Finally, calm has been restored to Maryland County following stringent measures put into place by His Excellency George Manneh Weah, President of the Republic of Liberia, who swiftly intervened in what was being termed a slow beginning of an invisible insurrection.
During the evening hours of Wednesday, March 31, 2021, President Weah imposed a 6:00 p.m.—6:00 a.m. curfew on Maryland County, taking effect on April 1, 2021. The decision was backed by the deployment of soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia to enforce the order.
In a day’s time, report from Maryland County says calm has been restored in the entire county, with the Liberia National Police (LNP), backed by AFL soldiers, patrolling the county to ensure that order is restored.
It can be recalled that Maryland was under siege by protesting residents who demanded that the LNP release a suspect linked to the killing of a student in Harper. The protestors threw stones and erected road blocks, demanding that the suspect, who had been arrested and incarcerated by the police, be released to them, apparently for mob justice.
They stormed the prison center, ransacked the place, with all the prisoners escaping jail, including the suspect. Properties were burned down, including the police deport and Speaker Bhofal Chambers’ residence.
As things escalated beyond the control of the county’s authorities, President Weah swiftly intervened, imposing a curfew and ordering the deployment of AFL soldiers in the county.
In his statement, President Weah said, “In order to keep the peace, and to ensure that law and order prevails, a curfew is hereby imposed throughout Maryland County from tomorrow, April 1, 2021, from 6:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. until otherwise ordered. This curfew will be strictly enforced by the police, who will be supported by the Joint Security Forces. All residents of Maryland County are advised to take heed and govern themselves accordingly. I thank you.”