Monrovia, Liberia–The President of the University of Liberia (UL), Dr. Layli Maparyan, has issued a strong condemnation following a violent incident involving members of the Student Unification Party (SUP) and Vice President for Student Affairs, Prof. Sekou Konneh.
The attack occurred on the Fendall campus, with reports indicating that members of SUP stormed the Office of Student Affairs wielding sticks and knives, leaving staff injured and disrupting classes.
In an official communication to the student body and SUP leadership, Dr. Maparyan labeled the incident as “unacceptable” and warned that if investigations confirm any student brought weapons onto campus, they would face immediate expulsion in accordance with university policy and Liberian law.
“The University of Liberia exists to deliver education and not to serve as a political playground,” Dr. Maparyan said, referencing disruptions on both Fendall and Capitol Hill campuses that halted academic activities. “Your members’ acts of aggression, destruction, and violence…are punishable according to both UL regulations and Liberian law.”
Dr. Maparyan emphasized that the carrying of weapons on campus is a grave offense, punishable by expulsion without prior warning or suspension.
He reminded SUP members that this policy had been made clear during a recent student town hall.
The situation follows ongoing tensions between SUP and the Office of Student Affairs over allegations of procedural violations in the suspension of several SUP members and the blocking of student ID numbers.
Dr. Maparyan stated that he had acknowledged those concerns and committed to investigating the matter, but stressed that violent retaliation undermines due process and the principles of justice.
One staff member reportedly required medical attention following the altercation, and over the weekend, social media posts allegedly from SUP supporters included a “wanted” poster targeting VP Konneh, further escalating the conflict.
“Today’s attack shows that you are not interested in dialogue or problem solving, but rather with the theatrics of so-called revolutionary action,” Dr. Maparyan stated, calling for a return to peaceful protest and responsible student engagement. “True revolutionaries make places better for the oppressed, not worse.”
The UL President called on nonviolent members of SUP to take a stand against what he termed “hooliganistic behavior” and to engage in constructive dialogue for institutional reform.
He concluded by reaffirming his willingness to work with students on systemic issues but warned that demands must be met with patience and adherence to established procedures. “The question now is who will actually bring about a better University of Liberia?”
Meanwhile, the University administration has promised that those responsible for the violence will be held fully accountable.
