The Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has officially declared the month of “April” as an anti-mob violence month, as the crime has become prevalent and widespread in the Liberian society.
Due to the declaration, an Anti-Mob Justice Camping Month banner was hosted on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the Ministry of Justice in Monrovia in collaboration with the Liberia Chamber of Commerce and the United Nations Development Program.
Speaking at the program, Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh said that mob violence has burned vehicles that were involved in accidents, prevented legal surveys of land and the enforcement of judgments of the courts, with police stations and courthouses being set ablaze by angry crowds.
The attorney General of Liberia urged that the banner be a beacon, reminding Liberians that true strength lies not in might, but in their ability to unite against hatred and fear.
He said Liberians can transform their communities into havens of safety, where dialogue triumphs over destruction, adding that they own it to themselves and future generations to forge a path towards lasting peace – one where love, respect and humanity prevail.
According to him, prison facilities have been vandalized, looted, and prisoners set free, businesses vandalized, looted and burned and alleged criminals have been apprehended by angry crowds, lynched, and beaten.
“So, to address this, we have gathered here today to host the banner for our campaign – Declaring the Month of April 2025 as Anti-Mob Violence Month. Mob violence has become very prevalent in our society and has become widespread. The general well-being of our communities is seriously threatened by mob violence. Our system of justice and the authority of government are being challenged. Mobs are taking the law into their hands,” Minister Tweh disclosed.
He said to arrest the situation and change this course, they have decided to declare April 2025 as Anti-Mob Violence Month.
Liberia’s Attorney General, however, extended appreciation and gratitude to the UNDP and the Liberia Chamber of Commerce for their assistance and collaboration.
“Any form of mob violence is criminal. This government will not condone or tolerate mob violence. It is a violation of our laws and a violation of democratic principles and values. The Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with state security agencies, will not relent in tackling mob violence and will take all necessary measures aimed at eradicating mob violence from our society,” he added.
Cllr. Tweh pointed out that they deemed it necessary to go a step further by embarking on a nationwide campaign against mob violence.
“We will work with civil society, traditional and community leaders, the youth, to increase public knowledge about mob violence, in educating the public on the dangers and consequences of mob action, educating the public about the rule of law, and creating confidence in the criminal justice system. In this light, workshops, awareness campaigns (including talk shows and radio dramatizations), and community-based activities will be utilized in altering perceptions, removing misconceptions and advocating for peaceful resolutions of issues,” he stated.
Also, in separate remarks, representatives of the Liberian Joint Security and the diplomatic and development community expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Justice and the government for the step taken.
They expressed commitment and support to the Liberian government and the Ministry of Justice in achieving a more peaceful and sustainable development.
The program was graced by Liberia Defense Minister, General Geraldine George, Police Inspector General Gregory O. Coleman and other members of the Liberian Joint Security, Development and International Partners, especially representatives from the World Bank and the UNDP.
Also, the Anti-mob justice camping banner had several inceptions including, “Do you know that Mob Justice undermines our human dignity and creates a lawless society? Do you know that Mob Justice frustrates good governance and respect for the rule of law? Do you know that Mob Justice sends a message that drives investors away?
