By Ekena Wesley

Besieged by nearly 15 years of conflict, all about Liberia was lost of prestige, pride, reduced to emptiness and calamity after the other. We see delight at the end of the tunnel for our country and its people. Not many would agree that this regime can be credited to some extent, but in our candid appreciation of the unfolding of developments, it should never be about our origin, background, political or social persuasions.

 

Liberia put forward two representatives at the African Journalists Seminar held at the China Foreign Affairs University in the heart of Beijing, China. Participants had all not arrived at the same time so a suitable date was set for the Opening Ceremony, although the seminar had started in earnest. Liberia's incredible performance during the period of the first two lectures attracted some admiration from the more than half of the participants that were present.

 

The international Partnership Program Director, a Chinese national, Mr.ShengYuankun, had informed the class that a decision had to be taken to elect a Class President. By the close of the second lectures, Liberia's overwhelming participation won her a unanimous election amongst its peers. Our country was honored by that. We must acknowledge our Ghanaian counterparts who nominated Liberia for the position. The spirit of Pan- Africanism and West African solidarity could have done the trick. The Nigerians welcome the decision graciously.

 

The Opening Ceremony was planned and when the moment arrived, Liberia had to remark on behalf of all the participants. Senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China Foreign Affairs University as well as other stakeholders were in attendance. It was a remarkable occasion. We had listened to the Vice President of the China Foreign Affairs University. Professor Heng Xiaojun insightfully took the participants drawn from dozen African countries that China, through the Ministries of Commerce, Foreign Affairs and the China Foreign Affairs University, was delighted to bring together various journalists of African decent with a view of getting China's side to the untold story; the advance of science & technology, a burgeoning economic and cultural revolution as well as China's rise to the occasion in the 21st century.

 

The China Foreign Affairs University cardinal1y seeks to prepare high caliber personnel for Foreign Service, international studies and other careers related to international business and law. The University was founded in September 1955 at the initiative of the late Premier Zhou Enlai. Currently, there are 180 full-time faculty members, among them 48% are full professors and associate professors. The University enjoys a score of foreign experts and teachers in relevant specialties and engages some 70 senior diplomats, renowned specialists and scholars as guest professors. The University has a student body of 2,400. It offers PhD., MA, double-Bachelors, BA degrees and diplomas. The University also offers a number of international programs for students from various countries.

CFAU runs a 4-month Chinese language training program for young diplomatic personnel from foreign countries every year. In addition, the University has short-term "Understanding Modern China Workshop" for young diplomats from African, Arabian, ASEAN, South Asian, Eastern European and Central Asian countries. It also runs a short-term "Professional Program" for diplomats from African, Arabian, Central Asian countries as well as Cambodia, Laos, Afghanistan, Iraq and Palestine.

Yes, and it is good news that Liberia enjoys the confidence of its African colleagues. What is the term of reference? Interestingly, our country historically had been a diplomatic and pragmatic player on the global stage. Liberia championed the quest for self-determination for most Africa countries. Liberia's role at the seminar was one characterized by maturity, backed by consistent consultation and the listening pattern to meet the aspirations of colleagues.

Liberia exercised the responsibility of liaising frequently with conference organizers regarding the concerns, difficulties and challenges confronting participating journalists. The plight of every participant was a burden carried by Liberia with a sense of passion and dedication. Of course we had learned from the Chinese people so much about commitment to service.

It was obvious that Liberia was up to the task and it therefore serves the African member states diligently. Indeed the true mark of leadership by a country that so gallantly rose from the ashes of conflict towards recovery. It tells the story of the new sense of dynamism that thrives along the Liberian new birth as a nation truly indivisible with liberty and justice for all. It is about reasserting the country's traditional role of leadership or leading the way on the African continent

There were times -some participants especially folks from Eastern and Southern had mistaken Liberia for Nigeria. We had to remind them that Liberia was a distinguished nation and the only African country to have in place a democratically elected female President or Head of State. A bit of schooling followed and we had to sometimes attempt to answer endless questions here and there.

Some of our colleagues tried to link Liberia to some form of colonial domination. We stepped in to set the record straight. Liberia, arguably, was never color1ized although its territory was severally encroached by the likes of Britain and France. Certainly, the country lacked and even does today -the capacity at the time to fight back. What would have been the point to fight?

Better still, that would have been an opportunity to be seen to flexing its muscles in vain if you like. On the other hand, Liberia is reassuring the world at large that it has bounced back and ready to resume its proper place within the comity of nations. Our colleagues can attest to our courage and leadership to make Africa a proud continent. This ultimately makes every right-thinking Liberian proud. Well done that courageous and faithful nation!

 

Source: Heritage