Africa-Press – Liberia. The pro male advocacy group, MenEngage Liberia has denounced series of mysterious deaths reported across the country and said it is not only devilish but a threat to Liberia’s peace and security.
In a landmark statement issued on Wednesday, MenEngage Liberia, through its Advocacy Committee Chair, F. Philip L. Nushann, Jr., said the enormity of this action is worrisome, and requires immediate actions by all relevant authorities and decision makers.
“MenEngage is concerned about the reported mysterious deaths occurring in Liberia, and hereby condemn such acts in the strongest possible terms,” the group said in the statement issued at its office in Paynesville.
It continued: “MenEngage Liberia believes that the reported killings of innocent people for whatever purpose, is not only devilish and acceptable, but have far reaching negative consequences on the peace and security of Liberia and the investment climate.”
Of recent, there have been surge in unexplained deaths of people across Monrovia and other parts of Liberia, with some of the victims’ body parts extracted.
Further in the statement, the group extolled the institutions and concerned Liberians including Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor for acknowledging and speaking to the gravity and urgency of the reported mysterious deaths in the country, especially the insecurity implications it has on women and girls.
As school is about to open nationwide, the group joined other campaigners including institutions, Liberians both at home and abroad, and VP Taylor to call on the security sector to kindly take charge of this critical matter, to ensure the safety of all Liberians, particularly the ‘defenseless little girls.’
“The next victim might just be your child or relative, which MenEngage Liberia believes must be prevented from happening,” he said.
The group also noted in the statement that following its continuous engagements, especially working on transforming social and gender norms with support from SONKE and UNFPA Global Spotlight Initiative, it is reaffirming its commitment to supporting the Liberian Government in ending all forms of violence – including rape and other harmful practices such Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
It stated: “MenEngage condemns in the strongest term, the forceful conscription of women, especially minors into the Sande Society. We call on the Liberian Government to take concrete actions to remedy the situation and avoid future occurrences.
It lauded the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the National Traditional Council for the intervention. However, it noted that “more needs to be done, and now!”
The group also said it is troubled over the recent incident of alleged rape in Kakata, Margibi County, involving a clergyman and a pregnant woman, and also the incident involving another girl who was allegedly raped to death. It thanked the Liberia National Police for taking seize of these matters and called on the public to be patient and allow the law to prevail.
About MenEngage Liberia
MenEngage Liberia is part of 22 networks of MenEngage Africa Alliance, a member of the Global MenEnage Alliance of non-governmental organizations and United Nations (UN) agencies established in 2006 with the aim of engaging men and boys to achieve gender equality, prevent HIV and AIDS; promote human rights and reduce violence at all levels across the continent of Africa, and question structural barriers to gender inequalities.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
