MONROVIA – Liberia’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, has launched a nationwide campaign aimed at curbing the alarming rise in mob violence, declaring it a direct threat to the country’s democracy, rule of law, and public safety. The National Anti-Mob Violence Campaign was officially unveiled on Saturday, April 19, 2025, in Saye Town, Sinkor, with a strong call for Liberians to reject vigilante justice and reaffirm trust in the nation’s legal system.
Speaking at the launch, Cllr. Tweh expressed deep concern over the surge in mob attacks that have left communities fractured, lives lost, and properties destroyed. Citing recent incidents in Weala and Paynesville, he warned that the continued spread of mob violence undermines public confidence in state institutions and jeopardizes national stability. He described the situation as “an unfortunate reality that must be confronted head-on.”
“Mob violence is a serious crime that threatens the very essence of democracy and societal order,” Tweh said. “We cannot, and we will not, turn a blind eye to the lawlessness that is creeping into our neighborhoods.” He emphasized that the Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with security agencies, will take aggressive measures to root out this menace and prosecute those responsible for acts of mob justice.
The National Anti-Mob Violence Campaign will focus on community engagement, legal education, and strengthening trust between citizens and the justice system. In partnership with civil society groups, the Liberia Motorcycle Union, the Federation of Liberian Youth, and other stakeholders, the Ministry plans to organize workshops, talk shows, and dialogues aimed at encouraging lawful responses to disputes and grievances.
Tweh stressed that resolving conflicts through lawful channels rather than violence is critical to building a peaceful and prosperous Liberia. “The real strength lies not in taking matters into our own hands but in seeking justice collaboratively within our legal framework,” he stated. He urged all Liberians to embrace dialogue, understanding, and peaceful coexistence over hostility and destruction.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has fully endorsed the campaign, encouraging Liberians to place their faith in the justice system. In a separate statement, the President urged citizens, particularly the youth, to resist the temptation of mob violence and pursue legal solutions to grievances. “Mob violence has no place in a civilized society,” President Boakai asserted, adding that the rule of law remains the strongest foundation for national development and stability.
The campaign, supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Liberia Chamber of Commerce, comes in response to mounting frustrations over delayed or inaccessible justice services, which have sometimes fueled mob actions. Through education and awareness initiatives, the campaign seeks to empower citizens with knowledge of their rights and available legal remedies.
Cllr. Tweh acknowledged that tackling mob violence also requires addressing the socio-economic drivers that contribute to public frustration and impatience with the justice system. High unemployment, limited access to education, and poverty were cited as underlying issues that must be simultaneously addressed to ensure lasting peace and security.
“Each one of us has a role to play in dismantling this cycle of violence,” Tweh said. He reminded citizens that in moments of mob violence, anyone could become a victim, warning that “terrible consequences occur when we abandon the rule of law.” He called for national unity in building a Liberia where justice, not violence, defines society’s response to conflict.
