Security Forces Mobilize Ahead of July 17 Protest:“Jesus Weeps!” Echoes at LNP Headquarters

In anticipation of the planned protest slated for July 17, 2025, Liberia’s Joint Security Forces have ramped up nationwide preparations to maintain peace, law, and order. The mobilization involves coordinated readiness efforts by the Liberia National Police (LNP), Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), and other national security agencies. The demonstration, organized by opposition political figures and civil society groups, is expected to draw large crowds into the streets of Monrovia and other key cities, prompting heightened security alertness. In response, security officers have intensified drills, conducted strategic deployment exercises, and checked the operational readiness of crowd-control equipment including tear gas canisters, water cannons, batons, riot shields, and firearms. On Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at the LNP Headquarters on Capitol Hill, a group of police officers could be seen dancing and chanting in unison. In a striking and symbolic moment, they echoed the words from the Gospel of John 11:35 “Jesus wept.” The biblical phrase, which is the shortest verse in the Bible, reverberated across the police compound and drew public attention to the emotional and spiritual weight surrounding the upcoming protest. “‘Jesus wept’ speaks to the sorrow we feel as peace officers when our nation approaches the brink of unrest,” said a senior police official who asked not to be named. “We are here to serve and protect, not to oppress. But we will not allow chaos.” In a briefing held Monday evening, Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman reiterated that the Joint Security is committed to upholding the rule of law and the constitutional rights of all Liberians including the right to peaceful assembly as enshrined in Article 17 of the Constitution. However, he emphasized that unlawful gatherings, violence, and destruction of property will not be tolerated. “We are not preparing for war; we are preparing for peace,” Inspector General Coleman said. “Our deployment is meant to ensure public safety, protect lives, and preserve public infrastructure. Any group or individual seeking to exploit this moment to incite violence will be dealt with according to the law.” He further disclosed that intelligence units have been activated to monitor potential flashpoints, and community-based security networks are working in collaboration with local stakeholders to prevent infiltration by individuals with disruptive agendas. From Paynesville to Ganta, and from Buchanan to Zwedru, regional command posts have received fresh directives to stand ready, while maintaining professional conduct in handling protest scenarios. The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) have not been activated but remain on standby, according to a source at the Ministry of National Defense. In addition, the Liberia Immigration Service has increased surveillance at key border points to guard against any cross-border movement of weapons or foreign agitators. The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency has been instructed to monitor known hotspots for potential use of narcotics to incite reckless behavior among youth participants. Security analysts say this is one of the most coordinated protest readiness exercises in recent years, reflecting both the seriousness of the anticipated demonstration and the government’s intention to avoid a repeat of violent incidents that have marred previous political protests. In the lead-up to the protest, Liberia’s religious community has called for prayer, peace, and restraint. The Council of Churches, the National Muslim Council, and various traditional leaders have urged citizens to channel their grievances through nonviolent and constructive means. “We understand the frustration. We hear the cry for justice and accountability,” said a Reverend of the Council of Churches. “But we must not let our anger destroy our country. When the police say, ‘Jesus wept,’ it’s a call to the soul of the nation a reminder that God grieves when His children fight.” The Liberia National Police has released the following public guidance: 

• Peaceful protest is allowed but must follow established procedures, including notifying authorities in advance.
• Protesters must refrain from blocking roads, attacking facilities, or threatening security forces.
• Parents are advised to keep school-age children home on July 17 if they live in or near expected protest zones.
• Businesses and public facilities should assess their security posture and remain alert.

Inspector General Coleman concluded the press briefing by urging Liberians to avoid misinformation and rumors: “Let’s keep our eyes on the facts, our hearts on peace, and our actions within the law. We are one nation, and we must never allow politics to tear us apart.”