The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has denied report by the News Public Trust newspaper that it is disappointed in the Liberia National Police investigation relating to recent electoral violence in Foya, Lofa County.
The regional body stated that the report is a palpable fabrication without any factual basis, adding that ECOWAS observers in Lofa have neither commented nor expressed disappointment about any issue including the Liberia National Police investigations into the unfortunate clashes in Foya, Lofa that left two dead.
In a statement issued Thursday, October 5, ECOWAS indicated that the mandate of its Long Term Elections Observers (LTOs) deployed to all corners of Liberia do not include expressing views on issues. “They just observe and report and have been doing just that”, the statement said.
In this regard, ECOWAS said it demands the withdrawal of the fictitious report and insists on a written apology.
The regional body explained that it will continue to appeal to the media in Liberia to continue to abide by the ethics and principles of the profession and refrain from acts that have the tendency to cause dissatisfaction, and mistrust, and lead to conflict.
“The media must continue to provide factual reports, provide a platform for healthy and issues-based debate among the candidates for the electorate to make informed choices as well as assist with civic and voter education for a peaceful, transparent, inclusive, free and fair October 10 elections,” it concluded .
