Some foreign diplomats accredited in Liberia have raised serious concerns with President Joseph Boakai regarding the conduct of Inspector General Gregory Coleman of the Liberia National Police (LNP).
During a recent meeting with the president, envoys from Western nations and representatives of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) expressed alarm over a perceived decline in professional standards within the police force, fearing that such issues could erode public trust.
Sources privy to the conversation reported that the diplomats addressed the increasing instances of police repression, particularly during peaceful protests, where heavy-handed tactics have been noted. The envoys are calling for a transformative approach to policing that prioritizes community trust and de-escalation.
In January this year, Washington-based human rights organization Panoramic Justice Group targeted high-ranking officials in the Boakai administration for alleged human rights violations, lobbying the U.S. Congress and State Department for sanctions against them, including Inspector General Coleman.
These charges center around accusations of his involvement in orchestrating widespread abuses under the current regime.
The Liberian government, through its Attorney General, has firmly denied these allegations, asserting that claims of rights violations are unfounded.
In a damning report, the Panoramic Justice Group detailed patterns of impunity and state violence in Liberia. Their findings highlight serious concerns such as police shootings, custodial deaths and the systematic intimidation of political dissenters.
The report paints a troubling picture of a police force that allegedly operates under the influence of political affiliations, targeting government critics.
Inspector General Coleman has been particularly scrutinized for his role in controversial operations, including the alleged arbitrary rendition of a Liberian citizen to Guinea in an exchange that purportedly involved the transfer of U.S. $2 million and several vehicles.
Tensions boiled over on July 17, when protestors took to the streets demanding Coleman’s removal. Despite the rally’s peaceful nature, the police intimidating tactics have drawn criticism and raised further questions about their conduct under Coleman’s leadership.
