Monrovia – The Liberia National Police (LNP) has deployed riot police throughout Monrovia in response to a series of planned protests across the city. Monrovia, the Liberian capital, hosts about a million people. In recent days, there have been reports of planned protests by various groups, including aggrieved former agents of the Executive Protection Service, the elite presidential guard that provides security to VIPs, including the President and Vice President.
At the national headquarters of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), tensions flared between anti-riot police and party members. The CDC partisans were angered by the police deployment outside their headquarters, viewing it as a form of intimidation. Some members were caught on live video using invectives against President Boakai.
Jefferson Koijee, CDC Secretary-General, was seen leading a team inside the party’s headquarters while some partisans confronted the police outside. Partisans also attempted to block the main street running between the party’s headquarters and Lonestar Cell MTN.
Late Sunday evening, Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman announced that Liberia was on the verge of experiencing a series of demonstrations. Addressing journalists at the LNP headquarters, Inspector General Coleman disclosed that various parts of the country would see protests in the coming days. He did not specify the groups organizing the protests or their reasons but emphasized that the police force would be prepared to protect both the protesters and the general public.
Despite not naming the group behind the protests, sources suggest that former agents of the Executive Protection Service, dismissed when the Joseph Nyuma Boakai administration took office, are expected to protest on Monday. The planned demonstration is reportedly due to the government’s prolonged delay in addressing issues related to their benefits. The protest is allegedly being organized under the slogan “Kill One, Kill All.”
“There are a series of planned protests in different areas. 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. Order and dignity will be restored in this nation,” said Inspector General Coleman.
Coleman emphasized that while it is the protesters’ right to express their grievances, the LNP is responsible for providing necessary protection and ensuring public safety. He also warned that protesters should respect public spaces and avoid obstructing the daily activities of others.
“We have been reliably informed that among those planning to peacefully protest, there are individuals with nefarious intentions aiming to destabilize the peace. We have sufficient information indicating that some may carry lethal weapons. We urge the public to avoid these gatherings when possible, and the police will provide the necessary protection,” Coleman added.
Inspector General Coleman also mentioned an ongoing review of the use of force policy to manage situations that may escalate beyond peaceful protests. He called on protest organizers to understand the gravity of the situation and affirmed that breaches of peace would not be tolerated.
“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.
The incident is unfolding as protests erupt across several African countries, including Nigeria, over high costs of living and bad governance.
