-Justice Minister Musa Dean warns against electoral violence
By G Bennie Bravo Johnson
With less than eight days to the most anticipated October 10, 2023, elections, the joint security is asserting all efforts to maintain peace during and after the elections, as joint security through its chairperson, Cllr. Frank Musa Dean on Monday, October 2, 2023, promised to unleash the arm forces of Liberia if the police are overwhelmed by electoral violence.
“Of course, the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), as part of the 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.”
Minister Dean added that as a means to ensure that the peace is kept, the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), during the period of these elections has been ordered to heighten security to ensure that territorial borders and boundaries remain safe and secure.
The Justice Minister who spoke at the Liberia National Police Headquarters recently, confirms law enforcers’ willingness to work with the public in ensuring that the peace is not tested by anyone.
“Anyone or group thinking otherwise must reconsider. We caution members of the public not to test the resolve of the Joint Security. Any attempt by anyone to disrupt the peace will be met with the full force of the law.
He added, “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.”
At the same time, Minister Dean noted that the Joint Security through the Liberia National Police, has undertaken a great deal of community policing, by explaining to people the need to avoid violence during these elections. He revealed that the intent of said exercise is to caution the public against incendiary, inciting and violent rhetoric being delivered on line, in the print and electronic media, and in our communities.
“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.”
Furthermore, he said- “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.”
At the same time, the Joint Security through its chairperson, Cllr. Frank Musa Dean condemned the electoral violence which occurred on Friday, September 29, 2023 in Foya, Lofa County. He called on citizens and all peace loving residents of Liberia to complement the security effort in keeping the peace.
Minister Dean revealed that from preliminary investigation conducted, it has been established and 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 Coalition for
Democratic Change and the Unity Party.
In regards to the joint security preliminary findings and in an effort to maintain peace during these times of elections, he called on citizens to join in denouncing evil and wicked acts, they believed to be perpetrated by criminally minded individuals.
“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 elections 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 andsouls of all faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in perfect peace.” said Minister Dean.
Meanwhile, the Anthony General provided that the Joint Security’s Special Investigation Team on Election Violence has arrived in Foya, Lofa County, and has since commenced investigation into
the incident.
He stated that those found culpable will face the full weight of the law, as he believes that people must be made to understand that when they break the law, they will be held accountable.
The Justice Minister intimated that 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. He said officers that are being deployed are led by the Liberia National Police, and they are in addition to those who are already stationed in the counties.
