Liberia:White Tuesday Turns Bloody, As Police Clash with Protesters 

By Konah Rufus

The highly anticipated “Nonstop Capitol Lockdown” protest turned violent on Tuesday as clashes erupted between demonstrators and officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP). Organized by the Concerned Citizens Movement for the Protection of Constitution and Rule of Law in Liberia and led by District 9 and 10 Representatives Frank Saah Foko and Yekeh Kulubah, the demonstration sought to demand adherence to constitutional processes and good governance.

Tensions flared when protesters advanced toward the main entrance of the Capitol Building, breaching police barricades. The Capitol, which houses the Executive Mansion and Temple of Justice, became a flashpoint for confrontations as law enforcement responded forcefully to the breach.

Chaos ensued as protesters scattered in multiple directions, with many fleeing toward Jallah’s Town belt. Amid the clashes, an LNP officer was reportedly severely beaten by protesters, and their firearm was allegedly taken. Police officials confirmed that the injured officer is receiving medical treatment at a downtown Monrovia health facility.

While calm has since been restored to parts of the city, the violent escalation has amplified concerns over growing public frustration with governance issues and how mass protests are handled. The Liberia National Police has yet to confirm whether the missing firearm has been recovered or if arrests have been made in connection with the violence.

The incident has deepened anxieties over public safety as political tensions continue to mount. Observers have urged both protesters and law enforcement to prioritize peaceful engagement and dialogue in addressing national grievances.

Reacting to the protest the organisers under the banner Concerned Citizens for the Protection of Our Constitution,  Democracy and Rule of Law vehemently condemn the government's actions describing the Liberia National Police action as insensitive, brutal, inhumane, and barbaric. In a press conference after the protest the group chairman Janjay Gpaikpeh said the use of lethal weapons on peaceful citizens is clear evidence that President Boakai has reduced Liberia to a state of tyranny.

 "Such a disastrous presidency must not be allowed to survive another year" he noted.

In response, the Government of Liberia refuted the claims that live bullets were fired by Officers of the Liberia National Police during the protest.

The  Government noted that as far as they are aware and based on briefings from the Joint Security, Law Enforcement forces employed only non-lethal force to disperse protesters who were blocking the free flow of vehicular traffic and movements, not heeding police instructions, on the Capitol Bye-pass main road, around the seat of the National Legislature.