Ex-combattants and Liberia's future

Though the democratic election of Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf as president is a hopeful sign for Liberia, the country is not out of the woods yet, notes Global Witness.

The NGO notes that An upsurge in illegal diamond mining and logging by ex-combatants in Liberia is undermining international efforts to promote good governance and stability in the worn torn West African country, and could fuel a return to warlordism.

The pressure group notes that international rehabilitation efforts of former soldiers have been hampered by shortage of funds and a lack of employment opportunities for ex-combattants.

It further opines that former dictator and indicted war criminal Charles Taylor also continuous with impunity to violate the terms of his exile and meddle in Liberia’s political affairs.

The report concludes that international donors have failed to grasp the challenge of demobilising thousands of ex-fighters who are finding jobs in the illegal mining and logging industries.