Liberia President Sirleaf condemns 'abuse, misuse' of social media

22 Octobre 2017

Monrovia, Liberia, October 22 (Infosplusgabon) -  Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has expressed umbrage at displays on social media that are “extremely inimical” to the survival of the country’s peace and democracy.

“We condemn the abuse and misuse of social media through the use of invectives, hate speech and outright vulgarity which denigrate adversaries with whom we might hold disagreement,” Sirleaf said in a special statement on Sunday.

The Liberian leader said in light of the progress made collectively, she was calling on fellow citizens to “remain civil, responsible and continue to be tolerant of diverging opinions and views that might not necessarily be favourable to ours”.

She cautioned that resorting to profanities on social media contributes nothing to the national discourse, “but only serves to taint our national and international image”.

Sirleaf added that Liberians must all express their “indignation to this unacceptable way of politicking and seek to continue the decent democratic values that have brought us this far as a nation and people".

She observed that as Liberians pat themselves on the back for peacefully voting in the 10 October polls, all must continue to demonstrate their love for country by and through our actions.

“Our greatest task must focus on how we consolidate the democratic gains made over the last 12 years, by voting peacefully and nationalistically, respecting the law and keeping the peace for the greater good of our country.”

President Sirleaf will be handing over to the winner of the 2017 presidential election which goes into a run-off on 7 November between incumbent Vice President Joseph Boakai and ex-international footballer George Weah.

FIN/INFOSPLUSGABON/AIO/GABON 2017

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