Monrovia, Liberia โ The leadership of the House of Representatives has announced plans to initiate an investigation into a disturbing incident that occurred on the evening of February 26, 2025, at the SD Cooper Road Junction in Paynesville. The event involved a violent clash between officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) and members of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL).
In a communication presented to the plenary on Thursday, Bong County Electoral District 2 Representative James Kolleh expressed deep concern about the escalation of the confrontation. According to Kolleh, the altercation resulted in the brutalization of several LNP officers, who were reportedly flogged and dragged on bare ground by AFL personnel.
“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.
The Bong County lawmaker is urging the House to urgently invite relevant authorities to address the situation and provide clarification on the matter. Specifically, 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 appear before plenary and explain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
One of the key points of concern raised by Kolleh is the identity and responsibility of the officer within the AFL under whose command the troops allegedly went on a rampage. This officerโs actions have sparked significant concern among Liberians, and Representative Kolleh emphasized the importance of addressing these issues in order to restore public confidence in the nationโs security forces.
Following the debate and reading on the floor of the House, the leadership has taken formal possession of the matter. It has been confirmed that the involved parties will be invited for a hearing behind closed doors, in light of national security concerns. The House leadership has stressed that the investigation will seek to uncover the facts surrounding the incident and hold those responsible accountable for any wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has invited the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minister of Finance & Development Planning to appear on Thursday to provide a status update on the Coastal Defense Project.
Plenaryโs decision Thursday, 27 February was triggered by a communication from Montserrado County Electoral District 7 Representative Emmanuel Dahn, who highlighted concerns regarding the stalled project.
In 2021, a $25.6 million project was launched to provide relief to Liberiaโs sinking coastal communities.
Funding for the project came from a tripartite arrangement:
โ The Green Climate Fund donated $17.2 million.
โ The United Nations Development Fund contributed $1.6 million.
โ The Government of Liberia committed $6.8 million.
Despite these substantial contributions, the project has remained virtually dormant over the past five years.
A coastal defense structure, intended to mitigate the impact of rising sea levels, has yet to be constructed.
Representative Dahn urged plenary to summon the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, Hon. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, and the Minister of Finance & Development Planning, Hon. Augustine K. Ngafuan, to provide a comprehensive update on the status and implementation of the Coastal Defense Project.
