(Philadelphia, March 17, 2023)– The Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA) is gravely concerned and troubled by the continuous wave of violence being permeated across Liberia. The dangerous developments prevailing in the country run counter to the genuine interests of the Liberian people.
ULAA vehemently condemns the mysterious murders of citizens, threats against former senior public officials, and attacks, provocations, and aggression against students at the University of Liberia by local and state authorities. The level of increasing brutality and the ever-growing upsurge of violence are clear proof of the declining security conditions of the country. What is particularly frightening are these undemocratic tendencies which are being committed on the heels of this year’s general and presidential elections slated for October. Sadly, the Liberian leader, His Excellency President George Weah remains silent on matters of heightened danger due to lack of security and other vices in the country.
ULAA condemns these violent and barbaric acts and calls on President George Weah to do all in his powers to protect the lives of innocent Liberians regardless of political proclivities and to create the enabling environment to ensure good governance, rule of law and not jungle justice that victimizes perceived adversaries.
ULAA calls on law enforcement authorities to exercise impartial judgment in the discharge of their duties. The recent attacks by unknown men on the home of former Chief Justice, Hon. Gloria Musu-Scott, and the subsequent murder of her foster daughter is alarming and should not be the modus operandi of our current political discourse. Moreover, the unwarranted provocation on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, by state actors at the University of Liberia main campus must be investigated and those culpable must face the full weight of the law irrespective of class or status. ULAA in no uncertain terms calls for the immediate release of those students that were arrested on the grounds of the University of Liberia. The University of Liberia should never be used as a contesting ground for rival groups to show their might and strengths against each other.
The University of Liberia is the only single public institution created by its own creed as a Light in Darkness. It inherently speaks to those who disagree with each other and must be able to tolerate each other without any victimization. The University of Liberia should remain a sacred learning institution void of any actors whether government officials or others to perambulate the vicinity/corridors for the purpose of organizing rival groups.
In considering the present situation of economic and human rights concerns, ULAA calls on Liberia’s international partners to begin instituting additional punitive measures against local and state actors bent on committing human rights violations, as well as those undermining Liberia’s peace and stability. These include the wanton abuse of power, abuse of media airwaves, rampant corruption, and incitement of violence by individuals both at home and abroad. Meanwhile, ULAA has begun holding discussions aimed at ensuring its representation of diaspore election monitors during and after this year’s elections.
Lastly, ULAA encourages officials of the National Elections Commission (NEC) to begin setting up systems and controls to ensure diaspora voting in keeping with the recently passed Dual Citizenship Bill and the Liberian Constitution of 1986. Together, We Struggle for a Better Liberia
Signed:
Hon. J. Shiwoh Kamara
National President/ULAA
About ULAA:
The Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA) is the umbrella organization representing Liberians and their various organizations in the Americas. ULAA is a voluntary, nonprofit, and non-governmental organization formed on July 4, 1974, in Philadelphia, United States of America. The mission of ULAA is to advance the just causes of Liberians and Liberia at home and abroad.
