Wants Investigation Into How US Support To LNP “Is Being Used”
PHOTO: Former Monrovia City Mayor and CDC Sec. General, Jefferson Koijee
FULL TEXT OF LETTER TO US EMBASSY Chargé D’affaires:
Joe Zadrozny,
Chargé d’affaires,
U.S. Embassy, Monrovia,
Liberia, West Africa
Dear Joe Zadrozny,
I write to respectfully bring to your attention a matter of urgent national concern regarding ongoing United States support to the Liberia National Police (LNP), and to call for an immediate review, suspension, and investigation into how such support is being utilized.
The intent of U.S. assistance to Liberia’s security sector has long been understood as strengthening democratic institutions, promoting accountability, and ensuring the protection of citizens human rights. However, there is a growing and deeply concerning shift in how the Liberia National Police under the watch of Gregory Coleman is perceived and experienced by the public. Increasingly, the institution is no longer seen as a neutral enforcer of the rule of law, but rather as a body that, in practice, operates in ways that undermine public trust and, in some instances, appear to act against the very state and people it is meant to protect.
There have been repeated reports and public allegations highlighting a troubling pattern of inaction and selective justice. The police have, in several instances, failed to effectively investigate and prosecute serious crimes, particularly those involving drug trafficking, organized violence, and systemic corruption. This failure not only weakens the rule of law but also creates an environment of impunity and respect for democratic accountability.
Reported cases of direct police involvement in serious misconduct, including sexual violence, drug abuse, and abuse of power have emerged. These actions fundamentally contradict the purpose of a professional police force and raise critical concerns about internal accountability mechanisms within the LNP.
Recent events have further intensified these concerns. Reports of the physical assault on peaceful students and activists who marched the principal streets of Monrovia demanding jobs and justice. Liberians, predominantly from the Students Unification Party, were met with unlawful arrest and detention. In a secret recording from police custody, students and peaceful political activists were seen stripped naked and tortured by masked men of the Liberia national police. Even more worsening, was the assassination attempt on Representative Saah Foko by state security actors, which points to a dangerous pattern where the police and associated security apparatus may be used to intimidate, suppress, or harm both public officials and ordinary citizens. Such incidents, whether fully investigated or not, contribute to a growing perception that the police have been transformed into a state-sanctioned malicious force.
Gregory Coleman has become a self-decorated national instrument of terror against the sovereignty of the Liberian people. Evidently, he now runs a dangerous police torture chamber where innocent liberians are taken into for death-defying punishment.
Mr. Coleman, who is reported to have influenced the appointment of the Drug Enforcement head, is allegedly collaborating with dangerous drug cartels in Monrovia, turning the country into a hub and transit point for regional and international drug trafficking networks.
In this context, continued external spport, particularly from the United States, raises serious ethical and policy concerns. There is a legitimate fear among citizens that U.S. taxpayer funding, intended to support peace, stability, and democratic governance, may instead be enabling or sustaining practices that are inconsistent with those very goals. If left unaddressed, this risks not only undermining U.S. credibility but also contributing, even if unintentionally, to the erosion of democratic norms in Liberia.
More troubling is the pattern of alleged police involvement in human rights violations, including brutality, unlawful killings, and deaths in custody, with little to no evidence of investigation or prosecution. Notable cases include:
- Amanda Nebo – Murder (April 14, 2024)
https://www.liberianobserver.com/news/serial-killer-roaming-japanese-freeway/article_9ce7f01a-07c3-11ef-978b-1f2bff092054.html
No state prosecution
- Morris Gomo – Died in government custody while awaiting trial (July 2, 2024)
https://frontpageafricaonline.com/legal-issues/liberia-man-61-dies-in-custody-at-cocopa-magisterial-court-judge-arrested/
https://thenewdawnliberia.com/61-year-old-inmate-found-dead-in-prison/
3.No state investigation
Franklin Dargor – Police brutality (March 12, 2024)
https://frontpageafricaonline.com/crime/liberia-police-charge-man-with-murder-for-allegedly-stabbing-to-death-16-year-old-boy/
4.No state prosecution
Austine Yarkpawolo – Death linked to police brutality (April 17, 2024)
https://thenewdawnliberia.com/police-brutality-leads-to-death/
5.No state prosecution
Bangalie Kamara – Shot by police (February 28, 2024)
6.No state prosecution
Essah Massaley – Shot by police (February 28, 2024)
7.No state prosecution
James Kandy – Shot by police (July 1, 2024)
8.No state prosecution
Prince Wreyou – Died in custody (April 12, 2024)
9.No state investigation
19-year-old suspect – Found dead in police custody (January 2025, Voinjama)
These cases point to a consistent pattern of alleged abuse, excessive use of force, and deaths in custody involving police actors, without corresponding accountability measures.
This trend reinforces a growing perception that the police have been transformed into what many describe as a state-sanctioned malicious force.
In this context, continued U.S. support raises serious concerns. There is a legitimate fear that U.S. taxpayer resources, intended to support democratic policing, may instead be contributing to practices that harm citizens and weaken the state.
Given the seriousness of these issues, I respectfully urge the United States Government through its Embassy in Liberia to take the following actions:
Advocate for the immediate launch of an independent, transparent, and comprehensive investigation into the use, oversight, and impact of U.S. support to the Liberia National Police.
Such an investigation should assess whether funds, training, and logistical support are being used in alignment with their intended objectives.
Consider a temporary suspension or conditional restructuring of U.S. assistance to the LNP, pending the outcome of such an investigation.
Future support should be explicitly tied to measurable reforms, including strengthened accountability systems, human rights compliance, and demonstrable improvements in professional conduct.
Encourage greater transparency and public reporting mechanisms, so that Liberian citizens can better understand how international assistance is being used within their national institutions.
The people of Liberia value the longstanding and traditional partnership with the United States, particularly its role in supporting peacebuilding and democratic development.
It is precisely because of this relationship that these concerns must be raised clearly and constructively.
International support must reinforce institutions that serve the public good,not those perceived to act against it.
I trust that your office will treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves and take the necessary steps to ensure that U.S. engagement in Liberia remains aligned with the principles of accountability, justice, and respect for human rights.
Thank you for your attention and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jefferson T. Koijee
Secretary General
Congress for Democratic Change