LNBA National President Returns

LNBA National President Returns from ECOWAS Conference In The Gambia

(MONROVIA, LIBERIA MONDAY MAY 29, 2023) – The National President of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), Cllr. Sylvester D. Rennie has returned to the country after participating in a weeklong International Conference hosted by the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice in Banjul, in the Republic of the Gambia. The weeklong International conference was organized under the Theme: “ECOWAS’ ZERO TOLERANCE FOR UNCONSTITUTIONAL Change of Government”. The high-level conference brought together jurists, scholars, and other stakeholders from the Institutional Agencies of ECOWAS and Member states of the Community.

The LNBA says,  the relevance of the theme of the  conference cannot be overemphasized as it focuses on the need for participatory democracy and constitutional order in all ECOWAS Member States, and in particular on the ECOWAS policy of Zero Tolerance for Unconstitutional Change of Government.

The LNBA in a statement released today, says that following the civil war in Liberia which began in 1989, and which later spread to Sierra Leone, the Authority of Heads of State and government of ECOWAS in July 1991, adopted the Declaration of ECOWAS political principles, in which they declared their adherence to certain principles, in order to enhance the prospects of advancing; “economic cooperation and integration in a political environment of peace, security and stability”. In addition to pleading to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms in all their plenitude, the Heads of State among others, declared their determination to “concert efforts to promote democracy in the sub region on the basis of political pluralism and respect for fundamental human rights as embodied in universally recognized instruments on human rights and on the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.

The ECOWAS Court of Justice organized its ninth international conference held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, in Banjul, the Gambia, from 22 to 25 of May 2023. The International Conference provided a forum for the court to examine important and topical thematic issues of concern for the Community, together with scholars, jurists, practitioners and stakeholders from within the member states of ECOWAS.

Below is the final Communique of the International Conference of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice:

http://FINAL COMMUNIQUE ECOWAS COMMUNITY COURT OF JUSTICE

PRESS RELEASE

LNBA PARTICIPATES IN A WEEKLONG INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE, CONDEMNS ATTACK ON THE NORMAL WORSHIP SERVICE AT THE CHRIST CHAPEL OF FAITH CHURCH OF SENATOR PRINCE Y. JOHNSON

 (MONROVIA, LIBERIA MAY 22, 2023) – The National President of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), Cllr. Sylvester D. Rennie has departed the country for a weeklong International Conference hosted by the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice in Banjul, in the Republic of the Gambia. The weeklong International conference is being organized under the Theme: “ECOWAS’ ZERO TOLERANCE FOR UNCONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT”. The high-level conference will bring together jurists, scholars, and other stakeholders from the Institutional Agencies of ECOWAS and Member States of the Community.

The LNBA says, the relevance of the theme of the conference cannot be overemphasized as it focuses on the need for participatory democracy and constitutional order in all ECOWAS Member States, and in particular on the ECOWAS policy of Zero Tolerance for Unconstitutional Change of Government.

The LNBA in a statement released today, says that following the civil war in Liberia which began in 1989, and which later spread to Sierra Leone, the Authority of Heads of State and government of ECOWAS in July 1991, adopted the Declaration of ECOWAS political principles, in which they declared their adherence to certain principles, in order to enhance the prospects of advancing; “economic cooperation and integration in a political environment of peace, security and stability”. In addition to pleading to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms in all their plenitude, the Heads of State among others, declared their determination to “concert efforts to promote democracy in the sub-region on the basis of political pluralism and respect for fundamental human rights as embodied in universally recognized instruments on human rights and on the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.

In another development, the LNBA condemns the attack on the normal worship service at the Christ Chapel of Faith Church of Senator Prince Y. Johnson on Sunday, May 21, 2023, by men believed to be partisans of both the NPP and CDC Youth wings. The LNBA says, this is outrageous and a pure act of provocation to undermine the peace of the country. The LNBA is utterly dismayed over such cruel act of violence, which has repeatedly marred the Political landscape and gravely threatens the Civil Liberty, Freedom of Expression, and Association as guaranteed under the 1986 Constitution. The LNBA in a statement released today, says these attacks are intended to harass and intimidate prominent citizens and members of the public in the months leading to the upcoming elections and could have a chilling effect throughout the country.

The LNBA seriously cautions the Liberian Government to take all necessary steps to prevent acts of motivated violence and refrain from all inflammatory actions that could incite similar attacks or deter people from enjoying their civil liberties ahead of the crucial 2023 elections. The Bar assures all of its commitment to fully cooperate with relevant actors to keep the peace by ensuring that the Liberian democracy is kept afloat. The Bar says, the Liberian government is under obligation by law to protect life and property and must ensure that the needful is done consistent with Article 20 (a) which provides that “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, security of the person, property, privilege or any other right except as the outcome of a hearing judgment consistent with the provision laid down in the 1986 Constitution in accordance with due process”.

The LNBA in a statement released, is calling on the Liberian Government to immediately and unconditionally launch a thorough, independent, and impartial investigation to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice in fair trials before a court of competent jurisdiction. The LNBA warns that this reckless act by anti-peace elements must not be treated as business as usual as it is only the adherence to the principle of the rule of law that guarantees the peaceful co-existence of all Liberians.

In a related development, the LNBA calls on ECOWAS, AU, and the United States Government to not sit by to let  Liberia degenerate into conflict; especially ahead of a crucial election this year. The Bar calls for monitoring the actions of anti-democratic elements and the immediate imposition of sanctions and other measures to jealously protect the peace of the country.

Meanwhile, while the National President of the LNBA is away from the country and in the absence of the National Vice President, the National Secretary General, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah will act as National President consistent with the LNBA constitution.