MONROVIA – The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), Major General Davidson F. Forleh, and the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police (LNP), Colonel Gregory Coleman, visited injured police officers on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center and ELWA Hospital. The visit followed a meeting at the Ministry of Justice addressing a violent clash between AFL soldiers and LNP officers the previous evening.
During their hospital rounds, Major General Forleh and Colonel Coleman expressed concern for the well-being of the injured officers and commended the medical staff for their swift care. Doctors at both hospitals confirmed that the wounded personnel are receiving treatment and are responding positively.
The altercation reportedly occurred on February 26, 2025, at the SD Cooper Road Junction, though details remain unclear, and the identities of those involved have not been officially confirmed. In a statement released Thursday, Major General Forleh condemned the incident, describing the actions of the soldiers as unauthorized. He emphasized that the AFL High Command did not sanction the attack and announced an internal investigation led by the Provost Marshal and the Legal Affairs Unit.
Senior officers from both the AFL and LNP arrived at the scene shortly after the clash to de-escalate tensions and prevent further violence. Both institutions have pledged to work together to maintain national security and ensure the matter is investigated thoroughly. Major El-Dorado Nyanti Jebboe, Acting Chief of Public Affairs for the AFL, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to upholding discipline and professionalism throughout the investigation.
This latest incident comes just days after a separate confrontation between AFL personnel and police officers in Paynesville. On February 23, soldiers allegedly assaulted several police officers in response to an earlier dispute involving a soldier in civilian clothing. Among the injured is Officer William K. David, who is being treated at ELWA Hospital for severe head injuries. From his hospital bed, David recounted being attacked by more than ten AFL soldiers near the ELWA area, intensifying public concerns over rising tensions between the two security institutions.
The escalating conflict has drawn the attention of the Senate Committee on Defense, Intelligence, Security, and Veterans Affairs. The committee, chaired by Lofa County Senator Momo Cyrus, has begun reviewing the incidents to prevent further breakdowns in the relationship between the military and the police. Speaking to reporters at the Capitol, Senator Cyrus described the altercation as alarming and warned that it could create unnecessary divisions within the security sector.
Senator Cyrus urged the leadership of both forces to prioritize collaboration and maintain a united front to protect the country’s peace and stability. He emphasized that a cooperative working relationship between the AFL and LNP is essential for national security.
In response to the Senate’s concerns, both Major General Forleh and Colonel Coleman assured lawmakers that they would intensify efforts to improve cooperation and enforce disciplinary measures where necessary. On Thursday, the two security chiefs, accompanied by senior officers from their respective institutions, attended a closed-door session at the Senate to discuss the incidents and outline steps to prevent future conflicts.
