MONROVIA – The President of the University of Liberia, Dr. Layli Maparyan, has strongly condemned the violent attack against the Vice President for Student Affairs, Professor Sekou Konneh, by members of the Student Unification Party (SUP) on Monday, April 28, at the university’s Fendall campus. The incident, which left at least one staffer hospitalized and disrupted academic activities, has triggered an investigation and possible expulsions.
In a stern statement released Monday evening, Dr. Maparyan described the conduct of SUP members as “unacceptable and punishable” under both university regulations and Liberian law. According to the statement, the group allegedly stormed the Office of Student Affairs armed with sticks and knives, assaulted staff, and shut down classes through fear and intimidation.
“If these reports are confirmed through a legitimate investigation, those responsible will face expulsion,” Dr. Maparyan warned, citing long-standing university policies that prohibit weapons on campus. He emphasized that such offenses do not require prior warnings and are grounds for immediate dismissal from the institution.
The university president also condemned SUP for circulating a “Wanted” poster targeting Prof. Konneh, which he said escalated threats against the official over the weekend. Dr. Maparyan criticized the student group for bypassing dialogue and resorting to violence despite an earlier commitment to peaceful resolution following a protest outside his Capitol Hill office.
During that meeting, SUP had expressed grievances over suspension letters issued to some of its members and the alleged blocking of student ID numbers. The group argued that due process was not followed, citing the absence of the student handbook and lack of formal warnings. Dr. Maparyan said he acknowledged their concerns and committed to investigating the matter, but stressed that disciplinary measures remain valid when student conduct violates institutional or legal standards.
Monday’s incident, however, “shows that you are not interested in dialogue or problem solving,” Dr. Maparyan said. “Leaving a trail of destruction is an immature tactic,” he added, urging students to reflect on the principles of true revolutionary leadership, which he noted are grounded in compassion and love, not violence.
He invoked the doctrine of proportionality, emphasizing that the response from SUP far exceeded the gravity of their grievances. “Bodily harm to three persons and destruction of property is not proportional to your complaints,” the statement noted.
Dr. Maparyan called on non-violent members of SUP to reject the path of aggression and rally behind peaceful reform. “Everyone here wants a better UL,” he said. “The question now is, who will actually bring it about?”
