The Government of Liberia has officially designated April 2025 as Anti-Mob Violence Month in response to a troubling surge in mob-related incidents across the country. The announcement was made by Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, during a formal ceremony held in Monrovia where a campaign banner was unveiled in the presence of stakeholders, civil society representatives, and members of the press.
Minister Tweh condemned the growing trend of mob justice, describing it as a direct threat to public safety, the rule of law, and democratic governance. He recounted several disturbing incidents, including the torching of police stations and court buildings, the destruction of vehicles involved in accidents, and the lynching of individuals accused of crimes.
“Mob violence has become widespread in our society,” the Minister stated. “Vehicles involved in accidents have been burned, court rulings resisted, police stations and court buildings torched, prison facilities vandalized, and alleged criminals lynched by angry crowds. This is unacceptable.”
The Minister warned that such lawlessness undermines the authority of state institutions and erodes public confidence in the legal system. He emphasized that restoring trust in the justice system requires a collective commitment to peace, justice, and the rule of law.
To confront the issue, the Ministry of Justice is working alongside the Liberia National Police, civil society groups, and international partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Liberia Chamber of Commerce, to launch a nationwide awareness campaign. The initiative will feature community engagements, radio programs, theatrical dramatizations, and educational workshops aimed at dispelling myths about mob justice and encouraging peaceful conflict resolution.
“This banner we hoist today is not just a symbol. It is a call to action,” Tweh declared. “Let it remind us that true strength lies in unity, in dialogue, and in upholding justice, not in violence.”
He called on citizens, government officials, and institutions to stand united against mob violence, stressing the importance of choosing dialogue over aggression. “Violence begets violence, and fear breeds more fear. We cannot allow mob mentality to dictate our future. We must be the voices of peace in a world too often silent in the face of violence,” Tweh said.
