The highly anticipated return of former President George Weah on Monday turned chaotic when officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) jolted with supporters of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).
In the melee that ensued, police fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of jubilant supporters of the CDC, who turned out to welcome their political leader, thus sparking outrage and reigniting debate over opposition rights and state power.
From the early hours of Monday, CDC partisans trooped to the airport, waving flags, singing campaign songs, and chanting slogans in anticipation of Mr. Weah’s arrival.
But the mood shifted when police ordered the crowd to empty the entrance of the airport to create space for the expected international guests.
When the supporters refused, officers deployed multiple rounds of tear gas, sending the surging crowd fleeing in panic.
Several people reportedly sustained minor injuries in the stampede, while others were seen rinsing their eyes and using leaves to ease the burning sensation.
“There was no violence. We were just singing and waiting for Pres. Weah. Then, the police started throwing tear gas,” one shaken supporter told this newspaper.
The LNP has not yet issued an official statement, but security sources at the scene cited the arrival of a high-level delegation from the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) as the reason for tightening airport security.
Weah’s homecoming comes against a tense political backdrop, only weeks after the court ordered the demolition of the CDC headquarters in Congo Town, a move that has fueled mistrust between the ruling administration and the opposition.
Civil society organizations and rights advocates swiftly condemned Monday’s events, calling the police response “heavy-handed and unconstitutional.”
“This is not just about Weah’s return; it’s about whether Liberians can freely assemble without intimidation,” one activist said.
Police defenders, however, argued that the intervention was necessary to secure a sensitive national facility and maintain order.
Emerging under heavy escort, Weah briefly addressed his supporters, urging calm and restraint.
“Liberia belongs to all Liberians. No matter your status; we must work together toward our common goals,” Mr. Weah told the crowd amidst heavy security condoned.
Later, in an interaction with journalists, Weah expressed disappointment at the police action, but called on his followers to remain peaceful.
“It’s good to be back in our country. I don’t think what happened today was necessary, but I’m glad to be home.
Let us be civil and make peace, because that is the only way we can move forward,” he said.
“To all of my friends and supporters what happened to us today, don’t worry. George M. Weah is here. We are going to restore and rebuild our party headquarters. This country belongs to all of us.”
Weah also disclosed that his time in Europe was partly to ensure his son, professional footballer Timothy Weah, settled into a new contract before returning to Liberia.