A large group of Fula community members (Fulanis) gathered in Monrovia on Thursday, July 23, 2025 to protest the brutal treatment of a woman who was violently manhandled by an officer of the Liberia National Police (LNP), in a video that went viral Wednesday evening.
The Viral Incident
The footage—widely circulated on social media—depicts a female officer forcefully pinning the woman to the ground, striking and shouting at her. The video quickly ignited public outrage.
Protest by the Fula Community
Members of the Fula ethnic group mobilized the following day, demanding justice for the victim and calling for accountability from the LNP. Although specific numbers are unavailable, eyewitnesses say the protest was large and peaceful, with demonstrators holding placards reading “Justice for Zainab Bah” and “Stop Police Brutality.”
Response from Police Inspector General
In response, LNP Inspector General Gregory Coleman issued a swift statement:
- Disciplinary Action Initiated: He confirmed the officer in question had been immediately removed from duty pending a thorough internal investigation into the misconduct
- Commitment to Standards: Coleman emphasized the police department’s zero-tolerance policy toward unprofessional conduct and promised full transparency.
- Call for Calm: He appealed to all citizens, including Fulani leaders, to maintain peace and allow legal processes to run their course while asserting that the LNP respects the constitutional right to peaceful
- assembly
Broader Context
This incident is not isolated. Earlier this year, concerns were raised over excessive use of force by the LNP during protests and civil actions—including a widely criticized crackdown in July, where both the CDC Youth League and civil transport workers condemned heavy-handed tactics.
What Happens Next?
- Internal Inquiry: The LNP has launched an internal disciplinary process. Outcomes—including possible suspension or prosecution of the officer—are expected to be announced publicly.
- Fulani Demands: Fula community leaders have called for an independent external investigation. They say a self‑investigation may not restore public confidence in law enforcement.
- Public Sentiment: Civil society and rights groups are closely watching, advocating for systemic police reform and transparency, especially in handling protests and vulnerable communities.
Final Word
Police Inspector General Coleman’s decisive action shows awareness of the gravity of the incident—but whether this builds public trust depends on the transparency and outcomes of the investigation. With the Fula community demanding justice and international observers paying attention, Liberia faces a critical moment in its efforts to reinforce police accountability.
- Viral Incidents Spark Public Outrage: A video of a police officer violently manhandling a woman in Liberia went viral, prompting widespread condemnation and protests by the Fula community.
- Protests Demanding Justice: Members of the Fula ethnic group conducted a large, peaceful demonstration calling for accountability and justice for the victim, Zainab Bah.
- Police Response and Disciplinary Actions: The Liberia National Police announced the immediate removal of the officer involved and promised a thorough internal investigation, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy.
- Broader Context of Police Violence: This incident is part of ongoing concerns over excessive force by the police, with previous protests highlighting issues of brutality in law enforcement practices.
- Next Steps and Public Expectations: An internal inquiry is underway, with calls from Fula leaders for an independent investigation, amidst societal demands for police reform and transparency.
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