Monrovia – A Liberian labor advocate from the Liberia Industrial Workers Union,(LIWU), Oliver Duwor Vanyanbah, has alleged that he and members of his family were violently attacked by a group of armed men in a late-night raid on his residence in Bernard Farm, Paynesville, raising fresh concerns about the safety of activists and the state of law enforcement response in the country.
By Emmanuel N. Smith
The incident occurred on January 11, 2021, at approximately 11:40 p.m., just days after Vanyanbah’s return to Liberia from the United States. He claims that a group of men, whom he believes to be linked to state security, forcefully entered his home, physically assaulted him, and issued death threats tied to his involvement in labor advocacy and trade union activities.
“They broke into my home, beat me, and warned me to desist from advocating for workers’ rights or face deadly consequences, Vanyanbah told FrontPage Africa.
“They threatened to eliminate my family and me if I did not dissociate myself from strike actions.”
He added that at least eight individuals were present during the attack, with himself being the primary target of the assault. The incident, he said, has left his family living in fear amid what he described as a pattern of harassment due to his activism for improved working conditions and labor rights for Liberians.
Vanyanbah further recounted previous alleged attacks against him on February 13, 2014, and in November 2017, noting that the latest incident mirrors those earlier encounters. He expressed frustration over what he described as the failure of the Liberian National Police to adequately investigate the prior cases.
“Since those earlier attacks, the police have not provided any report or launched a thorough investigation,” he said. “I strongly believe the police have information regarding these incidents but have failed to act.”
When contacted, Police Spokesperson Moses Carter said he could not comment, noting that he has not yet received detailed information regarding the alleged incident. He, however, promised to inform the public as soon as more information becomes available.
The labor advocate is now calling for an immediate and transparent investigation into the January 11 assault, emphasizing that all Liberians are entitled to equal protection under the Constitution.
The allegations come amid ongoing concerns from civil society groups about the treatment of activists and the broader climate for labor rights advocacy in Liberia.
