Monrovia – The University of Liberia (UL) is facing growing public criticism for its silence regarding recent violent actions allegedly carried out by members of the Student Unification Party (SUP) at the Liberia Football Association (LFA) headquarters.
By Christopher Walker
The incident, which saw individuals in SUP attire vandalizing property and engaging in violent acts under the guise of a protest, has sparked outrage both locally and internationally.
The protesters, reportedly students from UL, were filmed destroying property and wielding weapons during the unrest. The act has been widely condemned, with many labeling it as “domestic terrorism.”
Despite the seriousness of the situation, the University of Liberia has yet to issue any public statement denouncing the actions of the students or taking disciplinary measures against the individuals involved.
Several UL students, including Stephen Brown, Momo Buttel, Christian Bryant, and Obadiah Jallah, have been arrested in connection with the violence. They face charges of criminal conspiracy, rioting, attempted murder, and destruction of property.
However, despite these serious charges, the university administration has not addressed the issue, sparking concerns over a growing culture of impunity among student groups.
This inaction has ignited frustration, even from within the SUP ranks, with some veteran members expressing shock over the violent behavior of their peers. Critics argue that the University’s failure to act undermines its authority and its commitment to its own student policies, which prohibit violence and hooliganism.
A politically motivated group has also raised concerns in a letter to the university, urging the administration to expel those responsible for the violence. They warned that tolerating such behavior sets a dangerous precedent for both the university and the nation.
The University’s failure to respond to these events is drawing increasing concern from observers, who suggest that political pressures or fear of confronting the powerful SUP may be influencing the administration’s stance. Regardless of the reasons behind the silence, many see it as a sign of administrative weakness and a failure of leadership.
The Student Unification Party (SUP) is not exempt from the law, and it is not above the disciplinary regulations of the University of Liberia. While the group is entitled to express its views, it must do so within the framework of the law and university rules. If the university continues to allow unchecked violence, it risks further destabilizing its reputation and fostering an environment of lawlessness.
International organizations, including FIFA and CAF, are also monitoring the situation, particularly given the repeated disruptions at the LFA headquarters.
This facility, funded by FIFA, is critical to Liberia’s football infrastructure, and ongoing violence could result in severe international consequences for Liberia’s football standing.
As pressure builds, UL President Dr. Layli Maparyan faces a critical decision. She must choose between taking decisive action to restore order and discipline or allowing the situation to worsen, which could tarnish the university’s reputation and lead to further unrest on campus.
