The events of Thursday, November 27, 2025, in the House of Representatives should serve as a wake-up call for Liberia’s democracy. What began as grievances over routine encounters with the Liberia National Police (LNP) escalated into a broader indictment of the institution’s conduct, raising fears that the nation is sliding toward authoritarianism.
Lawmakers, led by Representatives Anthony F. Williams and Thomas Romeo Quioh, accused the LNP of systematic disrespect and unconstitutional harassment. Their testimonies—ranging from confiscated licenses to abrupt street stops—paint a troubling picture of a police force increasingly at odds with the very officials entrusted to safeguard the Republic. Williams’ warning that Liberia risks becoming a “police state” is not mere rhetoric; it reflects a growing unease about unchecked power within the security apparatus.
A Pattern of Disrespect and Disorder
The allegations against the LNP are not isolated. Violent clashes between the police and other state security agencies—the Immigration Service, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and even the Armed Forces of Liberia—underscore a deeper crisis of discipline. These incidents reveal a culture of impunity and rivalry that undermines public trust and threatens national stability. When officers of the state cannot coexist peacefully, how can citizens feel secure?
Representative Quioh’s personal account of being pulled over and stripped of his license despite identifying himself as a legislator exemplifies the erosion of respect for constitutional privilege. Article 42 of the 1986 Constitution is clear: lawmakers are protected from arrest while attending or returning from legislative sessions, except in cases of treason, felony, or breach of the peace. Yet, this safeguard is being disregarded, raising questions about whether the rule of law is being selectively applied.
The Dangerous Double Standard
Williams rightly pointed out the double standard at play. High-ranking police officers are treated with deference, while elected representatives face humiliation. This imbalance not only undermines the dignity of the legislature but also signals a dangerous precedent: that authority is respected only when wielded by the police themselves. Such a dynamic corrodes the foundations of democratic governance.
Even more alarming is Williams’ threat to recruit his own men from Plebo to provide security. This statement, though born of frustration, highlights the risk of parallel security structures emerging if lawmakers lose faith in the state’s monopoly on force. Liberia’s fragile peace cannot withstand such fragmentation.
Leadership and Accountability
The crisis is not simply about police misconduct; it is about leadership. As Representative Samuel Enders asked during a previous clash between the AFL and LNP: “Who’s in charge?” The absence of clear command and accountability has allowed lawlessness to fester. President Joseph Boakai and his administration must confront this reality head-on. Failure to rein in the police risks not only legislative paralysis but also public unrest, particularly as the nation approaches the 2029 elections.
Calls within the House to summon Inspector General Gregory Coleman are appropriate, but they must be conducted transparently. A private session would only deepen suspicions of cover-ups. The Liberian people deserve to witness accountability in action, not behind closed doors.
A Call to Action
Liberia’s democratic journey has been hard-won, and its preservation requires vigilance. The legislature must assert its constitutional authority, the executive must demand discipline within the security forces, and the police must recommit to professionalism and respect for the rule of law. Citizens, too, must remain alert to creeping authoritarianism, for silence in the face of abuse is complicity.
The warning signs are clear: arbitrary arrests, inter-agency violence, and harassment of elected officials. If left unchecked, these trends will erode public confidence and destabilize the nation. Liberia cannot afford to descend into a police state. The time to act is now—before the chaos Representative Williams forewarned becomes reality.
