Monrovia – The Inspector General of Police Col. Gregory O.W Coleman, has called for dialogue amongst the Ministry of Education, the National Teachers Association of Liberia NTAL, and the MCSS Teachers Association, to end the ongoing stalemate which has led to teachers strike, students’ protest, and the blocking of major streets and highways, indicating that the crisis has serious national security risk, which must be addressed without delay.
The Liberian Police Chief said the sporadic blocking of major highways in the country to include the Monrovia Kakata Highway, and the Roberts International Highway by protesting students is worrisome, and he is therefore encouraging the parties to find means of having the students return to the classroom as soon as possible.
Col. Coleman said, finding a quick and amicable solution to the standoff was important for the country’s peace and security, and the innocent students who are victims of this unfortunate situation.
The Inspector General made the statement Tuesday September 27, 2016 when he met and held discussions with the leadership of the National Teachers Association of Liberia, and a three man MCC Teachers Association members at the headquarters of the Liberia National Police.
The Inspector General informed the leadership of National Teachers Association of Liberia that the intervention by the Liberia National Police is aimed at finding a solution to the crisis in the interest of the peace of the country which is being threatened by the students repeated street protests.
In response the President of the National Teachers Association of Liberia, Mary Mulbah, lauded the Inspector General for inviting the Association to listen to their plight, and promised their full cooperation, assuring that the Association will remain peaceful as they assist LNP’S mediation in the matter.
Madam Mulbah described the meeting with the Police as fruitful and promised to meet with other senior officials of the Association to address their concerns along with the Liberia National Police.
Both the LNP and NTAL Leadership are expected to continue the dialogue on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at the LNP Headquarters.