CBRN event in Liberia on Wed 15th April 2026

Monrovia — The Liberia National Police is facing mounting criticism following its use of teargas and force to disperse student protesters Tuesday, as members of the Student Unification Party of the University of Liberia and allied groups marched to deliver a “Jobs and Justice” petition to the United States Embassy in Liberia. By Willie N. Tokpah ([email protected]) and J.H. Webster Clayeh ([email protected]) Protest Turns Chaotic What began as a peaceful march from the University of Liberia quickly escalated when police fired teargas canisters to break up the crowd, triggering panic across parts of Monrovia. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of students fleeing choking fumes, with some collapsing, while others regrouped and continued chanting demands for economic relief and political accountability. Despite the confrontation, protesters later reassembled at Mamba Point and successfully delivered their petition to the U.S. Embassy. At least a dozen demonstrators were reportedly arrested, including Foday N. Massaquoi, described by organizers as a key ally of the protest movement. SUP: “This Is a National Emergency” Presenting the petition, SUP Chairman Odecious Mulbah framed the protest as a response to worsening socio-economic conditions. “We are not enemies of the state. We are the conscience of the nation,” Mulbah declared. “We are here because Liberia is in a state of emergency—not declared by the government, but lived daily by its people. The crisis of jobs and justice is unbearable. We are presenting this petition not as beggars, but as citizens demanding accountability.” He warned that the movement could intensify if the government fails to act. Sweeping Demands The petition, addressed to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and other senior officials across the three branches of government, outlines a series of demands, including a minimum monthly wage of US$500, nationalization of key economic sectors, salary reductions for top government officials, increased investment in agriculture and action on alleged human rights abuses. It also calls for protection of student activism, modernization of the University of Liberia, and an end to what it terms politically motivated actions against public officials, including Rep. Kolubah (District #10, Montserrado County). Police Action under Fire The police response has drawn sharp condemnation from opposition figures and civil society groups, who described the use of force as excessive. SUP accused the police of brutality and arbitrary arrests. “The revolutionary Vanguard Student Unification Party (SUP) categorically condemns the violent and disproportionate actions of the Liberia National Police, under the instruction of Gregory Coleman, against peaceful university students exercising their constitutional rights to assemble and petition their government,” Chairman Mulbah stated. He further alleged that unarmed students were subjected to arbitrary arrests and excessive force. “Earlier today, unarmed students were arbitrarily arrested; tear gas was fired directly at us, and batons were used to brutalize our comrades instead of engaging in dialogue. This unprovoked attack against student activists and solidarity forces is a grave violation of our fundamental human rights as guaranteed by the Liberian Constitution,” he added. SUP also accused the current administration of fostering a culture of state violence and suppressing dissenting voices, warning that such actions undermine democratic principles and the rule of law. “A government that responds with force against defenseless students demonstrates an inability to govern and engage in intellectual discourse,” Mulbah asserted. The group demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detained protesters. Calls for Release of ‘Comrades’ Opposition voices echoed the demand, including Janga Kowo, Chairman of the Coalition for Democratic Change. “Release Comrade Foday N. Massaquoi now!” Kowo said. “The Government of Liberia is fully responsible for his safety. We condemn the LNP’s illegal use of force against peaceful protesters.” Civil society groups also weighed in. Mulbah Morlu, Chairman of Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), described the police action as “arbitrary, repressive, and calculated to instill fear.” “The alleged use of excessive force against unarmed students reflects a deeply troubling pattern of intolerance toward peaceful protest,” Morlu said. “It stands in direct contradiction to Liberia’s democratic commitments and its obligations under international human rights law.” Historical Concerns, Growing Pattern Former Mines and Energy Minister Wilmot Paye criticized the use of force, recalling past crackdowns on student protests. “Unleashing violence against students in any form is always out of place… there was no need for it in the past, and there is no need for it now,” Paye said, referencing similar incidents in 1984, 1986, 2001, and 2022. Tuesday’s unrest adds to a growing pattern of protests under the Boakai administration, including actions by civil servants, motorcyclists, and student groups. Analysts say the frequency of demonstrations reflects deepening frustration, particularly among young people facing unemployment and rising living costs. Debate over Dissent As of press time, the Liberia National Police had not issued a detailed statement. Police spokesperson Sam Collins could not be reached for comment. The incident has reignited debate over the balance between security enforcement and civil liberties, with critics questioning whether authorities are increasingly resorting to force to manage dissent. SUP insists its actions are protected under the Constitution’s guarantee of peaceful assembly.