Liberia: UN mission deploys extra security to rubber plantation after violence

The United Nations mission in the Liberia (UNMIL) has deployed extra security to the Liberia Agriculture Company rubber plantation following a recent outbreak of deadly violence there.

Extra security personnel, including military and police officers, were sent to support the Liberia National Police (LNP) at the plantation near Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, following Saturday's violent disturbances that claimed the life of Plantation Manager, Bruno Michiels, a Belgian national, UNMIL said in a news release.

A joint UN-LNP investigation team also deployed from Monrovia to conduct an investigation into the incident at the plantation.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Representative, Alan Doss, called for restraint and caution as the investigation gathers pace.

In another development, the Liberian Government and UNMIL launched a fresh nationwide campaign against crime under the theme “Say no to crime: Prevent it. Report it.”

At a ceremony marking the start of the drive, the Deputy UN Envoy responsible for the Rule of Law, Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu said it would “enhance and encourage a partnership approach to crime prevention and reduction.” The concept of the campaign, she added, “aims at enlightening citizens within the various communities on how to take care of their own personal security, both as individuals, and as members of the community.”