Monrovia, Liberia – In a shocking turn of events in Liberia, a group of women known as the “Women of Peace” were deliberately tear-gassed by police while attempting to mediate tensions between law enforcement and supporters of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC). The incident unfolded at the CDC headquarters, where clashes erupted following a controversial police raid on the party’s premises early in the morning under the guise of searching for illegal drugs.
The unrest began when police allegedly stormed former President George Weah’s party headquarters, leading to a violent confrontation with partisan supporters. As tensions escalated, the Women of Peace, renowned for their commitment to using prayer as a tool for reconciliation, took it upon themselves to intervene. They walked to the CDC headquarters, hoping to facilitate a dialogue between the police and the party supporters.
Witnesses reported that the women, clad in white as a symbol of peace, were negotiating with CDC supporters to allow their entry when the police attempted to push through the group as a shield. This strategy backfired dramatically, leading to another eruption of violence. In a distressing display of disregard for the women’s safety, law enforcement fired multiple rounds of tear gas directly at the peaceful protesters, resulting in chaos and panic.
The tear gas deployment caused significant distress among the women, many of whom were left gasping for breath and in shock. Eyewitness accounts described scenes of confusion as the women struggled to protect themselves while trying to uphold their message of peace. Fortunately, no serious casualties were reported, but the incident highlights the risks faced by those advocating for non-violent resolutions in politically charged environments.
Ultimately, the Women of Peace were unable to enter the CDC headquarters, and their efforts to mediate the situation were thwarted by the very authorities meant to maintain order. The incident has sparked outrage among citizens, raising questions about police conduct and the treatment of peaceful protesters in Liberia.yAs the nation grapples with these tensions, the Women of Peace remain resolute in their mission, continuing to advocate for dialogue and understanding amidst the chaos. Their commitment to peace serves as a poignant reminder of the power of non-violent action in the face of adversity.
Meanwhile, in a recent interview with LNTV, a spokesperson from the Liberia ‘Women of Peace’ shared their vital mission of praying for peace in the nation. They expressed deep concern over the recent clashes between the police and the opposition party, prompting them to take action. When the women heard about the unrest, they immediately went to the scene, requesting the police to grant them access to the party headquarters. Their goal was to facilitate a dialogue with supporters of President George Weah, hoping to ease tensions and promote understanding.
Upon arriving at the gates of the headquarters, the women were met with a willingness from the protesters to engage in conversation, although they insisted on proceeding without the police’s presence. As discussions began, the situation escalated unexpectedly when the police deployed tear gas in the area, creating chaos and putting the women at risk of injury. The spokesperson emphasized the urgency of their mission and the need for peaceful dialogue, underscoring the resilience of the ‘Women of Peace’ as they strive to foster harmony in Liberia amidst the turmoil.