Monrovia, Liberia – A probe into a frightening occurrence that happened at the SD Cooper Road Junction in Paynesville on the evening of February 26, 2025, has been announced by the House of Representatives leadership. Members of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and officials of the Liberia National Police (LNP) engaged in a violent altercation during the event.
Representative James Kolleh of Bong County Electoral District #2 voiced his grave concerns about the intensification of the conflict in a statement delivered to the plenary on Thursday. Several LNP officers were brutalized during the incident, Kolleh said, and AFL men allegedly flogged and dragged them on bare ground.
“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.
In particular, RepresentativeΒ Kolleh 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 show up before plenary and explain the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Bong County lawmaker asked the House to immediately invite the relevant officials to address the situation and provide clarification on the matter.
The identification and accountability of the AFL officer whose men reportedly went on a spree is one of RepresentativeΒ Kolleh’s main concerns. Representative Kolleh underlined the significance of resolving these concerns in order to rebuild public trust in the country’s security services, as theΒ officers acts have caused widespread worry among Liberians.
The leadership has formally taken control of the issue after the reading and discussion on the House floor. Due to national security considerations, it has been established that the parties concerned will be invited to a hearing behind closed doors. The investigation would aim to ascertain the facts surrounding the event and hold people accountable for any misconduct, the House leadership has emphasized.
Given that this event is anticipated to have wider ramifications for the relationship between Liberia’s security forces and the people, the House of Representatives is steadfast in its commitment to guaranteeing openness, accountability, and everyone’s safety, according to the public affair department of the House of Representative.
Photo credit: HoR
