Liberia: Clashes Ensue Among UP and CDC Supporters on Campaign Day

AIRFIELD NEW ROAD, Monrovia- On Tuesday, the opposition Unity Party (UP) in a media advisory revealed that its Standard Bearer Joseph Baokai will announce the party’s “full Rescue Mission Campaign team” at its headquarters in Airfield New Road, District #9, Montserrado County.

But the announcements soon turn sour when clashes ensue amongst supporters of the UP and the CDC, the ruling establishment. It is reported that the clashes were the result of provocation from supporters of the CDC who had also gone in support of President Weah who was visiting districts #9&10 as part of his campaign tour.

Some supporters from both parties were reportedly injured.

Calm was later restored following the intervention by the Liberia National Police.

However, a release signed by the official Campaign Spokesman Mohammed Ali, said partisans and militants of the CDC disrupted the activities of UP partisans who had gathered at VOMOMA to welcome their Standard Bearer.

As a result, UP was compelled to postpone the announcement of its campaign team to a later date.

“In view of the forgoing, UP Alliance’s campaign has decided to postpone the planned press conference for the purpose of avoiding confrontation that could lead to violence between and among supporters of the two parties and also in observation of the Farmington Declaration,” the release stated.  

UP in its release also used the occasion to call on the National Elections Commission’s attention to the “constant disruptive behavior of the CDC”, as well as the international partners to caution the CDC to abide by the Farmington Declaration.

The CDC has not officially commented to the situation.

On day one of the campaign activities, supporters of the CDC were seen toting casket bearing the image of Amb. Joseph Boakai.

The parade was performed on the principal streets of Monrovia and ended in front of CDC’s headquarters with key stewards, youths, and executives of the party in attendance.

The group of zealous partisans, mostly youth who carried the casket during the parade sang songs with provocative lyrics such as: “Rest in Peace Amb. Boakai. “We tell you to leave this thing but still you say no”.  “Oh, my people, the papy na die oo,” among others.

The act was condemned by the Local, National, and International partners as well as the CDC Leaders with a call on the National Elections Commission to ensure that every political party adhered to the Farmington Declaration that call for peaceful and violence-free elections. 

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