The government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Justice, has officially launched a nationwide national anti-mob justice campaign aimed at raising awareness against the increased wave of mob justice across the country.
Speaking at the launch of the campaign on Saturday, April 19, 2025, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, Minister of Justice, emphasized that the move is aimed at educating Liberians about the danger of mob justice while encouraging citizens to pursue justice through legal, appropriate channels.
The Liberian Attorney General urged the citizens to instill confidence in the justice system, which he said can and will deliver outcomes that prioritize fairness, equity, and integrity.
The minister highlighted that the awareness will promote a coherent vision of a safe Liberia, where investment, economic growth, and social stability can flourish unimpeded by the specter of mob violence.
“The real strength lies not in taking matters into our hands but instead seeking justice collaboratively within our legal framework.” Each one of us has a role to play in restoring harmony and trust within our communities, he added.
According to him, any form of mob violence is a crime, stating that the government will not condone or tolerate mob violence as it is a violation of the laws and a violation of democratic principles and values.
The minister used the occasion to call on all Liberians to reject violence and embrace dialogue. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding the principles of justice that unite all citizens.
He emphasized that, through these efforts, a more inclusive environment can be fostered—one in which every Liberian feels valued, safe, and empowered to contribute positively to the nation’s shared future.
Minister Tweh asserted that the campaign is led by the Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the Liberia Chamber of Commerce with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
Similarly, the minister highlighted the government’s collaboration with civil society organizations, community leaders, the Liberia Motorcycle Union, and the Federation of Liberian Youth.
He noted that these groups are being engaged as vital partners in raising awareness through workshops, radio talk shows, and community-based dialogues aimed at promoting peace and discouraging mob violence.
Meanwhile, he stated that the ministry and its partners remain steadfast in their commitment to tackling mob violence and will continue to take all necessary measures to eradicate this growing menace.
“We must choose dialogue over destruction, understanding over hostility, and action grounded in justice over reckless abandon of mob law,” he said.
Mob justice, also known as “jungle justice,” is an illegal and dangerous practice in which individuals suspected of committing a crime or wrongdoing are subjected to extrajudicial punishment.
Typically, the accused person is humiliated, beaten, and sometimes stripped of their clothing, with these acts often carried out by a crowd. This form of vigilante justice bypasses legal procedures and poses serious threats to public safety and the rule of law.
The ceremony was graced by representatives from a broad spectrum of institutions, including the Liberia Chamber of Commerce, Press Union of Liberia, National Muslim Council, Imam Council of Liberia, the Diplomatic Corps, Liberia Council of Churches, Civil Society Organizations, the Liberian National Bar Association, the Motorcycle and Tricycle Union of Liberia, and the Yana Boys Association, among several others.
