A Fallout From The 2023 Bloody Political Violence
By Alfred Kollie alfredkolliejr92@gmail.com
FOYA, Liberia- Tension continues to rise with division increasing here in the home town of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai in the northwestern Lofa County as a fallout of the violence during the 2023 elections, which left two persons dead and others injured.
In September last year, two persons were confirmed dead in violent clashes between supporters of President George Weah’s ruling CDC party and those of the main opposition Unity Party (UP) of former Vice President Joseph Boakai. AFL Soldiers Dispatched To Foya, As 2 Persons Confirmed Dead In UP-CDC Clashes – News Public Trust
Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallahof the then ruling CDC and Internal Affairs Minister Francis S. Nyumalin Sr. of the then main opposition Unity Part, who were the main protagonist during the crisis, are today still said to be at loggerheads.
Rep. Thomas Fallah and Minister Francis Nyumalin
Foya district is currently experiencing a deepening division and tensions, with claims and counter claims and fingers being pointed at media platforms loyal to the rival parties, Radio Diompelor and Radio Makona.
In addition to a community radio station called Radio Tamba Takor, Foya currently has three other media institutions, Radio Makona is said to be funded by Minister Nyumalin, while Radio Diompelor is also said to be owned by Deputy Speaker Fallah.
Citizens concerned
In the wake of the heightening tensions, titizens of Foya have expressed frustration over the constant misuse of these media platforms, particularly the airwaves.
Both Radio Makona and Radio Diompelor have been accused of regularly using insults, hate messages, and divisive content, creating unrest and division in the district.
Interestingly, Radio Tamba Takor, originally a community radio station, has now become a platform primarily serving the interests of the Unity Party.
On October 24, 2023, the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) expresses deep concern over the rising trend of partisan-driven rhetoric and highly inflammatory broadcasts in Foya, Lofa County. Local Radios In Foya Gone Wayward, With Breakdown In Journalism Ethics–PUL Raises Red Flag – News Public Trust
Currently, on-air personnel associated with the station have been using their airtime to promote the Unity Party, raising significant concerns about impartiality and journalistic ethics.
Reports from Foya indicate that chiefs, elders, and the entire district are disappointed and frustrated by these media practitioners’ consistent insults toward leaders, chiefs, and other individuals.
The situation has further divided the district.
In a closed-door meeting with the media community in Foya, as part of his Peace Mission, Internal Affairs Minister Francis S. Nyumalin urged media practitioners to be ethical and tolerant in the discharge of their professional duties.
Minister Nyumalin stressed the importance of peace and unity for the district’s growth and development and called on journalists to promote these values.
The minister also emphasized the need for journalists to be professional and respectful of the country’s culture and tradition.
He warned that there would be consequences for those who violate these principles, mentioning Radio Tamba Takor specifically.
“We will monitor all radio stations in Foya, and I will start with Radio Tamba Takor. If they violate the new policy, we will deal with them according to the law,” Minister Nyumalin declared.
He called for an immediate end to all forms of insults and divisive messages and stated that the leadership would reintroduce culture and tradition to discipline media practitioners who go against the new policy that will soon be put in place by the law.
While the minister assured that freedom of the press and the rights of journalists and media institutions would be protected and respected, he urged journalists to practice constructive criticism ethically and focus on addressing social issues.
He called on them to adhere to ethical journalism practices, including principles of impartiality, accuracy, and fairness.
The minister emphasized that responsible journalism plays a crucial role in promoting transparency, understanding, and unity within society.
During the meeting, the Internal Affairs Minister announced the appointment of Foya District Commissioner Tamba D. Flomo to head a committee that includes board chairs of the three radio stations, managers, chiefs, and other civil society groups.
This committee is responsible for developing a policy or commitment to protect and maintain peace and unity in the district by the media community.
The commissioner has been instructed to collaborate with all committee members to create a policy that will be signed and regularly monitored.
Various stakeholders expressed their support for this initiative, including Senator Joseph Jallah, who welcomed the idea and encouraged journalists to remain peaceful, ethical, and professional.
However, it was noted during the meeting that problems within the radio stations were often caused by division and inadequate regulation among board members and managers.
Representatives from Radio Makona and Radio Diompelor neither confirmed nor denied the allegations but welcomed the establishment of the committee and the commitment to peace.
The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) last year in a press release expressed deep concern over the partisan-driven rhetoric and inflammatory broadcasts in Foya during the recent elections.
These tensions resulted in complaints from residents, leading to a virtual conference organized by the PUL involving executives from the three radio stations.
Despite the initial commitment to promoting peace, the situation escalated, which goes against the principles of fair and unbiased journalism, according to the PUL.
The union emphasized the importance of media outlets maintaining their independence and impartiality, especially during sensitive political periods.
The media dialogue aimed to find a solution to the growing tension in Foya brought together board chairs, board members, the acting station manager, the talk show host, and reporters respectively.