In the aftermath of the Saturday, December 5, 2020 violence that erupted in Damballa Town, Porkpa District in Grand Cape Mount County between supporters of incumbent senator Victor Watson of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) and opposition Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) senatorial candidate Simeon Taylor which reportedly saw two persons wounded by gunshots, vehicles and the house of Representative Bob Sheriff burnt down, President George M. Weah has strongly condemned the political violence. The President said the government will not condone such violent action by any group of citizens and political party, The Analyst reports.
According to a December 6, 2020 press release emanating from Information Minister Ledgerhood Rennie, President Weah was referring to reports that a convoy belonging to the opposition CPP Senatorial candidate in Grand Cape Mount County, Simeon Taylor, came under attack and two of his vehicles set ablaze after a tussle ensued between rival supporters of political parties.
President Weah emphasized that election is about the exercise of people’s democratic rights and should be void of any kind of violence.
The Liberian leader called on all political parties and their leaders to encourage their respective partisans and supporters to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner during this campaigning period, while urging that peace and stability is paramount to the sustenance of the country’s democracy.
“There is no need for violence at a time when our country heads to a crucial election period which would solidify our democratic credentials,” the Liberian Leaders stressed.
The President then warned that the Government will not hesitate in bringing to book any group of individuals who engages in acts of violence during and after the upcoming elections.
Pundits feel that although the President’s response to the Damballa violence is timely, the Liberian leader should go beyond condemnation and prosecute anyone found culpable of jeopardizing the peace and tranquility of the country.
“I am very happy that President Weah quickly condemned what happened in my county, but those who made our people to run in the bushes as if we are back in the civil war days should be made to pay. This thing is getting out of hand,” says Roland Tombekai Sombai of Porkpa District.