According to a 21 January 1996 West Africa article, Alhaji G.V. Kromah, leader of the ULIMO forces, is a 42-year old with a background in communication, economics and law (65). He served in the Samuel Doe government in 1984 as minister of information (ibid., 66). According to AFP, Kromah also served as head of the broadcasting corporation under Doe's government (30 Aug. 1995). Alhaji G.V. Kromah is a muslim (West Africa 21 Jan. 1996, 66) and is a member of the Mandengo tribe (Jeune Afrique 18-24 Jan. 1996, 37; West Africa 20-26 Nov. 1995, 1804; AFP 30 Aug. 1995). Currently Kromah acts as member and co-chairman of the council of state, which will lead the country into the next presidential and general elections (West Africa 15-21 Jan. 1996, 65; Reuters 31 Aug. 1995; Los Angeles Times 20 Aug. 1995; AFP 30 Aug. 1995).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Agence France Presse (AFP) [Paris]. 30 August 1995. "Job-seekers Besiege Warlords as Liberia Prays Peace Has Come." (NEXIS)

Jeune Afrique [Paris]. 18-24 January 1996. "Liberia: La furie masochie."

Los Angeles Times. 20 August 1995. Home Edition. "Warring Liberia Factions Agree To Power-Sharing Plan." (NEXIS)

Reuters. 31 August 1995. BC Cycle. Thalia Griffiths. "Liberians Hope for Final End to Civil War." (NEXIS)

West Africa [London]. 15-21 January 1996. "Liberia: My Turf is the Public Good."

_____. 20-26 November 1995. "Charles Taylor's Views."

Agence France Presse (AFP) [Paris]. 30 August 1995. "Job-seekers Besiege Warlords as Liberia Prays Peace Has Come." (NEXIS)

Jeune Afrique [Paris]. 18-24 January 1996. "Liberia: La furie masochie," p. 37.

Los Angeles Times. Home Edition. 20 August 1995. "Warring Liberia Factions Agree To Power-Sharing Plan." (NEXIS)

Reuters. 31 August 1995. BC Cycle. Thalia Griffiths. "Liberians Hope for Final End to Civil War." (NEXIS)

West Africa [London]. 15-21 January 1996. "Liberia: My Turf is the Public Good," pp. 65-67.

_____. 20-26 November 1995. "Charles Taylor's Views," p. 1804.