Protest Converge on Capitol Hill- Liberia

NEW AFRICA BUSINESS NEWS, Freetown, Sierra Leone- The Government of Liberia (GOL) has concurred its commitment to provide security to the peaceful assembly of Liberian citizens on June 7, 2019 under the auspices of the Council of Patriots (COP).

The parties agreed that, the assembly point will be on Capitol Hill and that people traveling to the assembly point from different directions will be granted police protection and “unhindered access”.

Capitol Hill refers to anywhere between the Ministry of Mines and Energy on the West end and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the East end.

However, those traveling from Paynesville – Congo Town by way of Sinkor, will use the 12th Street diversion through Jalloh Town and those traveling from access the Gabriel Tucker Bridge and Central Monrovia, will access the assembly point through Camp Johnson Road and UN Drive connecting Lynch Street.

The UN Commission on Human Rights and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have all committed to deploying observers during the peaceful assembly.

The meeting was observed by the UN Resident Coordinator, the African Union (AU) Ambassador and the Special Representative of ECOWAS to Liberia.

The Council of Patriots have consistently said that, they wish to present their list of demands to none other than the President of Liberia – George Manneh Weah. In addition to this, the United States Embassy in Liberia has issued an alert; warning its citizens to stay away from any of the protest, which is organized by COP that will start by on June 7, 2019 and might have the proclivity to continue till the 8th on the following day.

“U.S Government personnel have been advised to avoid the area, including rescheduling flights in or out of Roberts International Airport (RIA) on June 7 from the airport”, the embassy warned.

The U.S Government through its Embassy advised it citizens to exercise caution when unexpectedly seen in the vicinity large gatherings or protest.

According to the COP, the protest intends to demand President Weah and his government to adhere to the rule of law, abide by the Constitution, fight corruption and provide basic social services for the citizens.

The international community, including ECOWAS, UN and the AU have all held mediation talks between the Liberian government and members of the COP. Recently, Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas – United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa, expressed concerns over the capacity of the security apparatus to contain the June 7 protest if it should last for more than a day.

For New Africa Business News Abdul Rahman Suagibu Reports,  Africa Correspondent

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