One week after the violent counter protest by CDC Council of Patriots against protesting students of the campus-based SUP party at the University of Liberia, the international community has issued a joint statement condemning the violent action.
This is contained in a joint press release issued in Monrovia today, Tuesday, August 2, 2022 by the United Nations, European Union, the United States and United Kingdom missions in Monrovia.
FULL TEXT OF THE JOINT PRESS RELEASE BELOW:
2 August 2022
Joint Statement by the International Community on Political Violence
The International Community in Liberia, having learnt with concern of the serious violence committed in Monrovia on 26 July, condemns without reservation, such acts which occurred on the 175th anniversary of Independence.
We urge a prompt and thorough investigation by the police, that will bring to justice the instigators and perpetrators of these acts of violence.
We welcome the swift condemnation by political, governmental, and civil society actors of the violent acts which occurred, and we encourage all political leaders to act firmly in preventing and eliminating political intolerance and violence.
Liberia has a record of free, fair, and transparent elections over the last two decades, making this country an example of stability and democracy in the region.
Violence is not the right way to resolve disputes. Political differences should be resolved by dialogue.
We therefore encourage all actors to act responsibly and embrace the principles of tolerance, democracy, and constitutionalism for an inclusive, transparent and peaceful election process in Liberia 2022-2023.