The Chair and Board of Directors of the Angie Brooks International Centre (ABIC), ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olubanke King-Akerele, has identified early warnings that could potentially disrupt the peace and stability of Liberia ahead of the October 10, 2023 polls; Cynthia Quinisier reports.
Speaking at the official launch of the Women’s Situation Room (WSR), held at the Monrovia City Hall in Monrovia on Tuesday, ex-Minister Akerele said there are recent unhealthy happenings amid the on-going campaign activities across the country.
She termed as unacceptable the toting of casket bearing the image of former Vice President and Standard Bearer of the Unity Party (UP), Ambassador Joseph Nyumah Boakai.
This act, which was denounced by President George Weah and other top executives, was demonstrated by the National Youth League of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).
She also described as counterproductive the violent situation between supporters of the CDC and the opposition Unity Party in Monrovia, disrupting normal activities that day and causing many peaceful citizens to panic.
Akerele highlighted the use of provocative language, spreading of hate message through a number of media platforms, and other indicators that threaten the peace in the country.
She also highlighted the electoral conflict involving some supporters, believed to be those of Nimba County Senator, Prince Johnson, and those of the CDC, which led to the killing of a citizen in the process.
The Chair of the Board of Directors of the Angie Brooks International Center further outlined what she considered an unnecessary militancy by almost all major political parties and attacking each other in the name of defending their individual political side.
“As signatories to the Farmington River Declaration, people are calling on radio shows and talking about the presence of guns and knives. This must be independently investigated and the results made available because it undermines the essence of the Farmington Declaration,” she observed.
She warned all political parties and their supporters to immediately desist from these acts because they have an impact on the conduct of the October 10, 2023 presidential and legislative elections.
“The Room has made some significant recommendations to the NEC, including findings submitted to the international community like the ECOWAS and EU, but fear has overwhelmed citizens while hearing about knifes and other harmful substances,” former Foreign Minister Akerele maintained.