Says Investigation Team On Election Violence Has Arrived In Foya, Confirming 2 Deaths In Friday’s Violence
PHOTO: Cllr. Frank Musa Dean, Justice Minister
The Joint Security Force of Liberia headed by Justice Minister, Cllr. Frank Musa Dean says tough action awaits anyone found responsible for last Friday electoral violence in Foya in the northwestern Lofa County.
Confirming that two persons were killed, several others injured and properties were destroyed, Minister Dean to the press in Monrovia on Monday that a team of investigators on election violence has already arrived in the area.
BELOW FULL TEXT OF JOINT SECURITY PRESS STATEMENT ISSUED ON MONDAY, October 2, 2023.
OFFICE OF THE MINISTER/
ATTORNEY GENERAL
October 2, 2023
Members of the Fourth Estate
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
Welcome to this Press Conference by the Joint Security of Liberia.
The Joint Security condemns, in the strongest terms, the violence which occurred on Friday, September 29, 2023 in Foya, Lofa County. Preliminary investigation has confirmed that the violence, which led to two deaths, the wounding of several persons and vandalism, was the result of clashes between individuals identified as supporters of the Congress for Democratic Change and the Unity Party.
We call on all peace-loving citizens to join us in denouncing these evil and wicked acts, perpetrated by criminally minded individuals. Violence has no place in our democracy, and election must represent a peaceful process by which citizens choose their leaders. We express our condolences to the families and relatives of those who lost their lives. May their souls and souls of all faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in perfect peace.
The Joint Security’s Special Investigation Team on Election Violence has arrived in Foya, Lofa County, and has since commenced investigation into the incident of Friday, September 29, 2023. Those found culpable shall face the full weight of the law. People must be made to understand that when they break the law, they will be held accountable.
The Joint Security, following a comprehensive review of its Election Security Plan, has commenced the deployment of law enforcement officers throughout the fifteen (15) counties of Liberia, ahead of the Tuesday, October 10, 2023 elections. The officers being deployed, led by the Liberia National Police, are in addition to those already stationed in the counties. We wish to assure everyone of adequate security. We provided security during the voters’ registration exercise. We are currently providing security to presidential candidates and to campaign rallies to ensure that candidates campaign freely. On election day, the Joint Security shall guarantee the security and safety of members of the National Elections Commission, election workers, voters, precincts, election materials and the general public.
The Liberia National Police, representing the Joint Security, has undertaken a great deal of community policing, explaining to people the need to avoid violence during these elections. We continue to caution against incendiary, inciting and violent rhetoric being delivered on line, in the print and electronic media, and in our communities. Deliberate misinformation, disinformation, fake news, hate message, extreme militancy both in dress code and deportment by some of the young people in political parties, continue to pose a deeply concerning challenge. Those who incite violence are as guilty as those who commit the actual acts of violence.
We urge those having grievances regarding the conduct of the elections to direct their grievances to the appropriate court of law, and not seek to settle them in the streets. Under our law, an aggrieved individual cannot be a plaintive, judge, jury and executioner.
Law enforcement is prepared and willing to work with members of the public in preserving the peace. The men and women in uniform are your friends. They are trained to respect and protect you. We ask that you also respect them as they represent the rule of law. Law enforcement and the public must work together collaboratively and supportively.
Notwithstanding law enforcement’s willingness to work with the public in preserving the peace, no one has a right to disrupt the peace. Anyone or group thinking otherwise must reconsider. We caution members of the public not to test the resolve ofthe Joint Security. Any attempt by anyone to disrupt the peace will be met with the full force of the law. The Joint Security shall be robust and prepared to do any and everything legally permissible to protect the peace. Reasonable and proportionate force shall be used where required. Those who elect to test the resolve of the Joint Security will be doing so at their own peril.
The Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), during the period ofthese elections, has been ordered to heighten security to ensure that our territorial borders and boundaries remain safe and secure.
Of course, the Armed Forces ofLiberia (AFL), as part ofthe Joint Security, remains available in the ongoing effort to guarantee peaceful elections. In the event the police and other law enforcement officers are overwhelmed, the military will be called to quell any situation of unrest.
I thank you.