Liberia: LINLEA President Warns Against Politicization of Security Forces

Monrovia — The President of the Liberia National Law Enforcement Association (LINLEA), Colonel Cecil B. Griffiths, has called on law enforcement and security leaders across Liberia to maintain political neutrality and uphold the professional ethics that govern their service.

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By Willie N. Tokpah

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Speaking during LINLEA’s 31st Anniversary celebration held over the weekend at the YMCA Conference Hall on Broad Street in Monrovia, Col. Griffiths warned against the growing trend of politicization within security institutions and urged officers to recommit to the values of impartiality, professionalism, and public accountability.

“Our profession demands that we maintain the highest ethical standards to reinforce public confidence and ensure justice is served fairly,” Col. Griffiths said. 

He stressed that law enforcement must not serve as an instrument for political gain and cautioned officers against allowing partisan interests to interfere with their responsibilities.

Col. Griffiths also pointed to the legacy of politically motivated recruitment under past administrations, which he said resulted in the inclusion of untrained and unpaid individuals into the ranks of law enforcement agencies. 

Many of these individuals, he noted, were issued identification cards but never formally trained or paid, creating confusion and inefficiency within the sector.

He called for adherence to both the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics and the Canons of Police Ethics, reiterating that every officer must serve with integrity and without bias. 

The event drew participation from top government officials and security heads including Justice Minister and Attorney General Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, Deputy Inspector General of Police Col. William K. Mulbah, and representatives from the Ministry of National Defense, Liberia Immigration Service, Executive Protection Service, and the Liberia National Fire Service.

Justice Minister Tweh, who delivered a keynote address, emphasized the urgency of addressing national security challenges through joint efforts. “These issues cannot be solved in silos,” he said. “They demand collaboration between law enforcement, the Ministry of Justice, and civil society to forge a unified path toward sustainable peace and security.”

Tweh also advocated for transparent dialogue concerning retirement benefits and the overall welfare of law enforcement personnel. “Those who put their lives on the line deserve dignity in service and beyond,” he stated.

Representing the Minister of National Defense, Assistant Minister Allen S. Charleston highlighted the legal inconsistencies affecting career advancement and retirement benefits for security officers. 

She proposed a comprehensive legal review, to be led by the National Security Council in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, to harmonize existing laws —particularly the National Security and Intelligence Act of 2011 and civil service policies — to support the unique demands of uniformed services.

She called for policies that adequately recognize the high-risk nature of professions within the police, immigration, corrections, and military sectors.

Also speaking at the event, Deputy Inspector General of Police for Administration Col. William K. Mulbah reaffirmed the Liberia National Police’s commitment to working closely with LINLEA in areas such as institutional development, security enhancement, and professional education. He urged the public to seek peaceful and lawful solutions to conflicts, reminding all Liberians that “the law is the law.”

Several resolutions were adopted at the end of the program.  Among them was the drafting of a proposed bill to be submitted to the National Legislature that would mandate automatic LINLEA membership for all law enforcement officers. Another resolution would grant honorary membership to senior security officials appointed by the President.