By Amos Harris
Jefferson Koijee, the Secretary General of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and former Mayor of Monrovia, has issued a sharp public rebuke of the Government of Liberia. This criticism follows reports concerning the dissolution of a Fulani-led community security group that, according to Koijee, has provided essential protection for Muslim communities during the holy month of Ramadan for more than a decade. In a strongly worded statement issued Thursday, Koijee accused the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung of targeting Muslim communities under the guise of enforcing national security laws. He warned that this move risks deepening religious and ethnic tensions within Liberia’s already fragile socio-political environment.
Regarding what he termed a “dangerous signal to Muslims,” Koijee claimed the security group—largely associated with members of the Fulani community—had for years coordinated informally with mosque leaders to provide crowd control, night patrols, and protection for worshippers during Ramadan prayers. This coordination was particularly vital in densely populated urban areas where state security presence is often spread thin. Koijee asserted that the group was never a militia or an armed rebellion, but rather a community-driven arrangement that existed for ten years without incident or threat to the state. He argued that the Ministry of Justice’s order for immediate disbandment was abrupt, insensitive, and selectively enforced, questioning why the government would make the safety of Muslim Liberians appear optional during their most sacred month.
Beyond the dissolution order, the CDC Secretary General raised troubling allegations regarding the treatment of religious sites and leadership. He claimed that some mosques were either demolished or forcibly entered and that several Imams were harassed by state security officers. While these claims have not been independently verified, Koijee cited accounts from community leaders describing intimidation and the use of excessive force. He noted that if even a single Imam was mistreated or a mosque disrespected, the state has fundamentally failed in its constitutional duty to protect freedom of religion. While senior government officials have previously maintained that all security operations must remain within a legal framework regardless of religious affiliation, the administration has yet to issue a formal response to these specific allegations.
This unfolding controversy exposes a long-standing tension in Liberia: the delicate balance between enforcing national security regulations and respecting informal community structures. These neighborhood watch groups and religious protection units have historically filled gaps where police deployment is limited. Critics of the government’s recent action argue that dissolving such a group during Ramadan, without first establishing an alternative security plan, reflects poor judgment and a lack of consultation. As one civil society activist noted, timing and symbolism are critical in matters of social stability.
The situation also carries significant political and ethnic undercurrents. Koijee’s statement revived comparisons between the current administration and that of former President George Weah, during which Fulani communities actively advocated for greater political inclusion and citizenship rights. To ground these concerns in demographic reality, it is worth noting that the Muslim community represents approximately 12.2% of the Liberian population according to recent census data, making their sense of security a vital component of national peace. Koijee suggested that power dynamics have shifted, alleging that the Mandingo ethnic group appears to have greater political leverage under the current leadership while the Fulani face renewed pressure. Though political observers warn against framing governance along ethnic lines, Koijee insists his comments simply reflect the current political realities.
Ultimately, Koijee linked this controversy to broader socio-economic hardships, suggesting that creating fear among religious communities is reckless at a time when citizens are already struggling with rising prices and unemployment. Public reaction remains mixed, with some supporting centralized security control and others fearing cultural insensitivity. Despite the political firestorm, Muslim leaders have appealed for peace and restraint, with several Imams urging worshippers to avoid politicizing the situation while emphasizing that dialogue remains possible. As Ramadan progresses, the government faces mounting pressure to clarify its actions and reassure all citizens that security enforcement will not come at the expense of constitutional rights or national cohesion.
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