Liberia: UN Mission Urges Restraint After Violence

Liberia: UN mission urges restraint after violence erupts at rubber plantation

The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) today urged restraint following violent disturbances yesterday at the Firestone Rubber Plantation in the south-central area of the country which is rebuilding after years of conflict.

UNMIL worked with the Liberia National Police (LNP) to restore calm after the incident in Harbel, Margibi County, which resulted in at least five people sustaining injuries.

In a statement, the mission called on the community "to stop acts of violence, which will only make the situation worse."

The Secretary-General's Special Representative for Liberia, Alan Doss, appealed to all parties to be cautious and to peacefully resolve any grievances and disagreements.

The mission's security personnel - including military and police officers from Formed Police Units (FPUs) - were deployed quickly to join LNP officers when it became clear that the demonstration was turning violent.

Some properties, including a health centre, were damaged and looted during the incident, and extra personnel are patrolling the now-calm area.

ENDS

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