Liberia’s prominent civil society and anti-impunity organization, the Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), condemns the August 22 police raid that allegedly targeted the Small Town community but spread into the headquarters of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC).

STAND therefore calls for an immediate investigation into the unfortunate incident—which brought normal business activity to a standstill, created panic and pandemonium, and resulted in multiple injuries on both sides—STAND demands that those responsible be held accountable and face appropriate sanctions to set a precedent against future occurrences.

STAND insists that the police should have exercised the utmost caution, even if individuals suspected of committing crimes entered the compound of a major opposition political party. In view of this, the most logical approach would have been to engage with the leadership of the CDC in a peaceful, respectful, and amicable manner, seeking their cooperation to apprehend those individuals who allegedly crossed into the compound.

In STAND’s opinion, political party headquarters, like religious places and embassies, should enjoy a degree of sanctity and immunity from the use of heavy arms and brute force. Such actions undermine basic decency and human rights.

In line with civilized norms and human decency, STAND finds it prudent that the Government of Liberia cover the cost of treatment for all injured persons and provide compensation for damages to goods and property in the affected areas.

STAND’s statement reflects the findings of its own preliminary investigation. After listening to eyewitnesses, reviewing video clips of the incident from independent media, and considering the government’s account expressed in a press release, STAND is aggrieved that the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), with backing from the Liberia National Police (which later assumed full operational control), acted arbitrarily in its raid on the premises of the Congress for Democratic Change without a search and seizure warrant.

Hailing Liberia’s nascent democracy, STAND stresses that the government of Liberia and its law enforcement agencies cannot ignore the rule of law, which mandates that the rights of individuals and groups (both public and private) must always be respected, protected, and guaranteed, regardless of the circumstances or suspicions against them.

It is evident that the Liberian government’s alternative justification for the raid—suggesting that members of the CDC provoked the police following a DEA ‘Special Operation’ in the community where the party is located—is unjustified and without merit.

Given the visible presence of the Congress for Democratic Change’s Headquarters in the targeted area, the leadership of the Drug Enforcement Agency should have acted prudently by alerting the party’s leadership, thereby taking steps to avoid needless confrontation and escalation.

At the same time, peaceful protest and lawful agitation are components of legislated democratic freedom. It is high time that law enforcement institutions and their officers embrace protest actions as legitimate, rather than viewing such healthy exercises as extinguishable threats.

When handled properly and legally, peaceful protests are a catalyst for social change and are essential for citizen participation in a pluralistic democratic society. They enable individuals and groups to share their views and interests, express dissent, and make reasonable demands of the government or other institutions, whether public or private.

In conclusion, while backing the government’s efforts to combat drug abuse, and related crimes, STAND urges the DEA and security agencies to adhere strictly to due process in their fight against illicit substances, ensuring that abuse and overreach are avoided.

STAND reminds the government that it is primarily responsible for maintaining peace, security, and stability within the state, and its operational approach should always be guided by this constitutional obligation.

Additionally, STAND urges all groups, including the CDC, to seek redress through the legal system if their rights are violated, rather than resorting to violence or actions that could endanger the general population, including members of their own party.

STAND also believes it is time for President Joseph Boakai to prioritize national reconciliation and unity as a key focus of his governance.