Women Peace Ambassadors Demonstrate Bravery During CDC Tussle with State Security
By: Jeremiah Sackie Cooper
Gmail: jeremiahcooper105@gmail.com
Liberia: In a bloody protest between supporters of major opposite political party the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and the Liberia National Police, a group of women under the banner “Women in Peace Building Network” (WIPNET), became the center of attention due to their dramatic called for peace during a protest that quickly turned violent.
On Thursday Morning August 22,2024, state securities (Liberia Deug Enforcement Agency LDEA) had allegedly gone to raid adjacent communities and properties around the CDC headquarters on tip-off of narcotics sales; something that led to tension between the police and the CDC supporters. The situation later began violent with the supporters of the Congress for Democratic Change and officers of the LNP sustaining injuries.
To put an end to this, the women of WIPNET in white attire which symbolizes peace matching to the protest scene; the women in one voice reminded the protesters and state securities of the 14 years civil war and its impact on the country.
As they gathered outside the CDC headquarters on the main Tubman Boulevard, they raised their voices in a collective cry for peace, appealing to both CDCians and the police to cease hostilities and engage in dialogue.
Tears rolled down their faces as they chanted, “We want peace,” their voices echoing through the streets of Congo Town. The plea was heartfelt, a motherly call to reason and empathy in a situation that was rapidly spreading out of control.
With the situation escalating into a full-blown clash between CDC supporters and the Liberia National Police, the women’s efforts to restore calm instead ended in chaos and bloodshed.
Despite the women’s sincere efforts, what began as a peaceful demonstration quickly devolved into violence. As the situation deteriorated, the women’s hope of fostering dialogue and understanding were dashed. The clash between the CDCians and the police intensified, with more stones being thrown and more teargas canisters being fired.
The WIPNET women, who had hoped their presence would serve as a calming influence found themselves caught in the crossfire. Their chants of “we want peace” were drowned out by the increasingly aggressive response from the CDCians who defiantly countered with cries of “we want die.” The stark contrast between the two groups’ messages highlighted the deep divisions and intense emotions fueling the unrest.
The atmosphere was thick with fear and tension, and the WIPNET women were forced to abandon their peace mission and flee for their lives.
In the ensuing chaos, many of the women were seen scrambling for cover, seeking refuge in nearby buildings and vehicles. Some were assisted by bystanders who recognized the danger they were in and rushed to help them escape the violence.
The scenes were heartbreaking—a group of women who had come to serve as protectors and peacemakers now finding themselves in need of protection.
The aftermath of today’s events leaves much to ponder about the state of peace and security in Liberia. The WIPNET women, though unsuccessful in their immediate mission, have once again highlighted the critical need for peaceful dialogue in a nation that remains deeply polarized. Their bravery and dedication to peace are commendable, even as their efforts were met with hostility and danger.
