WE STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE PEOPLE OF LOFA COUNTY

We are saddened by news in recent days, emanating from Lofa County, Liberia, of violent ethnic clashes resulting in the loss of valuable human lives, and the destruction of properties.  This incident is indeed troubling and disheartening, especially at a time when Liberia is emerging from fourteen years of carnage - the darkest moment in the country's 161 years existence.

While all the facts and precipitating circumstances are yet to be fully disclosed, we seize this occasion to condemn all perpetrators of this violent clashes, no matter what the justifications may be.  We believe that under the new democratic dispensation obtaining in Liberia, all citizens should respect the rule of law and pursue the legal process in resolving any and all disputes.  The pursuit of jungle justice and "might makes right" mentality are inimical to peace and stability, especially at this time when the people of Lofa County and Liberia are trying to rebuild their lives shattered by the civil war.

It is against this background that we stand in solidarity with our Diaspora Lofa brothers and sisters in calling for peaceful resolution of the conflict.  It is totally unacceptable to allow few diehard fanatics, be it tribal or religious, to disturb the peace and harmony of the people of Lofa County.  Any attempt by individuals or groups, whether in Lofa County or any part of Liberia, to plunge the country into another round of chaos should be vehemently condemned and resisted by all peace-loving Liberians.

It must also be noted that we abhor comments by individuals who tend to make unwarranted political capital out of the current conflict, by attributing this unfortunate incident to the inability of the Liberian Government to solve land disputes between the Mandingos and other ethnic groups in the country, especially in Lofa and Nimba Counties.  While it has not been factually established that the conflict in Lofa County originated from land disputes, we must be reminded that the resolution of land disputes is not done overnight; the process is complicated and therefore requires delicacy and careful consideration, taking into account all the complexities involved.

Consequently, we feel diminished by the loss of lives in Lofa County because, as Liberians, we are all connected and inter-related as a family.  Hence, we express our deepest condolences to all the families who directly lost their loved ones in this sad incident.  We pray for God's healing and intervention to restore peace, unity and tranquility in Lofa County.

Signed:

Edwin F. Kruah

Chairman

UNICCO Minnesota Chapter