Liberia’s top security agency has announced it will withdraw protection from high-profile critics of President Joseph Boakai’s administration, sparking concerns of political intimidation.
The Executive Protection Service (EPS), which provides security for senior officials and prominent figures, declared Wednesday it will no longer offer protection to any individuals it serves who support protest actions or make statements deemed as “advocating insurrection, rebellion, or violent protest” against the government.
This policy shift directly impacts former President George Weah and former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor, both of whom have become increasingly outspoken about what they say is the Boakai government’s disregard for the rule of law and constitutional order in the wake of a controversial Supreme Court ruling.
The Court had declared the removal of the Speaker of the House of Representatives illegal. The regime is backing the rebelling faction in the House’s leadership crisis. The coup leader – Montserrado County lawmaker Richard Koon has revealed the administration wants the Speaker out because he is an opposition member of the House.
The ruling itself, and the government’s subsequent response, have fueled widespread allegations of government overreach and sparked opposition calls for mass demonstrations.
The main opposition party – Weah’s Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), alongside the Alternative National Congress (ANC), the All Liberian Party (ALP), civil society group STAND is mobilizing protests demanding that the administration respect constitutional norms and judicial decisions.
In a public statement, the EPS said “Any VIP protectee who publicly advocates for insurrection, rebellion, or violent protest against the Government of Liberia forfeits the privilege of EPS protection.”
The agency claims such utterances are “deeply concerning and inconsistent with the laws of Liberia,” asserting its mandate is to safeguard “the safety and stability of the Liberian state.”
However, opposition leaders and activists argue the EPS move is a targeted attack on dissent, effectively stripping former officials and government critics of personal security at a time when political tensions are rising.
“The administration is not just sidestepping the Supreme Court – now it’s weaponizing state security against its opponents,” one political analyst said, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal.
“This is a dangerous erosion of democratic safeguards.”
Human rights groups warn the EPS announcement could have a chilling effect on free speech and assembly.
CDC Secretary General Jefferson Koijee called the move “an attempt to muzzle criticism under the guise of security.”
“The opposition community stands in full-fledged readiness to provide security for its leadership, supporters, and the general public. We shall not tremble under threats from a decaying system that has weaponized state security to serve thieves and political parasites,” he said.
“The EPS, which is funded by the sweat and sacrifice of the Liberian people, has unfortunately been reduced to a private militia for the Unity Party regime.”
Despite the controversy, the EPS maintains that its decision is legally justified and necessary to prevent the agency from being “used as an instrument to undermine the peace, security, and constitutional order of the Republic.”
With protests planned in the coming weeks, all eyes are on how the Boakai administration and the EPS will proceed — and whether the withdrawal of security protection will escalate political confrontations in Liberia’s fragile democracy.
How People reacted to the EPS statement shared on the Facebook page of the presidency
Richlue Jacob Dumber:
The citizens will protect them. We don’t need any eps to protect them. What better protection!
This is a Democracy country, people should have their rights to speak out against the ills in the country!
What’s wrong with this government, remember that you too will soon be former government officials. (President and vice president)
Focus on the promises you made to the people, and stop making unnecessary noise! The government is not proceeding rightly.
The government is so lawless and reckless! Disrespecting our constitution and say no one should speak about it, it is sad!
Our people were living without your heavenly eps Protection! They are being loved by the citizens, and no one will do anything to them.
Everything is outside down in this country, since you people took over!
Police brutality and police violence are everywhere! Too much of hardship your brought upon our people.
And you say we shouldn’t talk about it. Wow! What are you people turning this country into?
Your can take your eps and God will strengthen us to protect our good leaders.
Piero Ndorbor
Access to the protection of the EPS is a privilege. Anyone benefitting from such are obligated to conduct themselves in a manner that guarantees continuity — as they say “you can’t be sitting on my shoulders and say my arms stink.”
Officers of the EPS are paid by taxpayers dollars and are obligated to work in the interest of the state and not warmongers.
