Monrovia – A tense standoff erupted on Monday afternoon on Tubman Boulevard in Congo Town as officers of the Liberia National Police faced off against a group claiming to be dismissed officers of the Executive Protective Service (EPS). Despite the heightened tensions, there were no reports of violence or injuries.
The dismissed EPS officers have been vocal about what they term as their illegal dismissal without benefits by EPS Boss Sam Gaye. Over the weekend, a leaked audio recording revealed plans by the group to stage a protest on Monday. This prompted riot police to be stationed at various strategic points early in the day to maintain order.
One of the alleged dismissed officers stated, “We were unjustly removed from our positions without any compensation. We have families to support, and this is not how we should be treated after serving our country.”
The situation escalated when the dismissed officers, along with supporters of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), became agitated by the presence of the riot police near the CDC headquarters. The supporters perceived the police presence as a provocation. A CDC supporter, visibly upset, remarked, “This is clearly an attempt to intimidate us. We have the right to peacefully protest and voice our grievances.”
As tensions mounted, the group began advancing towards the police, who had established a buffer zone to prevent them from blocking the main road. Our reporter on the scene described the atmosphere as charged, with both sides initially unwilling to back down.
In a bid to de-escalate the situation, senior members of the CDC intervened. An appeal was made for the supporters to return to the CDC headquarters and clear the road. One CDC hierarchy member, addressing the crowd, urged, “Let us maintain peace and order. We understand your frustrations, but we must approach this in a manner that does not lead to chaos.”
Following this intervention, the crowd gradually dispersed, and calm was restored on Tubman Boulevard. The police maintained their presence to ensure the situation remained under control.
Meanwhile, CDC National Secretary Jefferson Koijee condemned the action of the police, terming it as provocation.
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