By Joe N. Wandah
After decades of civil violence; a tragic period orchestrated and fueled allegedly by some surviving Liberian politicians for their selfish interests, the country remains without adequate community security.
Though the constitution guarantees protection for all, the reality is far different. The nation has instead given rise to hardened criminals, who now terrorize innocent Liberians, and foreign nationals in broad daylight, and under the cover of darkness.
Constitutional Mandate Ignored
Article 11(a) of the constitution clearly states:
“All persons are born equally free and independent, and have certain natural, inherent and inalienable rights. Among these are the right of enjoying and defending life and liberty of pursuing, and maintaining the security of the person, and of acquiring, possessing and protecting property, subject to such qualifications as provided for in this constitution.”
Yet in practice, these rights are accessible to only a few: the executive, the legislature, the judiciary, and major foreign investors.
Meanwhile, ordinary communities remain exposed; overwhelmed by crime, and lacked visible or active police presence. Gun-and cutlass-wielding youths roam freely, unchallenged by any meaningful law enforcement effort.
Ignored Recommendations and Selective Security
Research shows that the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), during its presence in the country, recommended that Liberia’s leadership under former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf recruited more police officers to ensure nationwide security. Sadly, those recommendations were largely ignored for reasons known only to certain politicians, and officials.
Today, Liberians wake up to the sounds of heavily guarded convoys escorting government officials, who face no more danger than the average citizen, and yet, it’s the ordinary Liberians, who walk the streets, constantly looking over their shoulders, praying not to fall victim to armed robbers on motorcycles or in kehkeh (tri-cycles).
Ironically, these same vulnerable citizens are expected to pay taxes to sustain the economy, and fund the very system that continues to neglect them.
Failed Rehabilitation and Misused Funds
After the first post-war elections that brought Madam Sirleaf to power, the international community contributed significant financial support to aid in the rehabilitation of war-affected individuals, both combatants, and non-combatants preparing them for peaceful reintegration into society.
However, to the dismay of many, reports suggest that funds intended for mental health counseling and reintegration were allegedly diverted. As a result, many former combatants were never properly rehabilitated, and now form part of the criminal underworld that today plagues communities.
Security for the Few, Not the Many
From past to present, the Liberian security apparatus appears to prioritize the protection of elites. It is common to see long convoys with blaring sirens ferrying high-ranking officials through the streets, while communities suffer unchecked violence.
In broad daylight, robbers on motorcycles, and kehkehs snatch citizens’ belongings, as they rride through police checkpoints with ease.
Meanwhile, officers stationed nearby do little to intervene; often focused solely on traffic violations rather than public safety.
This behavior sends a clear message: that the security forces prioritize top officials over the very citizens, who voted them into office.
A Stark Reminder
Former President George Weah once told Liberians to “buy CCTV cameras for their homes,” if they wanted to feel secure. Many brushed off the comment, but the reality of his six-year tenure tells a different story; one marred by a surge in violent crimes, including murders, rape and armed robbery.
Liberia has failed to address the legacy of impunity. Many of the same individuals, who committed atrocities during the war now believe that criminality remains a legitimate means of survival; confident they will never face consequences due to powerful connections.
A Demand for Accountability
Why have successive governments and their security agencies reneged on their constitutional duty to protect all Liberians?
The constitution clearly states that every government must ensure the safety and security of its people. Liberians are now demanding answers not excuses, but in the face of daily terror and lawlessness.
Article 11(a) is not mere ink on paper. It is a binding obligation. It’s time the government honors it.
