NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – The Secretary General of the Congress for Democratic Change, Jefferson Koijee, has formally called on the United States Government to review and suspend its support to the Liberia National Police, citing serious allegations of human rights abuses, corruption, and institutional misconduct.
In a strongly worded communication addressed to Joe Zadrozny of the U.S. Embassy Monrovia, Koijee described the situation as an “urgent national concern,” warning that continued U.S. assistance risks undermining democratic principles in Liberia.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Koijee argued that while American support to Liberia’s security sector has historically aimed to strengthen democratic institutions and protect human rights, recent developments suggest a troubling shift within the police force. He claimed the LNP is increasingly viewed by citizens not as a neutral law enforcement body, but as an institution that operates in ways that erode public trust.
The CDC official pointed to what he described as “a pattern of inaction and selective justice,” alleging that the police have failed to adequately investigate and prosecute serious crimes, including drug trafficking, organized violence, and corruption. According to him, this has contributed to a climate of impunity and weakened the rule of law.
Koijee further raised alarm over allegations of misconduct within the police, including claims of sexual violence, abuse of power, and drug-related offenses involving officers. He said such accusations call into question the effectiveness of internal accountability mechanisms within the force.
The statement also referenced recent incidents involving student protesters in Monrovia. Koijee alleged that peaceful demonstrators, including members of the Students Unification Party, were subjected to unlawful arrests and detention. He cited reports of abuse in custody, including claims that detainees were mistreated by masked officers—allegations that authorities have yet to publicly address.
Additionally, Koijee pointed to what he described as an attempted attack on Saah Foko, suggesting a broader pattern in which state security actors may be used to intimidate both public officials and civilians.
Central to his criticism is Gregory Coleman, whom Koijee accused of presiding over what he termed a “dangerous transformation” of the police. He alleged that under Coleman’s leadership, the LNP has engaged in practices that violate citizens’ rights and compromise national security, including claims—yet to be independently verified—of links to drug trafficking networks.
Koijee warned that continued U.S. funding under such circumstances could inadvertently support actions inconsistent with democratic governance and human rights. He urged Washington to launch an immediate investigation into how its assistance is being used and to suspend support pending the outcome.
“If left unaddressed, this risks not only undermining U.S. credibility but also contributing to the erosion of democratic norms in Liberia,” the statement emphasized.
As of publication, the Liberia National Police and the U.S. Embassy Monrovia have not publicly responded to the allegations.
The claims come amid ongoing public debate about accountability and reform within Liberia’s security sector, with civil society groups and opposition figures increasingly calling for greater transparency and oversight.
