By Lea Mina | Staff Writer
On Monday, April 10th, a police car was firebombed in Northern Ireland during a parade led by more than a dozen people in a parliamentary-style dresses. The incident took place in the Creggan area of Londonderry, on the eve of President Joe Biden’s visit to Northern Ireland. The attack is believed to be the work of rebellious Republican groups opposed to the Good Friday peace agreement.
The car was parked outside a house when it was attacked with a petrol bomb, causing extensive damage to the vehicle. Moreover, masked youths were seen throwing missiles at officers during the parade. Fortunately, no one was injured in the attack, The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has launched an investigation into the incident and has appealed to anyone with information to come forward.
The violence has raised fears of a return to the violence against the Good Friday Agreement, signed on April 10, 1998. The agreement acknowledged that most of the people of Northern Ireland wished to remain part of the United Kingdom; and that a considerable section of the people of Northern Ireland and most of the people of the island of Ireland wished to bring about a united Ireland. It was a remarkable achievement that brought an end to 30 years of conflict in Northern Ireland.
As 2023 marks the 25th anniversary of the peace process, small groups of dissidents who oppose it are willing to use violence to achieve their goals. Last week, the PSNI said that there was a potential for public disorder over Easter suggesting the Republicans were planning further attacks in Derry. A “severe” threat has been warned and people were urged to remain vigilant. It is important that political leaders continue to work together in order to prevent a return to the violence of the past.