Monrovia – The Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Olubanke King-Akerele, has urged the administration of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai to seriously consider and request assistance from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast (UNM) to undertake a security assessment and evaluation facing Liberia.
By Victoria G. Wesseh
During the commemoration of Ma. Mary Brownell’s 95th birthday anniversary on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Central Monrovia, she emphasized that her request stems from the security threats facing the nation and the sub-region, as well as recent developments in the country.
“Given the security threats in the sub-region, including those facing our nation and our neighbors, and the urgent situation in Liberia, we strongly urge the new administration of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai to consider seriously and request the UN Mission in Ivory Coast and ECOWAS to conduct a security assessment and evaluation in Liberia,” King-Akerele urged.
According to the founder and Executive Director of the Liberia Institute for Growing Patriotism, there is an alarming prevalence of hate speech and violence throughout the country, which she described as provocative and unwarranted.
She believes that these factors have the potential to lead the country down an undesirable path.
“All parties, especially the opposition, need to be mindful of this. We urge them to remember the respect and recognition that the world and Africa are giving to former President George M. Weah for his acknowledgment of President Boakai’s victory,” she pointed out.
Therefore, in light of this, King-Akerele urged former President Weah not to lose the respect accorded to him and Liberia.
“Regarding his party (CDC) members advocating and propagating hate messages, and engaging in provocation, we urge him to intervene. I have visited Uganda and Rwanda three times on behalf of the United Nations, so I know what I’m talking about. We cannot afford hate speech and messages that provoke to destroy our country again,” she concluded.
On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, dozens of citizens, especially descendants of Congo or Americo-Liberians, gathered at the residence of the late Ma. Mary Brownell to celebrate her 95th birthday anniversary.
The gathering, which brought together prominent past and present statesmen and women, including Dr. Togba Nah Tipoteh, Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, Dr. H. Boimah Fahnbulleh, Aunty Mitta Fahnbulleh, current Dr. Emmanuel Urey-Yarkpawolo, and Executive Protection Service boss (EPS), among others, aimed to reflect on Ma. Mary’s role in promoting and sustaining peace, democracy, and security.
During the occasion, over twelve individuals were awarded the Judge Emma Shannon Walser Medal of Good Governance, Rule of Law, and Patriotism for their valuable service to humanity, society, and the country.