Published: November 17, 2025
MONROVIA – The Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), one of Liberia’s rising political parties, has sharply condemned Thursday’s violent clashes in the Red Light–Barclay Mission community, warning that the country is sliding into a dangerous culture of mob defiance and weakened state authority.
The party says the mayhem that erupted during a Supreme Court–mandated eviction is not just a local dispute but a national wake-up call that Liberia’s rule of law is under threat.
CMC Blames Political Lawlessness, Not Just the Crowd
In a strongly worded statement issued Friday, CMC said it is “deeply concerned about a growing pattern” of citizens openly resisting lawful court orders—calling the trend a direct threat to Liberia’s stability, justice system, and democratic progress.
The chaos began when Liberia National Police officers accompanied court sheriffs to execute an eviction order against the Kamara family. The Supreme Court had ruled earlier this year that the Keita family legally owns the property in question.
But dozens of residents erupted in protest, attacking police with rocks, bottles, and petrol bombs. Police responded with waves of teargas to clear the area, ultimately arresting fourteen individuals.
CMC condemned the violence as reckless and unacceptable
“No community or individual has the right to challenge a lawful judicial decision through mob action,” the political party declared.
“Whether we agree with the ruling or not, the courts must be respected.”
The party warned that Liberia cannot afford a precedent where communities decide which court orders to obey.
CMC Also Blames the Police: “Protect Everyone — Even the Accused”
While criticizing the mob, CMC also took aim at the Liberia National Police for failing to protect some individuals who were reportedly beaten and humiliated during the incident.
As a political party competing on a platform of fairness, rule of law, and citizen protection, CMC emphasized that police responsibility does not end at arrest.
“Once an individual is in police custody, their safety and well-being become the full responsibility of the LNP,” the party said. “The negligence displayed yesterday cannot be excused.” CMC called for immediate corrective action at the leadership level of the LNP.
A Long Land Dispute Ignites a National Debate
Thursday’s violence is the latest flare-up in a heated property dispute stemming from a 1989 land purchase by Batune Keita.
The Supreme Court ruled in August that the Kamara family had illegally occupied the land and collected rent. But the Kamaras insist the ruling is flawed, alleging judicial interference and a faulty survey.
These competing narratives have divided the Barclay Mission community and contributed to the explosion of violence. CMC, however, insists the deeper danger is not the land dispute itself—but what the public reaction reveals about rising distrust in national institutions.
CMC Warns Against Tribalizing Court Decision
In its statement, the political party urged Liberians not to turn land disputes into tribal or political battlegrounds.
“A conflict is not a tribal attack. A court decision is not a tribal matter,” the party emphasized.
“We must remove tribalism, religious sentiments, and intimidation from our justice system.”
CMC fears that if such divisions deepen, they could tear communities apart and undermine state authority.
A Political Party Positioning Itself for National Leadership
CMC called on youth, elders, community leaders, and religious institutions to help cool tensions and restore calm. But the party also made clear that the Red Light incident represents a national leadership vacuum, one it intends to address.
“Liberia rises together or falls together,” CMC Chairman James M. Y. Yougie said. “We must build a society where the law protects everyone and justice is respected by all.”
Discussion about this post