LIBERIA: The Government will consider providing long-term assistance to maintain security in Liberia after Irish troops withdraw in 12 months, the Minister for Defence has said.
Willie O'Dea did not rule out Defence Forces personnel staying in the West African state beyond the planned withdrawal of the Irish battalion.
Following a meeting with Liberian president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in the capital Monrovia yesterday, Mr O'Dea said the need for lasting stability in the region had been stressed to him.
"What I have been told by the Liberian government is that some element of a rapid reaction force would still be necessary here to provide an emergency response capability after Ireland and our Swedish partners here withdraw."
Liberia's national security adviser Madeson Fukpah will formulate proposals on Ireland's role for Mr O'Dea's consideration.
The Minister said it was most likely Nigerian troops would replace the Irish and Swedes as "the backbone of the rapid reaction force", but foreign direct investment in Liberia was the key to the country's development and this would only happen if investors were confident of a secure and stable environment.
The Government could support the Nigerian reaction force by providing military expertise such as engineering, logistical and other specialist staff.
President Johnson-Sirleaf (67), a Harvard-trained economist who assumed office in January, said her country continued to be threatened by civil unrest from the demobilised police force and army, many of whom were demanding unpaid salaries and pensions. She said thousands of young people were uneducated and untrained.
"Expectations are high, people want to see concrete progress right now," she added. "It takes a little time but I am optimistic."