Monrovia – With less than two months to the July 17 protest, tensions continue to mount amid accusations from the civil society organization STAND and its chairman, Mulbah K. Morlu, of growing repression by the Unity Party-led administration.
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
The controversy centers on an incident on Friday, May 17, when armed police officers were reportedly seen outside STAND’s headquarters in Paynesville. According to the group, a police patrol vehicle with armed personnel arrived at approximately 1:50 p.m., but quickly departed following the arrival of a senior STAND official. A few officers who remained were later picked up discreetly.
In a statement issued shortly after, STAND described the incident as a “calculated attempt to instill fear, harm, and crush dissent.” The group accused the Joseph Boakai government of using state security forces to intimidate the opposition in advance of the planned nationwide protest. “This is not law enforcement; it is provocation,” the statement read.
Morlu echoed the allegations, calling the event “a blatant declaration of war on democracy” and “a ruthless assault on civic freedoms.”
STAND called on the media and civil society groups to conduct independent investigations into the incident. The group also cited alleged patterns of late-night surveillance, individuals following opposition members, and other forms of intimidation targeting its officials.
These claims were further supported by the civil society group WE THE PEOPLE, which alleged two separate assassination attempts on Morlu. The group referenced a May 5 attempted break-in near the Duport Road traffic light and a May 7 incident in which a vehicle allegedly blocked Morlu’s car in the Joe Bar area.
In a formal letter addressed to the U.S. Embassy on May 14, Morlu outlined what he called a broader pattern of “vehicle surveillance, attempted forced entries, and road blockades,” claiming they indicated state-sponsored harassment. He accused both the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Liberia National Police (LNP) of being involved.
Morlu’s letter also criticized the government’s lack of public response at the time to these claims, suggesting it either indicates complicity or constitutes tacit approval. He argued that the silence further emboldens those allegedly carrying out the acts and poses a threat to Liberia’s post-conflict democratic development.
Beyond the immediate security concerns, STAND and Morlu pointed to what they describe as an erosion of democratic values in Liberia. They cited the dismissal of tenured officials, disregard for Supreme Court rulings, and the politicization of key public institutions.
They also referenced recent restrictions on the movement of motorbike and kehkeh riders — communities they claim are being economically targeted due to their political affiliations.
As part of a broader diplomatic appeal, Morlu has called for intervention by the U.S. Embassy, ECOWAS, and the United Nations. He urged these entities to condemn what he sees as politically motivated repression and asked for international observers to monitor the buildup to the July 17 protest.
Additionally, he requested an independent investigation using CCTV footage, security logs, and telecom data, and called for targeted sanctions against officials accused of obstructing democratic freedoms.
In response to the allegations, Liberia National Police (LNP) Spokesperson Cecelia Clarke issued a formal statement denying the accusations. “We categorically refute the misleading claims being circulated by Mr. Mulbah Morlu regarding an alleged police raid on the STAND Headquarters,” Clarke said.
Clarke explained that the police officers were in the area as part of a routine motorbike enforcement operation targeting restricted zones. “This enforcement action was triggered by motorcyclists violating the designated no-go zones… [and] had no connection to Mr. Morlu’s claims,” she clarified.
She addressed a video posted by Morlu, asserting that it showed officers engaged in legal and routine duties, not politically motivated activities. Clarke described Morlu’s accusations as “entirely unfounded,” stating that he has previously made similar “baseless” claims, including allegations of being followed by police officers.
“These statements are not only false but harmful to public trust and the integrity of the police force,” Clarke said, affirming the LNP’s commitment to lawful enforcement and professionalism.
The incident has sparked wider concern about Liberia’s democratic direction as tensions rise in the lead-up to the July protest. Analysts say the situation highlights critical questions about the use of state security forces and public trust in their neutrality, especially given Liberia’s historical context.
While the police have denied any wrongdoing, observers suggest that timing, optics, and public sentiment play a significant role in how such actions are perceived in a politically charged environment.
As the July 17 protest approaches, both the government and opposition face increased scrutiny. President Boakai’s administration is under pressure to uphold civil liberties and ensure neutrality in state institutions, while the opposition is expected to substantiate its claims and maintain peaceful political engagement.
Whether the incident at STAND’s headquarters was an unfortunate coincidence or deliberate intimidation remains contested. However, with the nation entering a critical phase, the handling of such incidents may have lasting implications for Liberia’s democratic stability.