MONROVIA — The Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has condemned the reported invitation of Gbarpolu County Senator Amara M. Konneh by the Liberia National Police (LNP), describing the move as an attempt to intimidate an elected lawmaker over his calls for transparency and accountability in the investigation of recent cocaine seizures valued at approximately US$336 million.
In a statement issued Tuesday, August 18, 2026, and signed by CDC National Chairman Atty. Janga Augustus Kowo, the opposition party accused the government of using law-enforcement institutions to suppress legitimate public scrutiny and warned that questioning a sitting senator over his public demands for answers could undermine Liberia’s democratic institutions.
The CDC said Senator Konneh has a constitutional responsibility to seek answers on issues involving national security, Liberia’s international reputation and the welfare of citizens.
“Any attempt to criminalize or obstruct the lawful exercise of legislative oversight crosses a dangerous democratic redline,” the party said.
The statement comes amid continuing controversy surrounding two major cocaine seizures announced by Liberian authorities. The first involved approximately 237 kilograms of cocaine intercepted at Roberts International Airport, allegedly destined for London, while the second involved about 3,971 kilograms of suspected cocaine discovered in Duazon, Margibi County.
The CDC said the circumstances surrounding the seizures raise questions that require credible answers, particularly regarding the alleged involvement of public officials, security personnel and private individuals.
The party is demanding clarification on the identities and roles of individuals allegedly connected to the shipments, the status and independence of ongoing investigations, and the chain of custody and evidentiary safeguards surrounding the seized narcotics.
It also called for greater transparency concerning international cooperation in the cases.
The CDC specifically questioned whether Inspector General of Police Gregory O.W. Coleman can independently oversee investigations involving allegations against police personnel and operational units under his command.
According to the opposition party, relationships involving the police leadership, former officials of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, police officers seconded to the LDEA and Highway Patrol Commander Waddell Kwabo raise potential conflicts of interest that could compromise public confidence in the investigations.
The CDC is therefore calling for Coleman and other officials whose offices, personnel or conduct fall within the scope of the investigations to recuse themselves.
The party further demanded the establishment of an independent investigation involving credible international partners with expertise in transnational organized crime and narcotics trafficking.
It also urged the Legislature to conduct full scrutiny of the cocaine seizures, including public hearings where legally permissible, while calling for protection for lawmakers, witnesses, journalists and whistleblowers who provide information relevant to the cases.
“Liberia cannot investigate allegations involving its own security institutions through a process controlled by the same officials whose conduct require examination,” the CDC said, arguing that public confidence depends on independence, transparency and accountability.
The opposition party also used the statement to condemn what it described as “bogus” and “unmeritorious” criminal charges against Attorney Jefferson Chesson.
The CDC alleged that government prosecutors are pursuing the case against Chesson as part of an effort to target critics and political opponents. The party maintained that criminal charges are initiated by the state and accused the government of attempting to shield itself behind private citizens.
The CDC called on democratic institutions, civil society organizations, religious leaders, independent media organizations and Liberia’s international partners to closely monitor the developments.
It urged them to oppose any attempt to obstruct legislative oversight or compromise the integrity of the cocaine investigations.
The party maintained that the growing controversy surrounding the drug seizures requires answers rather than confrontation with those demanding accountability.
“The Liberian people demand answers, accountability and justice,” the CDC declared.
