Monrovia — The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has issued a stern warning to the Liberian Senate concerning the nomination of Mr. Francis S. Nyumalin as Minister of Internal Affairs and Mr. J. Nelson Freeman as Deputy Inspector General for Operations of the Liberia National Police. Both nominees have been flagged for their disturbing human rights records, prompting the CDC to call for their rejection.
In a statement released today, the CDC expressed deep concern over President Joseph Boakai’s decision to nominate individuals with such troubling pasts, citing their histories of violence and disregard for human rights as significant obstacles to Liberia’s progress.
Mr. Nyumalin and Mr. Freeman have been accused of perpetrating acts of violence, including arbitrary killings and brutalization of innocent civilians. Mr. Freeman, in particular, was implicated in a 2011 incident where he led a special police unit in a violent assault on unarmed civilians, resulting in fatalities. Despite these allegations, he has thus far evaded accountability.
Similarly, Mr. Nyumalin, a former legislator, has been linked to a campaign of violence during recent elections in Foya, Lofa County, where he allegedly orchestrated attacks against political opponents, openly identifying himself as an ‘Old rebel’ and inciting violence among impressionable youths.
The CDC has called upon President Boakai to reconsider his nominations and urged the Liberian Senate to reject them should the President persist in his decision. According to the CDC, allowing individuals with such tainted records to hold positions of power undermines the rule of law and threatens Liberia’s stability.
Chairman of the CDC, Mulbah K. Morlu, Jr., emphasized the party’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and denounced any form of impunity, regardless of political affiliation. He warned of the dangers of institutionalized violence and urged the Senate to prioritize the welfare of the Liberian people over political considerations.
The CDC’s stance underscores the importance of accountability and integrity in governance, signaling a firm stance against impunity and injustice. As the nomination process unfolds, all eyes are on the Liberian Senate to uphold the principles of justice and respect for human rights.
