Monrovia – Tensions escalated in Monrovia Thursday as a group of mostly female protesters took to the streets, chanting “No Justice, No 26” in response to a disturbing video that appears to show police officers assaulting a Fulani woman.
The protest come just days to Liberia’s 178th Independence Day celebrations, set for July 26, and have cast a shadow over the national festivities. Demonstrators gathered to the police headquarters, demanding justice for the woman, identified as Zainab Bah, and accountability for the officers involved.
Alleged Incident Sparks Outrage:
According to initial reports, Zainab Bah, a member of Liberia’s Fulani community, was allegedly assaulted during an arrest by Liberia National Police (LNP) officers accompanied by an anti-power theft agent.
Authorities claim Bah resisted arrest, threw a stool, and tried to spill a pot of hot soup on an officer. However, widely circulated footage tells a different story ~ showing a distressed Bah, carrying a child, being dragged, physically assaulted, and stripped of her hijab by uniformed officers.
The footage has ignited a wave of public condemnation across Liberia and among diaspora communities, prompting calls for legal action and institutional reform.
Fula Governor Calls Attack a ‘National Disgrace’:
The Office of the National Fula Governor of Liberia released a strongly worded statement, describing the incident as a “brutal and inhumane” attack and a “national disgrace.” The statement accused law enforcement of violating the Liberian Constitution and international human rights protocols.
In its release, the Governor’s Office outlined five key demands:
- Immediate arrest and prosecution of all officers involved.
- A full, independent, and transparent investigation.
- Suspension of the officers pending legal proceedings.
- A formal public apology from the LNP and the Government of Liberia.
- Institutional reforms to address police brutality and gender-based violence.
- “This was not just an assault on one woman,” the statement read, “but a symptom of deeper systemic failures within Liberia’s law enforcement.”
Independence Day at Risk:
With public anger mounting, activists and civil society groups warn that unless swift action is taken, the situation could disrupt this year’s national Independence Day celebration. Protesters have vowed to escalate demonstrations if justice is not served.
Divided Responses:
While many Liberians have rallied behind Bah, others, including public officials, have taken a more critical stance. Monrovia City Council Member Fatima Bintu Sirleaf, a Muslim and women’s advocate, criticized Bah’s conduct during the arrest.
“I am a woman, and a Muslim. In Islam, women are modest,” Sirleaf said. “She was disrespectful to the officer’s uniform, assaulted him, and resisted arrest. She is wrong, wrong, wrong. Let’s stop using religion and gender to justify unlawful behavior.”
Her comments have sparked further debate, highlighting the deep divides in public perception surrounding the case.
Fula Student Federation Calls for Police Chief’s Dismissal:
In a separate statement, the Federation of Fula Students of Liberia called for justice and demanded the immediate dismissal of Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman, accusing the police leadership of failing to protect citizens and ensure accountability within the force.
Broader Concerns Over Police Conduct:
Civil society groups, journalists, and political commentators have condemned the incident, with some noting that it reflects “violations on both sides.” Yet, many argue that the violence shown in the video cannot be justified under any circumstance.
As Liberia prepares for its 26th of July celebrations, pressure is mounting on the government to respond decisively. Protesters say unless their demands are met, this year’s Independence Day may be remembered more for unrest than unity.
