Liberia:  SUP Demands Action on Rising Deaths of Women and Children

Monrovia – The Vanguard Students Unification Party (SUP) has sharply criticized the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection for its failure to address the increasing number of violent deaths involving women and children in Liberia.

In a statement released on February 18, Bendu M.Q. Kamara, Chairperson of the Women’s Praesidium Bureau of SUP, demanded immediate investigations into the deaths and warned of potential radical actions if justice is not served.

Kamara expressed outrage over the continued silence of the Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Gbeme Horace-Kollie, amidst the rising number of violent killings.

The party accused the minister of neglecting her duties and failing to protect vulnerable groups, particularly women and children. SUP’s Women’s Praesidium Bureau condemned the lack of response, labeling it a clear failure of leadership and a disregard for the safety of citizens.

“It is appalling to witness the silence from the Ministry of Gender and its Minister, Gbeme Horace-Kollie, in the face of such widespread violence. This is not just a failure of leadership; it is a failure to protect the most vulnerable members of our society,” Kamara stated.

The SUP Women Bureau highlighted several violent deaths, including that of Junior Tamba, a seven-year-old boy killed in Lofa County in 2025, Princess Zuo, a young woman murdered in Montserrado in 2024, Mary Howard, a mother of three found dead on a dumpsite in Lofa County in 2024, Angel Teah, a 15-year-old girl killed in Montserrado in 2025, and Lovette Tamba, a pregnant woman who died due to inadequate healthcare in 2025.

“These killings are not isolated incidents; they represent a growing pattern of violence against women and children under the current administration,” Kamara remarked. “The government’s response has been one of complacency and indifference. This is unacceptable.”

SUP has also criticized the government for failing to take action and for its handling of the deaths, particularly under the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. The party voiced strong discontent with the administration’s approach to women’s and children’s safety.

Kamara emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “The deaths of these women and children under mysterious circumstances cannot continue without accountability. We have reached a breaking point. This administration’s failure to protect its citizens is a direct violation of its duty. We will not stand by as the bloodshed continues.”

SUP also raised concerns about the effectiveness of the Ministry of Gender, pointing to the Minister’s silence as evidence of its ineffectiveness. Kamara declared, “The continued silence of Minister Horace-Kollie sends a dangerous message to the public: that the lives of women and children do not matter.”

Kamara further warned that if the government continues to ignore the issue, SUP will be forced to take action. “We demand an immediate and thorough investigation into these killings. If the government continues to ignore the cries for justice, we will be forced to take radical action. The people’s patience is running thin.”

Kamara’s closing remarks made it clear that SUP is prepared for civil unrest if the government fails to act. “If the government refuses to act, we, the people, will take action. The time for silence is over. History will judge this administration on its failure to protect the most vulnerable.”