MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT), has issued a statement clarifying recent events that have stirred public concern and controversy. The statement, signed by Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah and released on Wednesday evening, August 22, 2024, addresses both the circumstances surrounding a recent law enforcement operation and a widely circulated but disputed news report.
Early Wednesday morning, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) attempted to execute a search and seizure warrant at a property in the Small Town Community, near Bernard Beach. According to the government’s statement, the operation met with strong resistance from local residents, forcing the LDEA personnel to withdraw from the area. The MICAT release revealed that several LDEA agents were injured during the encounter and are currently receiving treatment at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center.
Following the LDEA’s withdrawal, tensions escalated as individuals believed to be affiliated with the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) took to the streets. These individuals reportedly blocked traffic, set up roadblocks, ignited tires, and threw stones at vehicles and pedestrians along Tubman Boulevard, close to the CDC headquarters. The resulting chaos led to property damage, including several vehicles, and injuries to both innocent civilians and law enforcement officers.
In response to the unrest, the Liberia National Police (LNP) intervened swiftly to restore order. The Joint Security, which was also involved, emphasized in the government’s statement that no lethal weapons were used during the operation. The government clarified that the LDEA’s search was not aimed at the CDC headquarters and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting democratic principles. The statement urged all citizens to avoid violence and continue with their normal activities peacefully.
In a related development, the Government of Liberia also addressed a story published in the August 22, 2024, edition of FrontPage Africa titled “TO RAID OR NOT TO RAID.” The government categorically denied the claims made in the article, which suggested that there was a plan to obtain a warrant to search and seize the home of former President George Weah.
According to the government, the report is entirely false and misleading. The statement emphasized that any legal actions, including the issuance of warrants, would be handled by the Ministry of Justice. The government criticized FrontPage Africa for not seeking verification from the Ministry of Justice before publishing the story. The government warned that such unverified and sensational reporting could pose serious national security risks and called on the newspaper to retract and correct its publication.
The government’s strong rebuttal highlights the ongoing tensions and the sensitivity of the current political and security environment in Liberia. The call for accurate reporting and responsible journalism comes amid a period of heightened scrutiny and concern over the stability of the nation’s democratic institutions.
