Liberia: CDC-COP Chairman Massaquoi Alleges Brutality, Claims “Boakai Has Killed Democracy”  - FrontPageAfrica

MONROVIA – The Chairman of the CDC-Council of Patriots (CDC-COP), Foday N. Massaquoi, has issued a strongly worded statement after released from detention at the headquarters of the Liberia National Police, alleging unlawful arrest, police brutality, and what he described as a broader erosion of democracy under the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.

By Webster Clayeh

In the statement dated April 26, Massaquoi recounted his experience following the April 14 “March for Jobs and Justice,” while calling for international intervention, including from the United States.

“Fellow countrymen, hardworking professional journalists, our supportive brethren in the diaspora, and patriotic Liberians: I bring you sorrowful greetings from the rusty and smelling prison of the Liberia National Police Headquarters. Speaking to you today is nothing short of a miracle—clear confirmation that God Almighty remains the preserver and protector of life,” Massaquoi said.

Allegations of Threats and ‘Shoot-to-Kill’ Order

Massaquoi claimed that prior to the protest, he received intelligence suggesting he had been declared a national security threat.

He said: “Fellow Liberians, since April 6, 2026, when CDC-COP endorsed the April 14 March for Jobs and Justice organized by SUP, I received credible intelligence that the Boakai-Koung administration had declared me a threat to national security.”

Massaquoi further alleged: “On the morning of April 13, 2026, our intelligence intercepted information that a shoot-to-kill order had been issued by President Joseph N. Boakai, after which he ran away for Ethiopia.”

“I was clearly warned and directly threatened by top security officers who had knowledge of this death order, urging me not to attend the protest.”

Despite the alleged threats, Massaquoi said he chose to participate in the “Jobs and Justice Protest organized by the Students Unification Party, a students based political party at the University of Liberia.

He said: “But as a man of faith, I am guided by scripture: though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we fear no evil.”

“I stepped out knowing that the President of the Republic of Liberia had ordered the death of a citizen simply for advocating on behalf of his people. What is the crime in citizens calling for jobs and justice?” Massaquoi asked.

Claims of Police Brutality

Describing the protest as peaceful, Massaquoi accused security forces of using excessive force.

CDC-COP Chairman added: “Students, youths, and citizens gathered in their thousands, expressing their pain and frustration with the hope that their government would listen. Instead, the police arrived with a clear instruction: to shoot, to kill, and to remove crowd.”

He added: “Why should the police fire live bullets and tear gas at harmless citizens demanding jobs and justice? Article 17 of our Constitution protects our right to peacefully assemble.”

Massaquoi also described his arrest and alleged mistreatment: “My people, beyond what the public saw, I was treated like a common criminal—stripped naked, beaten with batons, kicked in the stomach, and taken into a separate room where officers demanded access to my phone.”

Democracy and Governance Concerns

The CDC-COP Chairman framed his arrest as part of a wider effort to silence dissent. He added: “I accept death over defeat—but today, I cry and bleed for something greater: the death of democracy in Liberia.”

He questioned whether the current conditions reflect the country’s democratic ideals. “Is this the multiparty democracy that Gabriel Baccus Matthews and others died for?” he said.

Criticism of Government Officials

Massaquoi also criticized Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung: “Mr. Jeremiah Kpah Koung celebrated my unlawful arrest and brutality. I am a political prisoner.”

He further called on opposition leaders, including George Manneh Weah, Alexander Cummings, Benoni Urey, and Musa Bility, to act: “A government that cannot allow its citizens to march has absolutely no intention of conducting free and fair elections.”

Call for U.S. and International Intervention

In one of the most striking parts of the statement, Massaquoi appealed directly to the United States: “That is why we call on President Donald J. Trump and the United States to intervene.”

He furthered: “We seek urgent international attention similar to interventions seen in other troubled democracies like Venezuela. We need sanctions before it’s too late.”

Legislative and Economic Concerns

The CDC-COP also condemned recent political and economic developments, including the reported expulsion of Representative Yekeh Kolubah.

CDC-COP Chairman said: “This action is a blatant violation of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia.” The group further criticized the monetary policy decisions and legislative actions:

“CDC-COP also rejects the printing of an additional 79 billion Liberian dollars, which we view as reckless, politically motivated, and evidence of a failed economic strategy.”

He added: “We further condemn the 55th Legislature’s attempt to increase electoral districts from 73 to 89.”

Allegations Surrounding International Travel

Massaquoi also raised concerns about President Boakai’s recent trip to the United States: “President Joseph Boakai’s recent trip to the United States… was not a state visit but an ‘award safari’.”

“We have gathered information suggesting that $1 million of taxpayers’ money was spent to secure this award,” he said.

Conclusion and Political Positioning

Despite his detention, Massaquoi signaled continued political resistance: “We will turn this unlawful incarceration into fuel. Fuel

to inspire, accelerate, and sustain the struggle of the Liberian people for jobs, justice, and national redemption.”

“President Boakai must Lead or Leave. This is just the beginning.”

The statement concluded with a call for unity and continued political engagement:

“We call on all Liberians to remain steadfast. Together, we will redeem this country.”

The government of Liberia and the Liberia National Police had not responded to these allegations at the time of publication.