MONROVIA, Montserrado-The United Nations, African Union and Economic Community of West African States or ECOWAS have issued a joint statement condemning “insightful messages” in the media that threaten the peace and stability of the country.

The three organizations issued the statement on Thursday, February 21.  They call on citizens to take immediate steps to refrain from acts and utterances that are inimical to peace and stability.

“The United Nations (UN), the African Union Liaison Office in Liberia (AU) and the Office of the Special Representative of the ECOWAS Commission in Liberia (ECOWAS) note with grave concern the use of inciteful messages in the media, particularly in the social media, which has become intensified in recent weeks and days,” the statement read.

According to the organizations, Liberia has taken great strides in building peace and stability. The statement added that it is encouraged that the Kamara Abdullah Kamara Act of Press Freedom has been passed by the Legislature, to ensure that citizens are entitled to all protections that this new law extends.

The organizations stressed the importance for all Liberians to be respecters of the laws and exercise their rights freely, with it [a] caution to do so with [the] responsibility to others and country.

They also believe that it was the time that citizens unite to ensure that the hard-won peace is sustained and a greater focus on the development of the country should be paramount, rather than media messages that distract and promote violence.

The organizations promise to continuously follow the media and the political climate, while also remaining committed to supporting the country. The Press Union of Liberia is yet to respond to the statement.