The excessive force and teargas used by State security against hundreds of student protesters on April 14, 2026, continue to generate public backlash from prominent Liberians. Two former public officials, Dr. Dougbeh Nyan and Hon. Wilmot Paye, have also expressed dismay.
“Democracy Advocates of Yesterday should not be the Oppressors & Violators of Human Rights and Law-and-Order Today.” Dr. Christopher Dougbeh Nyan, Liberian Biomedical Scientist
“Unleashing violence against students in any form, manner or shape is, always, totally out of place. There was no need for it on August 22, 1984. There was no need for it in March 1986. There was no need for it on March 21, 2001. There was no need for it on July 26, 2022. There was no need for it on April 14, 2026, and there certainly won’t be any need for it tomorrow. The Police should stop creating sensations and tensions that have the potential to scare people away from the country, especially in these times of growing global tensions when Guinean troops still occupy a portion of Liberian territory.” Hon. Wilmot Paye, former Chairman and Mines Minister, Unity Party
