The Panoramic Justice Group, a Washington D.C.-based organization advocating for accountability and transparency in Liberia, has welcomed the U.S. State Department’s 2024 Human Rights Report on Liberia. The report highlights serious human rights violations under President Joseph Boakai’s administration, including arbitrary killings, torture, and cruel treatment by government agents.
According to the report, there were credible reports of arbitrary or unlawful killings committed by government agents during the year. For instance, six officers were charged in connection with the death of an inmate at the Fish Town Central Prison in May. The incident led to community unrest, vandalism, and the escape of some inmates. Although four of the six officers were cleared of wrongdoing, one was dismissed, and one remained under investigation.
The report also notes that Liberia’s constitution and laws prohibit torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, but government officials employed such practices. Abusive acts by security forces, including the Liberia National Police and Armed Forces of Liberia, persist despite laws providing criminal penalties for excessive use of force. Already Samuel Kofi Woods, Legal Advisor to President Joseph Boakai, Minister of Justice Oswald Tweh and Inspector General Gregory Coleman are facing accusations of torturing Andrew Lawson, Albert Weah, and John Nyanti who are currently on trial for their supposed roles in the arson attack on the Capitol Building.
Dr. D. Garkpe Gedepoh, Executive Director of the Panoramic Justice Group, questioned why the Unity Party-led government would engage in such practices despite campaign promises to address human rights abuses. The group is calling on the government to take seriously the implications of the U.S. State Department reports and urgently address the highlighted issues. Panoramic Justice Group is also urging the U.S. government to impose Global Magnitsky sanctions on implicated Liberian officials and review Liberia’s eligibility under the Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact for these egregious human rights violations and corruption.
The report also highlights restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, including government harassment of journalists and media outlets. Some journalists practice self-censorship to avoid harassment. Additionally, prison conditions in Liberia remain harsh and life-threatening due to overcrowding, poor sanitation, and inadequate medical care.
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. The Panoramic Justice Group has vowed to work with key U.S. agencies to ensure accountability and protect human rights in Liberia.