The Inspector General of the Liberia National Police (LNP), Col. Gregory O. W. Coleman, has addressed the recent violent protest that took place on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, clarifying that the police did not use live ammunition on demonstrators.
In a statement to journalists at LNP headquarters in Monrovia, IG Coleman strongly refuted claims that live bullets had been fired into the crowd. “At no point in time did the police use live rounds on peaceful citizens. We even made vehicles available for journalists to visit the various hospitals to see for themselves,” he asserted.
Col. Coleman emphasized the LNP’s duty to protect both citizens’ rights and property, highlighting that the force is committed to safeguarding the constitutional rights of all citizens, including the right to peaceful assembly under Article 17 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia. “We want to reiterate our commitment to the protection of the rights of all citizens. The Constitution provides for the right to peaceful assembly. That’s a primary right,” he said. “True to our word, we provided the necessary coverage today.”
Explaining the events of the protest, Coleman noted that the police had set up designated no-go zones for the demonstration. However, protesters defied these barriers and broke through the barricades, leading to the escalation of the situation. “Even with the no-go zones, protesters insisted on using the main roads. It was made clear today by barricades that were set up with full instructions. As long as they were peaceful, the police protected them and guided their rights,” Coleman continued.
The protest, initially peaceful, turned chaotic after demonstrators clashed with police officers, resulting in injuries to both protesters and law enforcement personnel. The police used tear gas to disperse the crowd; though some eyewitnesses claimed that live bullets had been fired, allegedly leading to one fatality. However, the LNP has firmly denied these reports, stating that no live rounds were discharged during the incident.
The protest was spurred by a recent Supreme Court ruling on the political deadlock in the House of Representatives, which deepened the political divisions between the pro-Koffa and anti-Koffa blocs. The Executive Branch aligned with the Majority Bloc, recognized Rep. Richard Koon as the Speaker of the 55th Legislature.
In the aftermath of the protest, Col. Coleman revealed that 70 people were arrested, including Sakeu Kalasco Demaro, a former presidential aide to ex-President George M. Weah. He confirmed that these individuals would be investigated thoroughly, and those found guilty would face the full force of the law.
Col. Coleman called for calm among the public and assured citizens that a comprehensive investigation is underway, promising that justice would be served for those responsible for the violence. “We urge all citizens to remain calm as the investigation continues. Those responsible for the violence will be held accountable,” he said.
