Monrovia, Liberia – A violent clash marred the first day in office of Robert Teah, the newly appointed Governor of the Borough of New Kru Town, leaving two people severely injured, including a journalist.
Governor Teah, appointed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai in April and later confirmed by the Liberian Senate, has faced strong opposition from some elders of the Eight Nominating Districts, who argue that his appointment violates the 1916 Act that established the Borough. The Executive Mansion, however, insists that the Local Governance Act of Liberia grants the President the authority to appoint borough governors.
Despite the controversy, Teah was officially commissioned last Friday at Monrovia City Hall. However, tensions escalated on Monday, August 19, when a group of aggrieved elders stormed the town hall to meet with him.
Eyewitnesses report that police officers assigned to the area prevented the elders from entering in large numbers, instead requesting that they send a representative. The situation quickly turned violent when a group of young people accompanying the elders disagreed with the restriction and began throwing stones at the town hall.
Amid the chaos, two individuals—journalist Morris Wleh Tee of OK FM 99.5 and elder James Tumu—sustained deep cuts on their heads.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. The unrest highlights the ongoing dispute over Teah’s appointment and the broader governance tensions within the Borough of New Kru Town.
Please note:
This action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the site admin.
Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.
