By Augustine Octavus, augustineoctavius@gmail.com
The ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) says it considers as appropriate and timely, this week’s statements by the United States Embassy, which condemned hate speech and divisive comments by Liberians on all sides.
On Monday, the United States Embassy in Monrovia said “the Embassy of the United States is concerned by recent comments made in various fora which could impede Liberia’s progress. “
The American Embassy further said “it is equally irresponsible for people within leadership positions in government or the ruling party to promote such division as Deputy Minister Eugene Fahngon has done on social media.”
The ruling CDC said in a press statement issued in Monrovia Tuesday called on “all Liberians to reflect on their on their role in the constructively contributing to the development and sustaining peace.”
“This important concern raised by the United States Embassy against divisive rhetoric and as such, the CDC is calling on all of its officials and members to avoid unhealthy or insightful political utterances that could undermine peace and security as well as mutual coexistence of Liberians,” the CDC statement added.
The CDC also welcomed President George Weah’s decision to suspend the Deputy Information Minister Eugene Fahngon for his repressible rhetoric.
The ruling party makes it clear that it has no space for a ‘Congo-Native’ politics and has rejected any politics that stirs division.
”It is the step in the right direction, reaffirming the CDC-government’s unshaken commitment to a ‘one country, one people policy,” the CDC said.
Liberia’s ruling party has reminded all its partisans of its already stated position on the status quo, which unequivocally denounced any plan for a counter protest that may only serve the unscrupulous agenda of a few.
The party cautioned all Liberians against any unauthorized protest, especially in view of the British government’s security alert on Liberia.
The CDC has reaffirmed its unflinching commitment to free speech and called on all partisans to be tolerant of criticism, as they work to strengthen the democratic gains they fought to achieve.
Meanwhile, the CDC is encouraging all partisans, sympathizers and supporters to be reconciliatory in words and actions and continue to show tolerance while using various platforms, especially social media.
It wants CDC partisans to utilize dialogue and other forms of constructive engagement as best mechanisms through which contending national issues may be addressed.