By Jerromie S. Walters
Siah John, a young girl, believed to be eight years old was found dead behind Kintoma Hill in Voinjama, Lofa County on Sunday, January 26, 2025. Her body bore the marks of a brutal attack, with multiple body parts mutilated.
A bloodstained knife was found where the dead body was discovered. A 15-man jury revealed deep cuts on her belly, neck, and waist. Siah’s pathetic death is part of a disturbing pattern.
Her death comes a day after the Panoramic Justice Group, a purported human rights group submitted a letter to Honorable Christopher H. Smith, Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Africa, regarding escalating human rights abuses in Liberia under President Joseph N. Boakai’s administration.
“Liberia is Fast Descending Into a Security Nation”
In the Panoramic Justice Group assessment report, the group warns that Liberia is rapidly becoming a security state, where security forces are undermining democratic institutions. They highlight that the United States has invested $4 billion in stabilizing Liberia over the past 18 years, fostering a fragile democracy that is now at risk.
“Dear Honorable Chairman Smith, We hope this letter finds you in good health. Please find attached our initial assessment report about human rights abuses in Liberia under the one-year-old government of President Joseph N. Boakai. At the rate of these abuses, Liberia is fast descending into a security nation where the security forces have replaced democratic institutions,” the communication reads.
The report details alarming incidents, including the use of U.S.-sponsored infrastructure for torture and the extraordinary rendition of Liberian citizens in exchange for cash and goods. “As you recall, the United States of America has spent 4 billion United States Dollars in stabilizing Liberia and bringing about democracy which has thrived for the last 18 years. The trend of the new government threatens to erase the gains and draw the US. Into an unparalleled situation where U.S. aid and sponsored infrastructures are being used for torture and abuse of the rights of Liberian citizens,” the letter states.
The Panoramic Justice Group urges the U.S. to leverage its longstanding relationship with Liberia to address these violations and restore constitutional democracy. They express confidence in the leadership of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission to champion human rights globally.
Dr. Darkpe Gedepoh, Executive Director of the Panoramic Justice Group, emphasized the need for immediate attention to these pressing issues. He invites further discussion and is available for additional information.
Mysterious deaths
Recently, a 45-year-old woman known as “Yarmah” was discovered in a similar state of mutilation in Voinjama City. The violence doesn’t stop there; a 19-year-old murder suspect was also found dead in a local police cell, adding to the community’s fears.
In Brewerville, the Liberia National Police (LNP) are investigating the murder of Angel T. Weah, a teenager whose body was found in an unfinished building. Her boyfriend, Samuel Brown, aka Boi Cracky, is a person of interest. He reportedly confessed to involvement in her death, claiming he had accomplices. Angel was three months pregnant at the time of her murder.
The violence extends to families, as a Liberian woman recently killed her three-year-old daughter in Paynesville. Meanwhile, local businessman Hassan Jalloh was allegedly murdered by members of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in Redlight, with no prosecutions in sight.
The string of tragedies underscores a pressing need for systemic change in Liberia. Pundits are calling for improved support systems to protect citizens’ rights and well-being. The rising tide of violence demands urgent attention from authorities and communities alike.
