The United Nations called on all parties to refrain from any incitement to hatred or bloodshed
The United Nations on Wednesday expressed concern over violent incidents in Liberia during the election period ahead of the October 10 vote and called on all parties to refrain from any incitement to hatred or bloodshed.
“We are concerned about the violent incidents that have been reported in connection with the elections, the use of language that could amount to hate speech and attacks against journalists in Liberia,” said the representative of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Seif Magango, in a press release he released.
Deadly clashes broke out between supporters of the Unity party of former vice president Joseph Boakai (2006-2018) and the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) of George Weah, a former international soccer star turned politician who is president of the West African country. from 2018.
Mr Magango said at least two people were killed and 20 injured in Lofa County in the September 29 clashes.
An earlier count, which was cited by the UN and the Economic Community of West African States, had three dead.
The UNHCR also reported pre-election violence in three more counties.
“Our services recorded eight attacks against journalists by various political actors, two of which resulted in injuries,” Mr Magango said.
Liberia experienced civil strife from 1989 to 2003 with at least 250,000 dead.
The country’s main political parties pledged in April 2023 to refrain from any use of violence and to resort to justice to resolve electoral disputes that may arise before and after the elections.
“The government must guarantee that journalists will be able to do their work freely and safely. All political actors must refrain from inciting violence or hatred,” the spokesman insisted.
“All violent incidents connected to the elections must be fully and independently investigated and those responsible must be held accountable without delay,” he added.
More than 2.4 million voters are registered in the lists ahead of the presidential and parliamentary elections, in which 73 deputies and 15 of the 30 senators will be elected.
Source :Skai
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