Monrovia – Former President George M. Weah has expressed concern over the apparent erosion of the rule of law in Liberia and the increasing reports of insecurity.
During a meeting with the United Nations Resident Coordinator Madam Christine Umutoni as part of consultations he has held in recent weeks with local and international stakeholders, the ex-President said he is particularly troubled by early reports of threats and intimidation against potential voters in Nimba County ahead of the upcoming senatorial by-election.
He told the UN representative that the election in Nimba is a crucial test for Liberia’s democracy; one that authorities must handle with care, given its implications for national peace and stability.
“As the political leader of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), he called for a free, fair, and transparent process, free from security interference, stressing that any deviation from this standard would be unacceptable.” The statement posted on Facebook and deleted minutes after said.
He urged the UN to closely monitor the situation in Nimba, as well as the broader national security and democratic environment, warning that early signs of rule-of-law failures risk undermining regional and international efforts to sustain peace in the post-conflict nation.
The former President also cited the ongoing disorder in the National Legislature and the contempt some lawmakers have shown toward the Supreme Court of Liberia, describing these actions as reminiscent of the very vices that once plunged the country into crisis.
The statement said Mr. Weah noted that he had conveyed similar concerns to the European Union and the Vatican when he met with their envoys recently.
In response, Madam Umutoni reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s continued progress toward peace, development, and democracy. She assured the former president that the international community would closely monitor the upcoming election in Nimba.
Accompanying Madam Umutoni to the meeting were UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Louis Kuukpen and UN Coordination Specialist Margaret Gulavic from the Resident Coordinator’s Office” Issued by the Office of the Former President of the Republic of Liberia.
