ECOWAS AND THE UNITED NATIONS CONDEMN THE VIOLENCE LEADING TO DEATHS IN LOFA COUNTY AND CALL FOR CALM

In the run-up to the October 10 elections, ECOWAS and the United Nations (UN) have noted with grave concern the violence that broke out in Lofa County between the Unity Party (UP) and the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), leading to the loss of three lives, which they condemn in the strongest terms.

1. ECOWAS and the UN extend deep condolences to the families of the deceased.

2. In the spirit of the Farmington River Declaration 2023, the protection of human rights, and under the due process of the rule of law, ECOWAS and the UN call on the leaders of the UP and CDC to strongly urge their partisans to refrain from provocation and any other acts of violence. They further invite the UP and CDC to fully cooperate with the LNP in the ongoing investigations.

3. ECOWAS and the UN commend the Liberia National Police (LNP) for promptly restoring calm. They urge the LNP to conduct speedy and impartial investigations, make public their findings and ensure that the perpetrators are prosecuted.

4. ECOWAS and the UN call on the media to be responsible in their reporting so as to avoid inflaming the volatile situation. 5. ECOWAS and the UN call on all stakeholders and the public at large to continue upholding the values of peace, accountability, respect for the rule of law, in order to consolidate peace and security in Liberia during this critical electoral period