As UL suspends student polities on all UL Campuses Justice Minister mandates Police Boss to conduct investigation into Standoff at UL

Justice Minister Frank Musah Dean has mandated the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, Col. Patrick Sudue, to conduct a thorough investigation into the standoff that happened on the Capitol Hill Campus of the University of Liberia on Monday, March 13.

The Minister called on the police IG to  file a report to his office in the "soonest" following his inquest into the violent incident, which led to injuries and the destruction of properties. The melee occurred amongst rival student supporters of two Liberian lawmakers.

The Government has, however, reiterated that while it is committed to protecting fundamental rights - including freedom of expression and assembly - it will not tolerate violence of any kind.

Meanwhile, as of Thursday, March 16, 2023, student polities on all UL Campuses are hereby suspended until further notice.  

According to a press release signed by the UL President, Prof.  Dr. Julius Julukon Sarwolo Nelson,Jr., the  suspension comes in the wake of the many violent disturbances on the UL Campuses. Students are mandated to keep in strict conformity to this pronouncement. Violators will be severely sanctioned in keeping with the UL Revised Student Handbook. Accordingly, no political group shall assemble or hold meetings or engage in any politically related activities on any of the University of Liberia campuses during this period of suspension. 

The suspension affects political/solidarity matches, political gatherings, the wearing of symbols and emblems depicting and promoting campus based political groups, student protests, among others. 

At the same time, the UL Administration condemns in the strongest possible terms the violent disturbances that erupted on the UL Capitol Hill Campus on Monday, March 13,2023, and by extension all such incidents. Additionally, the UL Administration commissions an immediate independent investigation to probe the Monday disturbances, which led to the cancellation of classes and injuries to students and others. The Committee is headed by Professor T. Debey Sayndee, Director, Kofi Annan Institute for Conflict Transformation(KAICT). The UL Administration ensures and commits the full protection and safety of all students/staff/faculty and users of the facility and services of the University. 

Meanwhile, UL students are reminded that  the Revised UL Student Hand Book  strictly prohibits  the use of disruptive noises, violence and vandalism on all its campuses.