Respect for Rule of Law, Media Rights Highlighted at Second Media-Security Conference in Buchanan

BUCHANAN CITY, Grand Bassa County — The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has reaffirmed its firm commitment to the rule of law and the protection of media freedoms, calling on state security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure a safe, harassment-free operating environment for journalists across the country.

Speaking at the opening of the Second Regional Media-Security Conference in Buchanan, PUL President Julius Kanubah stressed that Liberia’s democratic consolidation depends heavily on respect for the rule of law and the professional conduct of both journalists and security personnel. He emphasized that media freedom and national security must be treated as complementary pillars of democratic governance, not competing interests.

“The democratic development of Liberia hinges on the rule of law, complemented by the professional work of the media,” Kanubah said, urging all actors to resist intimidation, harassment, and unlawful interference with journalistic work. He added that journalists must also adhere to ethical standards to strengthen public trust and democratic accountability.

The Buchanan conference, which is the second in a series of three regional engagements, is being organized under the Liberia Electoral Support Project, implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the National Elections Commission (NEC), in collaboration with the Joint Security and the Press Union of Liberia. The initiative is supported by the European Union, Ireland, and Sweden.

A major focus of the conference is the review and revision of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that governs cooperation, coordination, and communication between media institutions and security agencies during election periods. Organizers say strengthening this framework is critical to preventing misunderstandings, de-escalating tensions, and safeguarding both press freedom and public order during elections.

Kanubah noted that credible elections depend on strong collaboration between the media and the security sector. “The media and security institutions are two critical pillars of a credible electoral system,” he said, adding that professionalism on both sides is essential to electoral integrity and national stability.

Nearly 50 participants drawn from media organizations and security institutions—including the Liberia National Police, Liberia Immigration Service, and the Drug Enforcement Agency—are taking part in the three-day conference. Participants are representing counties including Sinoe, Rivercess, Grand Bassa, Bomi, Gbarpolu, and Montserrado.

Also addressing the opening session were NEC Executive Director Anthony Sengbe and UNDP Program Officer Roosevelt Zayzay, both of whom underscored the need for sustained dialogue and mutual respect between journalists and security officers to preserve the credibility of Liberia’s electoral processes. They emphasized that timely information sharing, crisis communication, and adherence to agreed procedures are vital during sensitive electoral periods.

Deputy Commissioner of Police and Head of the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) at the Liberia National Police, Augustine Browne, acknowledged longstanding tensions between the media and security sectors but called for renewed commitment to cooperation based on mutual respect and understanding of each institution’s mandate.

Conference sessions are examining key themes including the NEC’s electoral cycle, election security and law enforcement, the media’s role in elections, coordination mechanisms, and crisis communication strategies. A dedicated roundtable is also reflecting on lessons learned from media-security engagement during the 2023 general elections, facilitated by experts from UNDP, NEC, PUL, and the Liberia National Police.

The first regional media-security conference was held in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, in December 2025, while the final conference—bringing together participants from Grand Cape Mount, Margibi, Bong, Lofa, and Nimba Counties—is scheduled for next week. Organizers say a national validation session will follow the regional meetings to finalize the revised SOP and strengthen long-term collaboration between the media and security sectors. As Liberia prepares for future electoral cycles, stakeholders say the outcome of these engagements will play a crucial role in promoting peaceful elections, protecting media rights, and reinforcing democratic norms nationwide.