Prince Hinneh is a survivor of mob violence. He is also one of hundreds who turned up at Monrovia’s Slip Way Football Pitch on Saturday, 25 January, for the official launch of a nationwide “Stop Mob Violence” campaign.

“As a result of what happened to me I have a scratch on my face that I will carry along with me for the rest of my life,” he said. “All people from all tribes should be able to handle violent situations professionally by using the rule of law and inviting the police to help.”

A year-long initiative, the collaborative “Stop Mob Violence” campaign by the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Information, and United Nations will try to tackle the growing problem of mob violence in Liberia. 

In 2013, there were 63 reported cases of mob violence. This is up more than 50 per cent from just two years earlier. Mob incidents are also becoming increasingly violent with 12 lives claimed last year and several other victims suffering serious injuries and requiring hospitalization. 

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Karin Landgren, commended the Government for the progress made over the past decade towards improving Liberia’s rule of law institutions, but noted the country still has much to achieve. 

“We will continue to work together, to strengthen the justice and security institutions of Liberia, and importantly to strengthen people’s confidence in these institutions,” said Landgren. “Confidence can grow only if we put these institutions to the test, only if we try them, and try them, and keep trying them, build them up, and make them stronger. The UN family is proud to be a partner in the Stop Mob Violence campaign.”

Over the next 12 months, organizing committees comprised of the Liberia National Police, traditional and community leaders, and civil society organizations such as the Liberia Motorcycle Union and Federation of Liberian Youth will engage at the County level to increase public knowledge about, and confidence in the workings of the criminal justice system.

“We are at the front-line of all of these situations. We ourselves have been victimized by mob violence as well,” said Abraham Kromah, Deputy Inspector-General of Operations for the Liberia National Police. “It is only through these public exposures that we will have the young people who have come from a very violent situation to understand that the best route to achieving justice is through following the rule of law and reporting the issue to the police.” 

At the launch event, the official campaign song, “That’s Not the Way,” was performed by Liberian recording artists Tan Tan, Sweetz, DenG, Switt and Quincy B., and got the crowd on its feet. 

Among the packed stands at Slip Way was Timothy Weah, 12, who said he heard the music and came with his friends to see what it was about. 

“Usually we play football here, but this is better,” said Weah. “Stop mob violence. It is a good message. I hope we can.”