MONROVIA, Montserrado – Amid a planned demonstration on Monday, September 24 outside the U.S. Embassy on Benson Street, the Liberian government has assured all citizens and residents to go about their normal activities on the day of the protest.

The Economic Freedom Fighters of Liberia had issued a press statement on Thursday, September 20, asking all businesses, schools, and other entities to close on the day of the demonstration.

“Parents or guardians should keep their children home taking into consideration the national security implications,” the group requested.

The EFFL said it was declaring a “national state of emergency” in response to the investigation over billions of banknotes that allegedly went missing.

Maude M. Somah, public relations director at the Justice Ministry, issued a press statement dated September 23 noting that the government was committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting the rights and liberties of all Liberians, and safeguarding national security.

“All citizens are advised to remain calm and comport themselves within the confines of the law,” Somah wrote.

Following news of the protest, the U.S. Embassy also issued a demonstration alert for its citizens residing in the country.

The American embassy has advised U.S. government personnel to avoid areas of the demonstration and exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.

Since news emerged on September 13 of missing billions of dollars in printed Liberian banknotes, the government has still not provided details explaining the situation to the public.

Government officials have been giving contradictory accounts, and the figure of the allegedly missing amount has shifted from L$9 billion to L$16 billion. The figure was again revised to L$15 billion by Finance Minister Samuel Tweah, who blamed the media for distorting the number.

Featured photo by Zeze Ballah