A cloud of tension engulfed Capitol Hill on Tuesday, December 17, as police resorted to tear gas to scatter protesters rallying against what they called the unconstitutional removal of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. The chaotic scenes raised fresh questions about Liberia’s commitment to balancing citizens’ constitutional rights with maintaining public order.
The protest, initially peaceful, turned tumultuous when security forces arrived to enforce a dispersal order. Demonstrators, some holding placards and chanting, claim their assembly was nonviolent until authorities intervened. Reports of stone-throwing followed, prompting police to use tear gas—a response that has left many questioning the proportionality of force.
Allegations that live bullets were used sent shockwaves through the public, though Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah denied the claims. “The government will not tolerate protest actions without the permission of the Ministry of Justice,” Piah emphasized, justifying the dispersal on the grounds that the protesters had not sought prior approval.
Yet, this government stance has reignited debate about Article 17 of the Liberian Constitution, which explicitly guarantees the right to peaceful assembly. The article states:
“All persons, at all times, in an orderly and peaceable manner, shall have the right to assemble and consult upon the common good.”
For critics, the insistence on Ministry of Justice approval seems to undermine this constitutional guarantee. “The Constitution is clear,” said Janjay Baikpeh, former Grand Bassa County Superintendent and one of the protest organizers. “This is not just about Speaker Koffa; it’s about ensuring that the voices of Liberians are not silenced.”
The aftermath of the protest left several injured, including an elderly woman and a journalist caught in the crossfire of tear gas. One protester was also injured under unclear circumstances. Meanwhile, prominent figures such as Sekou Kalasco, a former aide to ex-President George Weah, were among those arrested. The detained individuals now face a litany of charges, including rioting, obstructing highways, and disorderly conduct.
Speaker Koffa, who has largely remained out of the public eye since his removal, broke his silence with a heartfelt Facebook post. “The right of citizens to peacefully assemble is cardinal,” he wrote. “Peace is better than war, because life is better than death.”
Lawmakers backing Koffa, such as Montserrado County Representatives Yekeh Kolubah and Frank Saah Foko, have also condemned the police response, calling for restraint and dialogue.
The events have sparked a nationwide debate about the government’s approach to dissent. For many Liberians, the tear gas and arrests symbolize a troubling trend of silencing opposition voices. Others argue that public safety and order must take precedence, especially when protests risk devolving into chaos.
As the dust settles, the question remains: How can Liberia’s leaders honor the country’s democratic ideals while maintaining public order? For now, the streets may have quieted, but the voices of those demanding justice and accountability are growing louder.
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