-As Liberia Descends into “Lawlessness”
Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph Boakai’s administration, once heralded as a “new dawn” for Liberia, is facing mounting criticism as allegations of corruption, human rights abuses, and the shielding of criminals overshadow its first year in office. Critics argue that the government has weaponized justice to target political opponents while turning a blind eye to rampant lawlessness and violence plaguing the nation.
The controversy has intensified with former Monrovia Mayor Jefferson T. Koijee, a prominent figure from the previous George Weah administration, publicly challenging the government to investigate and prosecute him. Koijee, who has long been the subject of unproven allegations, claims that the Boakai administration is more focused on silencing dissent than addressing the country’s deepening crisis.
“For years, I’ve been accused of crimes without evidence. Now, I’m demanding a fair and impartial investigation to clear my name,” Koijee stated. “But this government isn’t interested in justice—it’s interested in protecting its own.”
A Government Accused of Hypocrisy and Inaction
Koijee’s challenge highlights what many describe as the Boakai administration’s double standards. During the Weah presidency, Koijee was accused of involvement in mysterious killings, disappearances, and para-military operations, leading to sanctions by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). However, no formal charges or credible evidence have ever been presented against him.
Meanwhile, critics argue that the Boakai administration has failed to address high-profile crimes, including the unsolved murder of Charloe Musu. Former Chief Justice Gloria Musu Scott, the only person arrested in connection with the case, was acquitted and later appointed to a government position. The lack of progress in solving Musu’s murder has fueled accusations that the government is more concerned with political maneuvering than delivering justice.
Rising Lawlessness and Human Rights Violations
Under Boakai’s leadership, Liberia has witnessed a surge in violent crimes and human rights abuses, with the Liberia National Police (LNP) accused of acting as enforcers of state-sponsored brutality. In the past year, at least 22 documented cases of human rights violations have been reported, including extrajudicial killings, ritualistic murders, and the suppression of dissent.
Among the most alarming incidents:
- In Lofa County, the mutilated body of a 45-year-old woman known as “Yarmah” was discovered, with reports suggesting her death was linked to ritualistic killings. No arrests have been made, and the investigation has stalled.
- In Voinjama, a 19-year-old murder suspect was found dead in his police cell under suspicious circumstances. The LNP has yet to provide an explanation or hold anyone accountable.
- In Redlight, Monrovia, Fulani businessman Hassan Jalloh was allegedly murdered by officers of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA). Instead of a transparent investigation, the case was reportedly covered up.
These incidents have sparked outrage among citizens, who accuse the government of failing to protect its people while enabling a culture of impunity.
A Call for International Intervention
As Liberia teeters on the brink of chaos, calls for international intervention are growing louder. Critics argue that the Boakai administration’s failure to uphold the rule of law and address systemic corruption has created a vacuum in which crime and lawlessness thrive.
“This government has become a haven for criminals and a nightmare for ordinary Liberians,” said one civil society activist. “We need the international community to step in and hold this administration accountable before it’s too late.”
Jefferson Koijee echoed these sentiments, urging global leaders to take action. “We deserve a government that prioritizes accountability and justice, not one that protects the guilty and silences dissent,” he said.
The Path Forward
Liberia’s future hangs in the balance as the Boakai administration faces increasing scrutiny. With allegations of corruption, human rights violations, and a lack of accountability piling up, the government’s credibility is rapidly eroding.
For many Liberians, the promise of a “new dawn” has faded, replaced by a grim reality of lawlessness and despair. If the Boakai administration fails to address these challenges, the international community may be forced to intervene to prevent Liberia from descending further into chaos.
