The Liberian Vanguard expresses grave concern over the escalating pattern of excessive force employed by the Liberian National Police (LNP), leading to the tragic loss of innocent lives.
This disturbing trend not only highlights severe misconduct within the police ranks but also signals a broader crisis of indiscipline that demands immediate attention from both the LNP leadership and the Liberian government.
The recent cold-blooded killing of Manabo Mohammed by Officer David S. Fayiah is not an isolated incident; rather, it reflects a systemic issue of violence being normalized against peaceful and defenseless citizens.
In recent times, the LNP has earned a notorious reputation for its unlawful and disproportionate use of force, often in stark violation of established protocols, including the indiscriminate use of live ammunition on peaceful citizens.
A particularly egregious example occurred in Kinjor, Grand Cape Mount County, where residents peacefully assembled to protest the gross human rights abuses and environmental degradation inflicted upon them by the Bea Mountain Gold Mining Company.
Instead of safeguarding the citizens’ right to protest, the police descended into lawlessness, brutally assaulting the demonstrators, leaving many injured and resulting in the deaths of two individuals.
In democratic societies like Liberia, the police are entrusted with maintaining public order, upholding the rule of law, preventing and investigating crimes, and safeguarding life and health.
While the use of force may be warranted in certain situations, such as during arrests, detentions, or searches, it must always be proportionate and consistent with both national laws and international human rights standards.
The Liberian state, as a signatory to numerous international human rights treaties, bears both the negative obligation not to infringe upon fundamental rights and the positive obligation to protect and ensure these rights.
This means that the LNP must respect and protect the rights to life, freedom of assembly, expression, and personal security. When violations occur due to arbitrary, excessive, or discriminatory use of force, those responsible must be held accountable.
In light of these ongoing violations and the central role that human rights must play in law enforcement, the Liberian Vanguard calls on the LNP leadership to urgently integrate human rights principles into its recruitment, training, and daily operations.
The LNP should establish or strengthen a dedicated human rights department and employ monitors to ensure compliance with international standards.
Furthermore, to guarantee effective recourse for citizens, the police force must establish or enhance an independent complaint mechanism overseen by human rights experience.
