Monrovia – In the wake of the ongoing political impasse over the conduct of the planned anti-government demonstration by the Council of Patriots (COP), leaders of several political parties have called for a national conference to calm the situation.
The political parties include the Liberia Restoration Party (LRP), Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE) now headed by current Liberia’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Maxwell Saah Kemayah; the Liberia National Union (LINU), United People Party (UPP), Change Democratic Action (CDA) and the Democratic Justice Party (DJP).
Others include the Union of Liberian Democrats (ULD), People’s Unification Party (PUP) of former Speaker Emmanuel Nuquay, Redemption Democratic Congress (RDC) and the Victory for Change Party (VCP).
The parties, in their joint statement read by the political leader of the UPP, MacDonald Wento, called on all sides to show restraint and “let peace reign.”
“We have observed keenly with intense interest in how this government has proceeded in responding to all of the challenges the country has been confronted with during the past twenty three months of its existence.”
Political Parties Statement
The Weah-led government, since its inception almost two years ago, has been rocked by allegations of corruption and criticisms over its failure to fully investigate the alleged missing L$16 billion of newly printed banknotes and the US$25 million used to mop up the economy, among others.
The political parties, in their statement, noted that it is true the government has not addressed these concerns and accusations, signaling that it is obvious the government cannot single handily manage the affairs of the country without the support of all stakeholders.
“We have observed keenly with intense interest in how this government has proceeded in responding to all of the challenges the country has been confronted with during the past twenty three months of its existence,” the political said in their statement.
“It is obvious that this government cannot single handily manage the affairs of the country without the support of all stakeholders. As political leaders, we want to categorically state that there is a need to work together to strengthen our democracy and to uphold the peace we have all labored for.”
There have been growing apprehensions over the ongoing stalemate between the Government and the international community on one hand, and the COP on the other side concerning the date of the protest.
COP had previously vowed to
stage a protest dubbed ‘Weah Step Down’ on December 30. But the group changed
gear by postponing and extending the date of the protest from December 30 to
January 6, despite numerous efforts and proposals from both international
diplomats including the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), the Economic
Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United States, among others.
The COP also relinquished its previous decision
to call for a ‘Weah Step Down’ protest, but vowed to commence a ‘peaceful
assembly’ beginning January 6, until President Weah addresses recommendations
contained in its petition presented to the government on June 7.
COP’s Chairman, Henry Pedro Costa, in the latest of series of press conferences that have marred the ongoing deadlock vowed to go ahead with the mass protest on January 6, terming the decision of the Government to select a specific date and venue for the protest as undemocratic ad unconstitutional.
Mr. Costa said the COP will be setting a bad precedent if it were to abide by the Government’s designated date and venue.
When questioned about their position on the ongoing political gridlock, the political parties’ leaders said although it is the right of every Liberian to assemble peacefully and the Government’s responsibility to protect them, dialogue was the best option.
“The protesters are citizens of this country and have the right to a peaceful assembly, and it is the responsibility of the government to protect them. We are also calling on the government for a national dialogue where we will be able to resolve our differences. That is the best way we can end the conflict,” added Gabriel Sarlee of the Liberia Restoration Party (LRP).
“In as much as we do not condemn the protesters for exercising their rights, we must caution them that they should be careful and know that the peace we enjoy is for every one of us. Whatever that will be done to undermine that peace will be at our disadvantaged.”
For his part, Dr. Wento, who is also a businessman, asserted that the discontent and political wrangling are sending a bad image of the country to the outside world and discouraging potential investors.
In spite of the economic challenges, Dr. Wento called on Liberians to rally and paint a positive image of their country to attract investments that will spur economic growth.
He also called on the opposition community start preparing themselves to successfully challenge the incumbent at the polls when he completes his six-year mandate given to him by the Liberian people.
“As nationalists in Liberia, we need to send a positive image out there. Of course the country is bad, the economy is bad, our people are living below the poverty line, but we must not desecrate the only country we have. President George M. Weah was giving the mandate for six years, my advice to all political parties is that we must prepare ourselves for the next six years, we all need to gather, prepare ourselves and not to tear our country apart,” cautioned Dr. Wento.