Monrovia, Liberia – The Ministry of Justice (MOJ), on behalf of the Liberian government, has proclaimed April as Anti-Mob Violence Month, highlighting the worrisome rise in mob violence in Liberian society. On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the Ministry of Justice in Monrovia, in partnership with the Liberia Chamber of Commerce and the United Nations Development Program, presented an Anti-mob Justice Camping Month banner in honor of the month’s designation.
Speaking during the program, Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh stated that mob violence has resulted in the burning of cars, hindered the execution of court orders and lawful land surveys, and caused irate mobs to set fire to police stations and court buildings.
According to the Liberian attorney general, the flag should serve as a beacon to remind people that genuine strength is not found in physical prowess but rather in the capacity to come together in the face of fear and hatred.
According to him, Liberians have a responsibility to themselves and future generations to pave the way for enduring peace where humanity, love, and respect rule. They can turn their communities into safe havens where communication wins over destruction he added.
He said shops have been robbed, destroyed, and trashed, accused criminals have been caught by angry mobs, lynched, and assaulted, and prison facilities have been plundered, vandalized, and inmates released.
In order to address this, “we’ve convened here today to unveil the banner for our campaign, Anti-Mob Violence Month for April 2025. Since then, mob violence has spread across our society. Mob violence gravely jeopardizes the overall well-being of our communities. The authority of the government and our legal system are under threat. Taking the law into their own hands is what mobs are doing,” Minister Tweh said.
As a result, he said, they have chosen to designate April 2025 as Anti-Mob Violence Month in an attempt to halt the situation and alter its trajectory. However, the Attorney General of Liberia expressed gratitude to the UNDP and the Liberia Chamber of Commerce for their cooperation and support.
“Mob violence in any form is illegal. Mob violence will not be accepted or tolerated by this government. It violates both our laws and the ideals and foundations of democracy. In order to eradicate mob violence from our society, the Ministry of Justice and state security agencies will not back down from their efforts to combat it,” he continued.
According to Cllr. Tweh, they decided it was time to take things a step further, and as a result, they will be launching a national campaign against mob violence this month.
“To raise public awareness of mob violence, we will collaborate with civil society, traditional and community leaders, and young people. We will also educate the public about the rule of law, the dangers and repercussions of mob action, and how to build trust in the criminal justice system. Workshops, awareness campaigns (including talk shows and radio dramatizations), and community-based initiatives will be used in this regard to change attitudes, dispel myths, and promote amicable dispute resolution,” he said.
Representatives of the diplomatic and development community as well as the Liberian Joint Security also thanked the government and the Ministry of Justice for the action in separate speeches.
They expressed their dedication to helping the Ministry of Justice and the Liberian government achieve more sustained and peaceful growth.
Police Inspector General Gregory O. Coleman, Liberia Defense Minister General Geraldine George, and other members of the Liberian Joint Security, Development, and International Partners, including representatives from the UNDP and the World Bank, graced the program.
“Do you know that Mob Justice undermines our human dignity and creates a lawless society?” was one of the initial slogans of the anti-mob justice camping flag. Are you aware that respect for the rule of law and decent governance is undermined by mob justice? Are you aware that Mob Justice conveys a message that turns off potential investors?
Reported by: Prince Saah
Contact: +231778239813
Email: saahprince119@gmail.com
