Final Communique of the Second Meeting of Five on the Liberian Crises , Yamoussokro (Yamoussoukro III Accord)

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Country/entity: Liberia
Region: Africa (excl MENA)
Agreement name: Final Communique of the Second Meeting of Five on the Liberian Crises , Yamoussokro (Yamoussoukro III Accord)
Date: 17 Sep 1991
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Interstate/intrastate conflict(s)
Liberian Civil Wars (1989 - 1997) (1999 - 2005)
In 1989, the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) attacked border posts as part of a campaign to oust the dictatorship of Samuel Doe. This triggered a violent civil war that by 1995 had killed around 150,000 and displaced an estimated 850,000 people. The outbreak of war is attributed to the domestic socio-economic and political environment in the country of the 1980s, such as poverty, discrimination and repression. However, its sustenance is also related to past discrimination against indigenous Liberians by ‘Americo-Liberians’, and deep ethnic divisions that resulted.

Peace negotiations began in 1992 and completed by 1997. However, the peace lasted only a short period and in 1999 there was renewed fighting against the elected president, Charles Taylor. The Guinea-backed organisation, Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD), together with the armed Movement for Democracy in Liberia (MODEL) controlled two thirds of the country by 2003 and besieged the capital Monrovia, forcing Charles Taylor into exile in Nigeria. In August that same year, the conflict parties signed the Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement and in 2005 new general elections were held.
Stage: Framework/substantive - partial
Conflict nature: Government
Peace process: Liberia peace process
Parties: His Excellency Dr. Amos SAWYER President of the Interim Government of LIBERIA
……………………………………………………………
Mr. Charles TAYLOR
Head of the National Patriotic Front of LIBERIA (NPFL)
Third parties: DONE IN YAMOUSSOUKRO
THIS SEVENTEENTH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 1991
……………………………………………………………
Captain Blaise COMPAORÉ President of Faso Head of Government, BURKINA FASO
……………………………………………………………
His Excellency Alhaji Sir Dawda Kairaba JAWARA
President of the Republic of THE GAMBIA
……………………………………………………………
His Excellency Lt. Col. Arnadou Toumani TOURÉ
Chairman of the People's Redemption Transitional Committee,
Heed of State of the Republic of MALI
……………………………………………………………
His Excellency Félix HOUPHOUËT -BOIGNY
President of the Republic of CÔTE D'IVOIRE

……………………………………………………………
His Excellency General Joao Bernardo VIEIRA
President of the Council of State of the Republic of GUINEA-BISSAU
……………………………………………………………
His Excellency Abdou DIOUF
President of the Republic of SENEGAL
……………………………………………………………
Honorable Kokou Joseph KOFFlGOH
Prime Minister of the TOGOLESE Republic
……………………………………………………………
Honourable Mohamed Ibn CHAMBAS, Deputy PNDC Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Representing the Head of State of the Republic of Ghana
……………………………………………………………
Honourable Augustus AIKHOMU Vice-President of the Federal Republic of NIGERIA
Description: -

Agreement document: LR_910917_Yamassoukro III.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: No specific mention.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: No specific mention.
Religious groups: No specific mention.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: No specific mention.
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: No specific mention.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): No specific mention.
State configuration: No specific mention.
Self determination: No specific mention.
Referendum: No specific mention.
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: No specific mention.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: No specific mention.
Cross-border provision: Page 1, OUTCOME OF DELIBERATIONS CONSULTATIONS, 4: The Committee reviewed developments relating to the Liberian crisis since its last meeting in Yamoussoukro on July 29, 1991. The Committee noted that since the meeting, consultations were undertaken between Member States of ECOWAS and with some friendly states outside the sub-region on a number of matters aimed at restoring lasting peace and security to Liberia in justice and dignity.

Page 3, MISSIONS TO GUINEA AND SIERRA LEONE, 11: Concerned about the deterioration of the security situation in the border areas between Liberian and Sierra Leone on the one hand, and Liberia and Guinea on the other, the Meeting requested Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Nigeria under the Chairmanship of Senegal to visit Guinea and Sierra Leone. The objective of the mission, among other things, would be to convey the outcome of this Meeting to the Heads of State of those countries with a view to enlisting their co-operation for the successful implementation of the agreement reached and to facilitating the restoration of normalcy in those border areas.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): No specific mention.
Elections: Page 2, ECOMOG, 5: The Meeting recognized the vital importance that the necessary conditions of peace and security on the ground should be created in order to reinforce the confidence of the parties concerned as well as create the necessary atmosphere conducive to the holding of free, fair and democratic elections in Liberia. To this end, the Meeting agreed on the need to remodel and reinforce ECOMOG and reiterated earlier appeals to other Member States of ECOWAS willing and able to contribute troops to do so without any further delay. It therefore welcomed with appreciation the announcement by Senegal of its readiness to contribute troops to ECOMOG.

Page 2, ELECTORAL PROCESS, 8: The two parties agreed to set up a five-member Elections Commission for the organization and supervision of the elections to be held in Liberia. The Commission would meet in Monrovia as soon as possible.

Page 2, ELECTORAL PROCESS, 9: The two parties agreed to establish a five-member Ad Hoc Supreme Court to adjudicated disputes arising from the electoral process as provided for by the Liberian Constitution.

Page 2, ELECTORAL PROCESS, 10: The parties also agreed to co-operate fully with the International Negotiations network (INN) of the Carter Centre invited by the Committee to assist with the electoral process.
Electoral commission: Page 2, ELECTORAL PROCESS, 8: The two parties agreed to set up a five-member Elections Commission for the organization and supervision of the elections to be held in Liberia. The Commission would meet in Monrovia as soon as possible.
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: No specific mention.
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: Governance→Constitution→Constitution affirmation/renewal
Page 2, ELECTORAL PROCESS, 9: The two parties agreed to establish a five-member Ad Hoc Supreme Court to adjudicated disputes arising from the electoral process as provided for by the Liberian Constitution.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: No specific mention.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: No specific mention.
Military power sharing: No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: No specific mention.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: No specific mention.
Civil and political rights: No specific mention.
Socio-economic rights: No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship: No specific mention.
Democracy: Page 2, ECOMOG, 5: The Meeting recognized the vital importance that the necessary conditions of peace and security on the ground should be created in order to reinforce the confidence of the parties concerned as well as create the necessary atmosphere conducive to the holding of free, fair and democratic elections in Liberia. To this end, the Meeting agreed on the need to remodel and reinforce ECOMOG and reiterated earlier appeals to other Member States of ECOWAS willing and able to contribute troops to do so without any further delay. It therefore welcomed with appreciation the announcement by Senegal of its readiness to contribute troops to ECOMOG.
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: No specific mention.
Mobility/access: No specific mention.
Protection measures: No specific mention.
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions: No specific mention.
Judiciary and courts: Page 2, ELECTORAL PROCESS, 9: The two parties agreed to establish a five-member Ad Hoc Supreme Court to adjudicated disputes arising from the electoral process as provided for by the Liberian Constitution.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: No specific mention.
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: No specific mention.
International funds: No specific mention.
Business: No specific mention.
Taxation: No specific mention.
Banks: No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: No specific mention.
Cultural heritage: No specific mention.
Environment: No specific mention.
Water or riparian rights or access: No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: Page 2, ECOMOG, 5: The Meeting recognized the vital importance that the necessary conditions of peace and security on the ground should be created in order to reinforce the confidence of the parties concerned as well as create the necessary atmosphere conducive to the holding of free, fair and democratic elections in Liberia. To this end, the Meeting agreed on the need to remodel and reinforce ECOMOG and reiterated earlier appeals to other Member States of ECOWAS willing and able to contribute troops to do so without any further delay. It therefore welcomed with appreciation the announcement by Senegal of its readiness to contribute troops to ECOMOG.

Page 3, MISSIONS TO GUINEA AND SIERRA LEONE, 11: Concerned about the deterioration of the security situation in the border areas between Liberian and Sierra Leone on the one hand, and Liberia and Guinea on the other, the Meeting requested Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Nigeria under the Chairmanship of Senegal to visit Guinea and Sierra Leone. The objective of the mission, among other things, would be to convey the outcome of this Meeting to the Heads of State of those countries with a view to enlisting their co-operation for the successful implementation of the agreement reached and to facilitating the restoration of normalcy in those border areas.
Ceasefire: Security sector→Ceasefire→Ceasefire provision
Page 2, MAINTENANCE OF CEASEFIRE 6: The Meeting noted with satisfaction that both the Interim Government and the National Patriotic Front of Liberia had adhered to their commitments to continue to observe and consolidate the ceasefire in Liberia.
Police: No specific mention.
Armed forces: Page 2, MAINTENANCE OF CEASEFIRE, 6: The Meeting noted with satisfaction that both the Interim Government and the National Patriotic Front of Liberia had adhered to their commitments to continue to observe and consolidate the ceasefire in Liberia.
DDR: Security sector→DDR→Demilitarisation provisions
Page 2, ENCAMPMENT AND DISARMAMENT, 7: The Meeting welcomed the agreement of the parties to implement, under ECOMOG supervision, the encampment of their troops in designated locations and their disarmament, and the arms and ammunition would be deposited in appropriate armories also under the supervision of ECOMOG. The Meeting mandated ECOMOG, in liaison with the parties concerned, to work out the practical modalities for the implementation of this agreement.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: Page 2, MAINTENANCE OF CEASEFIRE, 6: The Meeting noted with satisfaction that both the Interim Government and the National Patriotic Front of Liberia had adhered to their commitments to continue to observe and consolidate the ceasefire in Liberia.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: No specific mention.
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: No specific mention.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: No specific mention.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: No specific mention.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: No specific mention.

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: DONE IN YAMOUSSOUKRO
THIS SEVENTEENTH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 1991
……………………………………………………………
Captain Blaise COMPAORÉ President of Faso Head of Government, BURKINA FASO
……………………………………………………………
His Excellency Alhaji Sir Dawda Kairaba JAWARA
President of the Republic of THE GAMBIA
……………………………………………………………
His Excellency Lt. Col. Arnadou Toumani TOURÉ
Chairman of the People's Redemption Transitional Committee,
Heed of State of the Republic of MALI
……………………………………………………………
His Excellency Félix HOUPHOUËT -BOIGNY
President of the Republic of CÔTE D'IVOIRE

……………………………………………………………
His Excellency General Joao Bernardo VIEIRA
President of the Council of State of the Republic of GUINEA-BISSAU
……………………………………………………………
His Excellency Abdou DIOUF
President of the Republic of SENEGAL
……………………………………………………………
Honorable Kokou Joseph KOFFlGOH
Prime Minister of the TOGOLESE Republic
……………………………………………………………
Honourable Mohamed Ibn CHAMBAS, Deputy PNDC Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Representing the Head of State of the Republic of Ghana
……………………………………………………………
Honourable Augustus AIKHOMU Vice-President of the Federal Republic of NIGERIA
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: Page 2, ECOMOG, 5: The Meeting recognized the vital importance that the necessary conditions of peace and security on the ground should be created in order to reinforce the confidence of the parties concerned as well as create the necessary atmosphere conducive to the holding of free, fair and democratic elections in Liberia. To this end, the Meeting agreed on the need to remodel and reinforce ECOMOG and reiterated earlier appeals to other Member States of ECOWAS willing and able to contribute troops to do so without any further delay. It therefore welcomed with appreciation the announcement by Senegal of its readiness to contribute troops to ECOMOG.

Page 2, ENCAMPMENT AND DISARMAMENT, 7: The Meeting welcomed the agreement of the parties to implement, under ECOMOG supervision, the encampment of their troops in designated locations and their disarmament, and the arms and ammunition would be deposited in appropriate armories also under the supervision of ECOMOG. The Meeting mandated ECOMOG, in liaison with the parties concerned, to work out the practical modalities for the implementation of this agreement.

Page 2, ELECTORAL PROCESS, 10: The parties also agreed to co-operate fully with the International Negotiations network (INN) of the Carter Centre invited by the Committee to assist with the electoral process.
Enforcement mechanism: No specific mention.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: UN peacemaker: http://peacemaker.un.org/

Final Communiqué of the of the ECOWAS Committee of Five on the Liberian Crisis

Yamossoukro, 16-17 September 1991

The ECOWAS Committee of five on Liberia held its second meeting in Yamoussoukro, CÔTE D'IVOIRE, from 16 to 17 September 1991 under the Chairmanship of His Excellency Félix HOUPHOUËT-BOIGNY, President of the Republic of CÔTE D'IVOIRE.

The Committee invited certain Member States of ECOWAS to participate in its deliberations.

Present at the Meeting were the following Heads of and Government or their duly accredited representatives:

His Excellency Captain Blaise COMPAORÉ, President of Faso, Head of Government, BURKINA FASO.

His Excellency Félix HOUPHOUËT-BOIGNY, President of the Republic of CÔTE D'IVOIRE.

His Excellency Alhaji Sir Dawda Kairaba JAWARA, President of the Republic of THE GAMBIA.

His Excellency General Joao Benardo VIEIRA, President of the Council of State of the Republic of GUINEA-BISSAU.

His Excellency Lieutenant-Colonel Amadou Toumani TOURE, Chairman of the People's Redemption Transitional Committee, Head of State of the Republic of MALI.

His Excellency Abdou DIOUF, President of the Republic of SENEGAL.

Honourable Kokou Joseph KOFFIGOH, Prime Minister of the TOGOLESE Republic.

Honourable Augustus AIKHOMU, Vice-President, representing the President of the Federal Republic of NIGERIA.

Honourable Mohamed lbn CHAMBAS, Deputy PNDC Secretary for Foreign Affairs, representing the Head of State of the Republic of Ghana.

Also present at the invitation of the Committee were:

His Excellency Dr. Amos SAWYER, President of the Interim Government of LIBERIA.

Mr. Charles TAYLOR, Head of the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL).

The Representative of the International Negotiations Network (INN).

OUTCOME OF DELIBERATIONS CONSULTATIONS

The Committee reviewed developments relating to the Liberian crisis since its last meeting in Yamoussoukro on July 29, 1991.

The Committee noted that since the meeting, consultations were undertaken between Member States of ECOWAS and with some friendly states outside the

sub-region on a number of matters aimed at restoring lasting peace and security to Liberia in justice and dignity.

ECOMOG

The Meeting recognized the vital importance that the necessary conditions of peace and security on the ground should be created in order to reinforce the confidence of the parties concerned as well as create the necessary atmosphere conducive to the holding of free, fair and democratic elections in Liberia.

To this end, the Meeting agreed on the need to remodel and reinforce ECOMOG and reiterated earlier appeals to other Member States of ECOWAS willing and able to contribute troops to do so without any further delay.

It therefore welcomed with appreciation the announcement by Senegal of its readiness to contribute troops to ECOMOG.

MAINTENANCE OF CEASEFIRE

The Meeting noted with satisfaction that both the Interim Government and the National Patriotic Front of Liberia had adhered to their commitments to continue to observe and consolidate the ceasefire in Liberia.

ENCAMPMENT AND DISARMAMENT

The Meeting welcomed the agreement of the parties to implement, under ECOMOG supervision, the encampment of their troops in designated locations and their disarmament, and the arms and ammunition would be deposited in appropriate armories also under the supervision of ECOMOG.

The Meeting mandated ECOMOG, in liaison with the parties concerned, to work out the practical modalities for the implementation of this agreement.

ELECTORAL PROCESS

The two parties agreed to set up a five-member Elections Commission for the organization and supervision of the elections to be held in Liberia.

The Commission would meet in Monrovia as soon as possible.

The two parties agreed to establish a five-member Ad Hoc Supreme Court to adjudicated disputes arising from the electoral process as provided for by the Liberian Constitution.

The parties also agreed to co-operate fully with the International Negotiations network (INN) of the Carter Centre invited by the Committee to assist with the electoral process.

MISSIONS TO GUINEA AND SIERRA LEONE

Concerned about the deterioration of the security situation in the border areas between Liberian and Sierra Leone on the one hand, and Liberia and Guinea on the other, the Meeting requested Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Nigeria under the Chairmanship of Senegal to visit Guinea and Sierra Leone.

The objective of the mission, among other things, would be to convey the outcome of this Meeting to the Heads of State of those countries with a view to enlisting their co-operation for the successful implementation of the agreement reached and to facilitating the restoration of normalcy in those border areas.

VOTE OF THANKS

The Meeting expressed its appreciation and gratitude to His Excellency Félix HOUPHOUËT-BOIGNY, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, the Government and people of Côte d'Ivoire for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to all delegations and for the excellent facilities made available to ensure the success of the Meeting.

NEXT MEETING

The Committee decided to meet again in Yamoussoukro on 29 of October 1991.

DONE IN YAMOUSSOUKRO

THIS SEVENTEENTH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 1991

……………………………………………………………

Captain Blaise COMPAORÉ President of Faso Head of Government, BURKINA FASO

……………………………………………………………

His Excellency Alhaji Sir Dawda Kairaba JAWARA

President of the Republic of THE GAMBIA

……………………………………………………………

His Excellency Lt.

Col.

Arnadou Toumani TOURÉ

Chairman of the People's Redemption Transitional Committee,

Heed of State of the Republic of MALI

…………………………………………………………… His Excellency Félix HOUPHOUËT -BOIGNY President of the Republic of CÔTE D'IVOIRE

……………………………………………………………

His Excellency General Joao Bernardo VIEIRA

President t of the Council of State of the Republic of GUINEA-BISSAU

……………………………………………………………

His Excellency Abdou DIOUF

President of the Republic of SENEGAL

……………………………………………………………

Honorable Kokou Joseph KOFFlGOH

Prime Minister of the TOGOLESE Republic

……………………………………………………………

Honourable Mohamed Ibn CHAMBAS, Deputy PNDC Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Representing the Head of State of the Republic of Ghana

……………………………………………………………

Honourable Augustus AIKHOMU Vice-President of the Federal Republic of NIGERIA

……………………………………………………………

His Excellency Dr. Amos SAWYER President of the Interim Government of LIBERIA

……………………………………………………………

Mr. Charles TAYLOR

Head of the National Patriotic Front of LIBERIA (NPFL)