Published: July 9, 2025
CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia – While Liberian senators arrive in air-conditioned SUVs and are protected by a civilian security guards operating with full logistical support, the Senate’s official security arm—the Sergeant-at-Arms Unit—is left drenched in the rain, without basic tools, uniforms, or even means of transportation.
These trained military professionals, led by Brigadier General Toe Cheleh Toe, II, are tasked with maintaining order in the Senate, escorting senators, and safeguarding legislative operations. Yet, they’re reduced to begging for resources and catching commercial taxis home, even as they remain the designated security force for the President Pro Tempore and all 29 senators.
A months-long investigation by The Liberian Investigator (TLI) has uncovered a deepening crisis within the Sergeant-at-Arms Unit marked by neglect, underfunding, and growing political interference. The result is a demoralized corps that now teeters on the brink of protest.
Guarding Power, Yet Powerless
Despite their crucial role, General Toe and his men and women have been stripped of the basic means to perform. The last time he received an official vehicle was over a decade ago during the administration of then Pro Tempore Gbehzohngar Findley. Since then, requests for new transport have been ignored, sources said.
Even worse, the entire unit operates with only eight staff—far below the manpower needed to cover the sprawling Capitol grounds, assist legislative committees, and perform ceremonial duties.
“They haven’t even had refresher training in years,” a senior legislative staffer told TLI. “Yet senators depend on them for their personal security and legislative order.”
The last known training session occurred during the early tenure of former Senator Stephen Zargo, when he chaired the Senate Defense Committee. Today, under the committee’s new chair, Senator Momo T. Cyrus, pleas for support have gone unanswered.
Brigadier General Toe Cheleh Toe, II, administering oath to an official before a hearing
Overlooked in Favor of a Civilian Force
Much of the neglect stems from the rise of the Liberian Senate Security (LSS)—a civilian-run force established under the influence of current Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence when she chaired the Rules, Order, and Administration Committee.
Since then, LSS has grown to over 30 staff and is seeking legal recognition under a proposed Liberia Capitol Police Act. The LSS enjoys regular supply of uniforms, logistics, and transportation—luxuries denied to the Sergeant-at-Arms Unit.
While LSS Director Dionysius Wisseh received financial support to purchase a car, General Toe remains without transport. His deputies, like James Tingbeh, have turned to buying motorbikes out of pocket.
“The sidelining of trained military personnel in favor of a political civilian unit is unfair, it’s dangerous,” said one Senate insider. “Security should be about professionalism, not politics.”
Clashing Mandates, Confused Roles
The dual presence of LSS and the Sergeant-at-Arms Unit has led to frequent clashes, especially during the escort of nominees and officials. Both units assert authority, leading to confusion and embarrassment during official functions.
“The Sergeant-at-Arms is supposed to be in charge. But now, you have civilians with unclear mandates stepping in and undermining their work,” one source said.
LNP officers have also reportedly entered Senate grounds with firearms—sometimes accompanying government officials—without notifying the Sergeant-at-Arms, in violation of established protocols.
“The Unit is supposed to be in charge of security here. But increasingly, they’re being bypassed, and it’s becoming chaotic,” another source warned.
Head of the LSS getting into his vehicle
Civilian Oversight Dilutes Military Authority
Adding insult to injury, the Sergeant-at-Arms Unit operates under the Office of the Secretary of the Senate—a civilian position held by Nanborloh Singbeh. There are allegations that the Unit’s budget proposals are routinely altered or ignored.
A 2022 budget request of just US$22,630—for items including a pick-up vehicle, uniforms, radios, and basic office equipment—was mostly dismissed. Only an old air conditioner was replaced.
“It’s a ghost office,” observed TLI reporter who visited the Unit’s headquarters. “No chairs, no fridge, no TV—nothing that reflects the dignity of their position.”
Calls to restructure the Unit’s reporting line, modeled after a similar change recently made in the House of Representatives, have so far failed in the Senate.
Politically Driven Promotions Erode Morale
Senators are also accused of interfering in internal promotions. Maryland County Senator J. Gbleh-bo Brown, who now chairs the Senate’s Rules, Order, and Administration Committee, is one of the accused.
Multiple sources confirmed that Brown orchestrated the rapid elevation of Precelia Y. G. Zoeta, a new recruit listed as a Messenger, to the high-ranking role of Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms for Administration—commonly called Doorman 1—despite being on probation and lacking requisite training.
Her promotion leapfrogged over senior staff like Captain Polsen Dean and Captain Archie Moses, both of whom have long records of service.
“She’s learning from the same people she now outranks,” a veteran officer told TLI. “That’s not just demoralizing—it’s a security risk.”
A list obtained by TLI shows 59 new recruits linked to various senators. Many fear this politically motivated hiring spree will further destabilize the fragile structure of the Senate’s official security.
Senate Defense Committee chair, Senator Momo T. Cyrus
On the Brink of a Shutdown
The discontent has reached a boiling point. TLI has learned that officers in the Sergeant-at-Arms Unit plan to begin boycotting duties in coming weeks to protest “gross disrespect and political interference.”
According to sources, some senators are aware of the planned action and privately support it.
“They know the truth. Some are just afraid to speak out,” one insider noted.
Maryland County Senator J. Gbleh-bo Brown, Senate’s Rules, Order, and Administration Committee
Capitol Police Act Fuels Fears of Marginalization
On June 26, the Senate’s joint committee on Judiciary and Defense submitted a report urging concurrence with the House’s passage of the Liberia Capitol Police Act of 2024.
The Act seeks to create a new independent security force—further institutionalizing the LSS and sidelining the Sergeant-at-Arms.
While the bill cites the need for “autonomous protection of legislative facilities,” staff argue that it’s a political smokescreen designed to replace disciplined military personnel with loyalists.
Pro Tempore Lawrence declined to respond directly to inquiries, referring TLI to Senator Brown. He, too, failed to return multiple messages and calls. Senator Cyrus, contacted through his chief of office staff, acknowledged receipt of TLI’s inquiry but has yet to respond.
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