UNJLC LIBERIA BULLETIN 22

7 – 13 January 2004

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The aim of the UNJLC bulletins is to provide a concise weekly overview of UNJLC activities and the present logistical situation in regard to the crisis in Liberia. In addition sector/country specific reports will be released regularly in order to provide in-depth coverage of priority areas.

CONTENTS

• 1. Highlights
• 2. Security
• 3. Air Operations
• 4. Sea Port Operations
• 5. Customs and Immigration
• 6. Transport Infrastructure
• 7. Logistics Co-ordination
• 8. Civil-Military Co-ordination
• 9. Fuel (Petrol, Diesel, Kerosene) / Commodity Prices
• 10. Other
• 11. Liberia International Staff

1. Highlights

225 Liberian refugees returning from Ghana by boat were stranded off the Liberian coast for four days before being rescued by the Rotterdam vessel. 

Deep divisions among the LURD ranks have led to intra-factional fighting and tension. UNMIL’s sector troops are on high alert and monitoring the situation. 

A Customs and Immigration consultant, Mr. Jim Williams, seconded by DFID to UNJLC arrived in Liberia to carry out a study and analysis of the customs and immigration procedures, followed by recommendations for reformation of procedures and practices.

The first four Ukranian combat helicopters and an advance party arrived in Liberia. 

The strength of UNMIL troops on ground is now over 8,000.

2. Security

The UNMIL Dutch Navy ship, the Rotterdam, rescued 225 Liberian refugees aboard a Nigerian-registered ship on 10 January 2004. El-Shaddai’s engines failed and the vessel was stranded for four days off the Liberian coast near the border with Ivory Coast before help arrived. The refugees, including 60 children, were returning from the Buduburam Refugee Camp in Ghana.

A rift within the ranks of the main rebel group, LURD, has been developing over the past week. Forty LURD commanders signed a statement that called for the dismissal of the group’s chairman, Sekou Damate Conneh, and replacement by his estranged wife, Aisha Keita Conneh. Sekou Conneh was accused of trading LURD-positions in the national transitional government for money. This attempted coup has resulted in fighting, attempted kidnappings, and tension within the group. The situation is being closely monitored and UNMIL units are on high alert.

Due to the intra-LURD power struggle, there has been increased patrolling by UNMIL troops in the areas of Red-light district, Elwa Junction, Paynesville and Camp Schieffelin.

Fighting between MODEL and former Government fighters was reported in the north eastern county of Nimba on the border with Ivory Coast.

Members from CIVPOL and the Liberian National Police (LNP) investigated the detention of 37 persons in a 40’ container by “Commander Prince” and his Deputy in Karna, near Yekepa. These people were handed over to the LNP for custody.  

The curfew timings for UN staff (national and international) are 2400 hours to 0500 hours. The curfew does not apply to local inhabitants. 

Monrovia and key roads to Tubmanburg and Gbarnga remain at UN Security Phase IV, while the rest of Liberia continues to be designated as Phase V.

3. Air Operations

UNHCR is presently operating a Beechcraft to fly passengers between Conakry, Freetown, Monrovia and Abidjan on Monday and Friday. Bookings for Monday's flight should be made latest by 1200, Thursday, while booking for Friday's flight should be arranged by 1200, Wednesday.

For more information, please contact: Mahamadou Guindo, Tel: + 377 47 530 181, E-mail: guindom@unhcr.ch

UNHCR is currently operating from Roberts International Airport (RIA). The agency has made a request to the Ministry of Transport for commencing flights from Spriggs Payne Airport. 

UNMIL is conducting repairs to the terminal building at Spriggs Payne Airport. UNMIL is operating one fixed wing airplane, Beechcraft King Air 200, along with five MI8 helicopters. 

Contact points for UNMIL at the airport are:

 Lt. Col. Alex Appiah-Agyapong, Operations Officer, Tel: + 377 47 529651
 Mr. Thomas Vandy, Airfield Manager, Tel: N/A
 Mr. Thomislav Ristov, UNMIL Chief, Air Operations Centre, Tel: +377 47 532504

The acting managing director of the airport is Mr. Orando Tamba, Tel: + 377 47 541 603.
The comptroller is Ms. Kona Freeman and can be contacted at + 377 47 515126.

ICRC is also operating its Beechcraft King Air 200 into Spriggs Payne Airport. 

The United Kingdom has announced a list of airlines that are banned from flying in U.K. airspace. This restriction covers all aircraft operated by airlines from Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Liberia and Tajikistan, as well as the following carriers: Star Air (Sierra Leone), Air Universal (Sierra Leone), Cameroon Airlines, Albanian Airlines, and Central Air Express (Democratic Republic of Congo). 

Contacts: WFP West Africa Air Service contacts are as follows:

4. Sea Port Operations

On 13 January, the National Port Authority (NPA) implemented an access pass scheme for all vehicles entering the Freeport. UNJLC is facilitating discussion between the NPA and the Humanitarian Community in order to ensure the system recognises the distinct nature of humanitarian usage of the Freeport and does not cause undue disruption to operations.  

UNJLC will lead collective negotiation between UNMIL, WFP, and NPA to re-negotiate port charges at Freeport Monrovia.

The current agreement between WFP and NPA is due to expire by the end of March 2004.  Re-negotiation of reduced fees and charges for a new agreement could include other UN agencies and a letter of intent agreed prior to that time.  

The Management of the National Port Authority (NPA) presented their needs assessment to UNJLC and WFP.  The requests have been divided into phases in order of priority as follows:

 Phase I: Freeport of Monrovia: provision of cargo handling and marine craft, repair of offices and supplies
 Phase II: Freeport of Monrovia: removal of wrecks, port dredging 
 Phase III: Freeport of Monrovia: rehabilitation and expansion of the wharf
 Phase IV: Freeport of Monrovia: Miscellaneous Projects: Garbage Disposal Equipments, Construction Equipment, Utilities, Out-Ports
 Phase V: The Out-Ports, Port of Buchanan, Port of Greenville, Port of Harper
 Phase VI: Freeport of Monrovia Expansion (Long Term): development of a modern terminal inclusive of landside, water front facilities & equipment, rehabilitation and expansion of the existing oil jetty, associated dredging works

The Dutch vessel, Rotterdam, is due to end its mission end of February. UNMIL is tracking the chartered vessel that was used in 1999 by UNOMIL for possible re-deployment.

Contacts for the Ghanian Security contingent (UNMIL) at the Freeport are as follows:

 Commanding Officer – Lt Col James Adoinama: + 377 47 530 657
 Operations Officer – Major Louman Gbetanu: + 377 47 530 654
 Military Intelligence Officer – Capt Errigton Commil: + 377 47 530 649

5. Customs and Immigration

A customs and immigration expert, seconded to UNJLC from DFID, arrived in Monrovia on 13 January for a three-week mission. Mr. Jim Williams will meet with key Government and Humanitarian bodies in order to analyse future customs and immigration deployments, activities and to facilitate discussion on the possible streamlining of procedures and practices.

6. Transport Infrastructure

The data collection phase of the UNJLC road assessment process is nearing completion. The majority of targeted roads in the West and Centre of the country are now assessed including Monrovia to Fasama, and Monrovia to Vahun. Results for the South of the country are to be assessed this week. Synthesis and analysis of incoming data in a database continues and the finished product will be used to assist in the co-ordination of road repair projects throughout Liberia. 

UNJLC has updated the Liberian Tankers Association price listing. This includes the transportation rates as per location within the country; the cost of petrol products, mainly gasoline, kerosene, and fuel oil; capacity storage as well as the Tanker Association capacity. This Association has the responsibility to transport fuel around the country.

UNJLC has surveyed the available construction equipment in Liberia. Several construction companies are registered with the Ministry of Public Works. Logging companies previously involved in road and bridge construction were also included in this survey. 

The information is based on available construction equipment owned by few construction companies, major logging companies and the Ministry of Public Works.    

These companies include: Serock Group of Companies, Liberia Service Construction INC, Forenl Holl Corp, ATI Incor, Daniel Glange, Sigma Group of Companies, United Logging Company, American Wood Processing Corp, City Builders, Monetal, SMD Monrovia International, BHA International, Getrac Liberia Incorporated, and United Forestry Corp. 

A summary of the equipment is given below:

7. Logistics Co-ordination

Following a two-week suspension due to the holiday period, the regular meeting of the Joint Logistics Working Group resumed on Wednesday, 7 January, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. in the WFP conference room. The condition of the road infrastructure, re-negotiation of port fees, port rehabilitation, UNMIL deployment, and UN deployment to the humanitarian hubs were discussed. In addition, the issue of planning requirements for future agency up-country deployment was raised, along with possible sharing mechanisms for available assets and infrastructure in UN hubs.

Following discussion and inquiry, the Status of Force Agreement (SOFA) between the Government of Liberia and the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) does not apply to UN agencies. Immunities, privileges and various exemptions of charges and fees under this Agreement only incorporate UNMIL.

With increased deployment of UNMIL troops in Liberia, it is expected that the UN will be able to deploy into areas outside of Monrovia. Co-ordination among agencies is crucial to avoid ‘scramble’ for land and infrastructure. The Humanitarian Coordinator has requested UNJLC to ensure harmonisation and co-location where possible. 

WFP, UNICEF, and UNJLC will proceed on a logistics hub assessment mission to Tubmanburg on 15 January. 

UNJLC presented a summary of its analysis and findings for the preceeding two-month period. An overview of UNJLC surveys and assessments on strategic infrastructure in Liberia was provided along with a series of recommendations to minimise and overcome those constraints identified to UN deployment.

The Logistics Coordination and Movement Control Centre (LOCOMOC): 

 The LOCOMOCC is providing operational and logistical support in the planning of the DDRR Programme, expected to resume on 20 January. The Cell supported UNOCHA at the UN Agency and Donors coordination meeting on 10 Jan, 2004. This meeting focused on articulating plans and funding gaps in anticipation of the Donor Conference later this year. The LOCOMOCC has also been involved in coordinating the movement of IDPs from irregular camps in and around Monrovia to formal camps in the neighbouring counties.

NGO Liaison:

 The Chairman of LINNK is attending the pre-donor conference on Liberia reconstruction, in the United States.
 RedR Engineers for Disaster Relief, agreed to provide a number of subsidised seats for the upcoming Security Management Workshop to National NGOs who do not have sufficient funds to cover the full cost. This workshop will take place February 10 – 13, 2004. LINNK is in the process of identifying 4 participants to attend this workshop.
 As part of InterAction's ongoing efforts to assist its members address their security-related concerns, local Liberian NGOs participated in an assessment meeting with representatives from the US-based organisation. The meeting was to draw information on the security-related challenges faced by the humanitarian community and how current security-related efforts can be enhanced.
 World Computer Exchange, Inc. (WCE) is donating a container shipment of 430 used Pentium computers worth approximately US$107,500 to Assistance For All (AFAL) [a local Liberian NGO] to be used in connecting 24,000 youths in 40 primary and secondary schools to the Intenet.  WCE Board of Directors voted to approve of this partnership and shipment on 18 May 2003.  Their draft packing list, certificate of donation, and invoice can be viewed at http:/www.WorldComputerExchange.org/partner documents/Liberia-AFAL-Documents79.doc. 

LRRRC Liaison:

 LRRRC is planning IDP leadership elections for camps in Bong, Margibi and Montserrado.

The points of contact at the HOC are as follows:

 General:
Stephen Hiscock, Tel: + 377 47 530 434, E-mail: stephen.hiscock@wfp.org

 Logistics Coordination & Movement Control:
Steven Eames, Tel: + 377 47 534 468, E-mail: steven.eames@wfp.org

 Civil-Military Coordination:
Stephen Hiscock, Tel: + 377 47 530 434, E-mail: stephen.hiscock@wfp.org
Major Noel Duffy, Tel: + 377 47 532 516, E-mail: monrovia.guest8@wfp.org

 LRRRC Liaison:
Adella K. Kermah

 Liberian NGO Liaison:
Momo Larmena, Tel: + 377 47 530365, E-mail: momo.larmena@wfp.org

 Security:
Arve Skog, Tel: + 377 47 529 616, E-mail: arve.skog@undp.org

 Humanitarian Information:
Varney Kawah, Tel: + 377 47 521 726, E-mail:varney.kawah@undp.org

The HOC is located on the ground floor of the WFP building. The opening hours are: Mon-Fri: 08:30 – 18:00. Sat: 10:00 – 15:00.

8. Civil-Military Co-ordination

UNMIL continued its deployment of troops, transporting contingent equipment and supplies into the sectors. Sector 1, covering the greater Monrovia are, has 1900 troops deployed. The Pakistani contingent (sector 2) continued deployment to Tubmanburg, where 900 troops are now positioned. Bangladeshi troops (sector 3) are deployed to Gbarnga with a strength of 900 troops, while a company is deployed to Buchanan. Troops from Ethiopia (sector 4) continued deployment to Tapeta and Zwedru. There is a force of 800 troops in Tapeta, and 200 in Zwedru. The troops in Tapeta are being re-supplied by road via Gbarnga and Ganta. The Rotterdam vessel assisted in the deployment and re-supplying of troops in Zwedru via Greenville. 

The first four Ukranian combat helicopters and an advance party arrived in Liberia. 

On 6 January, UNMIL Force Head Quarters, conducted one-day Conference for the CIMIC officers of the deploying troops. Civil-military co-ordination officers from WFP, UNJLC, and HOC participated at the conference.

According to reports from sector 1, about 680 people have returned to Tapeta. 

The total strength of the UNMIL Force Headquarters is now 105 (out of 165), including a dedicated "Civil Military Cooperation" (CIMIC) section. Next to the 1st Brigade, 110 Military Observers are now deployed in the country. The Force Brigade's total strength is 8,798. There are 72 CIVPOL officers.

UNMIL Emergency Response HOTLINES:

 Duty Officer HQ Sector 1:  + 377 47 530 173
 Duty Officer HQ UNMIL :   + 377 47 532 313

UNMIL Force Commander – Lieutenant General Opande, Kenya.

Sector 1 Commander – Brigadier General Festus Okonkwo, Nigeria.

Civil-Military Co-operation Officer – Major Duffy: + 377 47 532 516                                                                 

UN Civil-Military Co-ordination – Stephen Hiscock: + 377 47 530 434

WFP Civil-Military Liaison – Albert Fiawosime: + 377 47 530 209

UNJLC Civil-Military Liaison – Oleksandr Grebenyuk: + 377 47 532 378

9. Fuel (Petrol, Diesel, Kerosene) / Commodity Prices

Further to the strategic fuel study carried out by UNJLC’s fuel consultant in November 2003, UNJLC has requested UN Agencies and NGOs to submit their fuel requirements per logistics hub in order to have these requirements incorporated into UNMIL’s fuel contract.

Fuel distribution to the interior of the country shall commence after the awarding of the UNMIL fuel contract in March 2004. This will be further confirmed.  

Provision of anticipated fuel requirements should be made to:
Tim Washington, UNMIL
Tel: + 377 47 532 625
E-mail: washington@un.org

The exchange rate to the US $ to LD $ 53.

10. Other

The UN and the Liberian police are working together to re-structure and re-train the country’s police force. Of the 1,115 international policemen to be sent to Liberia, 100 have arrived. The UN commenced a two-week intensive course to train 400 members of the Liberian police force on 12 January 2004. 

Liberia's transitional government plans to request US$200 - $300 million in assistance for a national reconstruction plan that will be presented at a donor conference on 5-6 February, 2004 in New York. Priorities include education, health, the repair of roads and the restoration of electricity and telephone services. This national reconstruction plan was jointly drawn up by the UN and the World Bank. 

Chairman Gyude Bryant, the head of Liberia’s transitional government, has agreed to rebel demands for key posts. Former GOL, MODEL and LURD factions have been given 51 of the 86 assistant minister positions in the government. 

In a press conference, the acting head of UNMIL stated that the resumption of the DDRR programme would be conducted in a more organised and controlled manner following the chaotic events of 7 December when the programme was first launched. Camp Schiefflin, near Monrovia, was the first site where the disarming and demobilising of former government soldiers commenced. Designed to accommodate and process 1,000 persons, the Camp was over run by 3,000 people. The combatants also began riots and demanded cash for the weapons turned in. UNMIL compromised by paying US $ 75 of the US $ 300 stipend that the fighters were to receive after undergoing three weeks of the DDRR process.

The first attempt at initiation of the disarmament of the estimated 40,000 combatants in Liberia took place when UNMIL had 5,000 troops on ground. Since then, a further 3,300 have arrived.

Senior officials at UNMIL have stated that DDRR will resume on 20 January and the identified sites are at Buchanan and Gbarnga.

11. Liberia International Staff

 Peter Schaller: peter.schaller@wfp.org Mobile: + 377 47 534 090
 Matthew Dee: matthew.dee@wfp.org, m_dee99@yahoo.com Mobile: +377 47 530 187
 Oleksandr Grebenyuk: oleksandr.grebenyuk@wfp.org Mobile: +377 47 532 378 
 Steven Eames steven.eames@wfp.org Mobile: + 377 47 534 468
 Farzana Rasheed: farzana.rasheed@wfp.org Mobile: +377 47 531458
 UNJLC Offices are located on the ground floor of the WFP building, UN Drive, Mamba Point, Monrovia.
 UNJLC Fax: + 871 763 467 061. 
 UNJLC Tel:  + 871 763 467 060.

ABOUT UNJLC
UNJLC is an inter-agency facility reporting, in the current emergency, to the Humanitarian Coordinator for Liberia, and overall to the Inter-Agency Standing Committee. Its mandate is to coordinate and optimise the logistics capabilities of humanitarian organisations in large-scale emergencies. UNJLC operates under the custodianship of WFP who are responsible for the administrative and financial management of the Centre. UNJLC is funded from voluntary contributions channelled through WFP. The UNJLC project document for Liberia can be viewed on the UNJLC website (www.unjlc.org).