Steve Scher, Reporting from Liberia ( with your help)
I will be traveling to Liberia for two weeks in November. The journalists on the trip are being sponsored by the International Reporting Project, an independent journalism fellowship funded by a mix of U.S. based foundations, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The goal of the fellowship is to increase international news coverage in the U.S. Media. Liberia is considered somewhat of a success story following the end of the war. It is one of the poorest countries in the world, with most of its population earning less than $2 a day. Liberia has a long connection to the U.S. It was settled by African American former slaves in the 1820's. Its institutions are modeled after the U.S. Thousands of Liberians live in the U.S. The connections are ongoing.
Liberia has the second largest UN peacekeeping mission, UNMIL, there to maintain the ceasefire and protect the peace process. Liberia also had a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, offering a way to bring the warring factions to some settlement. It released its final report in 2009.
Liberia is still recovering, struggling to rebuild an economy and provide for thousands of citizens wounded in the war. Its female president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has received high marks for her efforts. She represents the women of Liberia who helped end the long fighting.
There is gold in Liberia, diamonds, maybe offshore oil, rubber and the second largest maritime registry in the world. Just why are there so many Liberian registered ships? Liberia has a heavy debt burden, strong ties with China and the second largest USAID development project in Africa.
What stories should I cover?
Global health issues and education top the list along with reconciliation efforts and the ongoing tensions between Americo-Liberians and the 26 ethnic groups of Liberia. Also, I am interested in the media and its role in the reconciliation, radio in particular. There is a bushmeat crisis. And then there are the Grains of Paradise.
So, who do you know from Liberia? Who do you know who has spent some time there? What kinds of tales do you want to hear?
I leave November 5th. Let me know.
