LIBERIA – President George Weah is accused of factionalizing the Liberian security sector after armed presidential guards were seen wearing the ruling party’s shirt at yesterday’s rally for President Weah’s second term at a local soccer stadium in Central Monrovia.
Liberians were shocked and bewildered when several individuals in the crowd were seen wielding AK-47s and other automatic rifles, wearing ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) t-shirts.
It is not clear whether they are national police, military officers, or official presidential guards. This shocked epistle comes amidst rumors about the formation of a militia group by the Coalition for Democratic Change in Lofa County.
The sight of armed men at a political event has raised fears of a return to the country’s past of armed factions and sparked outrage on social media. Many Liberians are calling for the Liberia National Police (LNP), the Executive Protection Service (EPS), and other security forces to ensure a safe and secure election in October without the involvement of armed individuals.
The Liberian Government has yet to respond to inquiries about whether the armed men spotted behind the President are security personnel paid by Liberian taxpayers.
This has also sparked a nationwide debate about the role of armed individuals in the political processes of the country and the need for a peaceful election.
Weah’s popularity has considerably dropped in the country, due to failed promises, said one political observer, adding that the ruling party would do everything to force a second term.
Others are calling on the international community to keep a close watch on developments in Liberia to avert a return to bloody crisis.
Pundits say the factionalization of the national security sector by President George Weah could plunge the nation into another round of bloodletting.
