Diamonds
Cautiously optimistic: the case for maintaining sanctions in Liberia
Why sanctions in Liberia should be upheld
Authors:
; Global Witness
Publisher:
Global Witness, 2006
The end of the transitional period and the inauguration of an elected government mark a new period of opportunities for Liberia. In this context the report examines progress that has been achieved so far and examines whether current sanctions should be lifted or not. It argues that whilst, with the help of the international community, the government is implementing a comprehensive reform process, there are significant obstacles that still need to be dealt with. These range from, notably, control of territory and natural resources, security, logistical constraints and the countless issues that face a country emerging from years of civil war.
With regard to natural resources, the paper highlights that:
- significant progress has been made in the reform of the forestry sector, but the criteria in United Nations Security Council resolution 1521 for UN sanctions to be lifted have not yet been fulfilled as the Forestry Development (FDA) has not yet succeeded in its efforts to control forest regions and illegal pit sawing by ex-combatants is continuing
- large numbers of ex-combatants continue to mine diamonds illegally, generating significant uncontrolled revenues and demonstrating the continued lack of control by the government over its territory, and thus raising security concerns; altogether there has been insufficient progress in implementing the necessary controls for Liberia to join the Kimberley Process and for UN sanctions to be lifted
- the failure of the current government, and the transitional government before it, to secure areas rich in natural resources has resulted in their ongoing exploitation by ex-combatants who have continued to operate within their former command and control structure to generate unallocated and uncontrolled revenue.
The report concludes that UN sanctions should not be regarded not as a punitive measure, but as a mechanism that can provide a breathing space to enable the government to complete the reform process. Furthermore, lifting UN sanctions prematurely could expose the country to both economic and security risks, and perpetuate the instability which still threatens not only Liberia, but the entire region.
