Monrovia — The Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) has raised alarm over what it describes as a disturbing pattern of violence, abuse and deaths involving women and girls across Liberia, demanding urgent government action to strengthen investigations, prosecution, protection and accountability.
By Patience M. Jones,[email protected]
In a strongly worded statement issued Sunday, August 9, WONGOSOL said recent cases involving women and girls — including the reported death of 19-year-old Dearest Paye, the death of Lorpu Kollie in Bong County following an alleged assault by her husband, and the discovery of the body of an unidentified woman in a stream — underscore growing concerns over the safety and protection of women, particularly in vulnerable communities.
The organization also mourned the reported death of Grace Tenway and extended condolences to the families and loved ones of the women whose lives have been lost.
WONGOSOL welcomed cooperation between the Liberia National Police (LNP) and Sierra Leone Police that resulted in the arrest and transfer of a suspect in connection with Paye’s death, but cautioned that an arrest alone does not constitute justice.
“Justice for Dearest must not be delayed,” the organization said, calling for a thorough, evidence-based investigation and timely prosecution where the evidence supports criminal charges.
WONGOSOL further urged investigators to properly examine and preserve any reported statements or video evidence connected to the case in accordance with Liberian law and due process.
Concerns Mount Over Violence in Rural Communities
The women’s rights organization said its concerns extend beyond Monrovia, pointing to reports of violence and unexplained deaths in Bong County and other rural communities.
WONGOSOL called on the LNP to expedite investigations into the reported death of Lorpu Kollie, who allegedly died following an assault by her husband, as well as the discovery of an unidentified woman’s body in a stream on August 4.
The organization said authorities must establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure that anyone found to have committed a crime is held accountable.
“These incidents cannot be treated simply as isolated cases,” WONGOSOL warned, arguing that the reports expose broader weaknesses in prevention, protection, security, accountability and enforcement of Liberia’s laws.
WONGOSOL Raises Alarm Over Alleged Security Officers’ Abuse
Of particular concern, WONGOSOL highlighted allegations involving members of Liberia’s security institutions.
The organization cited allegations that a pregnant woman identified as Princess was allegedly assaulted by officers of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) during a search at her residence in Paynesville.
According to allegations made by her family, Princess lost consciousness and subsequently suffered a miscarriage.
WONGOSOL stressed that the allegations have not been independently established, but said their seriousness warrants an impartial, transparent and timely investigation.
“Security officers are entrusted to protect citizens and must never become sources of fear or harm,” the organization said, adding that anyone found responsible for wrongdoing must face appropriate accountability.
“No one is above the law, including those entrusted to enforce it,” WONGOSOL declared.
Calls for Government to Move Beyond Reaction
WONGOSOL said Liberia’s obligations under national law, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Maputo Protocol require the government to take concrete steps to prevent violence, protect women and girls, prosecute perpetrators and ensure access to justice.
The organization said these commitments must go beyond policy statements and be reflected in policing, investigations, prosecutions, government budgets and survivor-support services.
WONGOSOL is calling on the Government of Liberia to ensure prompt and impartial investigations into cases of violence against women and girls, strengthen security and access to justice in rural communities, and enforce accountability within security institutions when officers are accused of abuse.
It is also demanding increased investment in prevention, protection and survivor-centered services, as well as stronger enforcement of existing laws and institutional mechanisms designed to address violence against women and girls.
“The Government must move from reaction to prevention, from statements to action, and from impunity to accountability,” WONGOSOL said.
WONGOSOL Urges Families to Act Before Violence Turns Fatal
WONGOSOL Executive Director Esther S. D. Yango also appealed to families, women, men and young people to take violence seriously and seek help before conflicts escalate.
“Women and girls must feel safe with the people they trust. When a relationship is no longer working, walk away rather than turn conflict into violence,” Yango said.
She urged women and girls who no longer feel safe to seek help and move to safety, stressing that their lives are more important than any relationship.
Yango also appealed directly to men and boys to reject violence during conflicts.
“Don’t take her life over a senseless argument. Walk away and save that daughter, mother, sister or grandmother. A moment of anger should never become a lifetime of regret,” she said.
WONGOSOL called on the government, security institutions, justice actors, communities and families to treat violence against women and girls as a national emergency requiring sustained action.
“The lives of women and girls must not become statistics,” the organization said, emphasizing that their safety, dignity and right to life must be treated as a national priority.
WONGOSOL added that it will continue advocating for stronger protection, accountability and access to justice to ensure that women and girls across Liberia can live free from violence and fear.
