By Staff Writer / Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA – Rep. Frank Saah Foko of Electoral District #9, Montserrado County, has called for urgent legislative intervention following a harrowing incident on March 31, 2026, in which he was allegedly assaulted by officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) while performing his duties as a member of the House of Representatives. In a formal letter to Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, Foko described the violent encounter as an attempt on his life and a blatant attack on his constitutional rights.
The incident took place in Wroto Town, Airfield, where Rep. Foko was peacefully intervening on behalf of his constituents whose land was reportedly being forcibly seized. According to Foko, while attempting to engage in peaceful dialogue, he and his constituents were tear-gassed, humiliated, and assaulted by police officers who were conducting a heavy-handed enforcement operation.
“This action occurred in the context of an aggressive enforcement operation against civilians which raises serious questions about the proportionality and legality of the force used,” Rep. Foko stated in his letter. He expressed his deep concern that, as an opposition member, this was not merely a physical assault but an attempt at political intimidation and, in his words, an “attempted assassination” due to his high-profile role in advocating for the citizens’ rights.
Foko also pointed out that this incident is part of a broader pattern of harassment and politically motivated attacks against him. He referenced previous disturbing incidents, including being falsely accused and linked to the Capitol Building arson case, which led to security forces assaulting him and other lawmakers. Although these accusations were ultimately disproven, Foko emphasized that the harassment persisted, including an unwarranted siege of his residence by security forces on December 18, 2024, which caused immense distress to his family and community.
“These cumulative actions suggest a targeted pattern of harassment, intimidation, and abuse of state power against any elected official,” he wrote, underscoring the dangerous implications of these ongoing actions on his safety and the stability of democratic governance.
In light of these events, Rep. Foko has made a formal request for action from the House of Representatives, calling for an independent legislative inquiry into the conduct of the Liberia National Police, and a summons for relevant security officials, particularly the Inspector General of Police, to explain their actions. He has also requested adequate security assurances for him and his family, given the ongoing threats posed by security forces, and a reaffirmation by the House of Representatives of its commitment to protecting its members from unlawful force or intimidation during the performance of their legislative duties.
In his letter, Rep. Foko emphasized that the matter goes beyond personal grievances, highlighting the broader issue of preserving the integrity of democratic representation in Liberia. He urged the House to act swiftly to ensure that no government agency is above the law and that elected officials can perform their duties without fear of violence or coercion.
“This matter transcends personal grievance, rather it is about preserving the sanctity of democratic representation and ensuring that no arm of government operates above the law,” Foko wrote, calling for justice and accountability.
As the situation unfolds, the political implications are significant, particularly for the relationship between lawmakers and security forces, and for the broader struggle for democratic accountability in Liberia. The public will be closely watching the actions of the House of Representatives in the coming days to determine if they will take the necessary steps to protect their own members and ensure that such abuses do not go unpunished.
Rep. Foko has vowed to continue serving his constituents with integrity and courage, despite the challenges he faces. The outcome of this call for legislative intervention could set an important precedent for the protection of elected officials in Liberia.
