-Justice Minister Frank Musa Dean says no room for electoral violence.
By: Jerromie S. Walters
Liberia’s Justice Minister Frank Musa Dean says there’s no room for electoral violence under his jurisdiction, as he’s committed to perpetrating perpetrators of violence before, during and after the pending October 10, 2023 legislative and presidential elections.
“We will hold them accountable” Justice Minister Frank Musa Dean called political parties to “adjust the dress code of the youths.”
“We remain watchful and vigilant,” the Justice Minister said the government is capable of perpetuating individuals that might instigate acts that have the proclivity to result to violence.
He articulated these words Friday, August 25, 2023, when hundreds of women of Liberia warned politicians against tempering with the peace and made a call to the judiciary to hold accountable individuals that might create acts that disturb the peace.
As panelist at the occasions emphasized the need for Liberians to be civil in their doings, especially during these periods of elections, as well as the commitment of the judiciary in perpetrating perpetrators of violence, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, also heightened the women’s plead.
She recognized the essentiality in the women’s points, and called for peace before, during and after the elections.
As a guaranteed to this plead by the women, the Justice Ministry assured the Justice Ministry’s commitment to effectively exercising its duties, and emphasized that at this jointure, the forces of the justice system must do all they can to kick against violence.
During these periods of elections, the Justice Minster sees the proliferation of disadvantaged youths across the country as a athreat to the peace, as he said they solely depend on defending themselves than seeking Justice from where it comes from.
As such, he wants the combating this situation, as they did during the civil war.
“We need you to go in these communities to see how we can help to address the issue of the people they called zogos.”
The dialogue was held in observance of the 20th Anniversary of the Accra Peace Agreement, signed on 18 August 2003 to end the second civil war in Liberia, and to usher a new era of peace. The dialogue will serve as an acknowledgement of the pivotal role played by Liberian women led by the ‘Women’s Mass Action for Peace,’ in ending the second civil war in Liberia.
The inter-generational conversation also provided a platform for young women peace builders to connect with the women who were instrumental in securing peace two decades ago, fostering a meaningful exchange of experiences and insights.
The 20th Anniversary of the Accra Peace Agreement comes at a time when Liberia is gearing up for its presidential and legislative election on October 10, 2023.
The anniversary, therefore, presents an opportunity to reiterate the importance of having peaceful elections, recognize the invaluable role women have played and continue to play in maintaining peace and empower and inspire more women to participate fully in the democratic process.
The inter-generational dialogue is a collaborative effort among partners committed to supporting Liberia to realize the country’s vision of advancing peace, gender equality, and women’s empowerment.
The Women’s Mass Action for Peace, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Centre (EJS), Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, UN Women, the Embassies of Ireland and Sweden have joined hands to support this important dialogue.
