Statement by Former Leaders of the Press Union of Liberia on the Resolution of the Elections Dispute Monrovia , Liberia June 27, 2024
Fellow Members of the Press Union of Liberia
We’ve recently emerged from a prolonged legal battle that challenged the foundation of our Union. It was a difficult time for our organization that will not be forgotten. We urge all of us to respect the court’s decision.
While the details of the conflict may not be appropriate to talk about here, we submit that we are all losers. For 19 months, the conflict kept our Union virtually shut down and powerless. Moving forward, we must keep our eyes on the issue that triggered the conflict, as we now seek to restore the solidarity of the Union. We can only achieve this through mutual respect and a renewed sense of trust. Together, we will emerge from this bitter experience stronger than before.
Reflection
In the wake of the deadlock over the disputed elections of 19 November 2022, former leaders residing in Monrovia and the United States convened in a consultative meeting on 29 November 2023 to consider engaging the conflicting parties in the hope of finding an amicable resolution.
Before our involvement, it should be noted that there were other mediation efforts. From January 3 to March 9, 2024, we engaged separately with the various parties, including their legal representatives, various committees and leaders of the Publishers and Reporters Associations to understand the vexing issues, especially concerning the membership roster. These meetings were held quietly behind the scenes, for fear of offending the Court and further aggravating matters.
The Court’s Mandate
On 18 June, the 9th Judicial Circuit Court in Gbarnga, Bong County, set aside the results of the disputed elections. While announcing the ruling, the Court mandated seven former leaders of the Union and four “media elders” to clean the membership roll and conduct fresh elections within four months. Discussions about enlisting the four “media elders” are underway.
We appreciate the recognition by the Court of our leaders in managing this crucial transition in the life of the PUL. We see this as an endorsement of our quiet mediation effort. The conduct of new elections has always been the overarching consideration in our consultations, as articulated in our draft proposal for the resolution of the conflict.
We are glad to continue this effort to support the Union manage an election that is seen by the membership and the public as credible.
We want to assure the membership of a transparent and fair process. We crave the backing and understanding of the membership to get our Union working again, not just for the journalism community, but the public at large. The past is a lesson learned; let’s focus on how to move forward in the interest of the PUL and the protection of the civic space.
For us, we are committing to pushing ourselves very hard so that by the end of August, a new leadership would have been elected and inducted. We solicit the full cooperation of all. In the coming days, we will release the roadmap to guide us through this transition.
Thanks to the parties and actors for their deference during the talks. At the same time, we should give credit to the membership for remaining peaceful during this difficult period, despite the acrimonious disagreements. We know there are deep wounds left behind, but healing is possible.
In the cause of the Union, we remain in solidarity.
Signed, Former Leaders:
- James C. Dennis – Founding father and 3rd President (1968 – 1980)
- Emmanuel Abalo – Atg. President (1989 – 1992)
- Suah Deddeh – President (1998-2000)
- James G. Kaizolu – President (2000 – 2002)
- Elizabeth Hoff – President (2004 – 2006)
- Peter Quaqua – President (2008 – 2013) Convener
- Charles Coffey – President (2016 – 2022)
- Malcolm Joseph – Vice President (2002 – 2004)
- Nathan Bengue – Vice President (2006 – 2008)
- Jacob Parley – Vice President (2008 – 2010)
- Melissa Chea-Annan – Vice President (2011 – 2013)
- Frank Sainworla – Secretary-General ( 1999 – 2001)
- Winston Monboe – Secretary-General (2002 – 2004)
- Alphonsus Zeon – Secretary-general (2004 – 2006)
- D. Kaihenneh Sengbeh – Secretary-General (2013 – 2015)
- Samuel Wai Johnson – Asst. Secretary-General (2000 – 2002)
- Henry Flomo* (Deceased) – Asst. Secretary-General (2006 – 2008)