By Kruah Thompson
Liberia’s Justice Minister Cllr. Frank Musa Dean has directed law enforcement agencies to heighten security measures to protect national peace security after fatal election violence in Foya, Lofa County.
“The Joint Security shall be robust and fully equipped to take all legally permissible actions to protect the peace,” Cllr. Dean told the public during a press conference on Monday, 2 October 2023.
At least two persons were reported dead, 19 others wounded and several properties destroyed during the political violence on Friday, 29 September 2023.
Liberia’s two main rival political parties – the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) and the opposition Unity Party (UP) are trading accusations after clashes between their supporters reportedly resulted in the two deaths and injuries of other victims.
Supporters of the rival parties clashed over the weekend in Foya, Lofa County, a political stronghold of UP presidential candidate Amb. Joseph Nyumah Boakai.
Reports say the incident interrupted a buildup to receive U.S.-based Lofaians who were returning to the county to show support for Boakai, the main rival to incumbent President George Manneh Weah.
The political violence is reported to have taken place at the Shiloh Junction adjacent to the compound of CDC’s Montserrado County Electoral District #5 Representative Mr. Thomas P. Fallah.
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Fallah has left Montserrado to contest a legislative seat in Lofa.
In the wake of electoral violence in Lofa County, Minister Dean has issued a stern warning against any actions that could jeopardize the peace in the lead-up to the upcoming elections.
Dean emphasized the government’s determination to ensure the rule of law prevails and order is maintained during this crucial period.
The 2023 presidential and legislative election process has witnessed a series of electoral violence since the National Elections Commission (NEC) declared a political campaign opened in August this year.
These brutal incidents have led to the loss of lives and featured threatening remarks targeting political leaders.
But Minister Dean has warned the full force of the law will be applied against any attempt to disrupt the peace.
“Any attempt to disrupt the peace will be met with the full force of the law,” the Liberian Attorney General said.
He underscored the government’s commitment to preventing acts of violence, intimidation, or civil unrest that could undermine the electoral process or put citizens’ safety at risk.
The Minister highlighted the extensive preparations made by the Joint Security, composed of various law enforcement agencies, to safeguard the peace.
He added that reasonable and proportionate force would be utilized when necessary, cautioning those contemplating actions against the peace to do so at their peril.
To further secure the nation’s borders and boundaries during the election period, Cllr. Dean has directed the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) to heighten security measures.
In the event the police and other law enforcement agencies become overwhelmed, Dean stated that the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) stands ready to assist in ensuring peaceful elections and quelling any unrest.
Minister Dean noted the government’s unwavering commitment to facilitating peaceful and transparent elections.
He urged citizens to work collaboratively with law enforcement agencies, emphasizing that the government’s goal is to ensure every citizen can freely and safely exercise their democratic rights.
Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the Liberia National Police’s role in community policing, urging citizens to shun violence and resist incendiary rhetoric.
He at the same time cautioned against the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech in various media platforms and communities, emphasizing that those inciting violence bear equal responsibility with those committing acts of violence.
Minister Dean appealed to those with grievances related to the elections’ conduct to seek resolution through the appropriate legal channels rather than resorting to street-level disputes.
He stressed the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and the public, reiterating the role of law enforcement officers as protectors of citizens and the rule of law.
Minister Dean reminded all that no one possesses the right to disrupt the peace. He cautioned individuals or groups entertaining such thoughts to reconsider, issuing a clear warning against testing the resolve of the Joint Security.
