Weeks after the closure of some stores allegedly belonging to Fula businessmen, Liberians have raised concerns about a video circulating on the internet in which people believed to be Fulani are seen wearing different security uniforms. The Fula community in Liberia has confirmed the training of a private security group but strongly denied allegations that the effort is aimed at forming a militia.
According to leaders, the initiative is linked to the National Fula Security of Liberia (NFSL), a community-based organization intended to protect their businesses and surrounding neighborhoods amid growing concerns about petty crimes. They described reports suggesting militia activity as misleading and unnecessarily alarming.
A statement issued during the weekend in Monrovia explained that the security group operates as a community watch structure and coordinates with the Liberia National Police (LNP), adding that the organization is legally registered and committed to maintaining peace while supporting lawful security measures.
The Fula community noted that similar private and community-based security arrangements exist across Liberia, where local groups often organize watch teams to safeguard lives and property. They stressed that their efforts should not be singled out or mischaracterized, noting that the Fula community reaffirmed their openness to government oversight and called for media dialogue and fact-based reporting to prevent misinformation. They urged the public to avoid narratives that could create fear or division, emphasizing that the objective is to strengthen safety for businesses while contributing to national stability.
By Joseph Sirleaf
