The Inspector General (IG) of the Liberia National Police (LNP), Gregory Coleman, has declared the grounds of the Executive Mansion as a “no go-zone.”
The restriction was enforced on Thursday, July 16, amidst threats from potential protestors, who vowed to plunged the city into chaos today, July 17.
IG Coleman: “The Executive Mansion will remain a restricted area for all protesters, including ordinary citizens.”
The announcement comes amid growing public anticipation surrounding the demonstration some members of the ‘civil society’ have organized.
Mulbah K. Morlu, a stalwart of the opposition congress for democratic change (CDC), is spearheading the protest.
Morlu is the executive director of the Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND). His today’s protest is expected to draw participation from various groups, including University of Liberia campus-based Student Unification Party.
Other organizers have indicated that the demonstration is intended to address national concerns, and demand accountability on key governance issues.
But IG Coleman declared that the restriction on the Executive Mansion, a seat of the President, is part of security measures to maintain order.
He said, police officers will be deployed in every part of Monrovia, mainly in strategic locations to prevent any potential violence, destruction of property, or threats to public safety during the demonstration.
Despite the restrictions, Coleman reaffirmed the government’s commitment to uphold the constitutional rights of citizens, including the right to ‘peacefully assemble.’
He assured the public that while security forces will remain vigilant, protesters will be allowed to express themselves freely within the confines of the law.
Authorities have meanwhile, urged all participants, and residents to remain calm and avoid panic as the situation unfolds.
The LNP has also called on organizers and demonstrators to conduct themselves peacefully, stressing that cooperation between citizens and security forces will be key to ensure safe and orderly protest.
Source: Emmanuel Mopolu/ Insights Liberia