In a troubling turn of events, Liberia appears to be slipping back into the chaos reminiscent of its brutal Civil War years. Under the current administration of President Joseph Boakai and the Unity Party, the country is facing growing criticism as lawlessness spreads. Recent incidents underscore the alarming erosion of order and governance, signaling the potential for deeper instability in Liberia.
One of the most concerning signs of regression is the escalating political unrest within the legislature. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, J. Fonati Koffa, who was constitutionally elected, is facing aggressive and unlawful attempts to remove him from office. These attempts have been supported by President Boakai and officials from the Unity Party, despite a ruling from Liberia’s Supreme Court affirming that lawmakers should adhere to constitutional provisions for any removal process. Instead of following legal guidelines, some lawmakers appear to be undermining Koffa’s authority, using drastic, illegal tactics such as breaking into his office and attempting to seize control of government facilities. This behavior mirrors the political power struggles that plagued Liberia during its Civil War.
Moreover, civil servants are being unlawfully removed from their positions without due process, and tenured government officials are being dismissed in clear violation of the law. These actions, combined with the political chaos, are fueling a growing sense of insecurity and lawlessness, evoking the darkest periods of Liberia’s history.
The situation is further exacerbated by violent clashes between Liberia’s security forces. On February 26, 2025, a disturbing incident unfolded in Monrovia, resembling the internal fighting seen during Liberia’s Civil War. The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), responding to an altercation involving the mistreatment of one of their officers by the Liberia National Police (LNP), launched a violent assault against the police force. Reports circulating on social media revealed the shocking brutality of the clash, which only heightened the atmosphere of fear and violence. The breakdown in coordination between the AFL and LNP highlighted the deepening institutional crisis in Liberia.
The implications of this escalation are grave. Liberia, a nation that has only recently emerged from a long and devastating civil conflict, cannot afford to slide back into the cycle of violence and lawlessness that once tore it apart. The international community and Liberian citizens must recognize the urgency of the situation. If the Boakai administration and the Unity Party do not swiftly restore order and respect for the rule of law, Liberia risks losing the hard-won peace it has fought so desperately to maintain.
For many Liberians, the memories of the civil war are still vivid, and the current trajectory of the nation raises the alarming possibility that the country may be on the brink of collapse once again. The rising violence, political instability, and institutional decay are strikingly similar to the dark days when rebel factions fought for control, disregarding the suffering of the population. This regression is deeply troubling for a nation that has worked tirelessly to rebuild.
This is a critical juncture in Liberia’s history. Immediate and decisive action must be taken by the government to restore peace, uphold the constitution, and ensure that the country’s institutions function properly. Without this, continued lawlessness and violence could push Liberia back into the abyss of instability, undoing years of progress and costing countless lives.
The international community must remain vigilant, supporting Liberia’s civil society and safeguarding the fragile peace. Now is the time for unity, not division. Liberia cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of its past. Swift action is necessary to prevent the country from descending into another period of conflict, and the future of Liberia depends on it.
Liberians and the international community must act before it’s too late. The nation’s hard-earned peace is at risk.
