By E. J. Nathaniel Daygbor
Tensions flared at Roberts International Airport on Monday as security forces clashed with supporters of former President George Manneh Weah, resulting in injuries, arrests, and widespread disruption.
The incident unfolded during Weah’s return from Europe, where he had reportedly supported his son, Timothy Weah, in securing a lucrative football contract valued at $18 million. His arrival drew hundreds of enthusiastic supporters from the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), many of whom had gathered at the airport from the early morning hours, braving both rain and sun to welcome their leader.
However, the atmosphere quickly deteriorated when the Liberia National Police issued a last-minute directive prohibiting supporters from accessing the airport premises. The announcement, made just hours before Weah’s arrival, sparked outrage among CDC partisans, who argued that such restrictions should have been communicated earlier.
The confrontation escalated as officers from multiple security agencies—including the Liberia National Police, Liberia Immigration Service, Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency, and Liberia National Service—engaged in physical altercations with the crowd. Eyewitnesses reported stone-throwing, verbal insults, and the use of teargas to disperse the gathering. Several individuals sustained injuries, while others were arrested and taken into custody.
CDC National Chairman Janga Kowo condemned the actions of the security forces, describing them as politically motivated and unjust. He demanded the unconditional release of all detained supporters and warned that the government would face political consequences for what he termed “injustice meted out against CDC partisans.”
Despite the chaos, former President Weah arrived safely and addressed reporters in a brief statement. He called for calm and urged his supporters to remain focused on the broader objective of reclaiming the Liberian presidency.
While Weah’s European trip was not officially linked to fundraising efforts for the CDC—which currently lacks a permanent headquarters—the turnout at the airport underscored the enduring loyalty of his political base.
