The U.S. State Department’s 2024 Human Rights Report on Liberia has highlighted serious human rights violations under the Joseph Boakai-led government. According to the report, there were credible reports of arbitrary or unlawful killings, torture, and cruel treatment by government agents.
The State Department notes that numerous reports of arbitrary or unlawful killings were committed by government agents during the year. For instance, in May, the Bureau of Rehabilitation and Corrections formally charged six officers linked to the death of an inmate at the Fish Town Central Prison. The incident led to community unrest, vandalism of the prison, and the escape of some inmates. Although four of the six officers were cleared of wrongdoing, one was dismissed, and one remained under investigation.
Liberia’s constitution and laws prohibit torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, but credible reports according to the State Department indicate government officials employed such practices. Despite laws providing criminal penalties for excessive use of force by law enforcement, abusive acts by security forces persist. The Liberia National Police, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, and Armed Forces of Liberia have been implicated in these issues, although the AFL tends to act more professionally. In a notable incident, Patrolman Jerome Tokpah was dismissed from the LNP in May for alleged police brutality and charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault for allegedly assaulting Courage Tarr with a machete. As of year’s end, the case was still pending. This is in addition to Samuel Kofi Woods, Legal Advisor to President Joseph Boakai, Minister of Justice Oswald Tweh and Inspector General Gregory Coleman who are facing accusations of torturing Andrew Lawson, Albert Weah, and John Nyanti currently on trial for their supposed roles in the arson attack on the Capitol Building. Liberia has ratified the UN Convention Against Torture and its Optional Protocol, but the country still lacks a comprehensive legal framework to define, punish, and prevent torture, highlighting the need for legislative action to protect human rights.
Prison conditions in Liberia remain harsh and life-threatening due to overcrowding, poor sanitation, and inadequate medical care. As of December 8, the country’s 16 prison facilities held 2,925 inmates, with the Monrovia Central Prison, built for 374 detainees, holding 1,407 inmates. The report highlights serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom. Government officials occasionally harassed journalists and media outlets, and some journalists practiced self-censorship to avoid harassment. The Press associations reported government officials occasionally harassed newspaper and radio station owners, as well as individual journalists, because of their political opinions and reporting. On June 26, the Association of Liberia Community Radios demanded the reinstatement of Radio Kakata Station Manager Jerry Quoi, who was suspended by Margibi County Superintendent Victoria Duncan for alleged financial malfeasance. The association warned against political interference in the operations of community radios across the country, asserting such actions amounted to media censorship.
The government introduced new accreditation requirements for journalists covering the executive mansion, including police clearances and institutional tax clearance certificates. These policies sparked concerns about media freedom and independence, particularly when combined with demands for free website advertising that impacted newspaper revenues. A June 20 meeting between Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana and media executives turned contentious, leading several editors to walk out. The incident arose concerning new accreditation requirements for journalists covering the executive mansion, including police clearances and institutional tax clearance certificates. These policies, along with demands by the government for free website advertising, which impacted newspaper revenues, sparked concerns regarding media freedom and independence. In August, the Monrovia City Corporation dismissed nine city employees for allegedly criticizing government officials and the president on social media.
According to the U.S. State Department, Liberia’s labor laws provide workers with the right to form or join independent unions, bargain collectively, and conduct legal strikes. However, the government did not effectively enforce these laws in every sector, and penalties for violators were rarely applied. Public-sector employees and employees of state-owned enterprises are prohibited from unionizing and bargaining collectively, although they can join associations and process grievances through the Civil Service Agency grievance board.
The U.S. State Department’s report underscores the need for Liberia’s government to address these human rights concerns and ensure accountability for officials who commit abuses.