MONROVIA – As the political campaign for the upcoming presidential and legislative elections intensifies in Liberia, the Executive Protection Agency (EPS) has issued a stern warning against individuals who attempt to throw missiles or stones at President George Manneh Weah’s motorcade.
By Obediah Johnson
Liberia is gearing up for its polls on October 10, where citizens will choose their new leaders, as per the timetable released by the National Elections Commission (NEC). The EPS, an elite security service tasked with safeguarding the President, Vice President, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, members of the First Family, and other individuals designated by the President, has emphasized its statutory duty to protect the President of the Republic of Liberia. Consequently, any act of throwing stones or missiles at the President or his motorcade is deemed a “deviant behavior.”
In a statement released over the weekend in Monrovia, signed by Director of Communication Philip Moore, the EPS firmly reiterated that such actions are against the law and those caught engaging in such behavior will face severe consequences. The agency highlighted, “The Executive Protection Service (EPS) hereby warns the general public of the danger or risk of throwing stones at the President or his motorcade during this campaign period. Throwing missiles at the President or his motorcade is criminal, which is punishable by law.”
The EPS strongly urged individuals to refrain from this hazardous conduct and emphasized its readiness to apprehend and hand over anyone involved in throwing stones or missiles at President Weah or his motorcade to the Ministry of Justice for prosecution in accordance with Liberian law.
This warning comes on the heels of recent verbal attacks on President Weah and his government officials during campaigning in Montserrado County, specifically in district #8. These incidents, marked by citizens’ expressions of displeasure over perceived failures to address challenges such as corruption, economic decline, and lack of job opportunities, are a common occurrence during election periods in Liberia.
Such acts of jeering and booing are often part of political rivalries and attempts to provoke reactions. The EPS’s statement was triggered by recent remarks from the Unity Party (UP), where they threatened to retaliate against any attacks on their Standard Bearer Ambassador Joseph Nyuma Boakai and other party members by the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC).
The UP accused the CDC of violating the Farmington Agreement through their attacks on UP partisans and supporters, although the ruling party denies this. Mo Ali, the UP’s Campaign Spokesperson, voiced concerns about the commitment of the Joint Security, including Police Director Patrick Sudue, to maintaining order during the election season.
Ali asserted, “The UP and its partners have made a resolute decision. We will utilize all available means to protect our partisans. We will do so fearlessly. We are committed to ensuring the safety of our supporters. CDC members within a hundred-meter radius of our events will be considered potential threats, and we will take necessary measures to protect our supporters.”
He further called upon Liberia’s international partners to vigilantly monitor the electoral process to prevent any chaos or confusion. Throwing stones and missiles at the President’s motorcade not only endangers the lives of those on board but also poses a security risk to the nation, especially amid reports of ongoing coups across the African continent. Immediate action must be taken to address this potentially dangerous situation.