–Coleman Draws Red Line Between Peaceful Demonstration and Criminality, Declares Executive Mansion a “No-Go Zone” as Police Mount Nationwide Security Operation
MONROVIA, Liberia – Liberia’s Inspector General of Police, Gregory O. W. Coleman, has issued one of the government’s strongest security warnings ahead of the much-anticipated July 17 protest, revealing that police intelligence uncovered an alleged plot to deploy Molotov cocktails during the demonstration and identifying a suspect in an ongoing investigation into the alleged distribution of illegal firearms.
In a nationwide address Thursday evening, Coleman sought to reassure Liberians that the Liberia National Police (LNP) remains committed to protecting citizens’ constitutional right to peacefully assemble while making it equally clear that authorities will not tolerate violence, vandalism or any attempt to destabilize the country under the cover of protest.
“Our responsibility is not to suppress peaceful protests, but to ensure that every Liberian can exercise these constitutional freedoms safely, peacefully, and without any form of intimidation or interference,” Coleman declared, citing Article 17 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and demonstration.
The Inspector General’s statement comes amid heightened political tension surrounding the planned nationwide protest, which organizers say is intended to pressure President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration over concerns ranging from governance and accountability to the economy, unemployment and the government’s handling of the recent US$19 million cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport.
Police Claim to Have Intercepted Molotov Cocktails
Coleman disclosed that intelligence-led policing operations had uncovered what he described as “credible intelligence” indicating that a small number of individuals were allegedly preparing to exploit the demonstration to commit acts of violence.
According to him, investigators intercepted a quantity of improvised incendiary devices—commonly known as Molotov cocktails—before they could be distributed.
“As part of the ongoing intelligence-led policing operations, our investigators have received credible intelligence regarding the manufacturing and planned distribution of Molotov cocktails intended for unlawful use during the demonstration,” he said.
“Acting swiftly, the police investigators intercepted a quantity of these improvised incendiary devices even before they could be distributed.”
The Police Chief stressed that investigations remain active and warned that anyone found responsible would face prosecution under Liberian law.
Firearms Suspect Named
In one of the most politically sensitive disclosures of his address, Coleman also announced that police have identified Mr. Kollie Borbor as a principal suspect in an ongoing investigation into the alleged distribution of illegal firearms intended to facilitate criminal activity during the protest.
While naming the suspect, Coleman emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and reiterated that every individual implicated would enjoy the constitutional guarantees of due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The Inspector General underscored what he described as the “clear distinction” between peaceful protest and criminal conduct.
“The Constitution protects peaceful assembly. It does not protect violence, rioting, arson, vandalism, looting, assault on law enforcement officers, obstruction of emergency services or the possession, manufacture and distribution of illegal firearms, Molotov cocktails and other explosive or incendiary devices,” he warned.
Executive Mansion Declared Off Limits
Coleman also delivered a blunt warning to demonstrators regarding the Executive Mansion.
“I also remind the public that the Executive Mansion grounds are no-go. Nobody na cami deh,” he stated, urging participants to remain within approved protest routes and designated assembly areas while cooperating fully with security personnel.
The remark signals that security forces intend to strictly enforce restrictions around Liberia’s seat of government as thousands of protesters are expected to converge on Monrovia.
Massive Police Deployment Planned
The Inspector General disclosed that police officers will be deployed across strategic locations throughout Monrovia and other key areas on Friday.
According to him, the operation has five principal objectives: protecting lives, safeguarding property, facilitating peaceful demonstrations, maintaining public order and ensuring the safety of all Liberians.
Coleman said he has personally instructed officers to conduct themselves with professionalism, impartiality, discipline, restraint and full respect for human rights.
“The legitimacy of democratic policing depends not only on enforcing law, but on earning and maintaining the confidence of our people,” he said.
Appeal Against Rumors and Violence
Beyond security preparations, the Police Chief urged Liberians to remain vigilant by reporting anyone carrying illegal weapons or attempting to incite violence.
He also appealed to citizens to avoid spreading rumors, misinformation and disinformation on social media, warning that false information could unnecessarily inflame tensions and threaten national stability.
High Stakes for Government and Protest Organizers
Friday’s demonstration is widely expected to be one of the most significant tests of the Boakai administration since it assumed office in January 2024.
The protest has attracted widespread national attention amid growing political polarization, with organizers insisting the action will remain peaceful while demanding reforms and accountability. Government officials, meanwhile, have repeatedly affirmed that citizens have the constitutional right to demonstrate but have cautioned against any attempt to incite violence or destroy public property.
Coleman concluded his address by assuring peaceful demonstrators that the police would protect their constitutional rights while warning that anyone who attempts to hijack the protest for criminal purposes would face the full force of the law.
“The Liberian National Police stand with you in protecting your constitutional rights,” he said. “Our officers will be there, not as an adversary, but as guardians of public safety and protectors of the democratic freedoms guaranteed to every Liberian.”
But he reserved an equally firm message for those contemplating violence.
“We are prepared, vigilant, and resolute. We will act decisively, lawfully and proportionately to protect life, preserve public order, and ensure that those who violate the law will be held accountable.”
For more Liberian news and analysis, visit The Liberian Post at https://theliberianpost.com. Follow The Liberian Post on Facebook (https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576017166570) and X, formerly Twitter (https://x.com/LiberianPost).
