The Office of former President George Manneh Weah has sharply criticized the Liberia National Police (LNP) for issuing an apology over the conduct of officers at a recent CDC rally, calling the statement “unsolicited, unwarranted, and suspicious.”
The rebuke comes after the LNP publicly apologized on Monday for what it described as the “unprofessional” presence of armed police officers at a CDC-organized rally in Congo Town. The police force had stated that its officers overstepped their roles by appearing to perform VIP protection duties, a responsibility reserved for the Executive Protection Service (EPS).
However, in a strongly worded response, Weah’s office denied any misconduct by security personnel and accused the LNP of acting on unverified social media reports rather than engaging directly with the former president’s team.
“No complaint was lodged with the LNP regarding the conduct of security personnel at the event, or any transgression for that matter,” the statement read. “The LNP’s unsolicited apology is not only unnecessary but raises concerns about ulterior political motives.”
The office insisted that all security personnel assigned to former President Weah acted professionally during the rally, which it described as peaceful and well-organized. It further emphasized that Weah’s armed security detail is officially designated by the state and operates within legal boundaries.
The statement also called on the LNP and other security agencies to remain neutral and avoid actions that could be perceived as politically motivated.
“While the former President remains law-abiding, he will not tolerate attempts by state entities to employ subterfuge or unprofessional tactics to intimidate,” the office warned.
The swift pushback from Weah’s camp has heightened tensions between opposition figures and state security agencies, with critics questioning whether the LNP’s apology was a genuine attempt at accountability or an overreach influenced by political pressure.
Despite the LNP’s acknowledgment of a “misunderstanding,” Weah’s office maintains that there was no formal complaint to justify the apology, raising questions about the police force’s decision-making process.
Political analysts suggest the exchange reflects deeper concerns about the neutrality of Liberia’s security apparatus, particularly as the country navigates post-election tensions.
As of press time, the LNP has not responded to the former president’s statement. Meanwhile, the CDC has yet to comment on the latest development, leaving the public awaiting further clarification on the matter.
