Dear Members of the Peter Quaqua Mediation Team,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you with a heavy heart but also with a fervent hope for resolution and restoration within our esteemed Press Union of Liberia (PUL).

Firstly, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the efforts undertaken by the Peter Quaqua Mediation Team to navigate the turbulent waters of the PUL crisis that stemmed from the 2022 elections. Your dedication to mediating this complex situation, involving deeply rooted grievances and divergent perspectives, has not gone unnoticed.

I acknowledge the challenges faced by Team Julius and their concerns regarding the conduct of the elections. However, it is disheartening to note that despite numerous attempts by the PUL leadership to engage in dialogue and address these concerns, Team Julius opted to pursue legal action, leading to a prolonged stalemate that has deeply affected the integrity and functionality of our Union.

In the midst of this crisis, Daniel Nyakonah’s remarkable act of stepping aside from the presidency, despite his belief in the legitimacy of his victory, deserves commendation. His selfless decision was a pivotal moment that could have paved the way for reconciliation and the restoration of our Union’s dignity.

It is with disappointment that I observe the lack of acknowledgment for Mr. Nyakonah’s sacrifice from the mediation team. His gesture significantly eased the path toward resolution, yet it appears to have been overlooked in the pursuit of closure. However, what I have observed is what appears to be a complete neglect of the mediation process by Mr. Quaqua and Co since Daniel’s resignation from the leadership of the Union.

Furthermore, I fail to comprehend the rationale behind Team Julius’ persistence in pursuing the case in court. With Mr. Nyakonah’s resignation, the opportunity for a fresh start and a fresh election process presents itself. Continuing litigation only prolongs the agony and undermines the very purpose for which legal action was initiated.

In light of these circumstances, I implore the Peter Quaqua Mediation Team to intervene decisively. I urge you to use your influence to persuade Team Julius to withdraw the case from court and engage in renewed mediation efforts aimed at organizing a new, transparent election for the PUL. Only through genuine dialogue, cooperation, and compromise can we hope to heal the divisions that have plagued our Union and restore its credibility.

In closing, I appeal to your sense of duty and commitment to the principles of unity and journalistic integrity. The future of the Press Union of Liberia hangs in the balance, and your intervention could make all the difference in steering us toward a brighter, more harmonious tomorrow.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I eagerly anticipate a positive response from your esteemed team.

Yours sincerely,

Lennart Dodoo

Editor,

FrontPageAfrica

Member of the PUL

Monrovia – The Press Union of Liberia has received information regarding social media threats made against FrontPage Africa Editor, Lennart Dodoo, by some members of the Unity Party.

In a press release issued in Monrovia on Monday, September 25, 2023, the Union is urging the Unity Party to cease making threats against journalist Dodoo due to his professional work.

Journalist Dodoo recently reported that Ambassador Joseph Boakai made remarks during a campaign rally, where he emphasized the importance of safeguarding the electoral process from any potential interference. Ambassador Boakai expressed concerns about the integrity of the upcoming elections and suggested serious consequences if they were perceived as being rigged.

Following the publication on FrontPage Africa, members associated with the Unity Party have issued threats against the safety of Journalist Dodoo, labeling him as a supporter of the CDC and warning of consequences in the event of election-related violence in Liberia. Some of these threats posted on Facebook included statements such as, “Misinformation poses a significant threat to our peace. You should warn him, or if anything happens here, people will seek him and his family. We are monitoring and waiting for any repercussions,” and “Inform your ally Weah that if he steals our votes, you won’t be here to write stories for him.”

Given these troubling developments, the Press Union of Liberia calls upon the Unity Party to conduct a thorough investigation into the reported threats against Journalist Dodoo.

The Union emphasizes that tolerance is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society and insists that these concerned political leaders take decisive actions to address this situation while also educating their supporters about the vital importance of upholding this fundamental democratic value.

The Press Union of Liberia remains steadfast in its dedication to protecting the rights and safety of journalists throughout the nation.