Monrovia, Liberia is experiencing political tension following the detention of several prominent figures including sitting lawmakers, in connection with the Capitol Building arson attack.
As the investigation reaches a critical phase, statements from political parties, civil society, and security forces have highlighted deepening divisions and fears of authoritarian backsliding.
The Liberty Party (LP) has called for calm while urging a “speedy and impartial trial.”
In a press statement, the LP political leader Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence emphasized the party historical commitment to peace and the rule of law.
“We call on all Liberians and concerned parties to remain calm. We call for a speedy and impartial trial,” the statement concluded.
The national chairman of the ruling Unity Party (UP), Rev. Luther Tarkpeh while condemning the attack as “the most violent and criminal assault on the constitutional democracy since the end of the civil war,” he stressed that all accused must submit to the judicial process, including one of its own, Hon. Pricilia A. Cooper, Representative of Montserrado County District 5, who has been indicted.
However, not all voices have taken a conciliatory tone.
STAND Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu sharply criticized the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, comparing him to “a child with fire at a gas station,” and warning of a dangerous drift into authoritarianism.
“We are witnessing the silencing of dissent and the rise of impunity in Liberia,” he said at a press event on Saturday.
Supporters of Hon. Cooper have also pushed back.
In a press conference, Cllr. George B. Kailondo, Sr., representing the legal interest of Rep. Cooper declared her “the sacrificial lamb” and vowed to prove her innocence in court.
“Article 42 protects her. We are not deterred by the charges,” Kailondo said.
Tensions reached a boiling point when Byron Brown, media aide to former Speaker Fonati Koffa, declared all government officials “wanted” and threatened to “chase them” if detained opposition lawmakers were not released by Monday.
“This country will be ungovernable as of Monday,” Brown warned.
The Liberia National Police (LNP) has also pushed back forcefully. Inspector General Gregory Coleman addressed the nation Friday evening, detailing the results of a months-long investigation and rejecting claims of political persecution.
“This is not a political battle. This is a matter of justice,” he said. “Our duty is not to individuals or institutions but to the law and the Liberian people.”
Col. Coleman emphasized that those arrested will receive fair trials, based on “verified evidence” and in accordance with the Revised Penal Code.
He further warned that threats and incitement will not be tolerated, underscoring that the LNP remains committed to protecting all citizens.
Telia Urey, Vice Chair of the All Liberian Party (ALP), joined the growing chorus of criticism, condemning what she termed the “arbitrary arrest” of opposition figures.
“The continued practice of detaining political opponents, particularly on Friday evenings—reflects a troubling and undemocratic pattern,” she said in a widely circulated statement.
Ms. Urey highlighted that the country’s democratic gain must be preserved through political restraint, lawful conduct, and unwavering commitment to justice.
“Our country’s democratic gains must be preserved through restraint, lawful conduct, and unwavering commitment to justice,” she added.
She further asserted: “The peace and stability of our nation are of the highest importance,” Urey stated. “The continued practice of detaining political opponents… reflects a troubling and undemocratic pattern that undermines confidence in our legal and governance institutions.”
Former Representative Acarous Moses Gray, a close ally of Koffa, issued an ominous warning about potential mass protests: “If Gregory Coleman arrests Fonati Koffa and the 4 to 5 CDC lawmakers tomorrow, Gregory Coleman will arrest over 1000 Liberians.”
Gray accused LNP deputy commissioner Nelson Freeman as a notorious police officer who shot and killed Cdcians on November 7, 2011.
“This is Liberia’s most notorious police officer who shot and killed Cdcians on November 7, 2011. The name Nelson Freeman reminds Liberians of the 1990 era of war, and interestingly, he’s the point guy in the LNP.”
The former lawmaker went on to say: “We will evoke the provision of the Constitution, and we will not escape. Gregory Coleman can bring the fire truck outside; Gregory can bring the police outside. If tomorrow comes, let me put myself on record… If Gregory Coleman arrests Fonati Koffa and the 4 to 5 CDC lawmakers tomorrow, Gregory Coleman will arrest over 1,000 Liberians tomorrow at the national police headquarters,” Gray declared.
The Grand Kru Legislative Caucus has also spoken out in demands of the release of former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
“Release him from further detention,” the statement urged, adding that the legal process must be allowed to continue without infringing upon the rights of the accused.
The Caucus, in a release stated that as the legal process unfolds, the caucus urges the government to ensure a free, fair, and impartial trial.
“As the legal process unfolds, the Grand Kru Legislative Caucus urges the State to ensure a free, fair, and impartial trial,” the group stated, underscoring the importance of upholding the principles of justice and due process.
The statement continued: “We know our son. He has served us with dignity and intelligence. This detention is unacceptable,” 2) Grand Kru Legislative Caucus Demands Release of Former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
“Release him from further detention,” the statement urged, adding that the legal process must be allowed to continue without infringing upon the rights of the accused.
“As the legal process unfolds, the Grand Kru Legislative Caucus urges the State to ensure a free, fair, and impartial trial,” the group stated, underscoring the importance of upholding the principles of justice and due process.
The statement continued: “We know our son. He has served us with dignity and intelligence. This detention is unacceptable,” said Sarah Doe, a local women’s group leader in Barclayville.
As the country braces for what could be a volatile week, Liberians are left questioning whether the nation’s fragile peace and democratic institutions can weather this storm.
All eyes are now on the courts, where the coming trials will not only determine guilt or innocence but may also redefine Liberia’s political trajectory for years to come.
