Corruption, Instability, and Public Distrust Threaten National Security
Liberia’s security sector is facing a crisis that has left many citizens questioning their safety and the effectiveness of those tasked with upholding law and order. The Liberia National Police (LNP) and the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), institutions that should serve as the backbone of national security, have struggled with corruption, instability, and internal conflicts that have further weakened public confidence.
For many Liberians, becoming a police officer or a soldier is no longer seen as a prestigious career path. Instead, the security sector is perceived as a place where individuals prioritize personal gain over public service. This perception has contributed to a lack of interest among young Liberians in joining the force, further weakening the institutions.
Following Liberia’s brutal 14-year civil war, the nation was left with a fragile security structure. When President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf assumed office in 2006, she inherited a country whose security institutions were in disarray. The Liberia National Police and the Armed Forces of Liberia were deemed incapable of maintaining order, leading to the heavy reliance on the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).
UNMIL, comprising soldiers and police officers from nations such as Nigeria, India, Jordan, and Palestine, played a crucial role in stabilizing Liberia. Their presence ensured that law and order were maintained while the Liberian government sought to rebuild its security sector. However, the slow pace of reform meant that UNMIL forces remained in the country for over a decade. When President Sirleaf left office in 2018, UNMIL officially withdrew, leaving Liberia’s security forces to stand on their own.
Since the withdrawal of UNMIL, Liberia has struggled to maintain a professional and efficient police force. The Liberia National Police Academy, once a symbol of excellence, has lost its reputation due to poor training, corruption, and a lack of discipline among officers. Recent reports of police brutality, extortion, and misconduct have further tarnished the institution’s image.
Tensions between the LNP and the AFL reached a boiling point recently when members of both forces engaged in a public brawl. This shocking incident raised concerns about the stability of the security sector and reinforced fears that Liberia is slipping into lawlessness. Many citizens now feel vulnerable, questioning whether they can truly rely on the police and the military for protection.
Liberians are calling on the government to take immediate action to restore the integrity of the security sector. One major recommendation is the establishment of separate barracks for police officers, similar to those of the military. Currently, many police officers live among civilians, which some argue has contributed to their loss of authority and professionalism.
Additionally, there is a strong push for improved training programs, better salaries, and stricter accountability measures to curb corruption and misconduct within the force. Without these reforms, the Liberia National Police risks becoming an institution that citizens fear rather than respect.
Liberia stands at a crossroads. The security sector, once a symbol of national strength, has become a source of concern. If the government fails to act swiftly, the consequences could be disastrous.
The Liberia National Police and the Armed Forces of Liberia must be restructured, reformed, and given the necessary resources to function effectively. It is only through a strong and professional security sector that Liberia can maintain peace, protect its citizens, and build a nation where law and order prevail.
The time for action is now.