Monrovia – The Liberian Council of Churches have written organizers of the impending June 7 protest seeking to ease what appears to be a brewing tension.
The LCC has suggested that the meeting be held on Friday, May 10, 2019, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is unclear who all will attend what the LCC expects to be a “frank and focus dialogue”.
“The intervention, we believe, is a righteous and timely action on the part of the religious community to foster a fank and focus dialogue on our shared desires as Liberians, to see our country peaceful and progressive,” the letter, signed by Bishop Kortu K.Brown, president of the LCC states.
In the letter, which was addressed to Mo Ali, secretary general of the Unity Party, and Darius Dillion, Liberty Party’s vice chairman for political affairs – who are all members of the Council of Patriots, the LCC says it has followed developments concerning the planned June 7 protest and it is open to discussing with the planners.
“The council of churches working in collaboration with the interreligious council of Liberia and other Ecunemical Partners seeks you, the Council of Patriots and the government of Liberia’s endorsement to facilitate an open meeting to enable both parties to engage and seriously consider addressing the political, economic and social challenges that are the subject at these actions, which ordinary Liberians who are also our parishioners are also genuinely concerned about,” the letter adds.
The LCC adds that it is open for discussion on the “terms” of the planner of the protest “on how we can address the political, economic and social challenge facing the nation”.
The letter adds that the LCC’s intervention is based on frequent comments in the media by representatives of both the planners of the protest and government.
Concerns about the impending protest which has been dubbed ‘Save the State’ continue to loom as supporters of the protest disclosed last week they will embark on a nationwide campaign to lure more support.
On the other hand, the government, speaking through several surrogates, have criticized their plan. Some argue that the protest would threaten the stability of the country.
Recently, the Ministry of Justice sent out a caveat to organizers of the protest, hinting that they would not be permitted until they are a legally registered corporation or association.
Said the Ministry of Justice: “…As we request that you provide us legal documentation, establishing legal status as ‘Council of Patriots’, either as a duly incorporated or unincorporated association in pursuant to the requirements of the Associations Law of Liberia.”
However, the planners have squashed the MOJ’s mandate, insisting that the protest will go on as planned.