The Liberia National Police (LNP) informs the general public that, following the public protest held on April 14, 2026, the Inspector General of Police has issued a series of directives aimed at ensuring accountability, transparency, and the protection of constitutional rights.
These actions reflect the LNP’s commitment to upholding the rule of law while maintaining public trust and safeguarding the rights of all persons.
The LNP has directed the immediate preparation of a comprehensive After-Action Review (AAR) of the April 14 protest.
This review will provide a fact-based reconstruction of events, assess operational decisions and police conduct, evaluate public order management strategies, and include relevant images, documentation, and supporting evidence.
The AAR will serve as an institutional learning tool to strengthen future operations and reinforce professional policing standards. The review will be conducted as an internal operational assessment, with findings subject to command-level scrutiny and administrative action where required.
The Inspector General has further ordered a full-scale, independent investigation into allegations of excessive use of force by LNP officers during the protest.
The investigation will examine all reported incidents involving use of force, review arrests, injuries, and property damage, analyze compliance with the LNP Use of Force Continuum, assess media and social media narratives including misinformation and disinformation, and identify any individual or command-level accountability.
All officers subject to review will be afforded due process in accordance with the laws of Liberia and applicable LNP regulations. An initial briefing will be submitted within 24 hours, followed by a detailed report upon completion.
The LNP emphasizes that any officer found to have acted outside the bounds of law, policy, or professional ethics will be held fully accountable.
In the interest of de-escalation, fairness, and national cohesion, and following a preliminary review of the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the Inspector General has directed the immediate withdrawal of all criminal charges against individuals arrested in connection with the April 14 protest.
This decision is intended to support national stability while comprehensive assessments remain ongoing. It does not prejudice the right of the State to pursue accountability where credible evidence of serious criminal conduct exists, but reflects a measured and proportionate response in the current circumstances.
The Liberia National Police reaffirms that the right to peaceful assembly and expression is fundamental and will be respected, that the maintenance of public order must always be balanced with proportionality and restraint, and that professional conduct, discipline, and respect for human rights remain non-negotiable standards.
The LNP acknowledges the concerns raised by members of the public and assures that all actions taken are guided by the principles of justice, impartiality, and institutional accountability.
The LNP calls on all citizens, civil society actors, and the media to remain peaceful and law-abiding, avoid the spread of unverified or inflammatory information, and cooperate with ongoing review and investigative processes.
The institution remains committed to continuous improvement, openness to scrutiny, and service to the Liberian people.
Issued by:
Liberia National Police
Press & Public Affairs Section
