SOURCE: FrontpageAfrica
Margibi County – Police on Monday fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of jubilant supporters of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) who had thronged the Roberts International Airport (RIA) to welcome former President George Manneh Weah back to Liberia.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh, websterclayeh@frontpageafricaonline.com
Eyewitnesses said CDC partisans assembled early at the airport, chanting slogans, singing, and dancing in anticipation of their leader’s return. The scene, initially celebratory, descended into chaos when officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) attempted to clear the crowd from the airport entrance.
According to witnesses, partisans resisted orders to vacate the premises, prompting officers to release tear gas canisters.
“There was no violence. We were just singing and waiting for our President Weah,” one supporter told FrontPage Africa. “Then the police came and started throwing tear gas. People ran everywhere. Some got hurt.”
Several individuals sustained minor injuries as they scrambled to escape the choking fumes, with some resorting to traditional remedies like leaves and water to ease the effects.
As of press time, the LNP had yet to release an official statement on the incident.
Weah’s return comes at a politically charged moment, weeks after the demolition of his party’s headquarters in Congo Town. His arrival is expected to reenergize the CDC’s base and poses a fresh test for the government’s handling of civil liberties and public order.
This is a developing story…