Liberia: ANC Youth Congress Calls for IGP Coleman’s Resignation, Endorses Cummings

MONROVIA — The Alternative National Congress (ANC) Youth Congress, headed by Chairman Alieu Kadii, has called for the immediate resignation of Inspector General of Police Gregory Coleman, accusing him of presiding over alleged impunity, selective law enforcement and declining public confidence in Liberia’s security and justice institutions.

By Francis G. Boayue

The youth wing made the call Saturday during a press conference in Monrovia, where it presented its State of the Youth Report, criticizing the Boakai administration over security, corruption, drug abuse, unemployment and worsening economic conditions.

The group alleged that police shootings resulting in the deaths of Bangalie Kamara, Essah Massaley and James Kandy have not led to prosecutions. It also accused the police of excessive use of force during incidents in the Kinjor concession area and at ArcelorMittal.

The allegations were presented by the group as part of its broader criticism of the government’s security and justice policies.

The ANC Youth Congress also questioned the government’s handling of Liberia’s cocaine investigation, alleging that police vehicles have been used to escort cocaine into and out of the country.

The group called for greater transparency regarding references to “very, very senior government officials” allegedly linked to the investigation and questioned why those individuals have not been publicly identified or prosecuted.

It further accused the government of pursuing opposition figures more aggressively than members and allies of the ruling Unity Party, describing the situation as evidence of selective justice.

The Congress expressed concern over what it described as Liberia’s growing drug and substance-abuse crisis, claiming that more than 100,000 young people have been affected.

It called for greater investment in rehabilitation facilities, youth employment and entrepreneurship rather than what it described as an emphasis on political activities.

The group also criticized rising living costs, taxation, the demolition of structures belonging to low-income residents and limited access to financing for small businesses.

Beyond its criticism of the government, the ANC Youth Congress endorsed ANC political leader Alexander B. Cummings as its preferred alternative ahead of the 2029 presidential election.

Kadii and members of the youth congress described the ANC as a “Third Lane” outside Liberia’s traditional political establishment and urged Liberians to consider Cummings based on his private-sector and international management experience.

The group said a Cummings administration would prioritize job creation, investment attraction, support for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and reforms to ensure Liberia derives greater benefits from its natural resources.

The youth congress argued that Liberia’s development challenge is less about the availability of resources than how those resources are managed and distributed.

It said its proposed political alternative is centered on jobs, accountability, dignity and opportunity.

The press conference comes as political parties and interest groups begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2029 elections, with the ANC Youth Congress urging young Liberians to take a more active role in determining the country’s political and economic direction.