A peaceful protest in the Liberian capital Monrovia, took a violent turn on Tuesday morning as clashes between demonstrators and police escalated, resulting in chaos and confusion.
The protest, sparked by allegations of political interference surrounding the removal of House Speaker Koffa, drew hundreds to the seat of the Legislature in a show of defiance against what they described as “executive overreach” led by President Joseph Boakai.
The demonstration began with chants for justice and constitutional integrity. Protesters, carrying banners demanding liberty and fair governance, converged on Capitol Hill in hopes of making their voices heard. “No government should undermine the Constitution of Liberia!” the crowd chanted as their cries echoed through the streets.
However, the bright morning turned grim when police forces arrived in riot gear, instructing protesters to disperse. Tensions rose quickly, and the situation escalated when tear gas was deployed to break up the gathering. The thick smoke sent protesters scrambling for safety, transforming a peaceful march into scenes of chaos and distress.
Police aids elderly woman
Eyewitnesses described the harrowing moment when an elderly woman, overwhelmed by tear gas near the National Police headquarters, struggled to breathe was helped by two officers amidst the turmoil.
One eyewitness told Liberia Public Radio that the helpless woman was commuting around the protest grounds when she was been smoked with teargas.
Despite their intervention, the clash intensified, with reports of confusion, fear, and cries of desperation as police and demonstrators struggled to regain control of the scene.
At least ten individuals, including former presidential aide Sekou Kalasco Damaro, were arrested. Police charged the group with disorderly conduct, theft of property, and rioting, and they were subsequently transferred to Monrovia Central Prison.
The events have raised widespread concern over the handling of protests and the growing divide between the government and the people. Civic leaders and activists are now calling for an independent investigation into the police response, while questions regarding constitutional freedoms remain at the forefront.
“This was supposed to be a peaceful demonstration,” said one organizer. “The use of force and tear gas is unacceptable. We are asking for justice, and we will not stop until our voices are heard.”, a supporter of the protesters told Liberia Public Radio.
‘No use of live bullet’
The Liberia National Police, however, denied using live ammunition and stated that the protesters were blocking streets without a permit.
The Inspector General of Police, Georgory Coleman, announced at a news conference late Tuesday that approximately 70 individuals had been arrested and will be interrogated in accordance with the law. He stated that many of those arrested were protesting unlawfully.
The leader of the protesting group, Janjay Bakpeh, announced that they are now escalating the protest to a step-down campaign for the president and vice president.
The demonstration comes after a string of disputes about judicial independence, governance, and alleged hold-ups in resolving important national issues. Although the group hasn’t made any explicit requests in public remarks, many of its members are demanding better anti-corruption measures, a more powerful judiciary, and government reforms.
