By Grace Q. Bryant
The government has launched an investigation into the violent altercation between some members of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and the Liberia National Police (LNP), calling the incident a serious threat to national peace and stability.
The Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT), Jerolinmek Piah, announced the probe during MICAT’s regular press briefing on Thursday, February 27, 2025.
“The government takes this situation seriously, and the necessary security agencies have been instructed to investigate what transpired,” Minister Piah stated.
A joint security team, including the Chief of Staff of the AFL and the Inspector General of Police, has been tasked with leading the investigation and ensuring accountability.
Reports indicate that AFL soldiers, trained for combat, pursued police officers through the streets as far as the ELWA Market in Paynesville, causing panic, disrupting traffic, and raising concerns about military discipline.
Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene, with civilians fleeing in fear as soldiers engaged in a confrontation that many believe should have remained a routine police matter.
Minister Piah warned that such behavior, if unchecked, could undermine national security.
“We cannot accept a situation where soldiers abandon their barracks to attack police officers in the streets, instill fear among civilians, and disrupt public order,” he asserted.
He emphasized that Liberia has made significant progress in maintaining peace since the end of its civil conflict, with both the government and international partners investing heavily in preserving national stability.
Following the incident, the Chief of Staff of the AFL and the Inspector General of Police visited wounded officers receiving treatment at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFK) and ELWA Hospital.
After a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Justice, security chiefs expressed concern for the injured officers and commended medical staff for their swift response.
Doctors confirmed that the wounded officers are receiving the necessary care and responding positively to treatment.
Minister Piah assured the public that transparency and justice would guide the investigation.
“The High Command of the Armed Forces of Liberia takes this matter seriously and is committed to ensuring that due process is followed,” he said.
Meanwhile, the leadership of the House of Representatives has announced plans to initiate a separate investigation into the violent clash, which occurred on the evening of February 26, 2025, at the SD Cooper Road Junction in Paynesville.
In a communication presented to the plenary on Thursday, Bong County Electoral District 2 Representative James Kolleh, expressed deep concern over the escalation of the confrontation. According to Kolleh, the altercation resulted in the brutalization of several LNP officers, who were reportedly flogged and dragged on bare ground by AFL personnel.
“Mr. Speaker and distinguished colleagues, I am deeply troubled and saddened by this situation and especially concerned about why and how the Armed Forces of Liberia broke out of the barracks, took to the streets, and went on the rampage,” said Representative Kolleh.
The Bong County lawmaker is urging the House to summon key security officials to provide clarification on the matter. Specifically, he has called for the Ministry of Justice, the Liberia National Police, the Ministry of National Defense, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, and the National Security Advisor to the President to appear before plenary and explain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
One of the key concerns raised by Kolleh is identifying the officer within the AFL under whose command the troops allegedly went on the rampage. His actions have sparked significant public concern, and Kolleh emphasized the need for accountability to restore public confidence in Liberia’s security forces.
Following deliberations, the House leadership has taken formal possession of the matter and confirmed that the involved parties will be invited for a closed-door hearing, citing national security concerns. The investigation aims to uncover the facts and hold those responsible accountable for any wrongdoing.
The House of Representatives has reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the safety of all citizens, emphasizing that the incident could have broader implications for the relationship between Liberia’s security forces and the public.
In a separate development, Minister Piah announced the commissioning of a new water facility in Bopolu City, Gbarpolu County, aimed at providing safe drinking water to residents who have long relied on creeks.
“This is not about politics. President Joseph Boakai is committed to the well-being of all Liberians, regardless of their political affiliations,” Piah stated.
The project is part of the government’s broader efforts to improve access to essential services in rural communities, reinforcing its commitment to national development.
