The recent cases of Representative Luther Sandy Collins and Sekou Kalasco Damaro depict a disturbing trend of human rights violations in Liberia in 2024. These incidents are part of a broader pattern of abuses targeting political figures and civilians, raising serious concerns about the state of democracy and the rule of law in the country.
Representative Luther Sandy Collins, a member of the House of Representatives from Gbarpolu County Electoral District #2, filed a complaint with the Independent National Commission of Human Rights (INCHR) against the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia National Police (LNP). Collins alleged that he was brutalized by police officers while attempting to attend a hearing for the 2025 National Budget[1]. The incident resulted in physical injuries to Collins and a broken hand to one of his staff members, Eric Scott. Both were admitted to a clinic in Paynesville for treatment[1].
Sekou Kalasco Damaro, an aide to former President George Weah, was among those arrested during a peaceful protest dubbed "White Tuesday" on December 18, 2024[2]. The protest, organized to demand justice and respect for the rule of law, turned chaotic when Liberian police fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators gathered at the Capitol Building in Monrovia. Several protesters were injured and detained, with Damaro being one of the prominent figures arrested[2].
These incidents occurred against a backdrop of increasing political tension in Liberia. The House of Representatives has been engulfed in months of political turmoil, with a majority bloc dethroning House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa, a move challenged amid a controversial Supreme Court ruling[1]. This political instability has created an environment where human rights violations appear to be escalating.
The use of excessive force by law enforcement against protesters and political figures is particularly concerning. Those on the scene alleged that police fired live rounds at protesters during the "White Tuesday" demonstration, although the police denied using live bullets[2]. This disproportionate response to peaceful assembly violates Article 17 of the Liberian constitution, which guarantees the right to assemble "in an orderly and peaceable manner"[3].
The Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), the opposition party, has accused President Boakai's administration of deliberately undermining the rule of law and the Liberian Constitution[2]. The CDC called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained protesters, some of whom were reportedly being held in undisclosed locations. This lack of transparency in detentions raises serious human rights concerns and potential violations of due process[2].
These incidents have drawn international attention and criticism. The CDC has called on Liberia's international partners, including the United States Embassy, the European Union, and ECOWAS, to take a firm stance against what it described as the government's "reinstitution of jungle justice" and its suppression of constitutional freedoms[2]. This appeal to international bodies underscores the severity and lack of confidence in domestic mechanisms to address these abuses.
Targeting political figures like Collins and Damaro is particularly troubling as it threatens the foundations of democratic governance in Liberia. When lawmakers and opposition figures face violence and arbitrary detention, it creates an atmosphere of fear that can stifle political discourse and undermine the separation of powers essential to a functioning democracy[4].
These human rights violations occur despite Liberia's commitments to uphold international human rights standards. The country has made progress in establishing institutions like the Independent National Commission on Human Rights and has engaged with international human rights mechanisms[6][7]. However, the recent incidents suggest a significant gap between these commitments and the reality on the ground.
The cases of Collins and Damaro are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of human rights concerns in Liberia. Issues such as police brutality, arbitrary detentions, and the suppression of peaceful protests have been documented by various human rights organizations[8]. Addressing these systemic problems will require comprehensive reforms in law enforcement, the judiciary, and political institutions to ensure accountability and protect citizens' rights.
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References
[1] https://thenewdawnliberia.com/lawmakers-drag-gol-to-inchr/
[2] https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-government-crackdown-on-protest-leaves-several-injured-cdc-demands-release-of-detainees/
[3] https://bti-project.org/en/reports/country-report/LBR
[4] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/liberia/joint-statement-government-liberia-and-diplomatic-missions-european-union-and-its-member-states_en?s=104
[5] https://thehagueacademy.com/story/building-trust-through-accountability-in-liberia/
[6] https://www.theadvocatesforhumanrights.org/International_Submissions/A/Index?id=489
[7] https://www.ohchr.org/en/countries/liberia/our-presence2024: A Year of Gross Human Rights Violations, Liberia2024: A Year of Gross Human Rights Violations, Liberia
[8] https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/05/06/liberias-compliance-international-covenant-civil-and-political-rights-joint-follow2024: A Year of Gross Human Rights Violations, Liberia
[9] https://www.usip.org/publications/2024/02/liberia-shows-path-toward-democracy-west-africa
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