The Government of Liberia declares April a month of Anti-Mob Violence here that it describes as widespread in the Liberian society.
By Lincoln G. Peters
Monrovia, Liberia, April 9, 2025 – The Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Justice officially declares April Anti-mob violence month, alarming here that mob violence has become very prevalent and widespread in the Liberian society.
An Anti-mob justice camping month banner was hosted on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at the Ministry of Justice in Monrovia, in collaboration with the Liberia Chamber of Commerce and the United Nations Development Program.
The program was graced by Liberia’s Minister of Defense, Retired General Geraldine George; Police Inspector General, Gregory O. Coleman, and other members of the Liberian Joint Security, Development and International Partners, especially representatives from the World Bank and the UNDP.
The Anti-mob justice camping banner had several inscriptions including, “Do you know that Mob Justice undermines our human dignity and creates a lawless society? Do you know that Mob Justice frustrates good governance and respect for the rule of law? Do you know that Mob Justice sends a message that drives investors away?” They were among other inscriptions that characterized the event.
Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, says mob-violence has burned vehicles that were involved in accidents, prevented legal surveys of land and enforcement of judgments of the courts, with police stations and court houses set ablaze by angry crowds.
The Attorney General of Liberia notes that the banner should be a beacon, reminding Liberians that true strength lies not in might, but in their ability to unite against hatred and fear.
He says Liberians can transform their communities into havens of safety, where dialogue triumphs over destruction, adding that they own it to themselves and future generations to forge a path towards lasting peace – one where love, respect and humanity prevail.
He further recounts that prison facilities have been vandalized, looted and prisoners set free, businesses vandalized, looted and burned, while alleged criminals have been apprehended by angry crowds, lynched, and beaten.
“So, to address this, we have gathered here today to host the banner for our campaign – Declaring the Month of April 2025 as Anti-Mob Violence Month. Mob violence has become very prevalent in our society and has become widespread. The general wellbeing of our communities is seriously threatened by mob violence. Our system of justice and the authority of government are being challenged. Mobs are taking the law into their hands”, Minister Tweh laments.
Accordingly, he continues that hence, in an effort to arrest the situation and change this course, they have decided to declare April 2025 as Anti-Mob Violence Month.
Minister Tweh expresses appreciation and gratitude to the UNDP and the Liberia Chamber of Commerce for their assistance and collaboration.
“Any form of mob violence is criminal. This government will not condone or tolerate mob violence. It is a violation of our laws and a violation of democratic principles and values. The Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with state security agencies, will not relent in tackling mob violence and will take all necessary measures aimed at eradicating mob violence from our society”, he vows.
He points out that they deem it necessary to go a step further, disclosing the beginning this month, they will be embarking on a nationwide campaign against mob violence.
“We will work with civil society, traditional and community leaders, the youth, to increase public knowledge about mob violence, in educating the public on the dangers and consequences of mob action, educating the public about the rule of law, and creating confidence in the criminal justice system. In this light, workshops, awareness campaigns (including talk shows and radio dramatizations), and community-based activities will be utilized in altering perceptions, removing misconceptions and advocating for peaceful resolutions of issues.”
In separate remarks, representatives of the Liberian Joint Security and the diplomatic and development communities express appreciation to the Ministry of Justice and the government for the step taken.
They pledge commitment and support to the government in achieving a more peaceful and sustainable development. Editing by Jonathan Browne
