We’ll defend peace at all costs.

The Liberian National Police has vowed to maintain law and order despite challenges.

By Kruah Thompson 

Monrovia, Liberia, August 29, 2024 – The Liberia National Police (LNP) Deputy Director for Administration, Col. William Mulbah, says the Police will maintain peace and order at all costs, regardless of the consequences.

His statement follows recent violence at the former ruling  Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) headquarters, where clashes resulted in approximately 17 injuries, including two police officers.

Col. Mulbah emphasizes that lawbreakers should anticipate a firm response from the police, underlining the LNP’s commitment to safeguarding peace in all circumstances. 

He urges citizens to resolve grievances through legal channels rather than embarking on unlawful demonstrations.

Recent unrest has seen a series of protests targeting journalists and police officers. Many of these protests were conducted without proper notification to the Ministry of Justice, which Col. Mulbah highlighted as a constitutional violation. 

Hence, the Constitution of Liberia guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and protest. Specifically, Article 17 provides that every citizen has right to assemble freely and associate with others for any lawful purpose, including holding peaceful demonstrations and protests.

However, other regulations provide that such activities must adhere to legal procedures, including notifying authorities to ensure public safety and order. However, they must not infringe upon the fundamental right to protest.

This notification helps ensure public order and safety, allowing authorities to manage traffic, security, and other logistical aspects. The Police warn that failure to follow these regulations may lead to disruptions or legal issues.

Series of protests organized under President Boakai’s administration have led to frequent clashes between protesters and the Police, sometimes resulting in casualties. Many of these protests seem to have been conducted without notifying the Ministry of Justice, violating the Liberian Constitution.

While the recent protest at the Congress for Democratic Change was spontaneous, reacting to the Liberian Drug Enforcement Agency’s controversial raid, other protests, such as the recent New Kru Town demonstration, had been anticipated in advance.

Col. Mulbah reiterates the Police’s dedication to defending the Constitution and maintaining public peace, regardless of their challenges. Editing by Jonathan Browne