Both the Liberian government and the International community have condemned a video appearing on the Social Media about an alleged ploy by the Liberian government to bring in people to instigate violence in the run up to the 2023 presidential and legislative elections
The information posted linked the international community to raising the allegation, something that prompted the Justice Ministry to urge that international partners say where they stand by condemning the video post.
And the International community has swiftly come up to distance themselves from the social media piece.
Below are the Liberian government’s statement and it will be followed by a joint statement issued by the International community,
Justice Minister Urges International Cummunity to Condemn Malicious Video
Monrovia, September 17, 2022: The attention of the government has been drawn to a malicious video being circulated on social media, which makes erroneous and incendiary claims about the state of affairs in the country.
While the recent uptick in political activities ahead of general and presidential elections is understandable, “no amount of desperation should lead us to toy with our security”, the Acting Chair of the Cabinet, Justice Minister Frank Musa Dean has said.
Justice Min. Frank Musa Dean
He warned that engaging in false news with a clear intent to incite and create agitation in the general population is against the law; and therefore anyone found fermenting or sponsoring activities intended to create chaos could face the full weight of the law.
The video not only cast aspersions on our enviable electoral system – which has gained much international acclaim recently – it also dangerously posited that the government is bringing in the country nefarious elements intended to create violence.
This, the Minister said, is very wrong, and could potentially damage the country’s stability and international reputation.
The Justice Minister has therefore engaged Liberia’s international partners, including the heads of the Embassies of the U.S. and European Union, calling on them to vehemently condemn the dangerous and inciteful ploy which seeks to undermine Liberia’s hard-earned peace.
He said the onus is upon the International community to debunk this creeping menace as the particular video in question directly alleges that it was they [the international Community] who uncovered a plot.
The government wants to make it absolutely clear that it will leave no stone unturned in its determination to protect the country’s peace and security.
Signed:________________
Ledgergood J. Rennie
*MINISTER*
“Joint Statement by International Partners on Social Media Piece
THIS MESSAGE IS SENT BY THE UNITED NATIONS RESIDENT COORDINATOR, ON BEHALF OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY IN LIBERIA
A social media piece has recently been circulated referring to the International Community.
The International Community in Liberia wishes to state categorically that the statements contained in the piece have no connection with the International Community in Liberia nor are we aware of any basis for any allegation contained in this piece.
We strongly condemn any attempt to link the International Community with these allegations which could threaten and undermine national security.
We stress that those responsible must be held accountable.
We once again remind all political and media stakeholders of their responsibility to refrain from hate speech, disinformation, and violence especially in the run-up to the 2023 elections.
The International Community in Liberia wishes to reaffirm its continued commitment to peace and stability in Liberia.”