The incident, which unfolded in Paynesville, Liberia on May 20, 2025, stemmed from ongoing construction work on an annex to a proposed town hall in Montserrado County District #6. The project, initially spearheaded by former Representative Edwin Melvin Snowe, had experienced delays, prompting the Liberian government, through the Ministry of Public Works (MPW), to initiate the construction of quarters for a team of Chinese engineers slated to work on an overpass project. This new construction, specifically the partitioning of the unfinished town hall for the Chinese engineers, became the epicenter of the conflict between Representative Enders and the Chinese national, Lee Yu Chang.
The crux of the dispute lay in the alleged unauthorized commencement of the partitioning work. Sources indicated that an Assistant Minister of Public Works, identified only as Minister Kollie, had instructed contractors to proceed with the partitioning without the knowledge or consent of Representative Enders, the current district representative. This perceived disregard for his authority led Representative Enders to intervene and attempt to halt the construction, setting the stage for the confrontation.
The situation escalated rapidly when Representative Enders arrived at the construction site and demanded a cessation of all activities. He questioned the authority under which the construction was being carried out, emphasizing the investment already made in the town hall for the benefit of his constituents. The contractors, under the supervision of Lee Yu Chang, refused to comply, stating that they were acting on government orders. This defiance further fueled Representative Enders’ anger, leading him to insist on halting the construction until the arrival of the Chinese national in charge.
Upon Lee Yu Chang’s arrival, the confrontation intensified, marked by heated exchanges and accusations. The contractors remained adamant, asserting their right to continue the work and challenging Representative Enders’ authority to intervene. The situation became increasingly hostile, with a lead contractor reportedly telling Representative Enders, “If you are a lawmaker, go back to the Land Authority or the same government that asked us to work here.” This blatant disregard for his position as an elected official further inflamed the tension.
The altercation reached its peak in a physical confrontation between Representative Enders and Lee Yu Chang. A video recording of the incident captured Lee Yu Chang repeatedly questioning Representative Enders’ authority and asking, “Who are you to trouble me? Why trouble me? Who gave you the power to come trouble me?” The footage also showed Representative Enders pushing Lee Yu Chang to the ground, an action that has drawn both criticism and defense from the public.
Public reaction to the incident has been divided. Some have condemned Lee Yu Chang’s behavior, deeming it disrespectful and arrogant towards an elected Liberian official. They argue that his actions overstepped his boundaries as a foreign national working in Liberia. Others have criticized Representative Enders for resorting to physical force, characterizing his actions as lawlessness. Calls for a formal investigation into the matter have emerged from both sides, seeking clarity on the authorization for the construction work and the appropriateness of the responses from both Representative Enders and Lee Yu Chang.
The Ministry of Public Works, implicated in the controversy for allegedly initiating the construction without proper consultation, has remained silent despite the widespread circulation of the video footage and public outcry. Attempts to obtain clarification from the Ministry’s communication department have been unsuccessful, leaving unanswered questions regarding their role in the incident. The lack of official response fuels speculation and underscores the need for a thorough investigation to determine the facts of the matter and address the concerns raised by the altercation.
