IPNEWS: The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has underscored the critical need for a strong and responsible partnership between the Liberian media and the nation’s joint security forces. This call to action was issued on Monday, 12 January 2026, at the opening of the third Media–Security Conference, in Ganta, Nimba County, to foster professionalism, integrity, and mutual respect in electoral processes.
In an address at the conference, PUL President Julius Kanubah emphasized the pivotal roles of journalists and law enforcement in safeguarding Liberia’s democracy and promoting social cohesion. “Constructive engagement between the media and security sector is essential,” Kanubah stated. “Together, we can uphold freedom of expression, a free press, and the rule of law, while ensuring that our conduct reflects the highest professional standards.”
Organized under the auspices of the National Elections Commission (NEC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ganta conference involves 47 journalists and law enforcement officers from Grand Cape Mount, Margibi, Bong, Lofa, and Nimba Counties.
The primary focus of the gathering is to review and update the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that guide collaboration, cooperation, and coordination between the media and security agencies, particularly during electoral processes.
Representing Joint Security, Deputy Commissioner of Police and Head of the West African Police Information System at the Liberia National Police (LNP), Augustine Browne, stressed the importance of unity in advancing peace and stability. ‘It is imperative for the media and security to work in concert to prevent misunderstandings and foster a peaceful environment’, Browne remarked.
UNDP Programme Officer Roosevelt Zayzay also noted the value of the SOP in reducing potential conflicts and misunderstandings between media professionals and security officers throughout the 2023 General and Presidential Elections. ‘A clear framework ensures that all parties understand their roles and responsibilities, minimizing confrontation and building public trust’, Zayzay said.
Executive Director of the NEC, Anthony Sengbe, urged all stakeholders to maintain the highest levels of professionalism. ‘Our collective commitment will ensure that Liberia’s electoral process remains peaceful and free from violence’, Sengbe stated.
Attorney Christopher Fayiah, Deputy Executive Director of the Liberia Peacebuilding Office, highlighted the need to integrate lessons learned and best practices into the revised SOP. ‘Continuous improvement of the framework is vital to address emerging challenges and to strengthen the role of women in peacebuilding initiatives’, Fayiah said.
The Ganta conference builds on two preceding regional media–security conferences held in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, and Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, which collectively engaged media and security representatives from several counties across Liberia. The current review process emphasizes roles and responsibilities, dispute-resolution mechanisms, and the enhancement of women’s participation in peace promotion.
Following the conference on Wednesday, 14 January, a comprehensive working session will collate insights from all three regional gatherings. These findings will inform a validation workshop that will lead to the finalization of the revised SOP.
The SOP review and regional consultations are part of the Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP), managed by UNDP and generously supported by the European Union and the Governments of Sweden and Ireland.
