Joint UN, ECOWAS Mission warns of growing security threats In W.A., Sahel
Monrovia, Liberia (PANA) - A visiting joint delegation of the ECOWAS and United Nations Friday expressed concern over the growing security threats in the West African and Sahel regions and, in particular, the fragility of the situation in Liberia.
After intensive and inclusive consultations and discussions with the various stakeholders, the delegation reiterated that the provisions of the constitution of Liberia should prevail at all times, and encouraged all parties to abide by the law.
The joint mission was part of the mandates of the ECOWAS Commission and the U.N. Office in West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) from December 26-27, 2019 to reiterate the commitment of the two bodies to supporting the efforts of the countries of the sub-region, particularly Liberia, towards sustaining peace and development.
The mission was composed of the Commissioner for political affairs, peace and security; ECOWAS Commission; the U.N. deputy special representative of the Secretary-general for West Africa and the Sahel; the special representative of the president of the ECOWAS Commission in Liberia; the UN resident coordinator in Liberia and the director of political affairs, and the ECOWAS Commission.
A communiqué issued at the end of the two-day mission said the delegation was received by President George Manneh Weah and other government officials.
They also met with the council of patriots (COP); a grouping planning a street protest for December 30; political parties; traditional leaders; inter-religious council; the Federation of Liberian Youth and civil society organizations (CSOs).
The delegation noted that the right of assembly should be in conformity with the provisions of the law and cautioned against any form of violence for which they would be held accountable.
The delegation welcomed the general desire to call off the protest of December 30 if specific actions were taken in addressing some of the governance and economic issues which formed the basis of the current tension in the country.
The delegation also noted ‘with pleasure’ the interest of the government in addressing the relevant issues aimed at calming tension and calling off the protest.
The visiting UN, ECOWAS officials further noted ‘with satisfaction’ the ongoing efforts of the government and its partners towards this end and called on the government to do more.
They also took seriously the assurances of the government to provide details of these commitments during the State of the Nation address in January 2020.
The communiqué stressed that all parties must acknowledge that the incumbent president was democratically-elected and had a legitimate mandate of six years.
The international delegation said it encouraged the government to establish, with the support of ECOWAS, United Nations and its partners, a platform/mechanism for a sustainable and an all-inclusive dialogue for the peace, security and stability of the country and thereby eliminate undue recourse to demonstration and protest.
In this context, the delegation exhorted all parties to work towards calling off this imminent protest in the general interest of Liberia and the sub-region, the communiqué pointed out.
-0- PANA PTK/RA 27Dec2019
