SD Cooper Road Junction, about 500 meters from ELWA main Junction, was a scene yesterday due to a violent clash between the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and the Liberia National Police (LNP). On February 26, 2025, what began as a minor traffic dispute involving an AFL soldier escalated into a full-blown confrontation, with AFL personnel retaliating against LNP officers the following day1.
The incident, captured on camera and widely shared on social media, shows AFL soldiers aggressively pursuing and assaulting police officers, including the severe injury of Officer William K. David. This public display of inter-agency conflict has eroded public trust and reignited fears of instability in a country still grappling with the scars of its tumultuous past1.
The AFL High Command, led by Major General Davidson F. Forleh, has swiftly condemned the "unauthorized" attack and initiated an investigation. However, the damage to public perception may already be done, as citizens question the ability of these institutions to maintain order when they themselves are embroiled in conflict1.
This incident bears a haunting resemblance to past conflicts, particularly during the 2014 Ebola crisis, when mistrust and infighting among security forces led to tragic consequences. The resurgence of such violence has rekindled painful memories and intensified concerns about Liberia's fragile peace1.
The clash between the AFL and LNP is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of tension among Liberia's institutions. Just two months prior, in December 2024, a violent confrontation erupted between police and lawmakers at the Capitol Building, further undermining the country's democratic processes2.
These events show a critical weakness in Liberia's security sector reform efforts. Despite legal frameworks delineating the roles of different security agencies, such as the AFL's limited involvement in law enforcement as outlined in their mandate, the recent clashes suggest a breakdown in inter-agency cooperation and respect for institutional boundaries3.
The recurring violence involving security forces raises questions about the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms and the need for comprehensive reform. It also underscores the importance of addressing underlying issues such as corruption, inadequate training, and the lingering effects of Liberia's civil conflicts on its institutions78.
As Liberia approaches its third decade of post-war peace, these incidents serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of its democratic gains. The country now faces the challenge of not only resolving the immediate crisis but also implementing long-term solutions to prevent future clashes and restore public confidence in its security apparatus. The path forward will require concerted efforts from all sectors of Liberian society to rebuild trust and strengthen the foundations of their hard-won peace.
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https://smartnewsliberia.com/clashes-at-capitol-hill-highlight-power-struggles-and-threats-to-liberias-democracy/Brutal Retaliation Brutal Retaliation
https://reliefweb.int/report/liberia/liberian-ex-soldiers-riot-clash-un-police
https://mod.gov.lr/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Ministry-of-National-Defense-Strategic-Plan.pdfBrutal Retaliation Brutal Retaliation Brutal Retaliation
https://2021-2025.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/liberia/Brutal Retaliation
https://www.hrw.org/report/2013/08/22/no-money-no-justice/police-corruption-and-abuse-liberia
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