Monrovia – A heated political dispute in Montserrado County took a violent turn on Saturday when Representative Prince Toles was physically attacked by some of his own constituents.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh, [email protected]
The assault, which unfolded on Perry Street in Monrovia, stems from Toles’ support for the removal of embattled House Speaker Cllr. Fornati Koffa, making him the first legislator to face such aggression.
As a prominent member of the Majority Bloc supporting Richard Koon, Toles’ stance on Koffa’s ouster has put him in direct conflict with a segment of his district, particularly Koffa’s loyalists.
For Toles, the assault marks the culmination of growing tensions in Montserrado, a region deeply divided by political loyalties following the 2023 elections.
The growing rift
Toles, who narrowly won the 2023 legislative election against former Representative Acarous Moses Gray, has found himself at the center of a politically charged debate.
His decision to align with Koon and advocate for the removal of Speaker Koffa has alienated many in District 8, where Koffa holds significant sway.
While Toles’ victory was seen as a break from the former administration’s hold on the district, it also painted a target on his back.
Gray, a major figure within the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), remains popular in the district and has not taken his electoral loss lightly.
Koffa’s removal and the political shift that Toles represents have made the incumbent a symbol of resistance for Gray’s supporters, fueling the animosity that culminated in Saturday’s violent confrontation.
For Toles, the attack was more than a physical assault. It was a reminder of how deeply entrenched the political battle over Koffa’s fate has become within Montserrado. “Those who suffered huge defeat in 2023 will have to accept it and wait until 2029, when they will face an even worse setback from our people’s decision,” Toles posted on Facebook after the incident, underscoring the bitter divide that has marked the district’s political discourse.
Toles blames political rivals
In the aftermath of the attack, a shaken yet resolute Toles took to social media to address the situation. He accused Gray’s supporters of being behind the assault, claiming that the violence was politically motivated and connected to his stance on Koffa’s removal. He referred to the incident as an “assassination attempt,” casting it as part of a broader effort to undermine his political influence.
Toles was quick to thank the Liberia National Police (LNP) for arresting one suspect in connection with the attack, although other perpetrators remain at large. His message conveyed both gratitude for the police’s quick response and frustration over the continuing threat to his safety.
“I thank the LNP for arresting one of the perpetrators who attempted to assassinate me today on Perry Street,” he said, his tone a mixture of relief and defiance. The attack, he added, would not deter him from his position on Koffa’s removal or his belief that Liberia must confront its political divisions head-on.
Gray denies and calls for peace
Gray was quick to deny any involvement in the violence, responding with a message of peace. In a social media post, Gray urged Toles to reconcile with the people of District 8 and cease blaming him for the attack. Gray distanced himself from the incident, stressing that he did not support violence in any form.
“The district decided, and I respect their decision, so stop the false accusation,” Gray wrote. “I absolutely have zero knowledge about small children flogging you today. I don’t support that at all, so please go settle things with your once supporters. Leave Acarous’ name out of it.”
Gray’s comments underscore the complex dynamics in District 8, where the political rivalry between him and Toles has only intensified in the wake of the 2023 elections.
While Toles may have emerged victorious in the election, the power struggle over Koffa’s removal has polarized the district, pitting loyalists of the embattled Speaker against a new wave of political leadership that Toles represents.
Political divisions
Saturday’s attack is more than just a local issue in Montserrado — it reflects the deepening political crisis in Liberia, where the fallout from the 2023 elections continues to shape the country’s future.
For Toles, the assault is a reminder of the volatile nature of Liberia’s political landscape. The attack highlights the lengths to which political factions are willing to go to protect their interests. It also raises important questions about the future of Liberia’s democracy, especially in a time of heightened political polarization.
For now, Toles remains undeterred. Despite the physical and emotional toll of the attack, he has pledged to continue his fight for his political vision, and for what he believes is best for his district and Liberia as a whole.