Liberia: Former Female General “Black Diamond” Forms NGO, to empower Colleagues

Nov 3, 2007 by Global News Network / Contributor

The name “Black Diamond” during the last round of fighting in Monrovia was one of those names associated with the fighting forces of one of Liberia’s armed factions, the LURD, a group that led the unceremonious departure of former Liberian leader, Charles Taylor to Nigeria and his subsequent transferred to The Hague on war crimes charges.

“Black Diamond” as she preferred to be called by many, including our reporter is now headed an local NGO, “Young Women for the Betterment of Liberia”, which grouped over 300 Liberian female ex-fighters empowering themselves in the areas of vocational activities.

Speaking to the GNN at her Clara town residence in Monrovia during a surprise visit, said she was encouraged two years ago by some U.N. officials (declined to name) in putting together her NGO.

She said her NGO has grouped most of those young women who fought during the Liberian civil war from some of the former armed factions, adding, “These young women are attending here learning how to make soap, Tie & Dying clothes and also baking”, in a rather relaxed mood stressed.

Some of the women, according to her fought against her during the days of the conflict, stressing, “We have some of the former government forces who took arms against her. Now they all are here, we have thrown behind us those ugly past and are now moving ahead peacefully”, Black Diamond during the interview said.

Most residents of Black Diamond who spoke to the GNN said they were impressed of the changes in the lives of former female fighters, like this older woman, only named herself as Ma Zoe, “I am happy to see my daughters turning their backs on war, and getting themselves involve into meaningful programs like this,” Ma Zoe in quipped with smiles said.

Black Diamond who was 22 years old when she took up arms to battle it out with Charles Taylor forces has now changed to a humanitarian at age 27, noting, “My change of mind and attitude from the action of the devil has made me a real Liberia woman…..Thank to Allah” , this young beautiful Liberian lady with a glaring smiles said.