Liberia Police Accused of Brutality as CDC Youth League Demands Justice

Monrovia Liberia: The Revolutionary National Youth League (RNYL) of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has strongly condemned the use of live ammunition and alleged police brutality against unarmed civilians during a peaceful assembly at the Capitol today. In a press statement, the Youth League accused Liberia National Police Director Gregory Coleman of leading a violent crackdown, which they described as a “reckless attack on democracy.”

The group alleges that the police, under the command of Inspector General Coleman, opened fire on peaceful demonstrators, resulting in injuries and numerous arrests.

 They attribute the actions to directives from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, whom they accuse of “treading a dangerous path that could lead Liberia back to its dark days.”

“The right to assemble is enshrined in Article 17 of the Liberian Constitution, and this right cannot be trampled upon by Mr. Boakai or his police director,” the statement reads. It also criticizes the Unity Party-led government, calling the incident a “barbaric and undemocratic assault” on Liberia’s democratic values.

CDC Youth League at the protest Ground up Capitol Hill.

The CDC Youth League demanded the immediate release of all detained individuals, including key members such as Sekou Kalasco Damaro and Cadre Yaya V. Sesay. They claim that over 100 citizens have been unlawfully detained, some allegedly taken to undisclosed locations, raising fears of potential harm.

In an ultimatum to the government, the League warned of “unspecified actions” if the detained individuals are not released within 48 hours. “Mr. Boakai must prepare to face the consequences if the living bodies of those arrested are not seen,” the statement declared.

The Youth League has called on international organizations to intervene, accusing the Unity Party of undermining six years of progress achieved during George Weah’s administration. They argue that today’s events jeopardize Liberia’s hard-earned peace and democratic stability.

In its statement, the League also expressed solidarity with various civil society groups, including health workers, dismissed government employees, rape victims, and student organizations, all of whom they say are seeking justice and accountability from the current administration.

As tensions rise, the CDC Youth League urged its members and sympathizers to remain united in resisting what it describes as a “failed and undemocratic regime.”