The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), Institute for Research and Democratic Development (IREDD), Naymote Partners for Democratic Development (NAYMOTE-Liberia) and Accountability Lab Liberia have strongly condemned the Thursday, June 25, 2020 violent demonstration in the Sinkor area, especially the setting up of unauthorized road blocks and burning of car tires by unscrupulous individuals allegedly associated with the Council of Patriots (COP), organizer of the June 7, 2019 protest in Monrovia.
“We are appalled by this unwholesome act of violence, as such action has the propensity to undermine Liberia’s peace and instill fear in citizens and development partners as well as create a sense of insecurity. While we recognize the rights of individuals or groups to protest and or voice out their frustration(s) about any happenings in the country, they must do so civilly and legally. We call on the Ministry of Justice and Liberian National Police to timely investigate the matter and prosecute those who masterminded and executed the violence,” the four CSO groups said in a press release.
“By the same token, we would like to strongly condemn misjudged statement by the Mayor of the City of Monrovia, Mr. Jefferson Kojee, that he will form a Citizens Action Unit (CAU) that will serve as first responder to violent demonstrations/protests in the city of Monrovia. Such statement is unwarranted, counterproductive to Liberia’s peace and undermines the roles of the Liberia National Police and other state security apparatuses in the country. We urge Mr. Kojee to desist from making such utterances as they equally tend to ferment violence and jeopardize the peace of the country.
“Finally, we encourage all Liberians to jealously protect the peace, as any violence and instability will worsen the already difficult economic condition of the country.”