Monrovia, Liberia –The Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), has condemned the recent fire at the Capitol Building and the violent clashes between protesters and police, warning that Liberia cannot afford a return to the dark days of instability.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with OK FM, the President Elect of the Bar Cllr. Bornor Varmah emphasized the need for peaceful resolutions, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for citizens’ constitutional rights.
Cllr. Varmah highlighted the importance of Article 17 of the Liberian Constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly. He stressed that while protests are a vital part of democracy, they must be conducted in a manner that respects the rights of others.
“Where one person’s rights stop, another person’s rights begin,” Cllr. Varmah remarked, calling for better regulation of protests to maintain public order without infringing on constitutional freedoms.
He also urged the Liberia National Police to respect the rights of protesters, as enshrined in the Constitution, and to avoid using disproportionate force in managing demonstrations. “The police must uphold the law and protect protesters’ rights while ensuring public safety,” he added.
Reacting to the devastating fire at the Capitol which has drawn widespread condemnation, Cllr. Varmah expressed dismay at the incident. He joined other leaders in calling for a thorough and impartial investigation to uncover the cause of the fire.
“Millions of dollars which supposed to be spent on hospitals will now be going towards the reconstruction of the building, so that incident must be thoroughly investigated,” he said. He urged the authorities to engage international partners if necessary to ensure the investigation’s credibility and transparency.
Cllr. Varmah warned that the escalating political tension and violence risk destabilizing Liberia’s fragile democracy. “Liberia cannot afford to go back to the dark days. We must learn to live in the confines of the law,” he said.
The LNBA Secretary General encouraged all citizens to respect the rule of law, urging them to channel grievances through peaceful and lawful means.
“The law must guide our actions in times of conflict,” he stated, underscoring the need for leaders and citizens alike to act responsibly.
As the professional body for lawyers in Liberia, the Liberian National Bar Association plays a vital role in promoting justice, upholding the rule of law, and advocating for constitutional governance. The LNBA often serves as a mediator in times of national crisis, providing legal guidance to both government institutions and citizens.
The LNBA has historically been instrumental in advising on legal reforms and ensuring that democratic processes remain intact. Cllr. Varmah’s recent statements reflect the Association’s commitment to fostering peace and protecting Liberia’s democracy.
Joseph Daniels reports for OK FM Liberia as Executive Mansion Correspondent. With a vested interest in making the voices of people from different walks of life heard, he has covered investigative stories relating to education, health, the environment, corruption, and violence against women and girls, among others. He graduated from the United Methodist University with a Bachelor of Art Degree in Mass Communications in 2020. Joseph is also a fellow at New Narratives, a non-profit organization helping media deliver independent, truthful information to its people so they can make informed decisions.
