President Boakai Launches National Campaign Against Mob Violence

Monrovia, Liberia: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has called on all Liberians to respect the rule of law and trust the justice system, especially in the face of growing mob violence across the country.

To help stop this rising issue, the Ministry of Justice has launched a National Anti-Mob Violence Campaign. The campaign was officially introduced on Saturday, April 19, 2025, in Saye Town, Sinkor. It aims to end mob justice and build public trust in the legal system.

“Mob violence has no place in a civilized society,” said President Boakai. “The rule of law is the most powerful weapon we have to secure justice, stability, and development.”

The President also encouraged young people to find peaceful and legal ways to resolve conflicts, instead of taking the law into their own hands.

This new campaign is part of a bigger effort by the Boakai administration to fix the root causes of violence, like youth unemployment and limited access to justice. The Ministry of Justice is working with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and other partners to raise awareness about the dangers of mob violence.

Justice Minister Cllr. Oswald Tweh praised the President’s support and promised that the campaign will reach all parts of Liberia. “Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done for every Liberian,” he said.

The event was attended by community leaders, government officials, and members of the Diplomatic Corps, showing strong national support for peace and justice.

Liberia’s Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, During the program  issued a strong condemnation of mob violence across the country, warning that the government will no longer tolerate what he called a “serious crime” undermining the rule of law and democratic values.

Speaking at the official launch of the National Anti-Mob Violence Campaign in Montserrado, Minister Tweh said the growing culture of street justice poses a threat to national stability and must be addressed immediately and decisively.

“This government will not condone or tolerate mob violence. It is a violation of our laws and a violation of democratic principles and values,” Tweh declared. “We cannot, and we will not, turn a blind eye to the lawlessness that has begun to take root in our neighborhoods.”

The campaign, which officially kicks off today, comes in response to a troubling increase in mob violence across the country, including deadly incidents in Weala and Paynesville that resulted in the deaths of innocent civilians and the destruction of property. Minister Tweh described the situation as a “pivotal moment” in the country’s democratic journey, warning that if left unchecked, mob violence could erode public trust in national institutions.

“When fear and distrust replace faith in our judicial processes, society suffers,” he said. “Every act of mob violence not only inflicts harm on innocent lives but also erodes the trust and safety that are essential for a thriving society.”

The campaign will focus on educating communities about the dangers of mob justice and promoting legal, non-violent avenues for resolving disputes. It will be implemented in collaboration with civil society organizations, local leaders, the Liberia Motorcycle Union, the Federation of Liberian Youth, and international partners such as the UNDP and the Liberia Chamber of Commerce.

According to Tweh, the goals of the campaign are twofold:

1. To restore public trust in the justice system by encouraging citizens to report crimes and pursue justice through the appropriate legal channels.

2. To foster a safe, stable environment where peace, investment, and economic growth can flourish free from the threat of mob violence.

Community engagement will play a central role in the campaign, with town hall meetings, talk shows, and grassroots workshops aimed at dispelling myths about mob justice and offering alternatives rooted in the rule of law.

“The real strength lies not in taking matters into our own hands, but in seeking justice collaboratively within our legal framework,” Tweh noted. “Dialogue must prevail over destruction, and justice must triumph over the chaos of mob rule.”

In his closing remarks, the Justice Minister thanked the Ministry’s staff, state security agencies, and campaign partners for their dedication and called on all Liberians to play a role in ending the cycle of mob violence.

“We must dismantle this culture of violence together. When a mob reacts violently, anyone—yourself or your loved ones—could be the victim. Let us embrace justice, not vengeance.”

The government’s campaign reflects a broader effort by the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to strengthen rule of law and restore faith in Liberia’s justice system.