spot_imgspot_img
Thursday, October 10, 2024

UN RIGHTS OFFICE CONCERNED OVER PRE-ELECTION VIOLENCE IN LIBERIA

Date:

A senior UN human right official on Wednesday called on authorities in Liberia to take all necessary measures to ensure that the upcoming elections can take place in a fully inclusive manner.

“We are concerned by reported instances of election-related violence, use of language that could amount to hate speech, and attacks on journalists in Liberia ahead of the general election on 10 October,” said UN Human Rights Office Spokesperson in the country, Seif Magango.

Violent clashes

Violent clashes between supporters of the opposition Unity Party and the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) last month left at least two people dead and 20 others injured in Foya, Lofa County.

According to the Spokesperson, there have also been outbreaks of electoral violence in Nimba, Montserrado and Grand Cape Mount counties.

The UN has also documented eight attacks on journalists by various political actors, two of which led to injuries.

Mr. Magango said the Government “must ensure that journalists can do their jobs freely and safely. All political actors must refrain from inciting violence or hatred.”

Political division

Supporters of both main parties have accused each other of instigating the violence. Videos circulating on social media depict scenes of chaos, with rival groups engaged in altercations and hurling objects at each other, sending shockwaves through the community.

The incident in September comes just under two months after a similar outbreak of violence between rival party followers in the capital, Monrovia, which reportedly resulted in numerous injuries and widespread condemnation from both the international community in Liberia and concerned citizens.

A call for peace

Calls have been made for Former Vice President Joseph Boakai, representing the Unity Party, and President George Weah, leader of the Coalition for Democratic Change, to personally condemn the violence and urge restraint by their supporters, according to news reports.

Both parties have issued statements condemning the violence.

“All incidents of election-related violence must be fully and independently investigated and those found responsible held to account without undue delay,” Mr. Magango said. Source: ungeneva.org

smartnews
Smart News Liberia is an online news outlet and a product of Smart Media Group Inc. Our website, smartnewsliberia.com, covers a broad spectrum of news content. For inquiries or information, you can reach us at 0777425285 or 0886946925, or email us at smartnewsliberia@gmail.com or info@smartnewsliberia.com.

LATEST DEVELOPMENT

BOAKAI’S MISPLACED AMBITIONS AS LIBERIA BLEEDS AND THE PRESIDENT COURTS GLOBAL VANITY

Eight months into his presidency, Joseph Boakai’s administration is...

TAKE IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF MPOX – STAY ALERT, STAY PROTECTED

As Liberia confronts the resurgence of Mpox, the confirmation...

NO JUSTIFICATION FOR HIGH SALARIES OF BOAKAI ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS AMID ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

In the midst of Liberia's current economic struggles, revelations...

LIBERIA’S POLITICAL CRISIS: A CALL FOR RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP AMID ESCALATING TENSIONS

The recent clash between the Coalition for Democratic Change...

COMMENTARY

THE MASS DISMISSAL OF LIBERIAN PUBLIC SERVANTS: A TROUBLING TREND UNDER THE BOAKAI ADMINISTRATION

A Commentary by Wondah L. Jah Since assuming the presidency,...

SECURITY RISKS: IS PRESIDENT BOAKAI UNKNOWINGLY SETTING THE STAGE FOR EARLY COUP D’ÉTAT?

In his commentary, Liberian political analyst Vandalerk R. Patricks...

IS JOSEPH BOAKAI LISTENING TO PROTESTS AROUND AFRICA?

A Commentary By Wondah L. Jah In January, Joseph Boakai,...

LATEST NEWS

Share post:

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

OPINION

AMERICA’S NEGLECT OF LIBERIA: A CALL FOR CHANGE

An Opinion By Bishop Dr. Rudolph Q. Kwanue, Sr A...

AMID AN UNENDING WAR AGAINST POVERTY, INJUSTICES – HAS THE PROGRESSIVE STRUGGLE BECOME LOST IN TRANSLATION?

A Patriot's Diary With Ekena Wesley What manner of Liberian progressives...

HAS PRESIDENT BOAKAI’S GOVERNMENT BEGUN BEARING GOOD FRUITS? (PART1)

By Jacob N.B. Parley Following a careful reflection, I have...

ELEVATING THE AG BIBLE COLLEGE TO A UNIVERSITY: A MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENT

By Jacob N.B. Parley After many years of successful preaching...

THE DILEMMA OF PRESIDENTIAL SUPREMACY IN LIBERIA: EXAMINING THE BALANCE OF POWER

By Dr. Clarence R. Pearson, Sr. Superior presidency is the...

THE GALLERY

spot_imgspot_img

MORE ARTICLES

spot_imgspot_img

MORE NEWS

LATEST DEVELOPMENT NEWS

LATEST CRIME NEWS

Share via
Copy link