November 28
In the morning, I went again to the Fatima Institute for a meeting with the Justice and Peace and Human Rights Commission. When I got there, I found that this meeting is postponed to Saturday afternoon at 4:00pm. With free time on my hands I was able to see some of the students individually and better understand their perspective on life in Sierra Leone today.
In the afternoon, I was taken to Binkolo, a village about 10 miles away where our Xaverian Community works. Fr. Willy Mukucha who was with me in Chicago took me there after his class at the Fatima Institute. On our way, we stopped at the newly renovated Loretto Clinic in Makeni, run by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny. The clinic now has a very fine space for its ordinary work and new space on the second floor for mental health outreach and counseling, a condition we never had to deal with to this extent in the past, but which has now become a necessity.
In Binkolo, I visited our community and parish. It is doing quite well as it rebuilds its structures and services to Sierra Leone today.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Bikers Associations and More Fambul Tak
November 27th
In the morning, I was brought to the nearby city of Magburaka where I met about 50 members of the Bikers Association. This is a cross between a workers union and a credit union, an association of motorcycle drivers, mostly former combatants who since 2002 have organized as a way to protect themselves from harassment by the police, educate themselves to the rules of the road and support one another in times of need. It was started in Magburaka by just two bikers in 2002 and today there are over 200. They each contribute 1,000 leones a day (30 US cents) and this purse assists them with police cases, marriage costs, and credit schemes. The Bikers Associations started in Kabala some years ago and have since spread to Makeni, Kenema, Bo, and now Magburaka. They are assisted by ACCESS to Justice, an initiative of the Diocese of Makeni that is supported by Catholic Relief Services and helps build understanding and capacity of citizenship and the law. My visit to them coincided with a four day education program that ACCESS to Justice was holding for them. My visit encouraged them. For me, it was an example of the capacity of ordinary citizens to form an assembly or an association with leadership that can protect their interests, provide a greater sense of community, and support and move them into a future of hope. It is an example of restorative justice for sure.
In the afternoon, I was invited to give a public lecture at the newly opened Fatima Institute of Makeni, an initiative of Bishop Biguzzi and Fr. Joe Turay to have a tertiary level educational institution geared toward peace and justice, development, communications, catechesis and evangelization. It is about two years old and presently has 500 students. My lecture on AFJN and the restorative justice project was covered live on Radio Maria which has its studios on the campus of the Institute. People all throughout Sierra Leone were able to tune into this talk. It was well received and a challenge to them. My focus was on the need to formulate a new strategy that can meet the needs of the masses who so often are left behind by all the expedient means to bring restoration to a post conflict area, and in the end does not work. We can see it here in Sierra Leone today. So many people are frustrated and disappointed by the lack of progress toward sustained peace. Maybe this challenge to look at restorative justice will offer new hope. With me on the dais was the Makeni contact person for Fambul Tok, that initiative of Mr. Coker that I spoke of a few days ago. Mr. Dawo is now in Makeni, about to launch Fambul Tok here. Being with me on the stage was an encouragement to him and this local and appropriate initiative.
In the evening, I joined the my friends, Sr. Rosanne Rustemeyer and Sr. Eleanor, together with the Bishop and a number of expatriate volunteers to celebrate Thanksgiving. We may not have had turkey, but chicken did just fine. Being together was all that mattered.
In the morning, I was brought to the nearby city of Magburaka where I met about 50 members of the Bikers Association. This is a cross between a workers union and a credit union, an association of motorcycle drivers, mostly former combatants who since 2002 have organized as a way to protect themselves from harassment by the police, educate themselves to the rules of the road and support one another in times of need. It was started in Magburaka by just two bikers in 2002 and today there are over 200. They each contribute 1,000 leones a day (30 US cents) and this purse assists them with police cases, marriage costs, and credit schemes. The Bikers Associations started in Kabala some years ago and have since spread to Makeni, Kenema, Bo, and now Magburaka. They are assisted by ACCESS to Justice, an initiative of the Diocese of Makeni that is supported by Catholic Relief Services and helps build understanding and capacity of citizenship and the law. My visit to them coincided with a four day education program that ACCESS to Justice was holding for them. My visit encouraged them. For me, it was an example of the capacity of ordinary citizens to form an assembly or an association with leadership that can protect their interests, provide a greater sense of community, and support and move them into a future of hope. It is an example of restorative justice for sure.
In the afternoon, I was invited to give a public lecture at the newly opened Fatima Institute of Makeni, an initiative of Bishop Biguzzi and Fr. Joe Turay to have a tertiary level educational institution geared toward peace and justice, development, communications, catechesis and evangelization. It is about two years old and presently has 500 students. My lecture on AFJN and the restorative justice project was covered live on Radio Maria which has its studios on the campus of the Institute. People all throughout Sierra Leone were able to tune into this talk. It was well received and a challenge to them. My focus was on the need to formulate a new strategy that can meet the needs of the masses who so often are left behind by all the expedient means to bring restoration to a post conflict area, and in the end does not work. We can see it here in Sierra Leone today. So many people are frustrated and disappointed by the lack of progress toward sustained peace. Maybe this challenge to look at restorative justice will offer new hope. With me on the dais was the Makeni contact person for Fambul Tok, that initiative of Mr. Coker that I spoke of a few days ago. Mr. Dawo is now in Makeni, about to launch Fambul Tok here. Being with me on the stage was an encouragement to him and this local and appropriate initiative.
In the evening, I joined the my friends, Sr. Rosanne Rustemeyer and Sr. Eleanor, together with the Bishop and a number of expatriate volunteers to celebrate Thanksgiving. We may not have had turkey, but chicken did just fine. Being together was all that mattered.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Reflections on the Immense Needs of Sierra Leone
November 25th
This trip to Freetown is a change in our plans. We had hoped to travel today to Makeni, but I will wait for our Xaverian superior to come today and return with him to Makeni tomorrow. The name of the game is flexibility. This change affords me the opportunity to sit down with Emmanuel who has travelled with me for these first two legs of my Sierra Leone journey and do some reflecting together on what we have found. From my perspective, if restoration is to come to Sierra Leone, the following things need to be attended to by both Government as well as civil society.
1. Unemployment is staggeringly high. Youth are everywhere and milling around. There is a lot that needs to be done to improve the infrastructure of the country – construction, road building, schools and teaching, etc., but there is not a strategy that can capture these workers. Some say they do not want to farm or work. Some say there is laziness. I do not believe that. But for me the creation of jobs to respond to the very visible needs of the country and its people must happen now.
2. The second area of concern is health. The quality of health care is very low. The sanitary conditions in most of the neighbourhoods are dreadful. Sickness holds people down.
3. Corruption is my next concern. Many say that corruption is worse now than before. As I look at it all, with the gravity of the poverty that blocks so many from having access to any financial gain, engaging in corrupt activities offers the only access in the face of depressingly unfair wages that have stymied progress in Sierra Leone for decades.
4. Poverty seems to be the result of all the above… a poverty that every one says is far worse than in the past. How to improve the situation is beyond me.
5. There seems to be a rise in the presence and power of the traditional societies of the various tribes. It seems to me that because of all of the above, the only power that many people have is that of the traditional societies, and they are active now more than ever, holding their sway over any discussion that may threaten the support that corruption and underground economies may offer. It could very well be a defense mechanism of simple societies, but it does not help those on the ground to move into a wider sense of civic society. As I see it, it only stirs deeper distrust of the “other”.
6. Trust… that is my last reflection. Trust is the real challenge. It has been the challenge from years of exploitation of human resources (slavery), colonization, poor resource management by newly independent governments, etc. People find it hard to trust themselves, never mind the other who may either be friend or government. And if trust is not established, we cannot move into a future in any shape or form.
Emmanuel’s reflections take the above challenges a different direction.
1. He sees education as the way forward for restoration. Sixty percent of the population in Sierra Leone are unable to read and write. The drop out rates in Secondary School is on the rise since many students now realize that there is no future in meaningful work and income, despite the investment of time and money. Emmanuel encourages the polytechnical schools that have come up recently. These offer very practical skills training and he believes that even if only 25% of the population have such training, there would be a marked improvement in society. He hopes that the Sierra Leonean Government and the international donors will see this as a priority.
2. His second way forward would be to guarantee just wages. Unjust wages have hampered development for decades. The very low salaries hardly cover food expenses, much less housing, schooling, and health. There is no minimum wage law here. Establishing that, grounding it on a fair wage, would go a long way to building up the economy of this country.
3. His last concern is my first concern: Unemployment. There needs to be a system to encourage people and institutions to get people working. Motivation needs to be stirred.
The last thing that Emmanuel and I spoke of in reflection was the need for a new strategy that focused on community based civic education, starting where the masses of people are. Whether in the markets, or in the gathering places where ordinary people meet often, it must happen at a community level. It seems that any and all attempts to "educate" or "animate" people is always done in places that remove them from where they naturally gather, and often what is shared is not understood nor implemented. So, civic education needs to be done at community level in community gathering places so that it impacts their normal lives and thought processes. We ended with a wonderful motto: "No matter where people are, there is always a barri." Dialogue and coming together as we are is what will move us forward. What better strategy for restorative justice is there than that?
In the afternoon I was able to meet with the young man named Francis who lives just outside our compound who had been with the RUF for 12 years. He shared how he was pressured to join the forces from his town of Waterloo, some 15 miles outside of Freetown and near an army base. If the young men of Waterloo wanted protection, the only way to get was to join the forces. So reluctantly, as young as he was (he must have been only about 10), he joined. And from there as the war began, he moved around the country, from the Koinadugu District to the Kailahun District, and back to the Bo District where there was a large camp near Okra Hill, a very popular place for road ambushes. I got the sense that there was firm discipline and clear ideology that fed the enthusiasm and focus of these young soldiers.
I was aware that some of the leaders of the group that he spoke of were from our Catholic Schools… What did we teach them, or what didn’t we teach them!!? How easily they were manipulated. He spoke of very quick and strategic battles. He was a field commander at the age of 16. As he spoke I could perceive a confidence in who he was. But he himself realized that by 2003 the only option was to disarm and accept the offer of demobilization. They were directed to a very large camp where interviews were made, promises were offered, and very little was given in the end. And now he is a neighbour of ours, scrapping together a living while going to technical school in the hope of a better job and life.
Ibrahim and Alimamy from the previous evening dialogue joined us. As the four of us reflected on their stories and the plight that they are now experiencing, I discovered something that I had not seen the last time. Ibrahim’s eyes looked as if they have cataracts. He shared with me that he is almost blind in one eye and finds it challenging to see in the other. I hope to find a way to have him checked at the eye hospital nearby to see what can be done. He shared with me that his eyes were affected by the flashes of the guns that he fired for all those years. Another unnecessary outcome of children with guns. I visited Ibrahim’s tailor shop and gave him an order for some clothes to be sewn. In any way I can, I hope to encourage this fine young man who is trying to improve his situation.
This trip to Freetown is a change in our plans. We had hoped to travel today to Makeni, but I will wait for our Xaverian superior to come today and return with him to Makeni tomorrow. The name of the game is flexibility. This change affords me the opportunity to sit down with Emmanuel who has travelled with me for these first two legs of my Sierra Leone journey and do some reflecting together on what we have found. From my perspective, if restoration is to come to Sierra Leone, the following things need to be attended to by both Government as well as civil society.
1. Unemployment is staggeringly high. Youth are everywhere and milling around. There is a lot that needs to be done to improve the infrastructure of the country – construction, road building, schools and teaching, etc., but there is not a strategy that can capture these workers. Some say they do not want to farm or work. Some say there is laziness. I do not believe that. But for me the creation of jobs to respond to the very visible needs of the country and its people must happen now.
2. The second area of concern is health. The quality of health care is very low. The sanitary conditions in most of the neighbourhoods are dreadful. Sickness holds people down.
3. Corruption is my next concern. Many say that corruption is worse now than before. As I look at it all, with the gravity of the poverty that blocks so many from having access to any financial gain, engaging in corrupt activities offers the only access in the face of depressingly unfair wages that have stymied progress in Sierra Leone for decades.
4. Poverty seems to be the result of all the above… a poverty that every one says is far worse than in the past. How to improve the situation is beyond me.
5. There seems to be a rise in the presence and power of the traditional societies of the various tribes. It seems to me that because of all of the above, the only power that many people have is that of the traditional societies, and they are active now more than ever, holding their sway over any discussion that may threaten the support that corruption and underground economies may offer. It could very well be a defense mechanism of simple societies, but it does not help those on the ground to move into a wider sense of civic society. As I see it, it only stirs deeper distrust of the “other”.
6. Trust… that is my last reflection. Trust is the real challenge. It has been the challenge from years of exploitation of human resources (slavery), colonization, poor resource management by newly independent governments, etc. People find it hard to trust themselves, never mind the other who may either be friend or government. And if trust is not established, we cannot move into a future in any shape or form.
Emmanuel’s reflections take the above challenges a different direction.
1. He sees education as the way forward for restoration. Sixty percent of the population in Sierra Leone are unable to read and write. The drop out rates in Secondary School is on the rise since many students now realize that there is no future in meaningful work and income, despite the investment of time and money. Emmanuel encourages the polytechnical schools that have come up recently. These offer very practical skills training and he believes that even if only 25% of the population have such training, there would be a marked improvement in society. He hopes that the Sierra Leonean Government and the international donors will see this as a priority.
2. His second way forward would be to guarantee just wages. Unjust wages have hampered development for decades. The very low salaries hardly cover food expenses, much less housing, schooling, and health. There is no minimum wage law here. Establishing that, grounding it on a fair wage, would go a long way to building up the economy of this country.
3. His last concern is my first concern: Unemployment. There needs to be a system to encourage people and institutions to get people working. Motivation needs to be stirred.
The last thing that Emmanuel and I spoke of in reflection was the need for a new strategy that focused on community based civic education, starting where the masses of people are. Whether in the markets, or in the gathering places where ordinary people meet often, it must happen at a community level. It seems that any and all attempts to "educate" or "animate" people is always done in places that remove them from where they naturally gather, and often what is shared is not understood nor implemented. So, civic education needs to be done at community level in community gathering places so that it impacts their normal lives and thought processes. We ended with a wonderful motto: "No matter where people are, there is always a barri." Dialogue and coming together as we are is what will move us forward. What better strategy for restorative justice is there than that?
In the afternoon I was able to meet with the young man named Francis who lives just outside our compound who had been with the RUF for 12 years. He shared how he was pressured to join the forces from his town of Waterloo, some 15 miles outside of Freetown and near an army base. If the young men of Waterloo wanted protection, the only way to get was to join the forces. So reluctantly, as young as he was (he must have been only about 10), he joined. And from there as the war began, he moved around the country, from the Koinadugu District to the Kailahun District, and back to the Bo District where there was a large camp near Okra Hill, a very popular place for road ambushes. I got the sense that there was firm discipline and clear ideology that fed the enthusiasm and focus of these young soldiers.
I was aware that some of the leaders of the group that he spoke of were from our Catholic Schools… What did we teach them, or what didn’t we teach them!!? How easily they were manipulated. He spoke of very quick and strategic battles. He was a field commander at the age of 16. As he spoke I could perceive a confidence in who he was. But he himself realized that by 2003 the only option was to disarm and accept the offer of demobilization. They were directed to a very large camp where interviews were made, promises were offered, and very little was given in the end. And now he is a neighbour of ours, scrapping together a living while going to technical school in the hope of a better job and life.
Ibrahim and Alimamy from the previous evening dialogue joined us. As the four of us reflected on their stories and the plight that they are now experiencing, I discovered something that I had not seen the last time. Ibrahim’s eyes looked as if they have cataracts. He shared with me that he is almost blind in one eye and finds it challenging to see in the other. I hope to find a way to have him checked at the eye hospital nearby to see what can be done. He shared with me that his eyes were affected by the flashes of the guns that he fired for all those years. Another unnecessary outcome of children with guns. I visited Ibrahim’s tailor shop and gave him an order for some clothes to be sewn. In any way I can, I hope to encourage this fine young man who is trying to improve his situation.
Monday, November 24th
The day began at Mass with the Sisters. It was an intimate prayer moment with like-minded missioners who are doing their best to witness service and peace to a broken people. Our prayer supported our weak and struggling hearts.
After breakfast Emmanuel and I walked through the town to the Cathedral compound where the Youth Offices are. We walked because I have a firm belief that we never truly understand a situation unless we walk it where the ordinary poor walk. The conversations we overhear, the struggles, and the conflicts we see are part and parcel of the life they live. The poverty is by far worse than what I had seen in the past and it is oppressive.
I wanted to meet with the Youth Unit of the Diocese. I actually ended up meeting with most of the Development department for an ad hoc briefing on the work of AFJN and the restorative justice project. It was very well received and fits into some of their programming as well.
I walked over to the shrine near the Cathedral where two young Sierra Leonean priests I knew well are now buried. They both died after I left. Both were young and both died of diseases that better health care would have overcome.
In the afternoon I was able to take advantage of a ride to Freetown with Sr Therese and the nurse Katherina. Emmanuel and I joined them, ending a warm and wonderful visit to Kenema.
After breakfast Emmanuel and I walked through the town to the Cathedral compound where the Youth Offices are. We walked because I have a firm belief that we never truly understand a situation unless we walk it where the ordinary poor walk. The conversations we overhear, the struggles, and the conflicts we see are part and parcel of the life they live. The poverty is by far worse than what I had seen in the past and it is oppressive.
I wanted to meet with the Youth Unit of the Diocese. I actually ended up meeting with most of the Development department for an ad hoc briefing on the work of AFJN and the restorative justice project. It was very well received and fits into some of their programming as well.
I walked over to the shrine near the Cathedral where two young Sierra Leonean priests I knew well are now buried. They both died after I left. Both were young and both died of diseases that better health care would have overcome.
In the afternoon I was able to take advantage of a ride to Freetown with Sr Therese and the nurse Katherina. Emmanuel and I joined them, ending a warm and wonderful visit to Kenema.
Back at Holy Spirit Parish
Sunday, November 23rd
I participated in the 9:30 Mass at Holy Spirit Parish, a church I often helped out at. As I entered the church, a murmur could be heard… is it really him? Is Fr. Rocco back? People jumped for joy (and I did, too) and we had a great celebration of Eucharist. It was a true service of thanksgiving and praise for God’s goodness to us all. Fr. Matthew Lamboi, the pastor, invited me to preside and he preached. It was great.
Emmanuel and I had a long lunch with the new director of the Pastoral Center and our host, Fr. Augustine Berewa. He is also the superior of the Spiritan Missionaries in Sierra Leone. There are some 17 Sierra Leonean Spiritans who now service in Sierra Leone. We were able to fill him in on the various programs that we had at the center during my years. Many of the initiatives he is undertaking follow up some of our work. I promised to send him many of the narratives of programs we held there that got lost during the looting of the center in 1998. Now that there is relative peace, he hopes to get things moving again.
In the evening the Bishop hosted a supper for all priests, sisters, and brothers working in Kenema and the nearby towns at the Center both to welcome me back as well as hear about my work. I gave the same summary that I did at the seminary a few evenings before. The possibility of restorative justice becoming a central piece of our pastoral planning and action stirred a lot of enthusiasm. It was a wonderful evening of good food, fellowship, and challenge.
I participated in the 9:30 Mass at Holy Spirit Parish, a church I often helped out at. As I entered the church, a murmur could be heard… is it really him? Is Fr. Rocco back? People jumped for joy (and I did, too) and we had a great celebration of Eucharist. It was a true service of thanksgiving and praise for God’s goodness to us all. Fr. Matthew Lamboi, the pastor, invited me to preside and he preached. It was great.
Emmanuel and I had a long lunch with the new director of the Pastoral Center and our host, Fr. Augustine Berewa. He is also the superior of the Spiritan Missionaries in Sierra Leone. There are some 17 Sierra Leonean Spiritans who now service in Sierra Leone. We were able to fill him in on the various programs that we had at the center during my years. Many of the initiatives he is undertaking follow up some of our work. I promised to send him many of the narratives of programs we held there that got lost during the looting of the center in 1998. Now that there is relative peace, he hopes to get things moving again.
In the evening the Bishop hosted a supper for all priests, sisters, and brothers working in Kenema and the nearby towns at the Center both to welcome me back as well as hear about my work. I gave the same summary that I did at the seminary a few evenings before. The possibility of restorative justice becoming a central piece of our pastoral planning and action stirred a lot of enthusiasm. It was a wonderful evening of good food, fellowship, and challenge.
Saturday, November 22nd
All the intense meeting and the traveling to Kenema caught up with me and I ended up spending the majority of Saturday resting. The old body just said enough is enough and I am trying to learn to listen to it, or else I pay the price!!
However, at lunch I met another guest of the center, Mr. Abraham John, who is the Executive Secretary of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone. As we chatted about our work he became very interested in our Restorative Justice Project and passed on to me three studies that he had on hand that support our work – it was welcomed documentation for Sierra Leone.
In the evening I also met Katherina Boehm, the German nurse who was with me during those frightful times of 1998 when I was wounded. If it had not been for her, I probably would be dead. She is here for two weeks, attending her annual check on the progress of the primary health outreach of the diocese through Panguma Hospital which is now reopened. Sr. Theresa Flynn is permanent in Kenema and supervises the development of that hospital and the primary health care outreach. It was a great reunion again.
However, at lunch I met another guest of the center, Mr. Abraham John, who is the Executive Secretary of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone. As we chatted about our work he became very interested in our Restorative Justice Project and passed on to me three studies that he had on hand that support our work – it was welcomed documentation for Sierra Leone.
In the evening I also met Katherina Boehm, the German nurse who was with me during those frightful times of 1998 when I was wounded. If it had not been for her, I probably would be dead. She is here for two weeks, attending her annual check on the progress of the primary health outreach of the diocese through Panguma Hospital which is now reopened. Sr. Theresa Flynn is permanent in Kenema and supervises the development of that hospital and the primary health care outreach. It was a great reunion again.
Arrival in Kenema
Friday, November 21st
Early in the morning I took the Government Bus with my friend Emmanual Roberts to Kenema. We arrived at the Kenema center around 11:30. The workers there welcomed me with hugs and great joy. I had been director there from 1995 until 1999 when we had to withdraw from the country. It was sad to hear of the six workers who have died in the last nine years. Most were still very young and died from diseases like typhoid that could be treated so easily if only the medicine were available. But those still there were a sight for sore eyes. Later in the afternoon I met with Bishop Patrick Koroma who only recently returned from Rome where he attended the Synod on the Word. While there in Rome he had a medical crises and ended up in the Gemelli Hospital with heart problems. He is glad to be home, but still on the mend. We had a long chat about AFJN, the Restorative Justice project, the support that the US can offer for pastoral projects, and the challenge of self reliance for the Church in Sierra Leone.
Early in the morning I took the Government Bus with my friend Emmanual Roberts to Kenema. We arrived at the Kenema center around 11:30. The workers there welcomed me with hugs and great joy. I had been director there from 1995 until 1999 when we had to withdraw from the country. It was sad to hear of the six workers who have died in the last nine years. Most were still very young and died from diseases like typhoid that could be treated so easily if only the medicine were available. But those still there were a sight for sore eyes. Later in the afternoon I met with Bishop Patrick Koroma who only recently returned from Rome where he attended the Synod on the Word. While there in Rome he had a medical crises and ended up in the Gemelli Hospital with heart problems. He is glad to be home, but still on the mend. We had a long chat about AFJN, the Restorative Justice project, the support that the US can offer for pastoral projects, and the challenge of self reliance for the Church in Sierra Leone.
Thursday, November 20th
This morning I went to town to just re-acquaint myself with Freetown. In the afternoon I visited the offices of Network Movement for Development and Justice, a local NGO started by one of my colleagues when I was the chaplain of the Young Christian Students. Mr. Augustine Abu Brima started Network in the early 1990’s while he was working at the National Pastoral Center in Kenema. By the time I came to Kenema, he had moved the operation to Freetown and was on his own. Network is considered a lay movement for justice. It has done some very serious work with local communities in Adult Education and Development education. One present challenge it is addressing is mining contracts and interest reforms in the diamond areas of the East. Augustine has over 90 staff members throughout the country, including Joseph Pokowa, another colleague of mine from those YCS years. It was a great reunion.
In the evening at 8:00pm I was at St. Paul’s Major Seminary where I spoke of the work of AFJN and our Restorative Justice Project. In the question and answer session, it was interesting to note that even the seminarians are deeply affected by the victimization and it will take quite an effort to overcome the feelings of betrayal, loss, and jealousy for those who got reparations through DDR. The feelings are very raw.
I was very glad to have been there and honoured by the support of the Rector, Fr. Matthew Kanneh.
In the evening at 8:00pm I was at St. Paul’s Major Seminary where I spoke of the work of AFJN and our Restorative Justice Project. In the question and answer session, it was interesting to note that even the seminarians are deeply affected by the victimization and it will take quite an effort to overcome the feelings of betrayal, loss, and jealousy for those who got reparations through DDR. The feelings are very raw.
I was very glad to have been there and honoured by the support of the Rector, Fr. Matthew Kanneh.
Family Talk
Wednesday, November 19th
Today began the most intense, serious days of my trip. On the morning of Wednesday, the 19th, I visited Fambul Tak, an initiative of a young human rights worker named John Coker. He and some others were very interested in supporting the concept of “just peace” – balancing justice with peace on a community level. Through a series of consultations with the help of a UK foundation called Article 19, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, they came up with the idea of Fambul Tak (family talk) which is a long process of restoration that takes the provisions of the Truth and Reconciliation commission and makes it happen on the ground. The TRC is believed to be a project of the UN and Geneva, not local, not owned by the average Sierra Leonean. Post war, the demobilization process only attended to the needs of the victimizers, and only in a quick pay off. Offenders are now without the little that they had received and the offended are powerless and angry.
Fambul Tak offers both a process and a support system for local communities to restore their sense of community and better incorporate offenders. It offers the time and space for the community to gather and acknowledge the wrongs, and in a communal, public way, have offenders apologize (and this public apology is often not understood by Westernerss for the power that it holds). There is a cleansing ceremony which ritualizes this process. Fambul Tak only needs to create the space and trust for the community to do this. It was quickly learned that trust is built by the absence of cameras and videos and taping equipment. Only then would victims and victimizers feel open to come forward and the process would work.
The organization also offers preparation for the process to happen, in conjunction with the community in each locale. Fambul Tak also helps the community create a support committee, a kind of reconciliation committee composed of pastors, imams, the Mami guide (head woman of the village, the youth chairman, etc.). These are trained in basic mediation skills so that they can be shock absorbers for the community, ready and able to mediate any situation that may arise later.
Fambul Tak is now operational in a number of communities in Eastern Province of Kailahun. There is a second pilot group forming in the Moyamba area and a third now in Makeni. I will meet with them when I travel to Makeni next week.
In the afternoon I visited the Sierra Leone Special Court communications director, Mr. Peter Anderson. I had known him for many years via the internet. He hosted www.sierra-leone.org which was the very best information site during the war. He shared his take on the Court and its work, recommended a number of people for me to see when back in the US, as well as recommending the book, A Distant Mirror, which helped him understand the nested reality of conflicts here and in the past.
Later in the afternoon I met with Mr. Eddie Massaquoi of the Center for Coordination of Youth Activities (CCYA). This is a unique youth network that has some credibility and capacity and helps many give direction through outreach to youth. There were two main points of conversation: 1. The need for some kind of process similar to the months of traditional initiation in the bush to assist youth in understanding and taking the responsibility of adulthood which they need in today’s society. The challenge here is that the little of this that may be happening has been militarized. 2. There is a need for a National Dialogue with youth, with a spectrum of representation that includes parliamentarians and marginalized youth.
We ended the conversation with the issue of unemployment of youths as one of the most important triggers for conflict and dissatisfaction.
In the evening I met with three former combatants who live just outside our gate in Kissy Dockyard. Two were members of the West Side Boys and were with the RUF for over 12 years each. The third fellow was only a witness to the atrocities of the civil defense units who were used against the young insurgents. Let me begin with him. Alimamy was a child when his father took him from Freetown to the Kambia District for safety. There, however they met the RUF in their home of Barmoi and for a number of months they had to learn to live the life of peaceful coexistence that could explode into conflict at any moment. And explode it did, and the civil defense of that area did overwhelm the insurgents and Alimamy witnessed the brutal “necklacing” of many of the insurgents. (Necklacing is the tying up of a person, putting an outer tire around the head, doucing them with gas and lighting them afire. Thousands died this way. No justice. No court. No appeals. I saw the black circular spots along many roads in Kenema in 1998 upon my return from the village where we were “protected.”)
The second young man, Ibrahim, was with the RUF for over 12 years. He comes from the South, a town called Serabu. He related many a story of long marches from one part of the country to another, hunger and competition among fellow fighters that often lead to death of the weaker, meeting the rebel leader Foday Sankoh, and not being impressed. He told me about all of the many places he had gone in war. He had been part of the famous and treacherous group around Rambo, a brutal and sadistic leader. He witnessed his death and the power struggle that followed. He was witness to the death of Sarge Musa, another rebel leader who brought fear to many. He later became one of the infamous West Side Boys who were known as really tough juveniles who rarely negotiated.
All throughout the story, he would make comments about how remorseful he felt, very well aware of the gravity of the crimes he committed as a child. When he was demobilized, he was with one of my brothers, Fr Chema, at a demobilization and reintegration center at Laka Beach. He now is doing tailoring although he had a hard time getting started. The program ended too soon and too little was given for him to really start out strong.
The host of the evening, Francis, did not have sufficient time to tell his story, so I will try to return before I leave Sierra Leone to hear him out. However, I was impressed with the way he was able to moderate the evening’s meeting, prodding the other two to clarify each story in ways that helped me understand.
Today began the most intense, serious days of my trip. On the morning of Wednesday, the 19th, I visited Fambul Tak, an initiative of a young human rights worker named John Coker. He and some others were very interested in supporting the concept of “just peace” – balancing justice with peace on a community level. Through a series of consultations with the help of a UK foundation called Article 19, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, they came up with the idea of Fambul Tak (family talk) which is a long process of restoration that takes the provisions of the Truth and Reconciliation commission and makes it happen on the ground. The TRC is believed to be a project of the UN and Geneva, not local, not owned by the average Sierra Leonean. Post war, the demobilization process only attended to the needs of the victimizers, and only in a quick pay off. Offenders are now without the little that they had received and the offended are powerless and angry.
Fambul Tak offers both a process and a support system for local communities to restore their sense of community and better incorporate offenders. It offers the time and space for the community to gather and acknowledge the wrongs, and in a communal, public way, have offenders apologize (and this public apology is often not understood by Westernerss for the power that it holds). There is a cleansing ceremony which ritualizes this process. Fambul Tak only needs to create the space and trust for the community to do this. It was quickly learned that trust is built by the absence of cameras and videos and taping equipment. Only then would victims and victimizers feel open to come forward and the process would work.
The organization also offers preparation for the process to happen, in conjunction with the community in each locale. Fambul Tak also helps the community create a support committee, a kind of reconciliation committee composed of pastors, imams, the Mami guide (head woman of the village, the youth chairman, etc.). These are trained in basic mediation skills so that they can be shock absorbers for the community, ready and able to mediate any situation that may arise later.
Fambul Tak is now operational in a number of communities in Eastern Province of Kailahun. There is a second pilot group forming in the Moyamba area and a third now in Makeni. I will meet with them when I travel to Makeni next week.
In the afternoon I visited the Sierra Leone Special Court communications director, Mr. Peter Anderson. I had known him for many years via the internet. He hosted www.sierra-leone.org which was the very best information site during the war. He shared his take on the Court and its work, recommended a number of people for me to see when back in the US, as well as recommending the book, A Distant Mirror, which helped him understand the nested reality of conflicts here and in the past.
Later in the afternoon I met with Mr. Eddie Massaquoi of the Center for Coordination of Youth Activities (CCYA). This is a unique youth network that has some credibility and capacity and helps many give direction through outreach to youth. There were two main points of conversation: 1. The need for some kind of process similar to the months of traditional initiation in the bush to assist youth in understanding and taking the responsibility of adulthood which they need in today’s society. The challenge here is that the little of this that may be happening has been militarized. 2. There is a need for a National Dialogue with youth, with a spectrum of representation that includes parliamentarians and marginalized youth.
We ended the conversation with the issue of unemployment of youths as one of the most important triggers for conflict and dissatisfaction.
In the evening I met with three former combatants who live just outside our gate in Kissy Dockyard. Two were members of the West Side Boys and were with the RUF for over 12 years each. The third fellow was only a witness to the atrocities of the civil defense units who were used against the young insurgents. Let me begin with him. Alimamy was a child when his father took him from Freetown to the Kambia District for safety. There, however they met the RUF in their home of Barmoi and for a number of months they had to learn to live the life of peaceful coexistence that could explode into conflict at any moment. And explode it did, and the civil defense of that area did overwhelm the insurgents and Alimamy witnessed the brutal “necklacing” of many of the insurgents. (Necklacing is the tying up of a person, putting an outer tire around the head, doucing them with gas and lighting them afire. Thousands died this way. No justice. No court. No appeals. I saw the black circular spots along many roads in Kenema in 1998 upon my return from the village where we were “protected.”)
The second young man, Ibrahim, was with the RUF for over 12 years. He comes from the South, a town called Serabu. He related many a story of long marches from one part of the country to another, hunger and competition among fellow fighters that often lead to death of the weaker, meeting the rebel leader Foday Sankoh, and not being impressed. He told me about all of the many places he had gone in war. He had been part of the famous and treacherous group around Rambo, a brutal and sadistic leader. He witnessed his death and the power struggle that followed. He was witness to the death of Sarge Musa, another rebel leader who brought fear to many. He later became one of the infamous West Side Boys who were known as really tough juveniles who rarely negotiated.
All throughout the story, he would make comments about how remorseful he felt, very well aware of the gravity of the crimes he committed as a child. When he was demobilized, he was with one of my brothers, Fr Chema, at a demobilization and reintegration center at Laka Beach. He now is doing tailoring although he had a hard time getting started. The program ended too soon and too little was given for him to really start out strong.
The host of the evening, Francis, did not have sufficient time to tell his story, so I will try to return before I leave Sierra Leone to hear him out. However, I was impressed with the way he was able to moderate the evening’s meeting, prodding the other two to clarify each story in ways that helped me understand.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
November 18th
This morning I was able to have an interview with Dr. Christiana Thorpe, the Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairperson of the National Electoral Commission. Back in the early 1980’s, we were both part of the Makeni school system; she as principal of the major girl schools, and I as chair of her board of directors. It was great to meet her again and personally congratulate her on the successful election process that happened in August of 2007. Our first point of conversation was that very election and the challenges and intrigue. She was very brave and committed to a free and fair process and with firmness and fairness, she prevailed. We chatted about other African Countries where a pattern of violence has emerged as the option for opposition parties.
I then shared the purpose of my visit to Sierra Leone and the Restorative Justice project. She then was able to direct me to a wonderful project entitled “Fambul Tak” (Family Talk) which uses the principles of restorative justice in its methods. I will meet the program director tomorrow. We then moved to the other focus campaigns of AFJN as well as sharing hopes for a better US relations with Africa due to our new president. There is great hope in Africa for a better tomorrow with Obama as our president. I hope that their expectations will be partially met, at least.
We ended our discussion with concerns about adult functional literacy programs, especially for women ages 15 to 35 who have been left out of school for a variety of reasons. Christiana is one of the founders of FAWE, the Federation of African Women Educationalists. They are doing some groundbreaking work in West Africa when it comes to the education of women.
In the afternoon I was able to visit the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny as well as the Christian Brothers. I worked with many of the sisters over the years in education and the like. I was especially looking forward to visiting with Sr. Josephine Blake, the first Sierra Leone sister of Cluny as well as Sr. Geraldine, a nurse during my time. Both are in good form and we enjoyed our visit. I had time to go to the headquarters of the Christian Brothers to greet the folks there. I met the new district leader, Brother Christopher, who is just now succeeding Brother Victor Deen who is now in Rome on their General Council. Brother Victor was in grade 6 when I first came to Africa 1978 and I am so happy to see him taking such a leadership role in his congregation. I was one of the co-founders of the Christian Brothers here in Sierra Leone, another initiative of my years as Education Director. There are now 41 African brothers in the District. We only started in 1983. Not bad for 25 years of commitment.
In the evening we are going to supper at the Archbishop’s home. Archbishop Charles is the new bishop of Freetown and Bo. He was consecrated just a few months ago and he is a fine priest. I look forward to sharing the work of AFJN with him and some of my findings so far in this project of ours.
I then shared the purpose of my visit to Sierra Leone and the Restorative Justice project. She then was able to direct me to a wonderful project entitled “Fambul Tak” (Family Talk) which uses the principles of restorative justice in its methods. I will meet the program director tomorrow. We then moved to the other focus campaigns of AFJN as well as sharing hopes for a better US relations with Africa due to our new president. There is great hope in Africa for a better tomorrow with Obama as our president. I hope that their expectations will be partially met, at least.
We ended our discussion with concerns about adult functional literacy programs, especially for women ages 15 to 35 who have been left out of school for a variety of reasons. Christiana is one of the founders of FAWE, the Federation of African Women Educationalists. They are doing some groundbreaking work in West Africa when it comes to the education of women.
In the afternoon I was able to visit the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny as well as the Christian Brothers. I worked with many of the sisters over the years in education and the like. I was especially looking forward to visiting with Sr. Josephine Blake, the first Sierra Leone sister of Cluny as well as Sr. Geraldine, a nurse during my time. Both are in good form and we enjoyed our visit. I had time to go to the headquarters of the Christian Brothers to greet the folks there. I met the new district leader, Brother Christopher, who is just now succeeding Brother Victor Deen who is now in Rome on their General Council. Brother Victor was in grade 6 when I first came to Africa 1978 and I am so happy to see him taking such a leadership role in his congregation. I was one of the co-founders of the Christian Brothers here in Sierra Leone, another initiative of my years as Education Director. There are now 41 African brothers in the District. We only started in 1983. Not bad for 25 years of commitment.
In the evening we are going to supper at the Archbishop’s home. Archbishop Charles is the new bishop of Freetown and Bo. He was consecrated just a few months ago and he is a fine priest. I look forward to sharing the work of AFJN with him and some of my findings so far in this project of ours.
Structures and Issues in the Western Area
Monday November 17th
Mr. Anaque from Kwama came today and we spent two hours discussing the situation in that peripheral section of the Western Area (The Western Area is the former colony of Sierra Leone, encompassing the city of Freetown and the area east of it to the border with the Northern and Southern Provinces which during colonial days were known as the protectorate.) The concerns we addressed were children, their protection and education, religious shrines and their place and power in traditional society, land issues due to privatization initiatives in the provinces, strategic removal of traditional chiefs for political purposes, desecration of sacred bush, and finally the need for a process or educational program that can supplement the formation of young people to be responsible and respect society. Each one of these issues, if not addressed in a timely manner and with care, could be the spark to set a fire storm of conflict anew.
In the afternoon I was to meet with a staff person from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission at our residence here in Kissy Dockyard. He did not show, so I used the time to confirm my contacts for the rest of my stay in this area.
Mr. Anaque from Kwama came today and we spent two hours discussing the situation in that peripheral section of the Western Area (The Western Area is the former colony of Sierra Leone, encompassing the city of Freetown and the area east of it to the border with the Northern and Southern Provinces which during colonial days were known as the protectorate.) The concerns we addressed were children, their protection and education, religious shrines and their place and power in traditional society, land issues due to privatization initiatives in the provinces, strategic removal of traditional chiefs for political purposes, desecration of sacred bush, and finally the need for a process or educational program that can supplement the formation of young people to be responsible and respect society. Each one of these issues, if not addressed in a timely manner and with care, could be the spark to set a fire storm of conflict anew.
In the afternoon I was to meet with a staff person from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission at our residence here in Kissy Dockyard. He did not show, so I used the time to confirm my contacts for the rest of my stay in this area.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Mass and Development
Sunday November 16th
In the morning, I joined Fr. Montesi and one of our seminarians to travel some 30 miles up country to a new community for Mass. This community of Kwama had been a displaced camp of Limba people who set up camp on property owned by the Archdiocese of Freetown and Bo. They asked if they could stay and are now in the process of building a stable community with good housing, schools, and a church. It was interesting to see how many similar communities are being established in the periphery of Freetown.
I had the opportunity before Mass to meet Mr. Edward Musa Anaque, the director of the Community Extension Development Association (CEDA). It is a child protection initiative providing housing, health care, and education for children at risk in this area. It is quite impressive and we had a short but in depth discussion. He will come to Kissy Dockyard tomorrow to continue our discussion.
The Mass was long and lively as usual. Fr. Montesi invited me to preach, and unprepared though I was, I gave it my all in Krio and they all enjoyed it. I did, too.
This evening I met with our 9 seminarians to share with them the work of AFJN, my reason for being here in Sierra Leone for the Restorative Justice Project, and to invite their input during the days I am here in Freetown
In the morning, I joined Fr. Montesi and one of our seminarians to travel some 30 miles up country to a new community for Mass. This community of Kwama had been a displaced camp of Limba people who set up camp on property owned by the Archdiocese of Freetown and Bo. They asked if they could stay and are now in the process of building a stable community with good housing, schools, and a church. It was interesting to see how many similar communities are being established in the periphery of Freetown.
I had the opportunity before Mass to meet Mr. Edward Musa Anaque, the director of the Community Extension Development Association (CEDA). It is a child protection initiative providing housing, health care, and education for children at risk in this area. It is quite impressive and we had a short but in depth discussion. He will come to Kissy Dockyard tomorrow to continue our discussion.
The Mass was long and lively as usual. Fr. Montesi invited me to preach, and unprepared though I was, I gave it my all in Krio and they all enjoyed it. I did, too.
This evening I met with our 9 seminarians to share with them the work of AFJN, my reason for being here in Sierra Leone for the Restorative Justice Project, and to invite their input during the days I am here in Freetown
Reconnecting With Old Friends
Saturday November 15th
At Mass in the morning I met more teachers from my past service. One, Bob Conteh, is now somehow connected with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Sierra Leone. We briefly spoke about my reason for being here and we proceeded to schedule a meeting in Freetown on Monday. Mr. Davis was there as well, a good friend who is a local building contractor. He coordinated the building of many primary schools and churches over the years. We talked later of his involvement in the civil defense of Lungi town during the war and the dark days of 1999. He spoke of an uncompromising zeal to protect the community and our compound. And they did… at what cost to human lives, I wondered.
I had just completed my Liberian notes by mid morning when a very good friend from my early days in Kabala (1978-80) came to see me. Kelle Mansaray, a master artist whose work is on the walls of almost every Church in the Makeni Diocese. He was a young graduate of our high school in Kabala when he started out as an artist. I encouraged him and from that time to now he has been a good friend. It was so good to see him.
In the afternoon I travelled across the estuary by ferry to Freetown. I arrived in Kissy Dockyard where our Xaverian Residence is. I was met by Fr. Eugene Montesi, Fr. Vincent Munari, Fr. Carlos Loronio, and 9 Xaverian Students from Sierra Lone who live together at our Kissy Dockyard community. This is the place where I lived from 1980 to 1984 while I was in charge of the primary schools. In the evening I met with Emmanuel Roberts, my coordinator for the Sierra Leone visits to Freetown and Kenema. We are set to go on Monday!
At Mass in the morning I met more teachers from my past service. One, Bob Conteh, is now somehow connected with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Sierra Leone. We briefly spoke about my reason for being here and we proceeded to schedule a meeting in Freetown on Monday. Mr. Davis was there as well, a good friend who is a local building contractor. He coordinated the building of many primary schools and churches over the years. We talked later of his involvement in the civil defense of Lungi town during the war and the dark days of 1999. He spoke of an uncompromising zeal to protect the community and our compound. And they did… at what cost to human lives, I wondered.
I had just completed my Liberian notes by mid morning when a very good friend from my early days in Kabala (1978-80) came to see me. Kelle Mansaray, a master artist whose work is on the walls of almost every Church in the Makeni Diocese. He was a young graduate of our high school in Kabala when he started out as an artist. I encouraged him and from that time to now he has been a good friend. It was so good to see him.
In the afternoon I travelled across the estuary by ferry to Freetown. I arrived in Kissy Dockyard where our Xaverian Residence is. I was met by Fr. Eugene Montesi, Fr. Vincent Munari, Fr. Carlos Loronio, and 9 Xaverian Students from Sierra Lone who live together at our Kissy Dockyard community. This is the place where I lived from 1980 to 1984 while I was in charge of the primary schools. In the evening I met with Emmanuel Roberts, my coordinator for the Sierra Leone visits to Freetown and Kenema. We are set to go on Monday!
Arrival in Sierra Leone
Friday November 14th
In the dead of night, Air Moroc approached Lungi Airfield in Sierra Leone. We arrived on time and in a matter of minutes I was out of customs and on my way to our rest house in Lungi. Fr. Louis Brioni, a friend and fellow Xaverian Missionary, picked me up and settled me in for the night.
In the afternoon the following day, we visited the School Sisters of Notre Dame in nearby Lokomasama, a chiefdom headquarters some 15 miles away where there is a Secondary School that they staff. I had been missioned with Sr. Antonette some 25 years ago in Kabala, so it was good to see her after so many years. In the evening we caught up with Bishop Biguzzi who was in the area on a pastoral visit to the neighboring parish of Masoila. All thee places were part of my stomping grounds in the early 1980’s when I was in charge of the primary school system for the Diocese of Makeni. It was good to reconnect with old friends and colleagues.
In the dead of night, Air Moroc approached Lungi Airfield in Sierra Leone. We arrived on time and in a matter of minutes I was out of customs and on my way to our rest house in Lungi. Fr. Louis Brioni, a friend and fellow Xaverian Missionary, picked me up and settled me in for the night.
In the afternoon the following day, we visited the School Sisters of Notre Dame in nearby Lokomasama, a chiefdom headquarters some 15 miles away where there is a Secondary School that they staff. I had been missioned with Sr. Antonette some 25 years ago in Kabala, so it was good to see her after so many years. In the evening we caught up with Bishop Biguzzi who was in the area on a pastoral visit to the neighboring parish of Masoila. All thee places were part of my stomping grounds in the early 1980’s when I was in charge of the primary school system for the Diocese of Makeni. It was good to reconnect with old friends and colleagues.
General Reflections - Part Two: Liberia
I come away from Liberia really surprised and deeply grateful. I had been in Liberia in 1983 for 10 days, preaching at a retreat in Gbanga for the seminarians. Gbanga is some 100 miles from Monrovia. I don’t remember much of Monrovia except that there were plenty of items for sale that were no longer available in Sierra Leone at that time. That was the good news. The bad news was the sharp and rude attitude of the police and some others. I did not feel welcome, and I was glad I was returning to a more hospitable country after the retreat. How I longed for Sierra Leone. Liberia was not a place for me, I thought.
This visit, however, changed all that. I did not see police with guns or being rude as I did in ‘83. The people I met along the roads, the people I engaged with in many encounters were most open and welcoming. I did not feel threatened nor shunned. I could actually see myself coming to serve here.
As for the many visits to offices and the various personnel, they all were very focused, professional, and committed to bringing hope and changes to Liberia. Truth will have to be told. Victimizers will have to admit their wrongs in some way or manner and reparations will have to be made. But there is a sea change in attitude. Maybe the war matured them.
There are challenges nonetheless. Unemployment needs to be addressed. Infrastructure needs to be restored. Development from the ground up needs to be a conscious strategy. But there is hope. There is pride and dignity. Yet there is also deep unresolved rage. I had the same feeling of inevitability of a return to chaos, a simmering, subtle feeling so much like what I met in the conversations with security personnel in Lower Manhatten, New York in 2003 when I visited a classmate priest who serves there. The people there told me that it is not a matter of if, but when the next attack like September 11th will come. It is a very subtle fear, but it a fear just the same and it is toxic! Life gets chocked in fear. There are Herculean challenges to bringing peace and restoration to Liberia. I pray we can be proactive in encouraging that restoration which recreates relations among people who want to live in peace.
This visit, however, changed all that. I did not see police with guns or being rude as I did in ‘83. The people I met along the roads, the people I engaged with in many encounters were most open and welcoming. I did not feel threatened nor shunned. I could actually see myself coming to serve here.
As for the many visits to offices and the various personnel, they all were very focused, professional, and committed to bringing hope and changes to Liberia. Truth will have to be told. Victimizers will have to admit their wrongs in some way or manner and reparations will have to be made. But there is a sea change in attitude. Maybe the war matured them.
There are challenges nonetheless. Unemployment needs to be addressed. Infrastructure needs to be restored. Development from the ground up needs to be a conscious strategy. But there is hope. There is pride and dignity. Yet there is also deep unresolved rage. I had the same feeling of inevitability of a return to chaos, a simmering, subtle feeling so much like what I met in the conversations with security personnel in Lower Manhatten, New York in 2003 when I visited a classmate priest who serves there. The people there told me that it is not a matter of if, but when the next attack like September 11th will come. It is a very subtle fear, but it a fear just the same and it is toxic! Life gets chocked in fear. There are Herculean challenges to bringing peace and restoration to Liberia. I pray we can be proactive in encouraging that restoration which recreates relations among people who want to live in peace.
The Role of Civil Society in Effective Governance
November 12th
This morning’s meeting was with Attorney Deweh E Gray, the president of the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL). After introductions she shared the change that came about in awareness when women had to move from wherever they were due to the conflict to areas and regions which had different laws and customs, especially when it came to inheritance laws. Property rights for women was a challenge. There were various laws of inheritance that were now changed and AFELL advocated for continued changes and further tweaking of the laws. It took 8 years of work to pass the Major Inheritance Law of 2003. When President, Charles Taylor blocked it, but after his departure, it passed.
Now the challenge is to put the law into local languages and get the people to understand that it is not a challenge to traditional relationships, but a human right for all. And change does come. Tribal Councils are not only all male today. There are efforts to have women discover their own authority in this new situation and stand for election on tribal councils. Women are moving, speaking out for themselves, entering into good dialogue, and making a difference. One example was the presence of women at the Accra Peace talks. They were not delegates in any official manner, but being that they were in the lobby and vocal, their issues and suggestions did make it into the conference room through notes passed and brought into the room by delegates who were understanding of their cause. The Mano River Woman’s Peace Movement, begun in the early 1990’s by Liberian Women, is another example of the place and power of women today.
There is currently an effort to improve the capacity of the Tribal Courts for mediation and enforcing of local laws and punishing appropriate local crimes. Care is made to guarantee that human rights not be violated on that level, where traditional law and punishment may clash with national and international laws and conventions. When it comes to the Hinderland Tribal Regulations, AFELL’s task is to help the population better understand the issues, discuss the issues in communities, guarantee women are involved in the discussion, and encourage more women to contest for places on the chiefdom councils.
She ended the conversation with reference to a recent Law Retreat where the assembly looked at a variety of legal issues. She regretted that the discussion on Traditional Justice was put off to a future time.
I closed our visit with a description of our Restorative Justice Project, inviting her to keep in touch with AFJN. A final issue was raised regarding land ownership. This will be the problem, challenge and cause of conflict in the future. Many people are aware of this. I had heard this in the late 90’s in Sierra Leone. Privatization of land and disputes over land and water will cause future conflict if they are not dealt with now.
In the afternoon, I had the chance to meet with some of the leaders of the Interfaith Mediation Committee of Liberia. This was started in 1990 and met consistently over the years during all three wars. This committee was very instrumental in the Accra Talks. The committee is comprised of religious leaders from all faith traditions. It preceded the World Conference of Religion and Peace which now is active in Liberia as well. It assisted the general population through distribution of simplified copies of the constitution, aided the people in understanding the laws, attempted to build confidence and capacity in local communities as a foundation for peace, and came up with the idea of a Peace Court. It is hoped that these courts will be set up in every district and county of the Liberia. The key is tolerance and the challenge is to learn to live with one another.
There is hope that this council will expand to encompass all the countries of the ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States. In May of 2008, they facilitated a meeting of the National Council of Traditional Leaders. The Committee prepared witnesses for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and counselled the people before witnessing. There was concern about post-TRC. There is also a fear that the recommendations are not clear and that the information will not get to the average Liberian. Also, it seems that money is only available for post-conflict demobilization and reconstruction, but nothing for sustained work of nation building. Liberia needs roads, schools, and hospitals, all of which require long-term support. The committee asked that I share these needs with all my contacts.
This morning’s meeting was with Attorney Deweh E Gray, the president of the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL). After introductions she shared the change that came about in awareness when women had to move from wherever they were due to the conflict to areas and regions which had different laws and customs, especially when it came to inheritance laws. Property rights for women was a challenge. There were various laws of inheritance that were now changed and AFELL advocated for continued changes and further tweaking of the laws. It took 8 years of work to pass the Major Inheritance Law of 2003. When President, Charles Taylor blocked it, but after his departure, it passed.
Now the challenge is to put the law into local languages and get the people to understand that it is not a challenge to traditional relationships, but a human right for all. And change does come. Tribal Councils are not only all male today. There are efforts to have women discover their own authority in this new situation and stand for election on tribal councils. Women are moving, speaking out for themselves, entering into good dialogue, and making a difference. One example was the presence of women at the Accra Peace talks. They were not delegates in any official manner, but being that they were in the lobby and vocal, their issues and suggestions did make it into the conference room through notes passed and brought into the room by delegates who were understanding of their cause. The Mano River Woman’s Peace Movement, begun in the early 1990’s by Liberian Women, is another example of the place and power of women today.
There is currently an effort to improve the capacity of the Tribal Courts for mediation and enforcing of local laws and punishing appropriate local crimes. Care is made to guarantee that human rights not be violated on that level, where traditional law and punishment may clash with national and international laws and conventions. When it comes to the Hinderland Tribal Regulations, AFELL’s task is to help the population better understand the issues, discuss the issues in communities, guarantee women are involved in the discussion, and encourage more women to contest for places on the chiefdom councils.
She ended the conversation with reference to a recent Law Retreat where the assembly looked at a variety of legal issues. She regretted that the discussion on Traditional Justice was put off to a future time.
I closed our visit with a description of our Restorative Justice Project, inviting her to keep in touch with AFJN. A final issue was raised regarding land ownership. This will be the problem, challenge and cause of conflict in the future. Many people are aware of this. I had heard this in the late 90’s in Sierra Leone. Privatization of land and disputes over land and water will cause future conflict if they are not dealt with now.
In the afternoon, I had the chance to meet with some of the leaders of the Interfaith Mediation Committee of Liberia. This was started in 1990 and met consistently over the years during all three wars. This committee was very instrumental in the Accra Talks. The committee is comprised of religious leaders from all faith traditions. It preceded the World Conference of Religion and Peace which now is active in Liberia as well. It assisted the general population through distribution of simplified copies of the constitution, aided the people in understanding the laws, attempted to build confidence and capacity in local communities as a foundation for peace, and came up with the idea of a Peace Court. It is hoped that these courts will be set up in every district and county of the Liberia. The key is tolerance and the challenge is to learn to live with one another.
There is hope that this council will expand to encompass all the countries of the ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States. In May of 2008, they facilitated a meeting of the National Council of Traditional Leaders. The Committee prepared witnesses for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and counselled the people before witnessing. There was concern about post-TRC. There is also a fear that the recommendations are not clear and that the information will not get to the average Liberian. Also, it seems that money is only available for post-conflict demobilization and reconstruction, but nothing for sustained work of nation building. Liberia needs roads, schools, and hospitals, all of which require long-term support. The committee asked that I share these needs with all my contacts.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Voices of Restoration in Liberia
November 13th
Last night I arrived at St. Dominic’s Parish in Tubmanburg. It is some 75 miles north of Monrovia in Bomi County. It is quite the operation. There is the parish with about 60 outstations, a number of grade schools, a high school on the compound as well as a clinic, a Technical School, internet café, a school for the hearing impaired, and a boarding department where some 80 former combatants live and attend school.
Fr. Garry Jenkins, SMA is the pastor. He has been in Liberia since 1973 and witnessed the three wars. He was taken as a hostage during the third because he chose to stay in Tubmanburg to care for the sick and the disabled who were not able to run from the advancing armies. There is a newly ordained priest plus a number of seminaries on pastoral year, catechists, and three lay SMA volunteers. It is impressive.
After supper, Fr. Garry selected 13 of the boarders to meet with me. It was a delicate meeting. These boys have been through hell and back and they were supposed to share their stores with me! As keen as I was to hear these stories I knew that for them I was a stranger, an outsider. Why should they trust me? Aware of this in many unspoken ways on my side and theirs, we started. We started slowly and respectfully, listening to some of the background of their experiences, difficult tales of abduction, escape, capture, punishment, brokenness, childhoods robbed by coercion and violence. Drug abuse, sex abuse, child abuse to the max, and there we were. I could read the pain in their eyes and hear the hurt in their quiet voices. Even their opening prayer was reserved, void of the zest I often hear in Africa. Robbed at gunpoint! After listening to their stories, I shared mine from Kenema those nine years ago. I shared my concern (and yours) of child soldiering and as time when on, the conversation warmed.
But the feelings were still raw, and there was a clear undercurrent of anger and rage over the fact that some of their rebel leaders are now in positions of power in the present Government, ruling with impunity. Where is the fairness in that? Some mention of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which is currently rounding up its work, was made. A number of them did testify, but the concern was the next step. Very few around the circle had hope that any recommendations from the commission would bring restoration to Liberia. But they were too close to the 3rd war of 2003 to see any other means of restoration but the TRC.
In the morning I was able to go around with one of the seminarians to the homes of the sick and aged, bringing communion as they do each week. Two of these elders shared their story of woe during those 15 years of conflict. The last, Moses, a former nurse, spoke sincerely of his concern for the youth of today, youth who seem to have grown up without the guidance that would form in them the responsibility and respect that is needed for a strong civil society. The sharp increase in armed robbery frightens him. The challenge is real and now.
I ended the morning with Fr. Garry, seated in a grove of flowered trees well behind the schools and other buildings of the parish center. We were near a concrete cross that marked the sacred place where over 300 young children were lovingly buried by the registrar of the parish clinic during the 2003 war. They died of hunger, all of them due to the intentional blockage of the road to Monrovia by the rebel leader of the opposing faction for nine months. He intended and succeeded in starving the opposition. These children paid the price for his madness. Fr. Garry comes here daily to pray for them, their parents who still mourn their deaths, and for the strength to carry on.
I met the two brothers of the Sacred Heart who now run the secondary school. They hail from India and are the first two to be missioned beyond India from their community. They are young, energetic, and willing. Bless them.
After lunch I started back to Monrovia by car. It should have been a simple 2 hour trip. However, fifteen miles before Monrovia there was a serious accident where a large trailer truck ran a one lane bridge while a taxi was entering it on the opposite side. Fortunately, no one died, although the taxi was completely crushed. Another car had to come from Monrovia to pick me up on the other side of the bridge in order to get me back to the Archbishop’s house in time to leave for Sierra Leone later in the night.
I got there an hour before supper, in time for me to make one last check to my email to see how the Sierra Leone visit is shaping up, and to have some quality time to bid farewell to Archbishop Michael Francis. Archbishop Francis suffered a debilitating series of strokes 4 years ago and he is paralyzed on his right side and unable to speak. But his eyes speak volumes of joy and faith and his smile is infectious. He has been the conscience of Liberia in its darkest days, a voice of hope and truth, a prophet. Yesterday when I met with the Liberian Interfaith Mediation Committee, the vice president of the committee, a major Imam of Monrovia, said that Archbishop Francis was not just the archbishop for the Catholics, but for all in Liberia no matter the faith tradition. The stroke may have silenced his voice, but not his joyful and prayerful (and prophetic) spirit.
So, this brings me to the end of the Liberia leg of my journey and pilgrimage. Monsignor Andrew Karnley brought me to Air Moroc offices where a shuttle picked me up to take me to the airport for a late night flight to Freetown. I joke that if I came by night, the rebels would not know I am coming back to Sierra! I will infiltrate Freetown single handedly as they did in droves in 1999.
I owe Andrew a deep, brotherly, and sincere thanks. His hospitality was warm and expansive. He directed me to some of his best personnel to assist in my visit. He provided space at the Secratariat for me to stay connected to you. Andrew, THANK YOU. And to Mr. Augustine Toe of the National Justice and Peace Commission, I salute you. Augustine set up a wide variety of visits that gave me a snapshot of concerns from members of the president’s cabinet, the Justice Department, Womens’ groups, Lawyers, and Interreligous leaders to name just a few. And to Fr. Garry and his boys. I can’t even find the words of gratitude to express my being with you. I am so deeply honoured by your trust. I wish you all the very best of God’s Blessings and Joy. May Liberia not only live, but thrive!
Last night I arrived at St. Dominic’s Parish in Tubmanburg. It is some 75 miles north of Monrovia in Bomi County. It is quite the operation. There is the parish with about 60 outstations, a number of grade schools, a high school on the compound as well as a clinic, a Technical School, internet café, a school for the hearing impaired, and a boarding department where some 80 former combatants live and attend school.
Fr. Garry Jenkins, SMA is the pastor. He has been in Liberia since 1973 and witnessed the three wars. He was taken as a hostage during the third because he chose to stay in Tubmanburg to care for the sick and the disabled who were not able to run from the advancing armies. There is a newly ordained priest plus a number of seminaries on pastoral year, catechists, and three lay SMA volunteers. It is impressive.
After supper, Fr. Garry selected 13 of the boarders to meet with me. It was a delicate meeting. These boys have been through hell and back and they were supposed to share their stores with me! As keen as I was to hear these stories I knew that for them I was a stranger, an outsider. Why should they trust me? Aware of this in many unspoken ways on my side and theirs, we started. We started slowly and respectfully, listening to some of the background of their experiences, difficult tales of abduction, escape, capture, punishment, brokenness, childhoods robbed by coercion and violence. Drug abuse, sex abuse, child abuse to the max, and there we were. I could read the pain in their eyes and hear the hurt in their quiet voices. Even their opening prayer was reserved, void of the zest I often hear in Africa. Robbed at gunpoint! After listening to their stories, I shared mine from Kenema those nine years ago. I shared my concern (and yours) of child soldiering and as time when on, the conversation warmed.
But the feelings were still raw, and there was a clear undercurrent of anger and rage over the fact that some of their rebel leaders are now in positions of power in the present Government, ruling with impunity. Where is the fairness in that? Some mention of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which is currently rounding up its work, was made. A number of them did testify, but the concern was the next step. Very few around the circle had hope that any recommendations from the commission would bring restoration to Liberia. But they were too close to the 3rd war of 2003 to see any other means of restoration but the TRC.
In the morning I was able to go around with one of the seminarians to the homes of the sick and aged, bringing communion as they do each week. Two of these elders shared their story of woe during those 15 years of conflict. The last, Moses, a former nurse, spoke sincerely of his concern for the youth of today, youth who seem to have grown up without the guidance that would form in them the responsibility and respect that is needed for a strong civil society. The sharp increase in armed robbery frightens him. The challenge is real and now.
I ended the morning with Fr. Garry, seated in a grove of flowered trees well behind the schools and other buildings of the parish center. We were near a concrete cross that marked the sacred place where over 300 young children were lovingly buried by the registrar of the parish clinic during the 2003 war. They died of hunger, all of them due to the intentional blockage of the road to Monrovia by the rebel leader of the opposing faction for nine months. He intended and succeeded in starving the opposition. These children paid the price for his madness. Fr. Garry comes here daily to pray for them, their parents who still mourn their deaths, and for the strength to carry on.
I met the two brothers of the Sacred Heart who now run the secondary school. They hail from India and are the first two to be missioned beyond India from their community. They are young, energetic, and willing. Bless them.
After lunch I started back to Monrovia by car. It should have been a simple 2 hour trip. However, fifteen miles before Monrovia there was a serious accident where a large trailer truck ran a one lane bridge while a taxi was entering it on the opposite side. Fortunately, no one died, although the taxi was completely crushed. Another car had to come from Monrovia to pick me up on the other side of the bridge in order to get me back to the Archbishop’s house in time to leave for Sierra Leone later in the night.
I got there an hour before supper, in time for me to make one last check to my email to see how the Sierra Leone visit is shaping up, and to have some quality time to bid farewell to Archbishop Michael Francis. Archbishop Francis suffered a debilitating series of strokes 4 years ago and he is paralyzed on his right side and unable to speak. But his eyes speak volumes of joy and faith and his smile is infectious. He has been the conscience of Liberia in its darkest days, a voice of hope and truth, a prophet. Yesterday when I met with the Liberian Interfaith Mediation Committee, the vice president of the committee, a major Imam of Monrovia, said that Archbishop Francis was not just the archbishop for the Catholics, but for all in Liberia no matter the faith tradition. The stroke may have silenced his voice, but not his joyful and prayerful (and prophetic) spirit.
So, this brings me to the end of the Liberia leg of my journey and pilgrimage. Monsignor Andrew Karnley brought me to Air Moroc offices where a shuttle picked me up to take me to the airport for a late night flight to Freetown. I joke that if I came by night, the rebels would not know I am coming back to Sierra! I will infiltrate Freetown single handedly as they did in droves in 1999.
I owe Andrew a deep, brotherly, and sincere thanks. His hospitality was warm and expansive. He directed me to some of his best personnel to assist in my visit. He provided space at the Secratariat for me to stay connected to you. Andrew, THANK YOU. And to Mr. Augustine Toe of the National Justice and Peace Commission, I salute you. Augustine set up a wide variety of visits that gave me a snapshot of concerns from members of the president’s cabinet, the Justice Department, Womens’ groups, Lawyers, and Interreligous leaders to name just a few. And to Fr. Garry and his boys. I can’t even find the words of gratitude to express my being with you. I am so deeply honoured by your trust. I wish you all the very best of God’s Blessings and Joy. May Liberia not only live, but thrive!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Of Bicycles and City-Centered Justice
November 11th
Today there were two meetings. The morning meeting was with Oscar Bloh, the country director of Search for Common Ground. Search is a Washington-based agency that sets up radio studios in countries like Liberia which produce programming through local songs, soap operas, and talk shows which speak of conflict resolution and peace building. They then offer these programs to any radio station that wishes to air them.
Back in the 1990’s I was instrumental in getting Search to come to Sierra Leone. Oscar shared with me some current initiatives of Search that have gone beyond their “talking drum studio” work. One example was a Liberian replication of an outreach program to the Bicycle Raiders Associations in Sierra Leone (which I will visit for sure). These boys were former combatants and formed an association of bicyclists (I am not sure if it is taxis or pedal bikes) by organizing and creating a leadership council. But they still have the stigma of being former combatants and any run-in with the police means trouble. Search was able to bring the association together with the police, assist the BRA’s leadership in capacity building and non violent ways of dealing with conflicts. Search helped the police better understand where these boys were coming from and direct any issue to BRA leadership. Oscar has initiated similar outreaches here in Liberia.
Oscar mentioned some research that had been done regarding restorative justice, but it was done mostly through surveys, which resulted in preferences rather than qualitative research. In any case, Search sees the need to link the Truth and Reconciliation Commission work, which is about to be completed soon, with a restorative justice structure, traditional or otherwise, that can help heal the community.
We ended our discussion with an interesting insight. Most, if not all, post conflict rehabilitation and security efforts have always started in the cities, among “book people” and only later would there be consideration for regional or provincial outreach. Often by that time, money runs out, projects sunset and the will and energy to continue expire. It may just be comfortable or easier to start in the cities rather than going to the bush. So, in the end, the rural folks get marginalized and forgotten. Would a reverse strategy build better peace? We think so.
On my way back to the Catholic Secretariat we stopped in at the CRS/Liberia office. I briefly met Sean Gallagher, the country representative, to introduce myself and share my reason for being here. It was a short and helpful meeting.
In the afternoon I had an appointment with Councilor Tiawon S. Gongloe, the Solicitor General of Liberia in the Ministry of Justice. After the usual introductions and sharing of the purpose for my visit, he shared his concern that reconstituting restorative justice structures in post war Liberia would be challenging, if not impossible. With the death or flight of traditional leaders, many people have grown up without a sense of respect for others and responsibility that society once offered and taught to the young. There is no elder around to curb the actions of an ill mannered youth. And the challenge for the judiciary is the overcrowding of the prison system as it is now. He would welcome a structure to help deal with petty criminals, but he doesn’t see it coming soon.
I left him with the promise to keep him informed on our research through the Justice and Peace Commission of the Monrovia Archdiocese.
Also, yesterday I was interviewed on Radio Veritas. Again, I was able to speak to what we do at AFJN and particularly the project looking at restorative justice. I am not sure when it will be aired, but their radio station is quite good.
Today there were two meetings. The morning meeting was with Oscar Bloh, the country director of Search for Common Ground. Search is a Washington-based agency that sets up radio studios in countries like Liberia which produce programming through local songs, soap operas, and talk shows which speak of conflict resolution and peace building. They then offer these programs to any radio station that wishes to air them.
Back in the 1990’s I was instrumental in getting Search to come to Sierra Leone. Oscar shared with me some current initiatives of Search that have gone beyond their “talking drum studio” work. One example was a Liberian replication of an outreach program to the Bicycle Raiders Associations in Sierra Leone (which I will visit for sure). These boys were former combatants and formed an association of bicyclists (I am not sure if it is taxis or pedal bikes) by organizing and creating a leadership council. But they still have the stigma of being former combatants and any run-in with the police means trouble. Search was able to bring the association together with the police, assist the BRA’s leadership in capacity building and non violent ways of dealing with conflicts. Search helped the police better understand where these boys were coming from and direct any issue to BRA leadership. Oscar has initiated similar outreaches here in Liberia.
Oscar mentioned some research that had been done regarding restorative justice, but it was done mostly through surveys, which resulted in preferences rather than qualitative research. In any case, Search sees the need to link the Truth and Reconciliation Commission work, which is about to be completed soon, with a restorative justice structure, traditional or otherwise, that can help heal the community.
We ended our discussion with an interesting insight. Most, if not all, post conflict rehabilitation and security efforts have always started in the cities, among “book people” and only later would there be consideration for regional or provincial outreach. Often by that time, money runs out, projects sunset and the will and energy to continue expire. It may just be comfortable or easier to start in the cities rather than going to the bush. So, in the end, the rural folks get marginalized and forgotten. Would a reverse strategy build better peace? We think so.
On my way back to the Catholic Secretariat we stopped in at the CRS/Liberia office. I briefly met Sean Gallagher, the country representative, to introduce myself and share my reason for being here. It was a short and helpful meeting.
In the afternoon I had an appointment with Councilor Tiawon S. Gongloe, the Solicitor General of Liberia in the Ministry of Justice. After the usual introductions and sharing of the purpose for my visit, he shared his concern that reconstituting restorative justice structures in post war Liberia would be challenging, if not impossible. With the death or flight of traditional leaders, many people have grown up without a sense of respect for others and responsibility that society once offered and taught to the young. There is no elder around to curb the actions of an ill mannered youth. And the challenge for the judiciary is the overcrowding of the prison system as it is now. He would welcome a structure to help deal with petty criminals, but he doesn’t see it coming soon.
I left him with the promise to keep him informed on our research through the Justice and Peace Commission of the Monrovia Archdiocese.
Also, yesterday I was interviewed on Radio Veritas. Again, I was able to speak to what we do at AFJN and particularly the project looking at restorative justice. I am not sure when it will be aired, but their radio station is quite good.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Active Civil Society in Liberia
November 10th
Today I was able to meet two interesting groups that institutionally are attempting to sustain significant positive change.
In the morning at the Archdiocesan Secretariat I was able to meet Mr. Aloysius Toe from The Foundation for Human Rights and Democracy (FOHRD). Since November 2003, this foundation, through budget analysis of the Government’s budget, points to inequities or imbalances that lead to human rights problems due to budgetary decisions. An example of this is the growing inequity between the rising salary and benefits to members of the Congress and the money allocated to local police forces. One is skyrocketing and the other is frozen at low and unworkable levels. The Foundations’ attention to the budget monitors accountability issues, poverty reduction programs, governance, human rights protection, and education for peaceful resolution. With regards the efficacy of International Law, FOHRD finds it adequate, but unable to apply its statues in particular and important situations. As a result, FOHRD is attempting to prosecute some crimes using local laws and judiciaries rather than appeal to International Law as a way to move the processes in a more timely fashion.
As I listened to Aloysius I came away confirmed that even what he was talking about is a kind of restorative justice outreach, again proving my hunch that people and agencies on the ground have the wisdom, energy and passion to recreate the processes that will restore their dignity, sense of self, and community.
In the afternoon I was able to meet with the Liberian Women’s’ Media Action Committee (LIWOMAC). Ms Tovian Estella Nelson, the director and three colleagues met with us. When they heard the purpose for my visit they were interested. They too are an advocacy agency, and they look at restorative justice through the lens of reparations. Reparations may not exclusively mean financial payback. It could mean many things. What of the issue of amnesty? Are the rights of the victims lost if the criminals are given amnesty? Through various means of consultation this women’s group attempts to raise the voice of women in terms of how the war touched and challenged their lives. It also provides a voice to move forward. They are even able to distinguish how the war affects children of various ages. Those who were 5 to 9 years of age during the war were very much broken in their development, different from those who were younger. This week, LIWOMAC is completing a survey of all NGOs working in Liberia to find out what programs are out there, which populations are targeted, and with what outcomes. There is no central data collection of these programs, outcomes, etc. This leads to duplication, waste and lack of information. This small group is asking for a public debate and national discussion on issues that are still unaddressed, like amnesty, reparations, and the like. They believe that through this debate, a national and collective voice will rise and will move the country to a helpful decision.
On a very practical side, LIWOMAC is training women to understand the role and purpose of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) process, the issues involved, as well as attending to the need for security for women so that if they offer testimony as to who, when, and how they were violated, they will not be victimized once more. It seems that for a variety of reasons, women are not part of the TRC process. Among other things, they are not being invited to testify, marginalized once more.
Today I was able to meet two interesting groups that institutionally are attempting to sustain significant positive change.
In the morning at the Archdiocesan Secretariat I was able to meet Mr. Aloysius Toe from The Foundation for Human Rights and Democracy (FOHRD). Since November 2003, this foundation, through budget analysis of the Government’s budget, points to inequities or imbalances that lead to human rights problems due to budgetary decisions. An example of this is the growing inequity between the rising salary and benefits to members of the Congress and the money allocated to local police forces. One is skyrocketing and the other is frozen at low and unworkable levels. The Foundations’ attention to the budget monitors accountability issues, poverty reduction programs, governance, human rights protection, and education for peaceful resolution. With regards the efficacy of International Law, FOHRD finds it adequate, but unable to apply its statues in particular and important situations. As a result, FOHRD is attempting to prosecute some crimes using local laws and judiciaries rather than appeal to International Law as a way to move the processes in a more timely fashion.
As I listened to Aloysius I came away confirmed that even what he was talking about is a kind of restorative justice outreach, again proving my hunch that people and agencies on the ground have the wisdom, energy and passion to recreate the processes that will restore their dignity, sense of self, and community.
In the afternoon I was able to meet with the Liberian Women’s’ Media Action Committee (LIWOMAC). Ms Tovian Estella Nelson, the director and three colleagues met with us. When they heard the purpose for my visit they were interested. They too are an advocacy agency, and they look at restorative justice through the lens of reparations. Reparations may not exclusively mean financial payback. It could mean many things. What of the issue of amnesty? Are the rights of the victims lost if the criminals are given amnesty? Through various means of consultation this women’s group attempts to raise the voice of women in terms of how the war touched and challenged their lives. It also provides a voice to move forward. They are even able to distinguish how the war affects children of various ages. Those who were 5 to 9 years of age during the war were very much broken in their development, different from those who were younger. This week, LIWOMAC is completing a survey of all NGOs working in Liberia to find out what programs are out there, which populations are targeted, and with what outcomes. There is no central data collection of these programs, outcomes, etc. This leads to duplication, waste and lack of information. This small group is asking for a public debate and national discussion on issues that are still unaddressed, like amnesty, reparations, and the like. They believe that through this debate, a national and collective voice will rise and will move the country to a helpful decision.
On a very practical side, LIWOMAC is training women to understand the role and purpose of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) process, the issues involved, as well as attending to the need for security for women so that if they offer testimony as to who, when, and how they were violated, they will not be victimized once more. It seems that for a variety of reasons, women are not part of the TRC process. Among other things, they are not being invited to testify, marginalized once more.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Arrival in Liberia
November 9th
Today is my first full day in Monrovia. Monsignor Andrew Karnley, the administrator of the Archdiocese of Monrovia was at the airport to meet me last night. We had met in DC some months ago and we have become fast friends. Once home and after a meal, we talked into the night about shared concerns. He is quite intrigued by our restorative justice project. This morning I accompanied him to Dolo town, a community near the Firestone Plantation. Mary the Mother of Jesus Parish was dedicating its church building. From the stations of the cross (which seemed to be made by an artist I knew in Sierra Leone) to the music and joy of the congregation, I felt I was home. Monsignor gave me the chance to share with the people the purpose of my visit at the end of the service. Restoration is taking time. Even at this service we welcomed returnees from Ghana who are just now coming home after years of seeking refuge across the border.
Today is my first full day in Monrovia. Monsignor Andrew Karnley, the administrator of the Archdiocese of Monrovia was at the airport to meet me last night. We had met in DC some months ago and we have become fast friends. Once home and after a meal, we talked into the night about shared concerns. He is quite intrigued by our restorative justice project. This morning I accompanied him to Dolo town, a community near the Firestone Plantation. Mary the Mother of Jesus Parish was dedicating its church building. From the stations of the cross (which seemed to be made by an artist I knew in Sierra Leone) to the music and joy of the congregation, I felt I was home. Monsignor gave me the chance to share with the people the purpose of my visit at the end of the service. Restoration is taking time. Even at this service we welcomed returnees from Ghana who are just now coming home after years of seeking refuge across the border.
General Reflections - Part One: Ghana
I came so unprepared. I had wanted to be better equipped technically as well as with better contacts. But, for all that happened, I do not think I could have done better for the length of time I stayed. I had four significant encounters – SECAM, WANEP, Sumalia and the push boys, and John Bosco. The intertwining of institutional networks with ordinary people on the ground, from displaced school boys to struggling young students in IT and Law was amazing. I came away assured that the Church is a well woven net that can support efforts to bring all people to peace, and a belief that African Youth are a deep source of passion, goodwill, and hope for the continent. May we stay focused and true to our mission and bring hope to those I met.
I was moved and reminded of the masses when I went to the Madina market. How many are condemned to a life of noisy crowds and clutter? There is a kind of beauty in it all, a snap shot of African life and zest. But it also has a dehumanizing part to it. It was a nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to make it a daily routine. And yet, millions do: undereducated school boys and girls hoping for a sale; scholars from middle and senior secondary schools from the north, driven from school because of conflict and forced to push carts all day to scrape together money in the hope of something more than just survival; women with clinging babes on their sides or backs, selling tomatoes and the like, proudly gathering just enough to feed their kids each day; strong men hawking cheap shoes and used clothes with a determination and joy that is infectious.
But they deserve better than this. I shutter at the thought of these young boys and girls being manipulated to battle someone else’s war. I weep for the mothers and children who will run in fear. I wish to stand with those proud men and women and stop this injustice. I am challenged to go to the markets of Africa and bring hope. That is where we need to be. That is where we need to offer workshops, capacity building exercises, civic education, functional literacy and the like. Why not? When? How? Who?
Another impulse I feel as I meet people like John Bosco and Sumalia and work with colleagues like Bahati – these are young men and women with a commitment and passion for justice, peace, restoration and a future full of hope and joy for Africa. What can sustain them in the long haul? What can sustain us in the long haul? The challenge to transform the hearts, minds, passions, and sins of all who are part of this puzzle will take more than good will, more than a few programs, more than even dollars, more than a few years. It is monumental. And we may even fail. But we live in hope. Lord, show us the way!
I was moved and reminded of the masses when I went to the Madina market. How many are condemned to a life of noisy crowds and clutter? There is a kind of beauty in it all, a snap shot of African life and zest. But it also has a dehumanizing part to it. It was a nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to make it a daily routine. And yet, millions do: undereducated school boys and girls hoping for a sale; scholars from middle and senior secondary schools from the north, driven from school because of conflict and forced to push carts all day to scrape together money in the hope of something more than just survival; women with clinging babes on their sides or backs, selling tomatoes and the like, proudly gathering just enough to feed their kids each day; strong men hawking cheap shoes and used clothes with a determination and joy that is infectious.
But they deserve better than this. I shutter at the thought of these young boys and girls being manipulated to battle someone else’s war. I weep for the mothers and children who will run in fear. I wish to stand with those proud men and women and stop this injustice. I am challenged to go to the markets of Africa and bring hope. That is where we need to be. That is where we need to offer workshops, capacity building exercises, civic education, functional literacy and the like. Why not? When? How? Who?
Another impulse I feel as I meet people like John Bosco and Sumalia and work with colleagues like Bahati – these are young men and women with a commitment and passion for justice, peace, restoration and a future full of hope and joy for Africa. What can sustain them in the long haul? What can sustain us in the long haul? The challenge to transform the hearts, minds, passions, and sins of all who are part of this puzzle will take more than good will, more than a few programs, more than even dollars, more than a few years. It is monumental. And we may even fail. But we live in hope. Lord, show us the way!
Giving and Receiving in Unity
November 8th
Today is a travel day to Liberia. But that doesn’t happen until this afternoon. This morning I had the opportunity to meet another good friend of the SSNDs here, Mr. John Bosco Amayene. He is from Ivory Coast, taking one year of study at the University of Ghana both to improve his English skills as well as to better understand Law. He is a public lawyer trained in his home country and hoping to work in the Hague as part of the International Criminal Court, probably moving around Africa to do inquiries. He also works now for the UN in the Statistics Unit while in Accra. But each and every Saturday he comes to the SSND house and helps keep up the garden, clearing overgrown branches, cutting grass, etc. He does it to keep fit since he says he does desk work most of the week. His roots are from a farming family which he misses. But most importantly, he does it as a way to offer humble service as a Christian. He remembers well the Johinine story of the Last Supper where Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. So must he serve. (Wouldn’t it be great if young lawyers in DC did more gardening?) He only asks for a cup of coffee in return, so Sr. Pat gladly makes a fresh brew (yes, coffee!) and they have some quality times sharing friendship, various perspectives on life in Africa, as well as the great spirit that binds us all.
He and I spent a good hour sharing some of what we at AFJN are doing, various situations that call for our attention, an example being the critical elections process in Ivory Coast which again has been delayed due to fear mongering that may threaten a peaceful process. But they have been delaying this exercise since 2004! Do opposition parties have to see each other as enemies rather than simply opposing agendas or philosophies of governance? This moved me to share a concern of AFJN, noted in a recent article, regarding the use of violence as the wild card to get a seat on the “government of national unity” that regional and international communities strongly suggest be formed to avert further violence. But, truth be told, it really simply allows the mistrust to fester, enflamed in new conflicts later.
The US election process has been a powerful example to many Africans that a fiercely contested election process can end with mutual respect and full support of the elected one for the good of the country. John Bosco is a real gift. His presence reminded me of something I became aware of in Sierra Leone years ago. It is true that we leave home and family, renounce a family ourselves to become a member of a mobile community in mission, etc… Yet God sends us brothers and sisters like John Bosco or Sumalia who care for us, protect us, challenge us, love us. God is good, so very very good. All we have to do is open our eyes and look around, not with eyes of fear and mistrust, but eyes of love and compassion. It is contagious, boomeranging all around us, supporting us and sharing our deepest fears.
I haven’t had the opportunity to ask many Ghanaians here about Obama’s win. I hope to do more of that in Liberia and Sierra Leone. However, I did hear a comment on TV by the Ghanaian President Kufour who saw this election as a great step forward for equality, a coming of age, and in so many words was able to say that if the US could elect someone of the minority then even here in Africa all parties and players could have an equal chance in elections.
Sr. Pat had an interesting encounter that indicates a new sense of self and relationship. She met one of her neighbors the other day and they spoke about an upcoming meeting to formalize a neighborhood association. She said that she would be there, but as the only white person there, she didn’t think her presence would mean much. He spontaneously and quickly told her that color now has nothing to do with it since Obama’s election. She is a neighbor. Neighbors aren’t white or black, they are neighbors. I will look forward to seeing if and how this plays out in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Stay tuned.
And so I find myself at the Ghana International Airport penning these thoughts with deep gratitude. (I also have an extra 2 hours due to a delay in departure to Liberia… we go with the flow now matter where we are….) So, I would like to sincerely thank the School Sisters of Notre Dame who have hosted me here: Sr. Pat Frost, a long time friend, Sr. Peg, Sr. Sylvia and Sr. Maris. Your hospitality and kindness is greatly appreciated. And a warm and sincere thanks to Mr Ben Assorow, the communications director of SECAM, asked at short notice by Fr. Clement and friends to help set up meeting at SECAM and WANEP. He got the Catholic Newspaper of Ghana, the Standard, to interview me. It should be in next week’s edition. Ben drove me to the appointment and took me here to depart. Ben, thank you and I look forward to reciprocating your kindness when you come to DC. I would like to thank Emmanuel Bombane of WANAP for his time and insights. We will have future opportunities to work together on common areas of concern. And I thank Harum, Mohamed, Always Win, Andani, Abadu, the other men and women, and the push boys of Medina Market who trusted me with their stories.
It was evident from the first day that this visit was too short, but as Fr. Henry of SECAM and I shared, serendipity is not accidental. What was meant to be has been. We can plan or not, but in the end it is God’s Mission, God’s Time and God’s Glory, and it has been very very good. Ghana, thank you. I carry the concerns and information home in a grateful heart.
Today is a travel day to Liberia. But that doesn’t happen until this afternoon. This morning I had the opportunity to meet another good friend of the SSNDs here, Mr. John Bosco Amayene. He is from Ivory Coast, taking one year of study at the University of Ghana both to improve his English skills as well as to better understand Law. He is a public lawyer trained in his home country and hoping to work in the Hague as part of the International Criminal Court, probably moving around Africa to do inquiries. He also works now for the UN in the Statistics Unit while in Accra. But each and every Saturday he comes to the SSND house and helps keep up the garden, clearing overgrown branches, cutting grass, etc. He does it to keep fit since he says he does desk work most of the week. His roots are from a farming family which he misses. But most importantly, he does it as a way to offer humble service as a Christian. He remembers well the Johinine story of the Last Supper where Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. So must he serve. (Wouldn’t it be great if young lawyers in DC did more gardening?) He only asks for a cup of coffee in return, so Sr. Pat gladly makes a fresh brew (yes, coffee!) and they have some quality times sharing friendship, various perspectives on life in Africa, as well as the great spirit that binds us all.
He and I spent a good hour sharing some of what we at AFJN are doing, various situations that call for our attention, an example being the critical elections process in Ivory Coast which again has been delayed due to fear mongering that may threaten a peaceful process. But they have been delaying this exercise since 2004! Do opposition parties have to see each other as enemies rather than simply opposing agendas or philosophies of governance? This moved me to share a concern of AFJN, noted in a recent article, regarding the use of violence as the wild card to get a seat on the “government of national unity” that regional and international communities strongly suggest be formed to avert further violence. But, truth be told, it really simply allows the mistrust to fester, enflamed in new conflicts later.
The US election process has been a powerful example to many Africans that a fiercely contested election process can end with mutual respect and full support of the elected one for the good of the country. John Bosco is a real gift. His presence reminded me of something I became aware of in Sierra Leone years ago. It is true that we leave home and family, renounce a family ourselves to become a member of a mobile community in mission, etc… Yet God sends us brothers and sisters like John Bosco or Sumalia who care for us, protect us, challenge us, love us. God is good, so very very good. All we have to do is open our eyes and look around, not with eyes of fear and mistrust, but eyes of love and compassion. It is contagious, boomeranging all around us, supporting us and sharing our deepest fears.
I haven’t had the opportunity to ask many Ghanaians here about Obama’s win. I hope to do more of that in Liberia and Sierra Leone. However, I did hear a comment on TV by the Ghanaian President Kufour who saw this election as a great step forward for equality, a coming of age, and in so many words was able to say that if the US could elect someone of the minority then even here in Africa all parties and players could have an equal chance in elections.
Sr. Pat had an interesting encounter that indicates a new sense of self and relationship. She met one of her neighbors the other day and they spoke about an upcoming meeting to formalize a neighborhood association. She said that she would be there, but as the only white person there, she didn’t think her presence would mean much. He spontaneously and quickly told her that color now has nothing to do with it since Obama’s election. She is a neighbor. Neighbors aren’t white or black, they are neighbors. I will look forward to seeing if and how this plays out in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Stay tuned.
And so I find myself at the Ghana International Airport penning these thoughts with deep gratitude. (I also have an extra 2 hours due to a delay in departure to Liberia… we go with the flow now matter where we are….) So, I would like to sincerely thank the School Sisters of Notre Dame who have hosted me here: Sr. Pat Frost, a long time friend, Sr. Peg, Sr. Sylvia and Sr. Maris. Your hospitality and kindness is greatly appreciated. And a warm and sincere thanks to Mr Ben Assorow, the communications director of SECAM, asked at short notice by Fr. Clement and friends to help set up meeting at SECAM and WANEP. He got the Catholic Newspaper of Ghana, the Standard, to interview me. It should be in next week’s edition. Ben drove me to the appointment and took me here to depart. Ben, thank you and I look forward to reciprocating your kindness when you come to DC. I would like to thank Emmanuel Bombane of WANAP for his time and insights. We will have future opportunities to work together on common areas of concern. And I thank Harum, Mohamed, Always Win, Andani, Abadu, the other men and women, and the push boys of Medina Market who trusted me with their stories.
It was evident from the first day that this visit was too short, but as Fr. Henry of SECAM and I shared, serendipity is not accidental. What was meant to be has been. We can plan or not, but in the end it is God’s Mission, God’s Time and God’s Glory, and it has been very very good. Ghana, thank you. I carry the concerns and information home in a grateful heart.
Trust on Shaky Ground
November 7th
Today I had the opportunity to visit the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding meeting with Mr. Emmanuel Bombane, its director. It is a network (like AFJN) that promotes peacebuilding throughout West Africa. It has its roots in the work of John Paul Lederach, formerly at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg VA, but now at the Kroc Institute of Peace in Notre Dame, Indiana. The organization also finds support and direction from the CRS Peace Building Initiatives.
I shared the status of AFJN and our interest in studying restorative justice as well as our position on AFRICOM. Emmanuel had just come from Washington, DC where he gave a presentation that critiqued AFRICOM to a high level, select group that was promoting AFRICOM. He was the only African present and after his paper he was offered a special moment to chat with General Ward, the head of AFRICOM. He was able to engage General Ward in his critique of this venture, but he was alone in that instance. He is very glad that we at AFJN are so situated in opposition to this Command as it is formulated.
Emmanuel then shared with me some of the challenges as well as the roots of the conflicts that effect Ghana today. The overall challenge seems to be a lack of resolution; in many cases, after rounds of sharing stories or discussing the problems, the final steps are not taken. Many processes remain to be completed and the conflicts still fester. The positive place of the Church and its attempt to move the issues is admirable, but the job still has to be completed. An example of this is that the resolutions of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Ghana got politicized and sidelined once they got to Parliament several years ago. The recommendations became stymied. The overall question is, will the actors in this drama be able to reexamine the many conflict histories and put together a new history in order to shape a peace which all can share? It seems many are stuck in their own interpretations of the history they know.
This problem played out in my afternoon meeting with the “push boys” of the Medina Marketplace in Accra. School age boys and girls from the conflict in the North of Ghana, the town of Yendi in this case, are in Accra and make a living by assisting buyers and sellers, pushing carts or carrying pans on their heads laden with wares to and fro in the teeming market. I met with 13 of them and heard their story of the conflict in Yendi where a serious clash erupted due to a dispute over an annual festival. A paramount chief and 50 others were killed in the fray and it is no longer safe for one from that “royal family” to remain in Yendi.
The incident happened 6 years ago and feelings are still raw. Restoration is a long way off, but it was interesting to listen to spontaneous recommendations from some of these boys. They both surprised me and confirmed my sense that they would find an appropriate way to bring everyone together if only given the space and support to do so. Three of the young men shared the story in a commanding and animated way. At the end of the time with them, I asked another young man who intently listened to the three but remained very silent, what was his story? He respectfully declined, saying softly only to me that what I heard may be their story, but it was not the whole story, not his for sure. They would not accept his take on it if he shared it now. Feelings are still raw and trust is still absent. However, each group, in their own way, shared their histories with me in work or silence. I was grateful for their trust.
Between these two meetings I joined the staff of SECAM for Mass at noon and lunch. Again in the informality of a wonderful lunch with wine and ice cream (it is great to be a guest) we shared the common concern for peace and justice in Africa, noting the current situation in DRC as well as the upcoming elections in many countries, including Ghana.
Today I had the opportunity to visit the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding meeting with Mr. Emmanuel Bombane, its director. It is a network (like AFJN) that promotes peacebuilding throughout West Africa. It has its roots in the work of John Paul Lederach, formerly at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg VA, but now at the Kroc Institute of Peace in Notre Dame, Indiana. The organization also finds support and direction from the CRS Peace Building Initiatives.
I shared the status of AFJN and our interest in studying restorative justice as well as our position on AFRICOM. Emmanuel had just come from Washington, DC where he gave a presentation that critiqued AFRICOM to a high level, select group that was promoting AFRICOM. He was the only African present and after his paper he was offered a special moment to chat with General Ward, the head of AFRICOM. He was able to engage General Ward in his critique of this venture, but he was alone in that instance. He is very glad that we at AFJN are so situated in opposition to this Command as it is formulated.
Emmanuel then shared with me some of the challenges as well as the roots of the conflicts that effect Ghana today. The overall challenge seems to be a lack of resolution; in many cases, after rounds of sharing stories or discussing the problems, the final steps are not taken. Many processes remain to be completed and the conflicts still fester. The positive place of the Church and its attempt to move the issues is admirable, but the job still has to be completed. An example of this is that the resolutions of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Ghana got politicized and sidelined once they got to Parliament several years ago. The recommendations became stymied. The overall question is, will the actors in this drama be able to reexamine the many conflict histories and put together a new history in order to shape a peace which all can share? It seems many are stuck in their own interpretations of the history they know.
This problem played out in my afternoon meeting with the “push boys” of the Medina Marketplace in Accra. School age boys and girls from the conflict in the North of Ghana, the town of Yendi in this case, are in Accra and make a living by assisting buyers and sellers, pushing carts or carrying pans on their heads laden with wares to and fro in the teeming market. I met with 13 of them and heard their story of the conflict in Yendi where a serious clash erupted due to a dispute over an annual festival. A paramount chief and 50 others were killed in the fray and it is no longer safe for one from that “royal family” to remain in Yendi.
The incident happened 6 years ago and feelings are still raw. Restoration is a long way off, but it was interesting to listen to spontaneous recommendations from some of these boys. They both surprised me and confirmed my sense that they would find an appropriate way to bring everyone together if only given the space and support to do so. Three of the young men shared the story in a commanding and animated way. At the end of the time with them, I asked another young man who intently listened to the three but remained very silent, what was his story? He respectfully declined, saying softly only to me that what I heard may be their story, but it was not the whole story, not his for sure. They would not accept his take on it if he shared it now. Feelings are still raw and trust is still absent. However, each group, in their own way, shared their histories with me in work or silence. I was grateful for their trust.
Between these two meetings I joined the staff of SECAM for Mass at noon and lunch. Again in the informality of a wonderful lunch with wine and ice cream (it is great to be a guest) we shared the common concern for peace and justice in Africa, noting the current situation in DRC as well as the upcoming elections in many countries, including Ghana.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Slow Day
Today is a stay at home day. No one was available for visits and interviews so I took advantage of the time to catch up with some reading and preparations for days to come, as well as give a little hand around the house with some chores. I remember well the Benedictine dictum that you are only a guest for the first three days. After that, you are part of the community. Or said in another way, fish smells after 3 days! I have a full day tomorrow, my last full day in Ghana.
Introducing AFJN
November 5th, 2008
We woke to the news of Barack Obama's win. Needless to say, many in Africa are jubilant! The local news here in Ghana bills it as a new day for US Africa relations. In the afternoon today I had my first meeting at the Secretariat for the Pan African Bishop's conference - SECAM. I met with Mr. Ben Ossorow, the communications director, and Fr. Terwase Akkaabian, the first Deputy Secretary of SECAM. I introduced them to AFJN's work and focused our discussions on the Restorative Justice Project as well as their take on AFRICOM. They offered both some helpful suggestions in approach for our outreach to groups with regards to the RJ project as well as some sharp concerns about the proliferation of arms across Africa and issues related to the militarization around the continant. AFRICOM will not help the security of Africa. In the end, the discussion focused on the African Synod of '09, its preparation, and how AFJN and the Catholic Task Force for Africa in DC can aid in making the US Church better aware of what solidarity may look like using this Synod as a start. It was a good and helpful visit and links will be made. In the evening I met with Sumila, the friend of the Sisters here, who will bring me to the push boys from the North on Friday to gather their stories.
We woke to the news of Barack Obama's win. Needless to say, many in Africa are jubilant! The local news here in Ghana bills it as a new day for US Africa relations. In the afternoon today I had my first meeting at the Secretariat for the Pan African Bishop's conference - SECAM. I met with Mr. Ben Ossorow, the communications director, and Fr. Terwase Akkaabian, the first Deputy Secretary of SECAM. I introduced them to AFJN's work and focused our discussions on the Restorative Justice Project as well as their take on AFRICOM. They offered both some helpful suggestions in approach for our outreach to groups with regards to the RJ project as well as some sharp concerns about the proliferation of arms across Africa and issues related to the militarization around the continant. AFRICOM will not help the security of Africa. In the end, the discussion focused on the African Synod of '09, its preparation, and how AFJN and the Catholic Task Force for Africa in DC can aid in making the US Church better aware of what solidarity may look like using this Synod as a start. It was a good and helpful visit and links will be made. In the evening I met with Sumila, the friend of the Sisters here, who will bring me to the push boys from the North on Friday to gather their stories.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
November 4th. Election Day in the USA
It is my first full day here in Ghana. We started the day with Eucharist, at which a very powerful sharing was had. The reading from St. Paul reminded us that what we are about is not directed to success as much as it is to fidelity and the witnessing of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. That puts all our work in a different perspective.
My main contact here in Ghana from SECAM called. He has a lead or two he had to follow up with and he would get back to me. That was the good news. The bad news is he hasn't gotten back to me yet today. But all is not lost since I needed the day to read up on the tape recording device I brought along and have yet to use efficiently. In the evening I did meet a good friend of the sisters here who is a taxi driver, a student of IT and from the North. There is a very good possibility I will be able to go with him to meet some of the people from the North who work and live here in Accra and hear their stories of war, displacement, and hopefully restoration. Stay tuned!
My main contact here in Ghana from SECAM called. He has a lead or two he had to follow up with and he would get back to me. That was the good news. The bad news is he hasn't gotten back to me yet today. But all is not lost since I needed the day to read up on the tape recording device I brought along and have yet to use efficiently. In the evening I did meet a good friend of the sisters here who is a taxi driver, a student of IT and from the North. There is a very good possibility I will be able to go with him to meet some of the people from the North who work and live here in Accra and hear their stories of war, displacement, and hopefully restoration. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Accra, Ghana
I traveled all day today... from New York to Heathrow and on to Ghana after a 2 hour lay over there. I arrived early around 8:45pm. Sr. Pat Frost and Sr. Peg of the SSND community here in Accra welcomed me and I am here at their home for a few days. We spent a few minutes catching up before I was shown to "the boys quarters" in the rear - a lovely 2 bed room guest unit. As I approached Accra from the air, moments before landing, my thoughts came to the holy reunion I would have with this part of Africa. I readied myself to enjoy these days of re introduction, listening and learning. The plane finally taxied to a stop, we exited and the warm and humid embrace of West Africa enveloped me.
JFK Airport, New York
I leave tonight (November 2nd) to return to a land I left 9 years ago with great expectations. I look forward to meeting friends from the US who serve in many ways the peoples of Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone as I look forward to meeting young and engaged local African priests and religious who I knew as colleagues those years ago. The experience of war and struggle have matured them at an accelerated pace, I am sure. I go to listen to stories of how the indominable spirit of the African people restore their communities afer years of conflict and deception. The main purpose for this trip, the first of hopefully three within these next 12 months, is to research a sampling of places where restorative justice has happened, how it happened, did it succeed, and what the community looks like now. I will try to keep the sharing current, so follow this month long saga of return and reengagement. Depending on the availability of technology as well as my ability to use it, photos and videos may accompany my words. Stay tuned. Next stop - Ghana.
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