JOINT STATEMENT OF THE UN RESIDENT COORDINATOR A.I., ECOWAS AMBASSADOR, AND THE CHARGÉS D’AFFAIRES A.I. OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AND UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

MONROVIA, 4 AUGUST 2020

The UN Resident Coordinator a.i., ECOWAS Ambassador, and the Chargés d’Affaires a.i. of the European Union and United States of America fully support the concern expressed by the Inter-Religious Council, the Catholic Diocese of Cape Palmas, the Providence Baptist Church, the Legislative Caucus of Grand Gedeh, other religious leaders and political stakeholders, including President George Manneh Weah and his Government, over the use of hate speech and mob violence, and particularly, the recent attack against opposition politicians in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County.

Most Liberians from all walks of life have demonstrated their commitment to peace and are resolved to learn lessons from their past to embrace a culture of peaceful competition for political leadership and responsibility.

We welcome President Weah’s statement denouncing and repudiating the attack and urge Liberian authorities to swiftly investigate the incident -- in an objective and non-partisan manner -- and bring to justice all those found culpable. Such action will send a clear signal that threats and violence have no place in the democratic dispensation which the people of Liberia have established for their country.

We call on all parties to refrain from undue provocation and incendiary language, promotion of misinformation, falsehood and mistrust that has the propensity to fuel political tensions, divisiveness, and violence.

As Liberia works towards the preparation of inclusive, free, fair, transparent, credible, and peaceful senatorial elections as well as a referendum in December 2020, we pledge our support to increased opportunities for genuine dialogue and constructive engagement on issues that will advance Liberia’s democracy and development.