In an interview with the Voice of America (VOA) Monday morning, Information Minister Lewis G. Brown said the board will have 10 days to submit its findings to President Sirleaf.

The government quarantined West Point last Wednesday as part of measures to contain the spread of the deadly Ebola virus.

Security forces reportedly opened fire and tear gassed residents as they attempted to stop the government from restoring calm after rioters vandalized an Ebola holding center in the township the night before.

At least two residents were wounded and one, a 16-year-old boy, has died of his wounds.

Defense Minister Brownie Samukai told the VOA last week that soldiers did not shoot at the residents, and claimed the wounded were trying to break a barbed wire security barrier.

“Unfortunately, we’ve had reports of three injuries. One has died. The government is in touch with the family. We’ve expressed our deepest condolences,” the Information Minister told the VOA Monday.

Minister Brown said the president has ordered the defense minister to set up a board of inquiry and report within 10 days on the facts and circumstances leading to the situation last Wednesday for further action.

“Of course, the order of the president was to use non-lethal force. That’s why she has ordered the immediate setting up of a board of inquiry to report to her within 10 days on the facts and circumstances as to what happened on Wednesday,” Brown continued.

The Information Minister said the army will be fair using its own internal investigative process.

“Usually in these types of boards the military has its own internal mechanisms to deal with inquiries. They have their own sets of rules. As you know, they’re guided by a code of military justice. They have specific instructions as to engagements,” he said.

Minister Brown said the government respects the rights of all Liberians to express their opinions. But, he said, allegations of government incompetence are untrue.

“We have never hidden the fact that this is a difficult situation and we have requested assistance from our international partners. Thankfully, they are responding to this serious emergency.

“And so, those who have opinions other than what we’re doing, we welcome those opinions. But, our duty continues to be to focus on this crisis. We’ll do the Monday morning quarterbacking when this is over,” he said.
LINA RD/TSS/PTK