In a proactive response to a series of planned protests, the Liberia National Police (LNP) has deployed riot police throughout Liberia’s capital city, Monrovia.
The capital city, home to approximately one million residents, is bracing for demonstrations organized by various groups, including former agents of the Executive Protection Service, an elite unit responsible for safeguarding top government officials.
Tensions reached a boiling point at the national headquarters of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), where clashes occurred between anti-riot police and party members. CDC partisans expressed outrage over the police presence, interpreting it as intimidation. In a live video, some members were seen directing insults at President Boakai.
CDC Secretary-General Jefferson Koijee was observed leading activities within the party’s headquarters while partisans outside attempted to block the main street adjacent to Lonestar Cell MTN.
Late Sunday evening, Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman announced that Liberia faces a wave of demonstrations. Speaking to journalists at the LNP headquarters, Coleman indicated that protests would erupt in various parts of the country in the coming days. Although he did not identify the groups behind these protests, he stressed that the police are committed to safeguarding both protesters and the public.
Insider sources suggest that the protests may be spearheaded by former Executive Protection Service agents, who were dismissed following the inauguration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. These ex-agents are reportedly demonstrating due to the government’s delay in addressing their benefits, rallying under the slogan “Kill One, Kill All.”
Inspector General Coleman reiterated the LNP’s role in maintaining peace, stating, “Our role is to protect the protesters and the Liberian people. The peace we have today was earned by the sweat and blood of many Liberians, and preserving it is paramount to us. We will not allow it to be disrupted in any way, shape, or form.”
He emphasized the importance of respecting public spaces and avoiding disruptions to daily life, while also noting that some protesters may have malicious intentions, including carrying lethal weapons.
“We urge the public to avoid these gatherings when possible, and the police will provide the necessary protection,” Coleman added.
Coleman mentioned that the LNP is reviewing its use-of-force policy to manage potentially escalating situations. He called on protest organizers to recognize the severity of the situation and warned that any breaches of peace would be met with firm action.
“We are committed to upholding the rights of those who choose to protest while also protecting the rights of those who do not participate. Ensuring public safety and maintaining peace is our top priority,” he concluded.
This development comes as protests over high living costs and poor governance sweep across several African nations, including Nigeria.
