Monrovia-The terrible man handling of the Chairman for the Coalition Democratic Change (CDC), Atty. Janga Augustus Kowo, has not been taken lightly by his supporters and other citizens.
For his supporters, it was a violation of his fundamental human rights. But for the police, they acted in line with the law, even though the chairman raised his hands, indicating that he was up for peace.
In response to the brutalization of the Chairman of the CDC, a formal complaint has been lodged with the United Nations calling for an impartial investigation into the brutalization of Atty. Janga Augustus Kowo, the Chairman of the opposition Congress.
The appeal, directed to H.E. Madam Christine Umutoni, the Resident Coordinator of the UN, highlights a disturbing trend of violence and oppression against opposition leaders in the country.
The incident, which occurred on June 7, 2025, on UN Drive in Monrovia, has raised alarm among human rights advocates and political observers alike. Cllr. Kowo was reportedly on his way to visit four CDC lawmakers incarcerated under what the party describes as politically motivated charges when he was violently assaulted by officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP). Eyewitness accounts and a live video of the incident depict Kowo behaving peacefully, raising questions about the justification for such excessive force.
The letter, penned by Emmanuel M. Johnson, the Youth Chairman of the CDC, accuses Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman of orchestrating this egregious act. It emphasizes that such brazen acts of violence echo the dark days of Liberia’s past, when similar tactics were employed to silence dissent and instigate a devastating civil war. Johnson’s letter asserts that the actions of the LNP not only contravene the Liberian Constitution but also breach international laws against torture and inhumane treatment.
“This is not just an attack on Cllr. Kowo but on democracy itself,” stated Johnson. “We cannot allow the police, under the guise of law enforcement, to act as a militia targeting those who oppose the government. This behavior threatens the fragile peace we have fought so hard to achieve.”
The letter also draws attention to a series of alarming human rights violations committed by the LNP under Coleman’s leadership. These include the alleged killings of innocent civilians in various incidents throughout the past year, raising concerns about the police’s ability to protect the citizens they are sworn to serve.
The call for an investigation comes at a critical time when tensions are already high in Liberia. With the country still reeling from its tumultuous history, the potential for unrest looms large if the government fails to address the growing discontent among the populace.
Human rights organizations and political analysts warn that the continuous targeting of opposition figures could lead Liberia back into chaos, undoing years of progress towards stability and peace. As the world watches, the response from the international community, particularly the UN, remains crucial in shaping the future of governance and human rights in Liberia.
The CDC has attached a video of the incident to support its claims, hoping that it will prompt immediate action from the United Nations and other diplomatic entities. The urgent need for a transparent and thorough investigation has never been more apparent, as citizens demand accountability and justice in the face of rising authoritarianism.
As Liberia stands at a crossroads, the actions taken in the coming days will be pivotal in determining whether the nation can maintain its hard-won peace or if it will descend into the turmoil of its past. The spotlight is now firmly on the LNP and the government, with the eyes of the world watching closely.
