The Coalition for Democratic Change’s Council of Patriots (CDC-CoP) has intensified its campaign against the administration of President Joseph N. Boakai by seeking international sanctions on top government officials.
This bold step follows the expiration of a 72-hour ultimatum demanding the dismissal of key figures in the security sector, including Liberia National Police Inspector General Gregory O.W. Coleman, Defense Minister Prince C. Johnson II, and National Security Agency Director Sam Gaye.
In a strong statement, the CDC-CoP accused President Boakai of neglecting his leadership responsibilities in addressing widespread human rights violations, including over 187 unexplained deaths, ritualistic killings, police brutality, and economic crimes. The group claims that these abuses have occurred under the direct supervision of security sector leaders and have remained unpunished, fueling a climate of impunity within the government.
The opposition movement has now taken its case to the international stage. CDC-CoP has petitioned four prominent institutions, requesting the imposition of sanctions on the officials involved and their families, associates, and supporters. The institutions named in the petition include the United Nations Human Rights Commission, the U.S. Department of State, the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the U.S. Congress, and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
The group has submitted substantial evidence to back its claims, including video footage, audio recordings, and official documents. These materials were electronically submitted over the weekend, with physical copies expected to be delivered by CDC-CoP’s Vice Chair for International Affairs, Henry Da Silva Tabla, to the relevant institutions in the coming days.
This latest move by the CDC-CoP marks a significant escalation in the already tense political standoff between the Boakai-Koung administration and the opposition. The group has been vocal in its criticisms of the government’s handling of security sector abuses, highlighting what they describe as the administration’s failure to take meaningful action against those responsible.
“The failure of Mr. Boakai to act decisively in removing and prosecuting these officials reveals his inability to lead effectively,” the CDC-CoP statement said. “We cannot remain silent while innocent Liberians continue to suffer under a government that has neglected its responsibility to protect them.”
The petition follows recent high-profile incidents, including the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 17-year-old boy by a police officer. According to CDC-CoP, such incidents reflect a larger breakdown of law and order under the Unity Party-led government.
The group has called on Liberians to join in demanding justice and accountability from the Boakai administration. CDC-CoP has vowed to continue its push for international support until those responsible for alleged state-sponsored violence are held accountable.
“As Liberia’s largest political civil rights movement, we will not rest until the Boakai-Koung administration is held accountable for the murders, unexplained deaths, police brutality, and ritual killings that continue to haunt our nation,” the statement concluded.
The petition also reflects the growing frustration within the opposition movement, which argues that the time for action is now. “Liberia must not become a nation where political leaders and security forces operate with impunity. Liberia deserves better leadership, and we will not waver in our pursuit of truth and justice,” CDC-CoP added.
The government has yet to respond to the CDC-CoP’s petition.
