Africa-Press – Liberia. — Calls for unity and peaceful conduct
The Inter-religious Council of Liberia (IRCL), a consortium consisting of the Liberia Council of Churches and the National Muslim Council of Liberia, has expressed deep concern over the recent wave of tension that erupted near the headquarters of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) in Congo Town early Thursday morning.
According to the IRCL, the situation, which unfolded around 5:00 AM on August 22, led to the disruption of business activities and a significant impediment to movement along Tubman Boulevard.
The IRCL quickly responded by sending representatives to the site of the violence to engage with law enforcement agencies, including the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) and the Liberia National Police (LNP).
Initial findings from the IRCL’s investigation revealed that the chaos began after an early morning raid by the Liberian Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA) in a community near the CDC headquarters.
The raid reportedly sparked strong resistance from residents, who began blocking roads and setting tires on fire in front of the CDC’s compound. When the LNP intervened to restore order, they were met with further resistance, including the throwing of stones, which led to property damage and injuries among both police officers and civilians.
In response to the escalation, the police reportedly used tear gas to disperse the crowd, including those gathered within the CDC compound.
The IRCL condemned the violence, urging all citizens, political actors, and stakeholders to uphold the rule of law and respect human rights. The Council stressed the importance of adhering to the Liberian Constitution, maintaining peace, and ensuring justice for all.
The IRCL also engaged the LNP to ensure that all security measures are taken to protect the safety of Liberians and restore the smooth flow of traffic in the area.
They commended the efforts of various groups, including the CDC, civil society organizations, the media, and faith institutions, for helping to bring the situation under control.
Additionally, the IRCL urged social media users to be responsible in sharing information, avoiding the spread of false narratives and propaganda that could incite further violence.
They called on all Liberians, both at home and abroad, to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and to promote unity and reconciliation for the continued development of Liberia’s democracy.
“We must reaffirm our commitment to peace, fair play, and justice for all,” the IRCL emphasized in their statement, expressing hope that such incidents will not derail Liberia’s hard-won stability.
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