LIBERIA: PROTESTERS CALL FOR OUSTER OF PRESIDENT

UNCLAS MONROVIA 000589

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR DRL AND AF/W

E.O.12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC CASC PHUM PREL PGOV KDEM LI
SUBJECT: LIBERIA: PROTESTERS CALL FOR OUSTER OF PRESIDENT

1. SUMMARY. A group of about 50 people demonstrated peacefully at
the Embassy on August 7, calling for the creation of a war crimes
tribunal and the resignation of President Sirleaf. They also asked

the USG to stop the GOL from harassing Mulbah Morlu. A second
demonstration may occur on August 12. END SUMMARY.


2. About 50 members of a Liberian group "The Forum" marched in
front of the Embassy on August 7, carrying placards and shouting
slogans. A large police presence from the Liberia National Police
(LNP) and the UN International Police kept an eye on the activities.
The protest was directed against the GOL and there was no threat to
any Amcits. The protesters departed peacefully afterwards.


3. Three spokesmen presented their demands to Poloff. They
apologized for not having a written petition, but stated that their
leader, with the petition, had been arrested earlier that day. They
asked for the imposition of an international tribunal for war
crimes, the resignation of President Sirleaf and others named in the
Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report (TRC),the implementation
of all recommendations in the TRC Report, and for the USG to
intervene and protect Mulbah Morlu, their leader. The spokesmen
said they would soon present a written petition.


4. Monrovia City Court issued a "Writ of Arrest" the morning of the
protest for Mulbah K. Morlu, Jr. on a charge of impersonating
officials. He is alleged to be continuing to present himself as the
Forum's leader even though the Forum has recently disassociated
itself from Morlu after he falsely claimed he met with President
Obama for six minutes during the President's visit to Ghana.


5. Comment: It was not clear why this group called Morlu their
"leader" despite the public disassociation. The group did not
prepare a petition so provided their grievances to Poloff orally,
and indicated they would return on August 12 (a day before the
Secretary's scheduled visit to Liberia) to present a written
petition. Post is aware of at least one other demonstration
recently held in recent days, this one opposed to the TRC
report,that did not come to the Embassy. There may be other
demonstrations planned, but we do not foresee any of them becoming
violent.
THOMAS-GREENFIELD