Paynesville – The Rights Defenders of Liberia (RIDEL) has strongly condemned the violent response by the Liberia National Police (LNP) to a peaceful student protest in Monrovia on March 27.
By: Patience M. Jones, contributing writer
The protest, which called for improved educational standards, was met with excessive force, including the deployment of tear gas and the violent arrest of several students.
RIDEL described the actions of the police as a direct violation of the students’ constitutional rights to free speech and peaceful assembly, as guaranteed under Liberia’s 1986 Constitution.
The organization also criticized the government for using force against students advocating for their right to quality education, an issue it described as critically important but long neglected.
“The government’s response to these peaceful demands is deeply troubling and unacceptable,” said Enoch Harris, Secretary General of RIDEL. “Instead of protecting the rights of our youth, the authorities have opted to silence their voices with violence.”
The protest, led by students, highlighted severe shortcomings in Liberia’s education system, including the lack of basic educational resources, which has contributed to a high illiteracy rate and hindered national development, according to RIDEL.
In response to the events, RIDEL has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the use of force by the police, demanding accountability for those responsible. “The safety and rights of our youth must be a priority for the government,” Harris emphasized. “We call for immediate action to address both the violence and the systemic issues that led to this protest.”
RIDEL also called on the government to prioritize educational reform, including investments in infrastructure, teacher training, and adequate resources to ensure quality education for all Liberian children. “Education is a right, not a privilege, for every child in Liberia,” said Samuel Sankara K. Johnson, National Chairman of RIDEL.
The organization warned that if these concerns are not addressed, further unrest may follow, stressing the importance of peaceful protests as a legitimate avenue for citizens to voice their grievances. “We will mobilize the people if the government remains unresponsive to the calls for change,” Harris concluded.
RIDEL urged the Liberian government to act swiftly and responsibly to prevent such violations of rights in the future and to reaffirm its commitment to the welfare and education of its citizens.
