By By: Alphanso G. Kalama;
Capitol Hill, Monrovia – In a fierce condemnation of escalating violence at the University of Liberia (UL), President Dr. Ophelia Inez Weeks Maparyan has denounced the Student Unification Party (SUP) for its brutal attack against Vice President of Student Affairs, Professor Sekou Konneh. In her powerful address to the student body, Dr. Maparyan did not mince words, branding the assault a “grave offense” and warning of swift, unforgiving consequences.
“Leaving a trail of destruction is an immature tactic,” Dr. Maparyan declared, signaling an end to tolerance for what she called “hooliganistic protests” that disrupted education, injured university staff, and weaponized fear on the Fendall and Capitol Hill campuses.
The violent scenes unfolded when members of SUP allegedly stormed the Office of Student Affairs armed with sticks and knives. Two staff members were physically assaulted, and one had to seek urgent medical treatment. According to university regulations—and reiterated firmly by Dr. Maparyan—bringing weapons onto campus is an offense punishable by immediate expulsion, with no warning required.
“If reports prove to be true… you will be expelled,” she said, referencing a strict policy that all students were warned about during last month’s Town Hall.
The SUP had earlier claimed grievances against Prof. Konneh’s handling of suspension letters and blocking student ID numbers, accusing the Vice President of violating students’ rights by bypassing due process. Despite Dr. Maparyan’s assurance that a thorough investigation would be conducted, SUP members chose escalation over dialogue, culminating in this latest violent episode.
In a move seen by many as not only reckless but dangerously irresponsible, SUP members circulated a “Wanted” poster featuring Prof. Konneh’s image over the weekend—an action which Dr. Maparyan decried as “a direct threat to the safety of university leadership and a violation of both policy and law.”
Crucially, Dr. Maparyan warned that SUP’s actions had lost any moral high ground they claimed to hold.
“The true revolutionary is guided by great feelings of love,” she reminded them, quoting Che Guevara. “This—not the violence we witnessed today—is what I expect of you.“
She further rebuked the group’s disregard for proportionality—a fundamental principle even in warfare—insisting that the retaliation was wholly disproportionate to the complaints raised.
“The University of Liberia exists to deliver education and not to serve as a political playground,” she said sternly, emphasizing that education—not chaos—must remain the institution’s primary mission.
The president also extended an olive branch to the more peaceful elements within SUP, urging those members to disavow violence and advocate for change through constructive means.
“There is so much we could do together if only the violence and irascibility would stop,” she pleaded, highlighting a path forward based on reform, not destruction.
As the administration prepares for disciplinary investigations, expulsions and suspensions loom for those responsible. Today’s events mark a sobering chapter in UL’s ongoing struggle to balance student activism with the rule of law and the university’s academic mission.
