Paynesville, Liberia — On the afternoon of Wednesday, February 26, a violent altercation unfolded at the busy intersection of S.D. Cooper Road and ELWA Junction in Paynesville, marking a shocking escalation of tension between two of Liberia’s most prominent security forces: the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and the Liberia National Police (LNP).
By Selma Lomax, Francis Boayue & Yaway Jaivey
The incident, which gained significant attention, began recentlly, when five LNP officers allegedly attacked an AFL soldier riding a motorbike in an area where motorcycles are prohibited.
This minor traffic dispute soon set the stage for a violent confrontation. The following day, a group of more than 10 AFL soldiers, clearly seeking retribution, confronted LNP officers at the same location.
In the midst of the chaos, Officer William K. David, known as “Safety 4,” was severely injured in the head. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and distressing, with bystanders reacting in mixed emotions — some cheering the AFL soldiers for asserting dominance, while others expressed dismay at the violence unfolding before them.
The bloody clash quickly spread across social media, where videos and images of the incident ignited public outrage.
The escalating conflict between the AFL and the LNP — which had long simmered beneath the surface — became a glaring concern. The public reaction has been one of shock, with many questioning the ability of Liberia’s law enforcement to maintain peace and order in a country still haunted by the scars of its past.
As videos of the altercation circulated, the public was confronted with the uncomfortable reality that those entrusted with maintaining order were themselves engaging in brutal and unprovoked acts of violence. The images have sparked fears that Liberia’s fragile security infrastructure is once again teetering on the brink.
The unprofessional behavior of our security forces is very disturbing and unacceptable. The President needs to shake up the security apparatus in order to prevent bloodshed in our country.
Concerned citizen
This violent episode has a painful resonance with Liberia’s past struggles, particularly the devastating internal conflicts that plagued the country during the 2014 Ebola crisis.
During that time, mistrust and infighting among security forces led to tragic consequences, including the death of young Shakie Kamara, who was caught in the crossfire during a similar clash. Those haunting memories have resurfaced, intensifying fears that Liberia has not yet fully recovered from its past wounds.
The country’s public trust in its security forces has only further eroded as a result of this recent incident. Despite pledges from both Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman and the Deputy Chief of Staff of the AFL to investigate the altercation, many citizens view this incident as yet another sign of the state’s failure to restore order within its institutions.
In a statement issued late Wednesday evening, Major General Davidson F. Forleh, Chief of Staff of the AFL, strongly condemned the “unauthorized” attack on an LNP officer.
Forleh emphasized that the AFL’s High Command had not sanctioned such actions. “The Provost Marshal and the Legal Affairs Unit of the AFL have initiated an immediate investigation to uncover the facts surrounding the incident,” read a statement from the AFL. The release also reaffirmed the AFL’s commitment to being a “Force for Good” and vowed to uphold the rule of law and public order.
The public, already wary of the country’s ability to maintain peace, remains uncertain about the future. With Liberia’s security forces now embroiled in open conflict, the question remains: if those tasked with safeguarding the nation cannot reconcile their differences, who will ensure the safety of Liberia’s citizens?
