17 Mins Read
ADNews-Monrovia, Liberia: The universal adage that “the police are your friend and are the first line of contact for protection of lives and properties if a person feels threatened or in danger”, is gradually being eroded in Liberia, as far as the Liberia National Police (LNP) is concerned.
Contributing Writer
It can be recalled that the US government Human Rights Report of 2024, released in August, was not pleasing in the eyes as previous mishaps reportedly carried on by past administrations remain prevalent in the current administration headed by President Joseph Boakai
There were no significant changes in the human rights situation in Liberia during the year (2024), the report said. Significant human rights issues included credible reports of: arbitrary or unlawful killings; torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment; arbitrary arrest or detention; serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, including violence or threats of violence against journalists and censorship; trafficking in persons; and systematic restrictions on workers’ freedom of association.
The U.S Government’s annual document (2024) revealed that approximately 60 percent of pretrial detainees, particularly those facing felony charges, are held for more than 180 days – exceeding the legal limit of two court terms without a hearing. While the law mandates the dismissal of cases that are not tried within this timeframe, the report states that cases of Arrests are “rarely dismissed,” making this one of the most frequent abuses of the law.
The problem stems from multiple fronts. Police often make arrests without judicial authorization, and even when warrants are issued, they sometimes lack sufficient evidence. Although the law requires detainees to be arraigned within 48 hours, this timeline is frequently ignored.
However, the government took steps to identify and punish officials who committed human rights abuses, including abuses committed during the country’s civil war.
Past governments had always fallen prey to indiscretions and imprudence during their time of governance of Liberia, as their mishaps were always highlighted by the US government through various human rights reports. But it seems succeeding governments have not heeded mistakes of the past but continues to dwell on these same mishaps of governance to the detriment of the Liberian people.
This time around, the LNP officers have been accused of harassing lawmakers while enroute to job, something that has caught the attention of the House of Representatives, where the Speaker has promised to handle the matter.
Lawmakers Pinpoint Police IG Coleman of Gravitating towards a Police State
It seems there is a growing wave of police confrontations with officials of government, including lawmakers, government workers and the general public, and this has caught the attention of some lawmakers of the 55th Legislature in Liberia.
On Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the House of Representatives’ Session, some lawmakers accused the Liberia National Police (LNP) of systematic disrespect and unconstitutional harassment, with some warning that the country is “heading for trouble.”During session, two separate communications submitted by Sinoe County Electoral District #1 Representative, Thomas Romeo Quioh and Maryland County Electoral District #2, Anthony F. Williams, raised concerns with their grievances centered on the alleged undue obstruction faced by lawmakers from police officers and a subsequent plea for Plenary’s endorsement to assign an armed police officer to each member of the House for their personal security.
In the case of Representative Williams of Maryland County, he warned, “If care is not taken, I can see provocation between our bodyguards and the Liberian National Police on one of these days.” His sentiment was met with vocal agreement from numerous colleagues in the chamber, who responded with affirmations of “Of course.”
In his comments, Representative Williams based his argument in the constitutional protections afforded to legislators, specifically citing Article 42 of the 1986 Constitution, which grants members privilege from arrest while attending, going to, or returning from legislative sessions, except for treason, felony, or breach of the peace.
He averred, “The Liberia National Police can just ask us to park in the street abruptly.” The Maryland County lawmaker directed a pointed message to President Joseph Boakai, cautioning, “If you are not careful, that Police Commander will put this country into serious chaos as we go to the 2029 elections.” To illustrate the LNP’s alleged propensity for conflict, Rep. Williams referenced recent violent clashes between the police and other state security agencies. He recounted a serious riot in Kakata between the LNP and officers of the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), noting, “If the Immigration had an arm that day, it would have been something different.”
The southeastern lawmaker further cited a separate confrontation between the LNP and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), emphasizing that in both incidents, the victim officers identified themselves but were still maltreated. Rep. Williams drew a direct parallel between these inter-agency conflicts and the current treatment of lawmakers, suggesting it stems from the same culture of “disrespect.” Rep. Williams also talked about the violent confrontation the police had with AFL personnel at ELWA Junction which later resulted to the AFL dispatching men to rescue their colleague from the police.
He highlighted a perceived double standard on the part of the police officers in the streets, asserting that when a high-ranking LNP officer is stopped, they are immediately shown respect and allowed to proceed. “If a lawmaker identifies himself or herself, it behoves the police officer to respect the person,” Rep. Williams argued, claiming this courtesy is consistently denied to elected officials. In his words: “If the police cannot provide security for us… I will bring my men from Pleebo. I will put them in my car… they will be driving with me and protecting me.”
The lawmaker then signaled a potential breakdown in the state’s monopoly on the use of force for its own officials.
On his part, Representative Quioh provided a specific, personal account to support the claims of police unprofessionalism. He detailed an incident few days prior, where he was pulled over on 18th Street in Sinkor by an LNP officer identified as Marvin Gaye. The officer, Quioh stated, accused him of not yielding to a pedestrian on 17th Street and insisted on confiscating his driver’s license before he could leave, despite the lawmaker identifying himself as a member of the House of Representatives.
Representative Quioh explained that he later saw the same officer at the Monrovia City Hall, where he went to attend a state function. The lawmaker said he has since been unable to retrieve his license and was informed a violation ticket would be delivered to his Capitol Hill office. “Honorable Speaker, the way some of Liberian police behave is so annoying and unprofessional and I think it deserves some harsher measures,” Quioh concluded, justifying his request for state-assigned police by pointing out that cabinet ministers already enjoy such privileges.
Representatives Williams and Quioh’s concerns were heightened by other lawmakers including Representative Jacob Debee who also alleged that he was recently issued a “violation” ticket for a vehicle bearing his official legislative license plate, suggesting the issue is not isolated.
The tension and seriousness from the different experiences prompted a search for a way forward. Nimba County District #7 Representative Musa Bility proposed summoning Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman to an executive (private) session to address the allegations.
However, his proposal was opposed by other lawmakers, who insisted that any appearance by the Police Inspector General, Gregory Coleman, must be conducted in an open session, transparent to the public.
As the chamber became tense, House Speaker Richard Koon intervened to seize control of the matter. Speaker Koon vowed to revert to the body with a path forward on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, stating, “We will work on it. We will handle that. I will revert to members through our chat room.”
A Chronicle of LNP’s Confrontations with Other Law Enforcement Entities
The current legislative concerns that have been raised by lawmakers of the House of Representatives in the 55th Legislature, does not exist in a vacuum but is set against a backdrop of deteriorating discipline and inter-agency conflict within Liberia’s security apparatus.
- It can be recalled a violent clash took place in February of this year between personnel of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and the LNP left one police officer severely injured and sparked widespread public alarm.
- That confrontation, which occurred at the intersection of S.D. Cooper Road and Tubman Boulevard, were believed to be a retaliatory attack following an incident the previous day where AFL officers were beaten by LNP personnel. Videos of the assaults circulated widely on social media, drawing sharp criticism from citizens and officials alike.
- Montserrado County District #6 Representative Samuel Enders expressed the public’s fear at the time, stating, “Lack of leadership leads to lawlessness. Who’s in charge?” Further compounding these concerns are recent warnings from within the legislature itself about authoritarian overreach.
- In January of this year, Representative Musa Bility raised alarms about threats to Liberia’s peace and democratic progress following the detention of staffers from House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa’s office.
- “We will not tolerate the creation of a police state. The Liberian people must stand united against these actions and demand accountability,” Bility stated at the time, condemning what he described as arbitrary arrests and a troubling shift towards authoritarianism.
- As recently as Tuesday, another physical altercation was reported between a Police Support Unit (PSU) officer and a Paynesville City Corporation (PCC) officer in Red Light, Paynesville.
Is Police IG Coleman Fulfilling His Four Pillar Outlined when He faced Senate Confirmation in February 2024?
In February 2024, the then Inspector General-designate of the Liberia National Police, Col. Gregory Coleman outlined four pillars of his administration if confirmed by the Liberian Senate – pinpointing the position, integrity, partnership, and leadership.
Appearing for his confirmation hearing in February 2024, before the Senate Committee on National Security, Defense, Intelligence, and Veteran Affairs chaired by Lofa County Senator Momo Cyrus, Col. Coleman recounted his 17 years of experience in the security sector.
He told the Committee Chair and members during the public hearing that these pillars focus on a people-first mentality because what is suitable for the Liberian people is good for the Liberia National Police.
The then LNP boss-designate stressed that transparency, accountability, and trust will be the cornerstones of the work of the police moving forward.
“I am committed to improving the way we communicate with the community, ensuring that our actions are understandable and justifiable. We will be open about our policies, procedures, and decision-making processes. I understand that trust cannot be demanded; it must be earned,” he said.
He noted that this can be achieved if the police work tirelessly to strengthen their relationships with the community, adding that they will engage in dialogue and actively seek feedback from all stakeholders.
“I encourage you to share your concerns, suggestions, and ideas. Together, we will develop innovative approaches to policing that address the unique needs of our community,” Col. Coleman averred.
According to the security expert, creating a culture of excellence, respect, and justice for all will be at the heart of their efforts, saying they will also invest in training and professional development to ensure that the officers have the necessary skills and knowledge to serve the community effectively.
The presidential nominee said the interactions of the police under his administration will be rooted in respect for the dignity and rights of every individual they encounter.
Col. Coleman further indicated that he understands that words alone are not enough and actions speak louder, emphasizing his commitment to taking concrete steps to bring about meaningful change.
“I will hold our officers accountable for their actions, and I expect nothing less than the highest standards of professionalism and integrity,” he intoned.
“Finally, there is nothing more important than the Liberian people, and they will be central to every decision I make as Inspector General,” he added.
The then LNP boss designate recounted that during his years of service, he has learned that Liberia’s dynamic security environment requires factual reactions to changing situations on the ground to save lives and address security threats as they emerge. “I also learned that simply reacting is not enough,” Col. Coleman stressed.
“If confirmed, I will do everything in my power to justify the trust placed in me and to earn the trust of this Committee, the Legislature, and the Liberian people,” he noted.
“My whole life has been shaped by public service and the virtues of faith, family, and hard work. Over the years, I have significantly contributed through teams of professionals towards strengthening the integrity of the institution, gaining the trust and legitimacy of the community, increasing accountability, and attracting the admiration of the force at the local and international levels,” Col. Coleman averred.
He stressed that the police force he was about to inherit had faced its share of criticism and mistrust, recognizing the impact this has had on the police’s relationship with the community. According to him, restoring faith and confidence is of the utmost importance to his administration.
“I have experienced- just like nearly every living Liberian–fear in the absence of security and we have all seen what can happen when the foundation of the rule of law crumbles. The most fundamental building block of the foundation of the rule of law is a capable and just police force. It is essential for a just, prosperous, and stable nation, for healthy communities, and to generate opportunities and jobs for all citizens,” Col. Coleman said then.
Public’s Reactions to Police-Public interactions /confrontations
Meanwhile, there has been mixed public reactions on the performance of the Liberia National Police (LNP) headed by Inspector General Gregory Coleman, since taking over in 2024 following the election of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
Pundits and critics have accused the LNP of being selective in how they handle situations and make arrests giving a particular incident, stating that some accused persons are given preferential treatments, while others are bundled and placed behind bars with human rights being violated against the laws of Liberia.
According to these pundits, these are not the promises IG Coleman made before the Senate when he was opting to become Police IG. “What has happened to the four pillars Gregory said would cardinal in his administration of the LNP? Was he just sugar-coating to get the IG job with different agenda under his sleeves,” one pundit wondered.
One critic also points out that IG Coleman is more like behaves like is the Director of the Executive Protection Service (EPS) because he is seen every time when President Joseph Boakai is traveling walking behind him on the airport as though is Unit-50 of the EPS. “Gregory should pay more attention to what his men in police uniforms are doing to their citizens against the law of the country then playing bodyguard to President Boakai whenever he is leaving and arriving in the country.”
Commenting on the consistent behavior of traffic police officers disrespecting lawmakers while going to and coming from work, critics frowned on police officers who ignore the law for reasons best known to them, or maybe it is just arrogance, indiscipline and disrespect that those officers want to display. “The very lawmakers IG Coleman has continued to appeal for budgetary increment are the very government officials his officers can disrespect when they are on their way or coming from work, how then do they expect these lawmakers to work in their interest,” one pundit asked.
As for pundits who support the current administration of President Boakai, they are urging him to caution his Inspector General Gregory Coleman on the too-much noise that is directed towards the LNP by the public relative to their performance. According to them, in the past the police record was a contributing factor for governments to be voted out of power, so President Boakai has to call IG Coleman to book and be professional rather than be selective in the performance of his job.
Comments are closed.