From our Africa correspondent

J. Cholo Brooks/Liberia

Barely a day after science students of the highest institution of learning in the country, the University of Liberia staged a one protest action in demand of buses to take them on their science college campus in Fendell, outside the campus, the Spanish Government today pledged 12 buses to help ease the country’s transport problem.

The pledge was made today by outgoing Spanish Ambassador to Liberia, Francisco Tejada, during a farewell visit to the Liberian leader, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

During his visit, Ambassador Tejada said the Spanish private sector and the Municipality of Barcelona are donating the buses in order to help the Liberian Government address the country’s transport problem.

Yesterday regular academic activities at the State owned University came to a halt yesterday after hundreds of students protested in demand of normal transportation facilities in order to allow them to attend classes on time at the Fendell campus.

The Fendell campus is an extended facility of the University of Liberia which is about 22 miles outside Monrovia mainly for students specializing in Science, Technology and Agriculture and Forestry.

The main campus of the University of Liberia where the student protest was launched is located directly opposite the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where the Liberian President is temporarily sitting and steering the affairs of the nation.

Following brief meeting with the Liberian leader, the protestors, according to Liberian Information Minister, Lawrence Bropleh announced the availability of additional buses to transport the student from the main campus of the University to the Fendell campus.

Published by African Press in Norway (APN)/ African Press International (API)

From Our Africa correspondent

J. Cholo Brooks/Liberia

The Government of the United States has provided 45- million United States dollars to support Liberia’s Security Sector Reform.
According to an Executive Mansion release, the additional funding is a direct result of President Johnson Sirleaf’s recent appeal to the U.S. Administration and Congress while in the United States, for increased funding to enhance the rebuilding of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL).
It is part of the United States Urgent Supplemental Appropriations Bill recently signed into law by President George W. Bush.
The bill also includes approximately US$35m for the rebuilding the Liberian Armed Forces, US$5m to support the training of a Quick Reaction Unit within Liberia’s National Police Force and another US$5m for equipping the Protective Detail for the President.
The latest funding is in addition to the significant bilateral assistance Liberia has received from the United States on an annual basis since the ascendancy of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf over a year ago.
In a related development, three counties in Southeastern Liberia are to benefit from assistance being provided through funding recently made available by the German government during President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s recent visit to that country.
Grand Gedeh, River Gee and Sinoe are to receive additional funding to support the country’s reintegration and reconstruction programs being implemented through the extension of an agricultural reconstruction program presently being implemented by the German Agro Action initiative in the three counties.
The program is part of Germany’s Financial and Technical cooperation, as well as a multilateral initiative yet to be determined.
Germany recently announced more than 14-million dollars in additional funding for Liberia to support ongoing reconstruction and development programs in the country.

The announcement came at the end of a meeting between President Johnson Sirleaf and Germany officials during the President’s recent visit to that country.
In another development, a delegation of a new social investment organization based in the United States, has met with President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf at the Foreign Ministry in Monrovia, pledging a million United States dollars toward government’s Senior Executive service program.
Meanwhile, the group known as Humanity United is working to end slavery and mass atrocities and supports public policy and philanthropic efforts.
The Group has also met and visited with Civil Service Agency Director, Dr. William Allen, The World Food Pregram (WFP), and the Liberian Emissaries Advancing for Development (LEAD), the Soul Clinic and the Mercy Ship currently in the counry.

Published by African Press in Norway(APN) /African Press International (API)

By Enock Mayanja Kiyaga
in London

A meeting in which a delegation from the Buganda Kingdom sought to consult the Baganda community in London turned sour after some participants demanded to know why the former Katikkiro, Dan Muliika, was sacked.

Tempers flared at the meeting that took place at the Forest Gate, Durning Hall, when the former minister, Charles Peter Mayiga, defended the dismissal of the former prime minister.

Some members also queried the ownership of CBS FM and how its revenue is spent, the progress of Buganda’s quest for federo and land.

Mayiga said Muliika was sacked for publicly opposing the Kabaka over plans to re-develop the Mengo palace. He added that the Katikkiro did not make any efforts to mediate between Mengo and the Government in negotiating for Buganda’s demands.

This infuriated some members who heckled him, charging that they were fed up with hypocrites.

The coordinator of the meeting, who is also Kabaka’s representative in the UK, Joseph Nsambu Musisi, tried to calm the audience as some threatened to match out in protest.

Calm returned as Jolly Lutaaya, the leader of the delegation, urged them to tolerate each other’s views.

The meeting was meant to offer a forum for the Baganda in the UK to discuss the recent developments in the kingdom.

Other members of the delegation were Ahmed Bamweyana, the minister of external relations and protocol and David Ntenge, an official in the office of the Katikkiro.

Muliika visited London in September 2006 and held a series of meetings in which he consulted with in the diaspora on several issues and called on them to support the kingdom.

Posted by Ham Mukasa

Published by African Press in Norway (APN)/ African Press International(API) Source.Newvision.ug

Announcement!

 Fellow Kenyans and Friends,

To mark the “MIDSOMMAR”, Making A Difference(M.A.D.) is hosting a  BBQ(NYAMACHOMA) at Fittjastrand on the 23rd of June 2007 and thereafter an all nite jam at Albyskolan (ids).

The event will kick off at 2pm with lots of fun games and other activities suitable for the entire family.  Food and drinks will be at affordable prices. Karibuni nyote!

for further information contact 0739709573, 0737803451, 0737833246 or email:bkenya2001@yahoo.com

Published by Korir, African Press in Norway (APN)/ African Press International (API)