Introduction
According to Freedom House’s Freedom in the World report, Liberia ranks as partly free with a rating of 64/100. Despite steps to promote a conducive civic space, challenges regarding freedom of expression and peaceful assembly still affect the country’s civic space.
In August 2024, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) initiated strategic engagement in Liberia with stakeholders, focusing on freedom of expression, press freedom and media development issues. The MFWA engaged with several Liberian ministries and officials to advocate for improvements in the protection of journalists and media freedom.
On 16th August 2024, President Joseph Boakai revoked Councillor Jonathan T. Massaquoi’s appointment as head of the Office for War and Economic Crimes Courts (WECC). Massaquoi, who had previously represented individuals accused of war and economic crimes, faced widespread condemnation from human rights groups. Critics argued that Councillor Jonathan T. Massaquoi’s appointment could erode public trust in the WECC and jeopardise national security. Human rights advocates welcomed the withdrawal over concerns that Massaquoi would have protected powerful warlords, rather than pursue justice.
Expression
Employees fired for allegedly insulting government officials
Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) fired nine employees for allegedly insulting President Boakai and other government officials on social media. On 13th August 2024, Director General of the Civil Service Agency, Josiah Joekai, dismissed the MCC employees who had been accused of frequently using their social media networks to insult government officials, namely President Joseph Boakai. The nine individuals are reportedly supporters of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and have denied the accusations.
Environmental news website faces cyberattacks
In July 2024, Liberian environmental news website The Daylight experienced cyber attacks, which disrupted the website and which followed closely after the outlet released a report on environmental pollution reportedly connected to a particular company. The Daylight reported the incident to the police, calling for an investigation.
Journalist assaulted, detained
The MFWA condemned the physical assault of journalist Kesselle Sumo by two officers from the country's Drug Enforcement Agency and a sheriff from a magistrate’s court on 11th March 2024. They alleged the journalist had resisted arrest, when the authorities detained him under criminal code Section 14.27 for criminal coercion in connection with a broadcast by Sumo on two community leaders who had been detained.
Sumo’s account of the arrest detailed the officers punching him and spraying tear gas in his left eye, after which he became unconscious. The officers denied the journalist the right to legal counsel immediately following his arrest and a judge ordered him to be hospitalised due to his injuries.
Peaceful Assembly
Protest over new governor appointed by the president
On 18th April 2024, President Joseph Boakai’s appointment of Robert Teah as the new governor of the area of New Kru town was met with resistance from leaders in the area who asserted that the authority to appoint a governor lies with them, rather than the presidential administration. On 15th July, during the inauguration of Teah, some of the leaders in the community protested the ceremony, blocking the roads and preventing vehicular traffic.
On 19th August, elders from the nominating districts, those with the authority to nominate to the governorship, along with a group of youths, went to the office of the newly-inaugurated governor. However, armed officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) prevented them from entering and asked them to choose a representative to meet with the governor. The situation turned violent as the youths reportedly started throwing stones at the town hall building. As a result, two persons, including a journalist from OK FM, sustained deep cuts on their heads. No one was arrested in connection with the assault and injuries.
The elders urged President Boakai to adhere to the lawful procedures to avert potential conflicts and disharmony in selecting a governor for the local towns.
Defence minister resigns after protests
On 12th February 2024, the defence minister of Liberia resigned, a move that followed several protests organised by soldiers' wives. The women had mobilised to call for improved salaries, pensions and benefits for soldiers. They blocked roads in Monrovia and called for the defence minister to step down from his post.