Africa-Press – Liberia. The protest escalated when SUP members, after demanding proof of LFA President Mustapha Raji’s Liberian citizenship, attempted to force their way into the LFA premises, hurling stones at the building’s windows.
Monrovia – A violent protest by the Student Unification Party (SUP) of the University of Liberia (UL) at the Liberia Football Association (LFA) headquarters on March 18 has sparked widespread condemnation across the country.
As Liberia prepares for the national team’s World Cup qualifier against Tunisia on March 19, the protest has raised concerns about political motives, public order, and the integrity of Liberian football.
The protest escalated when SUP members, after demanding proof of LFA President Mustapha Raji’s Liberian citizenship, attempted to force their way into the LFA premises, hurling stones at the building’s windows.
Video footage circulating on social media shows students physically assaulting LFA staff and causing extensive damage, including broken windows, injuries to personnel, and damage to vehicles parked in the compound.
The violent behavior has prompted strong reactions from key football stakeholders, including the Club Presidents Association of Liberia (CPAL), the Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL), and government officials, all calling for an immediate investigation.
CPAL condemns violence
The CPAL was the first to issue a statement condemning the violent actions, describing them as a direct assault on Liberian football’s integrity. CPAL President Sylvanus Morris stressed that the incident went beyond mere vandalism, labeling it a “calculated attempt to disrupt the orderly administration of football in Liberia.”
Morris condemned the use of violence as a misguided attempt to force change, urging those responsible to abandon the path of destruction and engage in peaceful dialogue instead.
“The misguided belief that violence can serve as a catalyst for positive change is not only fallacious but also deeply detrimental to the long-term development of the sport,” Morris said in the statement.
SWAL Calls for Accountability
The Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL) also condemned the protest, calling it “blatant hooliganism” with no place in a civilized society. SWAL emphasized the need for accountability, urging the Liberia National Police (LNP) to investigate the individuals involved and ensure they are brought to justice.
“Such behavior seeks to destabilize the rule of law and tarnish the integrity of football both locally and internationally,” SWAL’s statement said, stressing the importance of upholding fair play in sports.
Youth and Sports Minister Slams Protest
Youth and Sports Minister Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu expressed his strong disapproval of the violence, calling the actions “sad, wrong, and unacceptable.” Speaking to reporters, Minister Bangalu condemned the destruction at the LFA headquarters and called on the Ministry of Justice to launch a full investigation into the matter.
“This is heartbreaking, especially as we prepare for the national team’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Tunisia,” Bangalu said. He further urged the Ministry of Justice to thoroughly investigate the perpetrators and ensure appropriate measures are taken to prevent future occurrences.
Malcom Joseph, Vice President of the Liberia National Olympic Committee (LNOC), described the SUP’s actions as politically motivated and misguided. He criticized the students for allowing themselves to be used as pawns in a political agenda against LFA President Mustapha Raji, stressing that issues concerning Raji’s nationality should be addressed through legal channels rather than through protests.
“It is deeply concerning that university students, who should focus on constructive advocacy, have allowed themselves to be used in a politically charged attack against Raji,” Joseph said. He called on the LFA to swiftly investigate the protest’s organizers and prevent such disruptions in the future. He also urged the University of Liberia to educate its students on responsible activism.
Reports indicate that the Liberia National Police (LNP) have arrested five individuals in connection with the protest, though no official statement had been issued by the police at the time of writing. The LNP’s investigation is ongoing.
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