Abstract
Tribalism has long shaped the political, social, and institutional development of Liberia. While the civil wars (1989–2003) dramatically deepened ethnic divisions, tribalism continues to influence state institutions, including the criminal justice system. This article explores how tribalism affects recruitment, promotions, and daily operations within law enforcement, the judiciary, and correctional services.
It further examines the consequences for public trust, human rights, and the rule of law. Drawing on findings from the Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), international policy briefs, and empirical studies of policing and justice in Liberia, the article argues that tribalism undermines fairness, accountability, and institutional sustainability.
The conclusion provides recommendations for reforms to promote impartiality, strengthen meritocracy, and build a stronger national identity in support of justice and the rule of law.
Introduction
Tribalism: the loyalty to one’s ethnic or tribal group over the collective national interest remains one of the most sensitive and persistent challenges to governance in Liberia. Since its founding in 1847, Liberia has grappled with identity politics, from the early tension between Americo-Liberian settlers and indigenous tribes to the modern manifestations of ethnic patronage in politics and public institutions.
Within the criminal justice system, tribalism undermines impartiality and fosters unequal access to justice. The principle of equality before the law, enshrined in Liberia’s Constitution, is frequently compromised by favoritism, patronage, and tribal bias.
This article examines the historical roots and contemporary manifestations of tribalism in Liberia’s criminal justice system. It explores how ethnic favoritism appears in police recruitment and promotions, judicial appointments and rulings, and correctional facility management.
It considers the impact of these dynamics on public trust, institutional legitimacy, and human rights. The article concludes with recommendations for reform, emphasizing the need for meritocracy, accountability, and civic education aimed at reducing ethnic fragmentation.
Historical Roots of Tribalism in Liberia
The origins of tribalism in Liberia’s governance can be traced to the early dominance of Americo-Liberians, a small minority who governed from 1847 until 1980.
Indigenous Liberians were marginalized from political and administrative institutions, including the justice system (Ellis, 2007). This historical exclusion created resentment and laid the foundation for the politicization of ethnic identities.
Following the 1980 coup led by Master Sergeant Samuel Doe, ethnic favoritism intensified. Doe, from the Krahn ethnic group, was accused of promoting his tribesmen in the military and state institutions, further deepening divisions (TRC, 2009).
During the civil wars of 1989–2003, armed factions mobilized support along tribal lines, and justice institutions collapsed. The TRC concluded that structural discrimination, corruption, and tribalism in state institutions were among the root causes of Liberia’s conflict (TRC, 2009).
Post-war reconstruction sought to build inclusive and professional justice institutions, with significant support from the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). However, reports suggest that tribalism continues to shape recruitment, appointments, and public perceptions of fairness (Human Rights Watch, 2019).
Tribalism in Law Enforcement
Recruitment and Promotions
The Liberia National Police (LNP), established as the country’s primary law enforcement body, has often been criticized for politicized and tribalized recruitment. Studies on patrimonial policing in Liberia indicate that officers are sometimes hired or promoted not based on merit but through ethnic or political connections (Morse, 2022). This undermines morale among officers from underrepresented groups and fosters perceptions of bias.
The tendency to favor particular groups also results in uneven representation across counties. Some ethnic groups have greater representation in command structures, fueling suspicions of inequality and resentment among other communities (Blair et al., 2019).
Policing Practices
Tribal loyalties can also influence how cases are handled. Citizens sometimes report that police officers prioritize cases involving members of their own ethnic group or that politically connected individuals are shielded from investigation (Blair et al., 2019). Such practices undermine the principle of impartial policing and create a cycle of mistrust between law enforcement and communities.
Tribalism in the Judiciary
Judicial Appointments
The judiciary is the cornerstone of the rule of law, yet in Liberia, judicial appointments are sometimes influenced by political and tribal considerations. While the Constitution grants the
president the power to appoint judges with the Senate’s approval, the process is vulnerable to patronage (Sawyer, 2005). Research and public perception suggest that appointments are often distributed along political and tribal lines, weakening judicial independence.
Courtroom Decisions
Beyond appointments, there are allegations that tribal ties may influence judicial decisions, particularly in rural courts where social and ethnic affiliations are strong. Communities often complain that court rulings are biased in favor of individuals with tribal or political connections (TRC, 2009). When judgments appear to reflect ethnic favoritism rather than evidence, citizens lose confidence in the justice system and resort to customary or informal mechanisms.
Tribalism in Corrections
Correctional institutions are not immune from tribalism. Reports on Liberia’s correctional facilities indicate that officers sometimes display favoritism toward inmates of their own tribe, granting them privileges or leniency (UNMIL, 2016). This creates disparities in prison management and undermines the principles of equal treatment.
Moreover, reintegration programs for ex-offenders are also susceptible to tribal bias. Access to vocational training, parole, and community support may depend on ethnic networks, making reintegration uneven and reinforcing cycles of exclusion (SCORE Liberia, 2018).
Consequences of Tribalism in the Criminal Justice System
Erosion of Public Trust
The most damaging consequence of tribalism is the erosion of public trust in the criminal justice system. Citizens who perceive police, judges, or prison officials as biased are less likely to cooperate with authorities, report crimes, or seek justice through formal institutions (Morse, 2022).
Vigilantism and Informal Justice
When people distrust state institutions, they often turn to community-based or customary justice systems. While these mechanisms are accessible and culturally resonant, they are not always consistent with constitutional standards of fairness and human rights (Blair et al., 2019). In some cases, distrust leads to vigilantism, where communities take the law into their own hands, resulting in violence and further instability.
Impunity and Selective Accountability
Tribalism also contributes to impunity, as politically connected individuals use ethnic networks to avoid investigation or prosecution. Human Rights Watch (2019) has criticized Liberia for its failure to hold individuals accountable for war-era and post-war abuses, in part due to political and tribal protection. This selective accountability undermines the legitimacy of the entire justice system.
Pathways Toward Reform
Merit-Based Recruitment and Promotion
Ensuring transparent and merit-based recruitment across law enforcement, judiciary, and corrections is essential. Standardized entry examinations and clear promotion criteria must be enforced, with public reporting of personnel distribution to prevent perceptions of bias (UNMIL, 2016).
Training and Professional Development
Regular training in ethics, professionalism, and anti-bias principles should be mandatory for all criminal justice actors. Evidence suggests that procedural justice training can improve police-community relations, even in ethnically divided societies (Morse, 2022).
Oversight and Accountability
Independent oversight mechanisms , such as police complaint commissions, judicial review boards, and prison inspectorates must be strengthened to investigate allegations of tribalism and favoritism. Oversight institutions should include representatives from diverse ethnic groups to enhance legitimacy (SCORE Liberia, 2018).
Promoting National Identity
Reducing tribalism requires fostering a stronger sense of national identity. Civic education campaigns, inter-ethnic community policing initiatives, and inclusive national symbols can help shift loyalty from tribe to nation. SCORE Liberia (2018) emphasizes that distinguishing between ethnic identity and political tribalism is crucial to reducing ethnic polarization.
Accountability for Past Abuses
Finally, Liberia must address its legacy of impunity. The establishment of a war crimes court, recently endorsed by the House of Representatives (Reuters, 2024), represents an opportunity to strengthen accountability. However, such mechanisms must be seen as impartial and not targeting particular ethnic groups.
Recommendations
- Enforce Merit-Based Recruitment and Promotion
Recruitment into the Liberia National Police, judiciary, and corrections should be strictly merit-based, with transparent examinations and promotion standards.
Independent recruitment panels, rather than political appointees, should oversee the process to reduce ethnic favoritism.
Publicly publish annual diversity audits of personnel distribution by county and ethnic background to ensure fairness.
- Strengthen Oversight and Accountability Mechanisms
Establish and empower independent oversight institutions, such as a Police Complaint Board and a Judicial Service Commission, to monitor misconduct and favoritism.
Encourage whistleblower protections for officers or staff who report tribal bias.
Involve civil society organizations and the media in monitoring justice institutions.
- Expand Professional Training and Civic Education
Provide continuous professional training on ethics, human rights, impartiality, and anti-bias practices for police officers, judges, and correctional officers.
Incorporate modules on national unity, constitutional law, and equal justice into curricula at the
Liberia National Police Training Academy and judicial training institutes.
Civic education campaigns should emphasize “One Liberia” to counteract tribal loyalty over national loyalty.
- Promote Community Policing and Inter-Tribal Cooperation
Expand community policing initiatives that bring together officers from diverse ethnic groups and encourage collaboration with local leaders.
Create inter-ethnic dialogue platforms where police and citizens can discuss security and justice concerns openly.
Involve traditional chiefs and elders, but ensure their practices align with constitutional protections for equality and rights.
- Address Socio-Economic Disparities Across Regions
Ensure equal allocation of justice infrastructure (courthouses, police stations, and correctional
facilities) across all counties.
Improve access to justice services in rural areas, where marginalized groups often feel excluded, to reduce reliance on tribal solidarity networks.
- Foster Judicial Independence
Reform judicial appointment processes to minimize political and tribal influence.
Ensure that judges and magistrates are appointed based on qualifications and integrity, not ethnic or partisan loyalty.
Provide adequate funding for the judiciary so that financial dependence on political actors does not compromise independence.
- Confront the Legacy of Civil War Impunity
Implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recommendations that address tribal and political favoritism.
Establish the proposed War and Economic Crimes Court to end impunity, ensuring it operates impartially and is not seen as targeting any specific tribe.
Use transitional justice processes to promote reconciliation among ethnic groups.
- Promote National Identity over Tribal Identity
Government, religious, and civil society leaders should promote symbols of unity and shared national pride.
Introduce school programs that teach national history, civic responsibility, and respect for diversity.
Highlight role models in law enforcement and justice who embody impartiality and professionalism.
In summary:
The key recommendations are:
- Merit-based recruitment and promotion,
- Strong oversight and accountability,
- Professional training and civic education,
- Community policing and inter-tribal cooperation,
- Addressing regional disparities,
- Judicial independence,
- Confronting war-era impunity, and
- Building a stronger sense of national identity.
Together, these recommendations aim to make Liberia’s criminal justice system fair, professional, and impartial, reducing tribal favoritism and strengthening public trust.
Conclusion
Tribalism remains a significant challenge to the impartial functioning of Liberia’s criminal justice system. From police recruitment and operations to judicial decisions and prison management, tribal favoritism undermines equality before the law, erodes public trust, and perpetuates impunity. While reforms since the end of the civil war have strengthened institutions, persistent tribalism continues to threaten the legitimacy and sustainability of justice delivery.
Addressing this challenge requires a multifaceted approach: strengthening merit-based recruitment, professionalizing criminal justice actors, empowering independent oversight, promoting civic education, and ensuring accountability for past crimes. By tackling tribalism head-on, Liberia can move closer to building a justice system that is impartial, professional, and truly reflective of the national interest.
About the Author
Professional Profile Summary
Tarpeh L. U-sayee, Jr. is a seasoned Liberian law enforcement professional, criminal justice professor, and police training expert with a solid foundation in international relations, theology, and public service. With over a decade of experience in both law enforcement and criminal justice education, he currently serves as a trainer at the Liberia National Police Training Academy and lectures at various private universities in Liberia.
He holds a Master’s Degree in Foreign Service Leadership (International Relations), a Master of Divinity, dual Bachelor’s Degrees in Sociology and Criminal Justice, and an Associate Degree in Management. He is also a prospective doctoral graduate in Church Growth and Ministry.
Mr. U-sayee is a graduate of the Liberia Police Academy, the Louisiana State Police Academy (USA), and the Lagos State Police Academy (Nigeria).
As an Apostle and spiritual leader, he brings a unique combination of ethical leadership, academic excellence, and practical field experience. His lifelong mission is centered on peacebuilding, unity, and the advancement of the rule of law in Liberia.
References
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Ellis, S. (2007). The Mask of Anarchy: The Destruction of Liberia and the Religious Dimension of an African Civil War. NYU Press.
Human Rights Watch. (2019, April 1). Q&A: Justice for civil wars-era crimes in Liberia. https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/04/01/qa-justice-civil-wars-era-crimes-liberia
Morse, B. S. (2022). Police bias and access to justice in Liberia (Working paper). Princeton University.
Reuters. (2024, March 6). Liberia’s lower house backs creation of war crimes court. https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/liberia-lower-house-backs-creation-war-crimes-court-2024-03-06/
SCORE Liberia. (2018). Policy Brief: Political Tribalism in Liberia. SCORE for Peace.
Sawyer, A. (2005). Beyond Plunder: Toward Democratic Governance in Liberia. Lynne Rienner Publishers.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia (TRC). (2009). Final Report, Volume I–III. Monrovia: TRC of Liberia.
United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). (2016). Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Mission in Liberia (S/2016/968). United Nations.
