The United Nations (UN) voiced amplified concern on Wednesday regarding the reported escalating violence in Liberia ahead of the October 10th elections, urging all political factions to abstain from provocations of hostility or tumult.
Emerging reports of escalating election-associated aggression, potential hate speech, and vexing assaults on journalists in the West African nation have prompted alarm, stated the spokesperson for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Seif Magango.
A violent canvas of clashes has been observed between adherents of the two primary political organisations in Liberia: the opposition party of Unity and the incumbent Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC). These hostilities have painted a worrying pre-election landscape during the campaign period for both the presidential and parliamentary elections.
Amid these scenes of discord, the 29th of September proved particularly calamitous when a clash in Lofa County left a minimum of two individuals dead and 20 wounded. This violent confrontation sparked between followers of the former vice-president Joseph Boakai and those in support of the current ruler since 2018, the erstwhile football celebrity, George Weah.
An earlier evaluation by the UN and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) denoted the death toll at three, slightly higher than later reports suggested.
Moreover, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights documented additional instances of electoral strife in three other counties within Liberia, magnifying fears of widespread tension.
Evidence of eight targeted attacks on journalists by varied political players, two culminating in injuries, were reported by the Office. This increased intimidation of the press is a concerning development given the country’s problematic past. The nation of Liberia weathered severe civil wars from 1989 to 2003, a bitter period that claimed more than 250,000 lives.
The principal Liberian political parties had solemnly pledged in April 2023 to shun all forms of violence, enlisting the judiciary to mediate and settle any electoral disagreements that could surface during and post-elections. Commenting on this, the spokesperson emphasised, “The government must safeguard that journalists can conduct their work unhampered and securely. All political actors must abstain from invoking violence or hatred.”
Adding to the urgency of the situation, he also asserted that all election-related acts of violence must undergo thorough, impartial investigations, with the culprits held accountable without delay.
Over 2.4 million voters have registered for the upcoming presidential and legislative elections. The expectation and hope are that these voters will peacefully choose 73 deputies and 15 senators from an available pool of 30, all nearing the culmination of their existing term of office.
The coming days will prove critical in Liberia’s strive towards a peaceful election process, with the eyes of the international community focused on the West African nation. The role of the United Nations, both as an observer and enforcer of peace, will undeniably be a significant one during this telling period for Liberia.
Image Credit: Omotayo Tajudeen on Unsplash
