The National Youth League of the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has strongly condemned the use of live bullets and brutal force by the Liberia National Police (LNP) under the command of Inspector General Gregory Coleman against peaceful, unarmed citizens who gathered at the Capitol on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. According to a press statement issued by the CDC Youth League, this violent crackdown is an attack on Liberia’s democracy and an unacceptable violation of the rights of its citizens.
The statement from the CDC Youth League condemns the actions of the police, which led to the firing of live ammunition at unarmed demonstrators, describing it as an extreme and dangerous action by the government. The Youth League stressed that such an event is reminiscent of the past, warning that the country could slip back into a dark era of political violence and repression under the current leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. The League claims that the current administration’s actions are threatening the democratic fabric that Liberia has struggled to build in recent years.
One of the main points emphasized in the CDC Youth League’s statement is the fact that the right to assemble peacefully is guaranteed under Article 17 of the Liberian Constitution. This article ensures that citizens have the right to gather and petition the government in an orderly and peaceable manner. The Youth League argues that the government’s violent response to the protest directly contradicts the Constitution and violates the basic democratic rights of Liberians.
The Youth League also pointed out that, while the Constitution guarantees the right to assembly, the actions of President Boakai and his police director, Gregory Coleman, reflect a disregard for these fundamental rights. They argued that the current administration’s tactics echo those of past governments that resorted to violent measures to suppress political opposition and dissent. The CDC Youth League views this as a clear attempt to undermine the principles of democracy that the Liberian people fought so hard to establish.
Describing the police crackdown as “barbaric and reckless,” the Youth League expressed their concern that such actions will tarnish Liberia’s international reputation and undermine the progress made by previous administrations, particularly that of former President George Weah. The League noted that the Weah government, despite its flaws, had worked toward maintaining peace and stability in the country, which they argue is now being jeopardized by the current government’s actions.
The statement also highlighted the brutal treatment of protesters, noting that many individuals, including prominent members of the opposition, have been arbitrarily detained. The CDC Youth League identified several individuals, such as Sekou Kalasco Damaro, Cadre Yaya V. Sesay, Thomas Sarbo, and Fatumata alias Lib Simi, who are reportedly among those detained. They further claim that some detainees have been taken to unknown locations under the pretense of being arrested for unlawful assembly, which the Youth League describes as an attempt to silence and intimidate them.
Moreover, the CDC Youth League raised concerns about the safety of those detained, stating that there are reports suggesting some detainees could be subjected to physical harm. The League warned that if the detained individuals are not released within 48 hours, they would take unspecified actions to hold the government accountable. They expressed outrage, saying, “We want to remind Mr. Boakai that the blood of those innocent souls are on your hands,” emphasizing that the government is responsible for the well-being of the citizens in its custody.
The Youth League’s statement concluded with a strong call for international intervention, urging the global community to hold President Boakai and his administration accountable for what they see as an attempt to curtail political freedoms and stifle dissent. They called on international bodies, including human rights organizations, to pressure the government to respect the rights of peaceful demonstrators and adhere to Liberia’s constitutional obligations.
In a separate development, Liberia National Police Inspector General Gregory O. W. Coleman responded to the accusations, strongly denying the claims that live ammunition was used on protesters. At a press briefing held at the LNP headquarters, IG Coleman asserted that the police did not fire live rounds at demonstrators, contradicting the statements made by the CDC Youth League. He offered journalists the opportunity to visit hospitals to verify the claims and to ensure transparency regarding the police’s actions.
Coleman emphasized that the LNP’s role is to protect citizens’ rights while maintaining public order. He explained that the police had worked to facilitate the protest, setting up designated no-go zones to ensure the demonstration did not disrupt traffic flow and public safety. According to Coleman, the protestors disregarded these boundaries, crossing barricades and engaging in disruptive behavior that escalated the situation. Despite this, he claimed the police remained committed to safeguarding citizens’ constitutional rights, including peaceful assembly.
While Coleman denied the use of live ammunition, he acknowledged that the situation had become tense, with some protesters defying the set limits. He explained that the LNP’s priority had been to maintain peace and prevent violence. The police had reportedly engaged with the protestors. They sought to mediate the situation, ensuring that their rights to assemble and express their views were protected as much as possible, provided they did not engage in illegal actions.
IG Coleman also stressed the importance of communication between the police and protesters, highlighting that the police had clarified their instructions regarding the no-go zones and the boundaries for the demonstration. He insisted that as long as the protest remained peaceful, the police would have continued to provide the necessary protection. However, he claimed that the situation escalated when the protesters broke through the barricades and attempted to march on main roads, violating the police’s directives.
Coleman also reiterated that the LNP is fully committed to protecting the rights of all citizens, underscoring that the police force is not an instrument of political repression but rather a service dedicated to upholding the law and maintaining public safety. He acknowledged the tense atmosphere but stated that the police acted within the boundaries of the law in managing the protest.
The police response to protests in Liberia has once again sparked a debate about the balance between upholding public order and respecting citizens’ constitutional rights. The CDC Youth League and the LNP presented starkly different narratives of what transpired during the protest, with each side claiming to represent the people’s true interests. This incident highlights the ongoing tension between the government and opposition groups and Liberia’s challenges in maintaining a stable democracy.
