African Studies
Utafiti: Journal of African Perspectives
Call for Papers: Utafiti is inviting you to submit your manuscript – any topic in the humanities - for consideration in the next issues.
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The consolidation of the country’s impressive economic gains over the previous few years, and matters relating to governance reform, were dominant issues following President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf ’s inauguration for a second term on 16 January. As a result of its ill-advised boycott of the presidential run-off the previous year, the formal opposition remained largely insignificant throughout the year. The country’s economy maintained its growth trajectory of more than 6%. The national budget for 2012/13 represented an increase of about 25% over the previous year’s ($ 516 m in 2011–12). Youth unemployment, however, remained high, and inflation rose to 11%, sharply increasing the cost of living. Concerns about graft and nepotism were expressed locally and internationally. Sirleaf ’s co-winner of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize, Leymah Gbowee, resigned as head of the Peace and Reconciliation Commission, a group set up by the president to promote dialogue among Liberians of different political leanings, as well as peace and security. Gbowee cited “differences in opinion on the pathway for national healing and reconciliation” and criticised Sirleaf for condoning corruption and nepotism. Perhaps more significantly, the UN Secretary-General issued a report on 15 August sharply criticising Sirleaf ’s government for corruption and nepotism and for her failure to promote national reconciliation. Though the report recommended a significant drawdown of the UN’s military presence in the country, by year’s end the UN was still maintaining 7,430 troops, 126 military observers, 1,306 police, 230 UN volunteers, 470 international civilians, 989 local civilians, and a budget of close to $ 500 m.