Monrovia, Liberia – March 26, 2025 – Civil society organizations have issued a strong condemnation of the alleged violent confrontation between members of the Liberia National Police and public school students that reportedly occurred yesterday. These organizations cite credible reports suggesting that police reacted with excessive force to a student protest. The protest was reportedly triggered by teachers boycotting classes due to the government’s alleged failure to implement promised salary increases.
Drawing on historical context, the statement highlights a “repeated pattern of conflict” where mishandling student protests has led to escalation and undermined peace and stability in Liberia, referencing the 2011 G.W. Gibson High School incident as a stark example of the consequences of police overreaction.
Emphasizing the constitutional right to peaceful assembly guaranteed under Article 17 of the Liberian Constitution, the civil society groups assert that the police have a duty to protect this right rather than suppress it.
Legally, the statement underscores the obligations of the police to uphold constitutional rights, including freedom of assembly. It warns that any law enforcement action contravening these rights could be viewed as Official Oppression under Section 12.70 of the Penal Law of Liberia. The organizations are calling for an “impartial and transparent investigation” into yesterday’s events and demand accountability under the law for any officer found to have used excessive force.
In an appeal to maintain peace and the rule of law, the civil society organizations urge the Liberia National Police to demonstrate “the highest level of professionalism and discipline” when dealing with peaceful demonstrators, particularly students, emphasizing the importance of proper crowd-control methods and respect for human rights. Simultaneously, they advise students to remain law-abiding and respectful of law enforcement, while affirming their right to peaceful protest but cautioning against unlawful behavior or violence.
The statement also calls on the Government of Liberia to promptly address the teachers’ salary concerns, identifying this as the “root cause” of the student protests. They believe that a swift resolution will prevent further unrest and foster an environment conducive to quality education.
In conclusion, the civil society organizations stress the need to de-escalate tensions between students and police in a manner that upholds democratic principles and the rule of law. They condemn the use of unnecessary force by any party, especially when it infringes upon citizens’ constitutional rights. The statement underscores that Liberia’s continued stability, economic growth, and ability to attract investment depend on a collective commitment to maintaining law and order while respecting fundamental freedoms.
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