Monrovia, Liberia – Within the past two days, disturbing reports of loss of life involving state security officers have sent shockwaves through Liberia. The incidents occurred in both Grand Cape Mount County and the Township of Caldwell, raising serious concerns among citizens.
On Thursday, February 29, 2024, a peaceful protest by aggrieved residents of Golgoma, Grand Cape Mount County took a tragic turn. The protesters were voicing their grievances against Bea Mountain, a mining company operating in the county. Accusing the company of bad labor practices, the demonstrators destroyed facilities belonging to Bea Mountain. During the violent clash, at least two protesters lost their lives, and dozens were injured.
Bea Mountain, which had expanded operations in the past year, employs over four thousand workers and engages more than six thousand contractors, many of whom are natives of the county. The protesters had vowed to continue their demonstrations until the company addressed their demands.
A police officer present during the incident denied allegations that the police had fired at the protesters. However, Inspector General Col. Gregory Coleman, speaking at a press conference held at the National Headquarters of the Liberia National Police, revealed that two protesters had died due to gunfire from officers of the Liberia National Police. Col. Coleman emphasized that evidence, including video footage and medical records, supported the police’s actions.
In a separate incident, Joecephus S. Tukpeh, a resident of Caldwell Township, lost his life after an altercation with the LEC Power Theft team. The incident occurred shortly after the Grand Cape Mount County violence. Col. Coleman assured the public that investigations into both incidents would be thorough and free from interference.
Col. Coleman pledged transparency, stating, “We have nothing to hide. We want to be as transparent as possible.” The Liberia National Police will release information related to the investigations in real time. The goal is to restore trust and legitimacy in law enforcement, which has faced challenges over time.
Normalcy has been restored in Grand Cape Mount County, thanks to community policing efforts. The police are collaborating with relevant authorities and community members to promote peace and reconciliation. Col. Coleman affirmed that the Liberia National Police is ushering in a new era of transparency and accountability.
