MONROVIA – The International community including the United Nations and diplomatic missions in Liberia has distanced itself from a video circulating on social media making “erroneous and incendiary” claims about the state of affairs in the country.
A statement issued on behalf of the International Community in Liberia by UN Resident Coordinator Niels Scott condemned any attempt to link the international community with allegations that have the propensity to undermine national security and threaten Liberia’s hard-earned peace.
“The International Community in Liberia wishes to state categorically that the statements contained in the piece have no connection with the International Community in Liberia nor are we aware of any basis for any allegation contained in this piece,” the International Community said.
“We strongly condemn any attempt to link the International Community with these allegations which could threaten and undermine national security. We stress that those responsible must be held accountable. We once again remind all political and media stakeholders of their responsibility to refrain from hate speech, disinformation, and violence, especially in the run-up to the 2023 elections.
The International Community in Liberia reaffirmed its continued commitment to peace and stability in Liberia.
A video of an unknown broadcaster making damaging claims about the state of affairs in Liberia has taken social media by storm.
Condemning the “malicious claims,” the Government, through Justice Minister Musa Dean said while the recent uptick in political activities ahead of general and presidential elections is understandable, “no amount of desperation should lead us to toy with our security.
He warned that engaging in false news with a clear intent to incite and create agitation in the general population is against the law, and therefore anyone found fermenting or sponsoring activities intended to create chaos could face the full weight of the law.
The video not only cast aspersions on our enviable electoral system – which has gained much international acclaim recently – it also dangerously posited that the government is bringing in the country nefarious elements intended to create violence,” he also added.
The Liberia Council of Churches (LCC), also condemning the act, warned against such “negative” news that has the propensity to promote insecurity and derail our much-earned peace and unity.