Anglican Communion News Service

The new leader for the transitional government in Liberia was named on 21 August after a 72-hour selection process in the country’s capital, Monrovia. Charles Gyude Bryant, 54, who has been described as a “mild-mannered businessman” studied economics at Cuttington College and is chairman of the board of trustees of the Episcopal Church in Liberia.

Backed by both the rebels and the government, Gyude Bryant aims to lead Liberia into peace after 14-years of violent conflict. The administration will assume control from 14 October until the elections take place in October 2005.

Mr Bryant told the press that he was not surprised at his election and that the people of Liberia needed a neutral person who had no political association with any of the warring factions. “I will play the role of a neutral and healing character to cool down the political tension which has characterised Liberia for more than a decade,” he said. "I will cut off the hate and anger which have eaten deep into the people's way of life."

Calling for a "cooling off period" to end a civil war that has destroyed the nation's infrastructure and created a huge refugee problem, Mr Bryant acknowledged that the government faced monumental problems. Among these are 450,000 displaced people living in Monrovia amid a crippling scarcity of food, water and medicine; an 85 per cent unemployment rate; and thousands of still-armed combatants.

He said his priorities were to work with the United Nations to hold elections, to demobilise fighters, to establish and maintain order, and to restore basic services, such as electricity.