenous leaders and local officials broaden their understanding of conflict mediation. Read detail
Ivory Coast President Says Country Moving Toward Elections
Courtesy: VOA
02 June, 2010
The president of Ivory Coast says his country is on track to hold much delayed presidential elections and is moving beyond the violence that contributed to repeatedly postponing that vote.
President Laurent Gbagbo says the success of the just-concluded African Development Bank meeting in Abidjan shows that Ivory Coast is making progress toward resolving its political crisis.Opposition leaders planned to protest the long delayed vote during the bank's annual general meeting, but agreed to delay those demonstrations after talks with President Gbagbo. He says that shows Ivory Coast is moving forward. Read detail
Liberia's Charles Taylor Opposes Supermodel Testimony
Courtesy: VOA
01 June, 2010
Defense lawyers for former Liberian President Charles Taylor are opposing a request by prosecutors to call model Naomi Campbell as a witness at his war crimes trial.
Taylor's defense lawyers say the bid to get the model to testify is nothing more than a publicity stunt.
Prosecutors asked the court to subpoena Campbell earlier this month. They say Taylor gave a large, rough-cut diamond to Campbell after a 1997 dinner in South Africa.
Taylor is accused of arming rebels during Sierra Leone's civil war in exchange for so-called "blood diamonds," the name given to gems mined and sold to finance war.
The supermodel has denied receiving a diamond from Taylor, and Taylor also has denied the prosecutors' claims.

The former Liberian leader is facing a total of 11 charges, including murder, rape, sexual slavery and conscription of child soldiers, stemming from Sierra Leone's civil war from 1991-2002. He has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.