MONROVIA, Liberia — The Center for Intellectual Freedom (CIF) has accused the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) of allegedly witch-hunting the institution following a removal order issued against its structure on Carey and Buchanan Streets in Monrovia.
According to the removal notice issued by the MCC’s Office of the Director General for City Planning, Beautification and Engineering Services, the structure occupied by the Center was identified as an unauthorized and makeshift development and was ordered removed on or before Monday, August 31, 2026.
The MCC warned that failure to comply with the order would leave the Corporation with no alternative but to remove the structure.
However, the leadership of the Center for Intellectual Freedom believes the action may be politically motivated, alleging that the institution is being targeted because of its critical stance on the government.
Speaking to journalists at the Center, Chairman Kanneh said the institution has been in existence for approximately seven years and has served as an important resource for members of the surrounding community.
According to the leadership, the location where the Center currently operates was previously used as a dumpsite before the space was transformed into the Center.
The Chairman said the Center has over the years been useful not only as a space for intellectual engagement but also as a source of support for residents in the surrounding communities.
He disclosed that the CIF has provided books and other essential educational materials to school-going children, contributing to the educational needs of young people in the area.
While raising concerns over what the Center describes as a possible witch-hunt, the CIF leadership said it remains open to discussions with the Monrovia City Corporation and other relevant authorities.
The leadership emphasized that dialogue is essential to conflict resolution and expressed its willingness to engage in discussions aimed at finding an amicable solution to the matter.
The situation has now raised questions over whether the removal order is strictly an urban planning issue, as maintained by the MCC, or whether, as alleged by the CIF, the action is connected to the institution’s critical views on the government.
