By Reuben Sei Waylaun
In an efforts to curtail demonstrations across the city, Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) has announced the formation of an anti-demonstration unit called ‘Citizens Action Unit’
The formation of the unit follows the early demonstration resulting into road blocks and the burning of tires in front of the diplomatic eclipse of Congo Town, on June 25, 2020.Announcing the formation of the group, Monrovia City Mayor Jefferson Tamba Koijee said the CAU will be first responder to every demonstration across the city before the arrival of the Liberia National Police (LNP).
According to him, such acts should be condemned by all well meaning Liberians.”We will commission a Citizens Action Unit to prevent terrorists from invading the communities. The unit will be proactive and they wouldn’t take advantage of our people,” he said.
Mayor Koijee calls on those agitated over the governance system to use the ballot box instead of creating panic across the city.He said such acts from the protesters send fear in the diplomatic community and Liberians as well.
“We condemn this and called on the people of Liberia to condemn this act. But we will robustly protect the lives of the people. The CAU will be vigilant,” he said.
Mayor Koijee added “We are extremely disappointed and dismay. Those people want to create arson.”
The Lord Mayor further said the safety of the Liberian people and foriegn residents is paramount.
At the same time, the Liberian National Police have arrested six people following the violence on Thursday, which led to the disruption of traffic on the Tubman Boulavard and other adjacent thoroughfares. The LNP say it strongly condemns such acts and assures the general public that those involved will be made to face the full weight of the law.
LNP in a release posted on its official Facebook page recounted that some agitators, claiming to belong to the self-style group, Council of Patriots, took to the streets in the early hours of June 25, 2020, causing damage to properties and harassing commuters with motives to cause chaos.
“The Liberia National Police has vowed to arrest other perpetrators of this senseless violence and forward them to court,” a release quotes the LNP.