
Monrovia – Former Monrovia Mayor Jefferson T. Koijee, who was previously accused of involvement in human rights violations and criminal activities, has called on the Boakai-led government to either investigate and prosecute him or clear his name. Koijee, who served under former President George Weah, maintains that accusations against him were politically motivated.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
His challenge comes amid mounting concerns over the state of justice and security under President Joseph Boakai’s administration, with critics accusing the government of shielding alleged criminals while using state institutions to target political opponents. The growing unease follows a series of unresolved cases, allegations of human rights violations, and claims of selective justice.
Koijee argues that despite repeated claims linking him to acts of violence, including mysterious killings and disappearances, no credible legal action has been taken against him. Meanwhile, he alleges that individuals who accused him in the past now hold key positions in the current administration without facing scrutiny.
Unresolved Cases and Allegations of Selective Justice
Koijee points to the handling of high-profile cases, such as the murder of Charloe Musu, as evidence of a justice system plagued by inconsistencies. Former Chief Justice Gloria Musu Scott, who was arrested in connection with the case, was later freed and appointed to a government position, raising concerns about potential political influence in the judiciary.
He outlined several other unresolved cases, including the deaths of a 45-year-old woman in Lofa County, a 19-year-old suspect in police custody, and businessman Hassan Jalloh, who was allegedly killed by security forces, have fueled accusations that law enforcement agencies are failing to ensure justice.
Rising Human Rights Concerns
Reports of police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and human rights violations under Boakai’s administration have raised alarms among activists and opposition figures. Some claim that security forces are being used to suppress dissent rather than protect citizens.
According to Koijee, at least 22 cases of alleged human rights violations have been documented during the administration’s first year in office. However, the government has yet to respond comprehensively to these claims or provide updates on investigations into the alleged abuse. “These are just a handful of the 22 documented human rights violations under Boakai’s first year in power—yet there has been no international outcry, no sanctions, no demands for accountability. Why? Because the perpetrators are Boakai’s allies,” Koijee said.
He continued: “The so-called “new dawn” of Joseph Boakai’s administration has quickly revealed itself to be nothing more than a charade—a government that thrives on hypocrisy, shields criminals, and weaponizes justice to target political opponents while indulging in corruption and gross human rights violations.”
Calls for Accountability
As concerns grow, calls for accountability and transparency are increasing. Koijee and other opposition figures argue that the government must demonstrate its commitment to the rule of law by ensuring fair and impartial investigations into all allegations, regardless of political affiliation.
Meanwhile, some civil society groups and international partners are urging the administration to take concrete steps to restore public confidence in Liberia’s justice system and security sector.
Seeking International Community’s Intervention
Koijees claims were backed by a US-based justice group, the Panoramic Justice Group. In January, the human rights watchdog issued a damning report on alleged human rights abuses under the administration of Liberian President Joseph N. Boakai.
In separate letters addressed to Honorable Christopher H. Smith, Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Africa in the U.S. House of Representatives, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the group detailed a litany of violations that they claim threaten to reverse nearly two decades of democratic progress in Liberia.
Dr. Garkpe Gedepoh, the group’s Executive Director and a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer, warned that Liberia is rapidly descending into authoritarianism, with security forces supplanting democratic institutions. “At the rate of these abuses, Liberia is fast descending into a security nation where the security forces have replaced democratic institutions,” Dr. Gedepoh wrote, urging the U.S. government to intervene and prevent a rollback of democratic gains.
Expressing these sentiments, the former Mayor of Monrovia further noted that the situation in Liberia is dire and the Boakai’s administration is running the country into the ground, using state institutions to target opponents while shielding criminals and human rights violators.
“The world must not turn a blind eye to the hypocrisy and brutality unfolding in Liberia. We deserve a government that prioritizes accountability and the rule of law, not one that silences dissent and protects the guilty,” Koijee declared.
The Boakai administration is yet to respond to Koijee’s latest criticism. However, in 2024, information Minister Jerolinmek Piah accused the CDC- led government in which Koijee served, of bad human rights records and pillaging the country, noting that officials were bent on using state resources to enrich themselves.
With the country facing mounting challenges, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether President Boakai’s government can address these concerns and uphold its promise of justice and accountability for all Liberians.