08/05/2025
PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
0776834878/0886386450/0777994150
Date: May 7, 2025
Location: Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County
By: National Civil Society Council of Liberia, Grand Gedeh County Chapter
Grand Gedeh Civil Society Organizations Condemn the Violent Disruption at Smile FM and Call for Immediate Stakeholder Action
The Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) of Grand Gedeh County, under the umbrella of the National Civil Society Council of Liberia (NCSCL) Grand Gedeh Chapter, held an emergency meeting on May 6, 2025, at the office of GEFCINET in response to the disturbing events at Smile FM Community Radio on May 3, 4, 2025.
Smile FM, a critical platform for information and civic engagement in Zwedru and across Grand Gedeh, was forcibly shut down following a confrontation between opposing groups over the station's leadership and governance. This conflict, which has its roots in the illegal alteration of the Smile FM Constitution in 2018, has escalated dangerously. The Liberia National Police (LNP) has since barricaded the station.
We, the CSO of Grand Gedeh County, issue the following observations and recommendations to urgently de-escalate the conflict and restore the integrity and operation of Smile FM:
Observations:
1. The illegal amendment of the 2013 probated Constitution in 2018 remains the core cause of the ongoing crisis.
2. Many Board members of Smile remain unaware of the amendment of the station's constitution.
3. The attack on Smile FM and the subsequent closure of the station is condemned in the strongest terms.
Resolutions & Recommendations:
1. Stakeholder Engagement: The CSOs and stakeholders, including eight of the nine Board members participated in a fruitful meeting on May 7, 2025 and agreed that the 9 institutions with membership on the Smile FM Board convene an emergency Board meeting and resolute the matter.
2. Respect for the 2013 Constitution: We reaffirm that the 2013 probated Constitution is the only legitimate governing document of Smile FM and must be used until legally amended. All decisions, including elections, must be guided by this constitution.
3. Immediate Board Action: We call on the current Board to halt all recent appointments, convene an official Board meeting within three (3) days, and govern Smile FM following this meeting.
4. Non-Interference: All institutions and individuals outside the Board are strongly advised to refrain from interfering with Smile FM operations. Any concerns must be channeled through the appropriate institutional representatives on the Board.
5. As stated in the CSOs September 6, 2024, press statement: those who have served for six (6) consecutive years or more on the board leadership are ineligible for re-nomination for positions.
6. Condemnation of Violence: We strongly condemn the violent shutdowns of Smile FM. The use of force in resolving governance issues is unacceptable and counterproductive.
Distinguished members of the press, our fellow citizens, the Civil Society of Grand Gedeh remains committed to safeguarding democratic principles, press freedom, and community participation in public life. We urge all actors to engage lawfully and respectfully for the collective good of the county and its institutions.
Signed:
Dixon Leebah - CIO
Secretary General - CSO
Approved:
Alilus A. Kai
Coordinator - CSO
Attested:
Lawrence S.D. Myers
Regional Coordinator
CC: LNP; PLI; ALICOL; All Smile FM Board Members; Media; County Authority; GG Caucus;