Liberia: Press Group Views US Visa Restrictions as ‘Welcome Development’

The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) expresses its support for the United States Government's new visa restrictions targeting individuals who pose a threat to Liberia's burgeoning democracy. 

According to a press release from the PUL, These restrictions specifically focus on prominent figures within the country's political sphere and are intended to dissuade those with malicious intentions from pursuing their harmful agendas.

In a press release issued on September 28, the PUL calls upon all Liberians to prioritize their nation's interests above political parties or individual affiliations. The Union underscores the unacceptable nature of reverting to past violence, which has contributed to Liberia's current underdevelopment.

The PUL issued a caution to both the Liberian government and opposition political parties, urging them to refrain from making inflammatory statements that could jeopardize the country's peace. It emphasizes that intentionally provocative rhetoric may result in politicians and their families being included on the list of individuals prohibited from traveling to the United States of America.

The PUL firmly believes that safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process is a shared responsibility involving various stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, the media and international partners. It is imperative for these stakeholders to collaborate effectively in upholding democratic principles and ensuring transparency during the upcoming October 10 elections while avoiding contentious allegations outside of the courts.

Furthermore, the Press Union of Liberia has emphasized that the American government has not called for Liberian politicians to withdraw from ongoing political discussions regarding the right to lead the country. Instead, it encourages them to engage constructively on governance issues that will benefit the Liberian people.

Moreover, the Union is warning journalists affiliated with politically owned media outlets, reminding them that they are not exempt from the U.S. visa restriction policy. This is particularly relevant because some broadcasters and newspapers have taken clear sides in the elections and have used their platforms to launch vicious attacks against opposing candidates.

On September 27, the United States announced a new visa restriction policy aimed at individuals undermining democracy in Liberia. This policy takes effect ahead of the upcoming general and presidential elections.

Meanwhile, the PUL in  observance of the International Day for Universal Access to Information, has called upon political parties and actors to cease obstructing the crucial work of journalists in fulfilling their professional duties in the lead-up to the general and presidential elections.

The Union highlights that during the month of September alone, the Press Union of Liberia's Media Alert Desk has documented eight threats, two attacks, and numerous ethical transgressions. 

These transgressions include individuals making broad claims and wearing the insignia of political parties, among other things. Wearing such politically motivated attire limits their ability to access information from a diverse range of political perspectives.

Universal access to information is an essential component of the right to freedom of expression, as enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This right encompasses the entitlement to actively seek, receive, and distribute information through any media platform, transcending all borders.

Additionally, the Union urges the Liberian Government to allocate funds to the Independent Information Commission (IIC) to enable it to facilitate access to information across all sectors in the country. The IIC currently operates with a budget of just over 400,000, primarily allocated for the salaries of its 20 employees. It has become a common practice for government agencies responsible for access to information to secure loans to support their operations, with staff having to dip into their own pockets to cover expenses such as photocopying documents, purchasing internet scratch cards, transportation, and fuel.

The Union noted that since 2017, more than 22 African countries have enacted laws on access to information but the lack of political will has posed significant challenges to the effective implementation of these laws. 

Governments, the PUL noted, have impeded media access to information through the enactment of 'secrecy acts' and the levying of vague allegations against investigative journalists, such as ‘spreading false news’ or ‘disturbing public order.’