Tensions escalate as political supporters clash ahead of Liberia’s upcoming elections, resulting in three fatalities, as reported by the UN and ECOWAS.

Violence erupted in Liberia’s northwestern Lofa county, pitting the Unity Party, led by former vice president Joseph Boakai, against the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change, led by President George Weah, a former international football star turned politician who has been in office since 2018.

In a joint statement, the UN and ECOWAS appealed to the leaders of both parties to vehemently urge their supporters to refrain from incitement and acts of violence.

Ensuring peaceful and fair elections is of paramount importance in a nation scarred by consecutive civil wars from 1989 to 2003, which claimed the lives of over 250,000 individuals.

Liberia’s major political parties had pledged in April 2023 to eschew violence and instead turn to the judicial system to address any electoral disputes that may arise before or after the polls.

ECOWAS and the UN called on Liberia’s law enforcement agencies to swiftly restore order and conduct impartial investigations, making their findings public and ensuring the prosecution of those responsible.

The US embassy also denounced the violence, while both political parties traded blame for the clashes. Over 2.4 million voters are registered for the presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for October 10.