(MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Feb. 26, 2010):  President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf notes with grave concern and regret the development in Kornia and Voinjama of Lofa County that led to the few deaths and the destruction of religious edifices and private property.

It is fortunate that the Vice President was in the area and was able to mediate and bring some calm to the situation. The Liberia National Police (LNP), The Emergency Response Unit (ERU), and United Nations Military Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), have since been deployed in the affected areas and a dust to dawn curfew has been imposed. The situation is now under control.

An investigation into the incident will be undertaken, while those identified as the perpetrators will be arrested and prosecuted in keeping with law.

In the meanwhile, a joint delegation from the Council of Churches and the National Muslim Council will proceed to the County to initiate a mediation effort.

The Government points out that there is no religious conflict and calls upon all citizens in Lofa County and beyond to remain calm as the matter is addressed.

Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf