MONROVIA – Liberia’s international partners have urged the Government of Liberia and the Council of Patriots to reduce tensions and maintain focus on addressing the development goals of the nation.
The country’s foreign partners also admonished both the government and the council of patriots to continue constructive dialogue and collaboration during the assembly on June 7.
“We also encourage protesters and security forces to exercise utmost restraint and avoid any form of violence to ensure a peaceful assembly. We underscore the need to ensure accountability for any violations that may occur during the event,” the group of 13 international partners stated in joint statement.
The statement was issued on June 6 in Monrovia.
The international partners said they are following closely the preparations for the June 7 protest.
“We welcome the ongoing dialogue between the Government and the Council of Patriots as the best way to reach meaningful solutions and maintain peace and calm,” they said in the statement.
They commended the government’s commitment to upholding the democratic principle of peaceful assembly, which they said is an indicator of a vibrant and open-minded democratic society.
The international partners also commended the Council of Patriots for their commitment to conduct the protest in an orderly and peaceful manner, without also infringing on the rights of other citizens.
They thanked the efforts of civil society organizations as well as the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) troika to foster peace and cooperation in Liberia, including offering their good offices to assist those involved in the protest to reduce tensions and continue substantive dialogue on issues of greatest concern.
The joint statement was signed by African Union (AU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), European Union (EU), United Nations (UN), Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA).