Int’l Partners Issue Joint Statement On The Planned June 7 Protest

The International Community in Liberia is 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.

We wish to commend the Government’s commitment to upholding the democratic principle of peaceful assembly, an indicator of a vibrant and open-minded democratic society. We also wish to commend 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.

The International Community in Liberia also commends the efforts of civil society organisations 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.

We urge the Government and the Council of Patriots to continue constructive dialogue and collaboration in the final hours before, as well as during the assembly on June 7 to reduce tensions and maintain the focus on addressing the development goals of the nation. 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.

ECOWAS will be deploying 20 observers while the Independent National Commission on Human Rights will deploy 50 observers, supported by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), to monitor and report on the protest.

The International Community in Liberia reaffirm its support to the people and Government of Liberia in their endeavours for a peaceful and prosperous country.

Signed

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)

United States of America (USA)