Decision A/DEC.1/8/90 on the Ceasefire and Establishment of an ECOWAS Ceasefire Monitoring Group for Liberia (ECOWAS Peace Plan)

  • Country/entity
    Liberia
  • Region
    Africa (excl MENA)
  • Agreement name
    Decision A/DEC.1/8/90 on the Ceasefire and Establishment of an ECOWAS Ceasefire Monitoring Group for Liberia (ECOWAS Peace Plan)
  • Date
    7 Aug 1990
  • Agreement status
    Unilateral document
  • Interim arrangement
    Yes
  • Agreement/conflict level
    Interstate/intrastate conflict(s) ( Liberian Civil Wars (1989 - 1997) (1999 - 2005) )
  • Stage
    Ceasefire/related
  • Conflict nature
    Government
  • Peace process
    Liberia peace process
  • Parties
    H. E. DAWDA KAIRABA JAWARA
    CHAIRMAN
    ECOWAS STANDING MEDIATION COMMITTEE
    FOR THE AUTHORITY
  • Third parties
    -
  • Description
    A short agreement from the ECOWAS Standing Mediation Committee designating the committee as an appropriate mechanism for resolving the Liberian Conflict, calling on the warring parties to observe a ceasefire, and setting up a ceasefire monitoring group.


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
    Groups→Other groups→Rhetorical
    Page 1, Untitled Preamble, para 6: DEEPLY CONCERNED about the plight of foreign nationals, particularly citizens of the Community who are seriously affected by the conflict;
  • Refugees/displaced persons
    Groups→Refugees/displaced persons→Rhetorical
    Page 1, Untitled Preamble, para 4: GRAVELY CONCERNED about the armed conflict existing in Liberia and the wanton destruction of human life and property and the displacement of persons occasioned by the said conflict;

    Page 2, ARTICLE 1 CEASEFIRE, 3. The Interim Government shall unban all political parties and facilitate the 'return of all refugees and political exiles'.
  • 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)
    Page 1, Untitled Preamble, para 5: CONSIDERING the massive damage in various forms being caused by the armed conflict to the stability and survival of the entire Liberian nation;
  • 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

    No specific mention.


Governance

  • Political institutions (new or reformed)
    Governance→Political institutions (new or reformed)→General references
    Page 1, ARTICLE 1 CEASEFIRE, 2: The parties to the conflict shall:
    ...d) refrain, pending the establishment of an Interim Government for the governance of Liberia until a new government is set up as a result of democratically conducted elections, from any activity which might prejudice the establishment of such Interim Government or the holding of general and presidential elections;
    ...f) respect, unless otherwise suspended to facilitate the administration of the country by the Interim Government, the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia adopted on 6th January 1986;

    Page 2, ARTICLE 1 CEASEFIRE, 3. The Interim Government shall unban all political parties and facilitate the 'return of all refugees and political exiles'.

    Page 2, ARTICLE II: CEASEFIRE MONITORING GROUP, 4: The Ceasefire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) shall remain in Liberia, if necessary, until the successful holding of general elections and the installation of an elected government.
  • Elections
    Page 1, ARTICLE 1 CEASEFIRE, 2: The parties to the conflict shall:
    ...d) refrain, pending the establishment of an Interim Government for the governance of Liberia until a new government is set up as a result of democratically conducted elections, from any activity which might prejudice the establishment of such Interim Government or the holding of general and presidential elections;

    Page 2, ARTICLE II: CEASEFIRE MONITORING GROUP, 2: The Ceasefire Monitoring Group shall be under the command of a Force Commander appointed by the Committee. He shall be entrusted with powers to conduct military operations for the purpose of Monitoring the ceasefire, restoring law and order to create the necessary conditions for free and fair elections to be held In Liberia.

    Page 2, ARTICLE II: CEASEFIRE MONITORING GROUP, 4: The Ceasefire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) shall remain in Liberia, if necessary, until the successful holding of general elections and the installation of an elected government.

    Page 3, ARTICLE V: APPEAL TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY: The Committee appeals to all members of the international Community not to assist any of the warring parties in any manner prejudicial to the maintenance of the ceasefire and the holding of general and presidential elections.
  • Electoral commission

    No specific mention.

  • Political parties reform
    Governance→Political parties reform→Other political parties reform
    Page 2: Article I
    3. The Interim Government shall unban all political parties and facilitate the 'return of all
    refugees and political exiles
  • Civil society

    No specific mention.

  • Traditional/religious leaders

    No specific mention.

  • Public administration

    No specific mention.

  • Constitution
    Governance→Constitution→Constitution affirmation/renewal
    Page 1, ARTICLE 1 CEASEFIRE, 2: The parties to the conflict shall:
    ...f) respect, unless otherwise suspended to facilitate the administration of the country by the Interim Government, the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia adopted on 6th January 1986;

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
    Page 1, Untitled Preamble, para 1: MINDFUL of Article 5 of the ECOWAS Treaty establishing the Authority of Heads of State and Government and defining its composition and functions;

    Page 1, Untitled Preamble, para 3: RECALLING the Protocol relating to Mutual Assistance on Defence signed by the Heads of State and Government at Freetown on 29th May 1981;
  • Civil and political rights

    No specific mention.

  • Socio-economic rights

    No specific mention.


Rights related issues

  • Citizenship
    Rights related issues→Citizenship→Citizen, general
    Page 1, Untitled Preamble, para 6: DEEPLY CONCERNED about the plight of foreign nationals, particularly citizens of the Community who are seriously affected by the conflict;

    Page 1, Untitled Preamble, para 8: DETERMINED to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict and to put an end to the situation which is seriously disrupting the normal life of innocent citizens in Liberia;
  • Democracy
    Page 1, ARTICLE 1 CEASEFIRE, 2: The parties to the conflict shall:
    ...d) refrain, pending the establishment of an Interim Government for the governance of Liberia until a new government is set up as a result of democratically conducted elections, from any activity which might prejudice the establishment of such Interim Government or the holding of general and presidential elections;
  • 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

    No specific mention.

  • 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
    Page 2, ARTICLE III: FINANCE OF THE OPERATIONS: All expenses relating to the operations of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group shall be drawn from the Special Emergency Fund created by Decision A/DEC.3/8/90 of the ECOWAS Standing Mediation Committee.
  • 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

    No specific mention.

  • Ceasefire
    Security sector→Ceasefire→Ceasefire provision
    [Summary: The entire agreement provides for a ceasefire and its modalities. The ceasefire is effective immediately from 07/08/1990. It is unclear whether the ceasefire is temporary or permanent.]

    Page 1, ARTICLE 1 CEASEFIRE, 1: The Standing Mediation Committee acting on behalf of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, hereby calls on all the parties to the conflict to observe an immediate ceasefire as a contribution to the restoration and maintenance of peace and security throughout Liberia.

    Page 1, ARTICLE 1 CEASEFIRE, 2: The parties to the conflict shall:
    a) cease all activities of a military or para-military nature, as well as all acts of violence;
    b) surrender all arms and ammunition to the custody of the ECOWAS Ceasefire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG);
    c) refrain from importing or acquiring or assisting or encouraging the importation and acquisition of weapons or war materials;
    d) refrain, pending the establishment of an Interim Government for the governance of Liberia until a new government is set up as a result of democratically conducted elections, from any activity which might prejudice the establishment of such Interim Government or the holding of general and presidential elections;
    e) release all political prisoners and prisoners of war;
    f) respect, unless otherwise suspended to facilitate the administration of the country by the Interim Government, the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia adopted on 6th January 1986;
    g) fully cooperate with the ECOWAS Standing Mediation Committee, the ECOWAS Executive Secretary and the ECOWAS Ceasefire Monitoring Group for the effective maintenance of the ceasefire and the restoration of law and order.

    Page 2, ARTICLE 1 CEASEFIRE, 3. The Interim Government shall unban all political parties and facilitate the 'return of all refugees and political exiles'.

    Page 2, ARTICLE II: CEASEFIRE MONITORING GROUP, 1: In order to arrive at a peaceful and lasting settlement of the dispute, ECOWAS shall establish, under the authority of the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS and under the command of an ECOWAS Member State, a Ceasefire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) to be composed of military contingents drawn from the Member States of the ECOWAS Standing Mediation Committee as well as from Guinea and Sierra Leone.

    Page 2, ARTICLE II: CEASEFIRE MONITORING GROUP, 2: The Ceasefire Monitoring Group shall be under the command of a Force Commander appointed by the Committee. He shall be entrusted with powers to conduct military operations for the purpose of Monitoring the ceasefire, restoring law and order to create the necessary conditions for free and fair elections to be held In Liberia.

    Page 2, ARTICLE II: CEASEFIRE MONITORING GROUP, 3: The Ceasefire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) shall be assigned the function of assisting the ECOWAS Standing Mediation Committee in supervising the implementation and in ensuring the strict compliance by the parties with the provisions of the ceasefire throughout the territory of Liberia.

    Page 2, ARTICLE II: CEASEFIRE MONITORING GROUP, 4: The Ceasefire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) shall remain in Liberia, if necessary, until the successful holding of general elections and the installation of an elected government.

    Page 2, ARTICLE II: CEASEFIRE MONITORING GROUP, 5: The Executive Secretary shall establish rules and regulations for the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) after consultation with the Chairman of the Authority.

    Page 2, ARTICLE II: CEASEFIRE MONITORING GROUP, 6: The Executive Secretary is hereby authorised to appoint a Special Representative and other supporting staff for the operations in Liberia. The Special Representative shall work in close collaboration with the Forces Commander and assist in carrying out the ECOWAS operations in Liberia.

    Page 2, ARTICLE III: FINANCE OF THE OPERATIONS: All expenses relating to the operations of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group shall be drawn from the Special Emergency Fund created by Decision A/DEC.3/8/90 of the ECOWAS Standing Mediation Committee.

    Page 3, ARTICLE IV: COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS: The operations of the ECOWAS Monitoring Group in Liberia shall commence forthwith,

    Page 3, ARTICLE V: APPEAL TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY: The Committee appeals to all members of the international Community not to assist any of the warring parties in any manner prejudicial to the maintenance of the ceasefire and the holding of general and presidential elections.
  • Police

    No specific mention.

  • Armed forces
    Page 1, Untitled Preamble, para 3: RECALLING the Protocol relating to Mutual Assistance on Defence signed by the Heads of State and Government at Freetown on 29th May 1981;

    Page 1, ARTICLE 1 CEASEFIRE, 2: The parties to the conflict shall:
    a) cease all activities of a military or para-military nature, as well as all acts of violence;
  • DDR
    Security sector→DDR→Demilitarisation provisions
    Page 1, ARTICLE 1 CEASEFIRE, 2: The parties to the conflict shall:
    ...b) surrender all arms and ammunition to the custody of the ECOWAS Ceasefire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG);
  • Intelligence services

    No specific mention.

  • Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces
    Page 1, ARTICLE 1 CEASEFIRE, 2: The parties to the conflict shall:
    a) cease all activities of a military or para-military nature, as well as all acts of violence;
  • 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
    Page 1, ARTICLE 1 CEASEFIRE, 2: The parties to the conflict shall:
    ...e) release all political prisoners and prisoners of war;
  • Vetting

    No specific mention.

  • Victims
    Page 1, Untitled Preamble, para 4: GRAVELY CONCERNED about the armed conflict existing in Liberia and the wanton destruction of human life and property and the displacement of persons occasioned by the said conflict;

    Page 1, Untitled Preamble, para 8: DETERMINED to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict and to put an end to the situation which is seriously disrupting the normal life of innocent citizens in Liberia;
  • Missing persons

    No specific mention.

  • Reparations

    No specific mention.

  • Reconciliation

    No specific mention.


Implementation

  • UN signatory

    No specific mention.

  • Other international signatory
    H. E. DAWDA KAIRABA JAWARA
    CHAIRMAN
    ECOWAS STANDING MEDIATION COMMITTEE
    FOR THE AUTHORITY
  • Referendum for agreement

    No specific mention.

  • International mission/force/similar
    Page 2, ARTICLE II: CEASEFIRE MONITORING GROUP, 1: In order to arrive at a peaceful and lasting settlement of the dispute, ECOWAS shall establish, under the authority of the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS and under the command of an ECOWAS Member State, a Ceasefire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) to be composed of military contingents drawn from the Member States of the ECOWAS Standing Mediation Committee as well as from Guinea and Sierra Leone.

    Page 2, ARTICLE II: CEASEFIRE MONITORING GROUP, 2: The Ceasefire Monitoring Group shall be under the command of a Force Commander appointed by the Committee. He shall be entrusted with powers to conduct military operations for the purpose of Monitoring the ceasefire, restoring law and order to create the necessary conditions for free and fair elections to be held In Liberia.

    Page 2, ARTICLE II: CEASEFIRE MONITORING GROUP, 3: The Ceasefire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) shall be assigned the function of assisting the ECOWAS Standing Mediation Committee in supervising the implementation and in ensuring the strict compliance by the parties with the provisions of the ceasefire throughout the territory of Liberia.

    Page 2, ARTICLE II: CEASEFIRE MONITORING GROUP, 4: The Ceasefire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) shall remain in Liberia, if necessary, until the successful holding of general elections and the installation of an elected government.

    Page 2, ARTICLE II: CEASEFIRE MONITORING GROUP, 5: The Executive Secretary shall establish rules and regulations for the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) after consultation with the Chairman of the Authority.

    Page 2, ARTICLE II: CEASEFIRE MONITORING GROUP, 6: The Executive Secretary is hereby authorised to appoint a Special Representative and other supporting staff for the operations in Liberia. The Special Representative shall work in close collaboration with the Forces Commander and assist in carrying out the ECOWAS operations in Liberia.

    Page 3, ARTICLE IV: COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS: The operations of the ECOWAS Monitoring Group in Liberia shall commence forthwith,
  • Enforcement mechanism
    Page 3, ARTICLE VI FINAL PROVISIONS: The ECOWAS Executive Secretary shall be responsible for the proper implementation and application of this Decision which shall enter into force upon signature and shall be published in the Official Journal of the Community and in the National Gazette of each Member State.
  • Related cases

    No specific mention.

  • Source
    Official Journal of the ECOWAS, Vol. 21, Nov. 1991

DECISION A/DEC.1/8/90 ON THE CEASEFIRE AND ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ECOWAS CEASEFIRE MONITORING GROUP FOR LIBERIA

THE COMMUNITY STANDING MEDIATION COMMITTEE

MINDFUL of Article 5 of the ECOWAS Treaty establishing the Authority of Heads of State and Government and defining its composition and functions;

MINDFUL of Decision A/DEC.9/5/90 of 30 May 1990 of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government on the creation of a Community Standing Mediation Committee;

RECALLING the Protocol relating to Mutual Assistance on Defence signed by the Heads of State and Government at Freetown on 29th May 1981;

GRAVELY CONCERNED about the armed conflict existing in Liberia and the wanton destruction of human life and property and the displacement of persons occasioned by the said conflict;

CONSIDERING the massive damage in various forms being caused by the armed conflict to the stability and survival of the entire Liberian nation;

DEEPLY CONCERNED about the plight of foreign nationals, particularly citizens of the Community who are seriously affected by the conflict;

CONSIDERING that law and order in Liberia have broken down;

DETERMINED to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict and to put an end to the situation which is seriously disrupting the normal life of innocent citizens in Liberia;

CONVINCED that the ECOWAS Standing Mediation Committee established by the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States at its Thirteenth Session held from 28 to 30 May 1990 in Banjul provides an appropriate mechanism for resolving the situation.

DECIDES

ARTICLE 1:

CEASEFIRE

The Standing Mediation Committee acting on behalf of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, hereby calls on all the parties to the conflict to observe an immediate ceasefire as a contribution to the restoration and maintenance of peace and security throughout Liberia.

The parties to the conflict shall:

cease all activities of a military or para-military nature, as well as all acts of violence;

surrender all arms and ammunition to the custody of the ECOWAS Ceasefire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG);

refrain from importing or acquiring or assisting or encouraging the importation and acquisition of weapons or war materials;

refrain, pending the establishment of an Interim Government for the governance of Liberia until a new government is set up as a result of democratically conducted elections, from any activity which might prejudice the establishment of such Interim Government or the holding of general and presidential elections;

release all political prisoners and prisoners of war;

respect, unless otherwise suspended to facilitate the administration of the country by the Interim Government, the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia adopted on 6th January 1986;

fully cooperate with the ECOWAS Standing Mediation Committee, the ECOWAS Executive Secretary and the ECOWAS Ceasefire Monitoring Group for the effective maintenance of the ceasefire and the restoration of law and order.

The Interim Government shall unban all political parties and facilitate the 'return of all refugees and political exiles

ARTICLE II:

CEASEFIRE MONITORING GROUP

In order to arrive at a peaceful and lasting settlement of the dispute, ECOWAS shall establish, under the authority of the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS and under the command of an ECOWAS Member State, a Ceasefire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) to be composed of military contingents drawn from the Member States of the ECOWAS Standing Mediation Committee as well as from Guinea and Sierra Leone.

The Ceasefire Monitoring Group shall be under the command of a Force Commander appointed by the Committee.

He shall be entrusted with powers to conduct military operations for the purpose of Monitoring the ceasefire, restoring law and order to create the necessary conditions for free and fair elections to be held In Liberia.

The Ceasefire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) shall be assigned the function of assisting the ECOWAS Standing Mediation Committee in supervising the implementation and in ensuring the strict compliance by the parties with the provisions of the ceasefire throughout the territory of Liberia.

The Ceasefire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) shall remain in Liberia, if necessary, until the successful holding of general elections and the installation of an elected government.

The Executive Secretary shall establish rules and regulations for the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) after consultation with the Chairman of the Authority.

The Executive Secretary is hereby authorised to appoint a Special Representative and other supporting staff for the operations in Liberia.

The Special Representative shall work in close collaboration with the Forces Commander and assist in carrying out the ECOWAS operations in Liberia.

ARTICLE III:

FINANCE OF THE OPERATIONS

All expenses relating to the operations of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group shall be drawn from the Special Emergency Fund created by Decision A/DEC.3/8/90 of the ECOWAS Standing Mediation Committee.

ARTICLE IV:

COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS

The operations of the ECOWAS Monitoring Group in Liberia shall commence forthwith,

ARTICLE V:

APPEAL TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

The Committee appeals to all members of the international Community not to assist any of the warring parties in any manner prejudicial to the maintenance of the ceasefire and the holding of general and presidential elections.

ARTICLE VI:

FINAL PROVISIONS

The ECOWAS Executive Secretary shall be responsible for the proper implementation and application of this Decision which shall enter into force upon signature and shall be published in the Official Journal of the Community and in the National Gazette of each Member State.

DONE AT BANJUL THIS 7TH DAY OF AUGUST 1990.

H. E. DAWDA KAIRABA JAWARA

CHAIRMAN

ECOWAS STANDING MEDIATION COMMITTEE

FOR THE AUTHORITY