By By: Staff Writer
MONROVIA – The CDC-Council of Patriots (CDC-COP) has petitioned United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, calling for Liberia’s removal from the UN Security Council and requesting targeted sanctions against Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman over alleged human rights violations.
In a letter dated May 11 and addressed through UN Resident Coordinator Christine N. Umutoni, the group cited what it described as “democratic backsliding, human rights violations, and growing insecurity” under the Boakai-Koung administration. CDC-COP stated that domestic channels to address its concerns have been “systematically resisted, ignored, or suppressed.”
Allegations Against Government Branches
The petition alleges that the Legislature has become a “political extension” of the Unity Party Executive, citing the expulsion of a Representative and the removal of an Opposition Speaker. It also referenced public statements attributed to Unity Party Chairman Luther Tarpeh regarding long-term retention of power and employment access for party loyalists.
CDC-COP further alleged that the Judiciary has seen constitutional provisions violated without accountability. The group described the Chief Justice as “unlawful” and claimed the principle of separation of powers has been weakened.
Arrests and Security Incidents
The group said its National Chairman, Foday N. Massaquoi, and several student leaders from the Vanguard Student Unification Party were arrested on April 14, 2026, during peaceful demonstrations. It alleged they were detained, tortured, and stripped without formal charges. Article 17 of the 1986 Liberian Constitution guarantees peaceful assembly.
The petition also referenced the “Kinjor Massacre,” stating that security forces under IG Gregory Coleman were responsible for the deaths of protesters. It claimed the government investigated the incident itself and that promised compensation has not been fully honored. The matter is now the subject of legal action involving the Government of Liberia and Bea Mountain Mining Company.
CDC-COP accused the Liberia National Police of operating as a “killing unit” under Coleman, citing deaths of individuals including James Pandy, Little Favor, and Sgt. Bobby Manneh, as well as reported unexplained deaths in police custody. The group called for UN investigation and targeted sanctions against individuals accused of undermining democracy.
Other Claims
The petition raised additional concerns, including the transfer of national data to a Lebanese company it linked to Hezbollah, rising unemployment, drug abuse, economic hardship, and alleged election manipulation plans. It stated that millions of Liberians are frustrated as democratic institutions weaken.
Call for UN Action
CDC-COP urged the UN, the UN Human Rights Council, and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Liberia to intervene. It argued that Liberia should not hold a Security Council seat while facing allegations of democratic suppression and human rights abuses.
“The United Nations was established to defend peace, protect human dignity, and prevent abuses of power. Liberia now needs that intervention before the situation deteriorates further,” the letter stated.
The petition was signed by the National Executive Council of the CDC-COP and copied to UN Human Rights and the United Nations.
As of publication time, there has been no official response from the Office of the President, the Liberia National Police, or the United Nations regarding the petition.
