In a detailed open letter dated December 27, 2024, Sekou Kalasco Damaro, a former aide to ex-President George Weah, has accused the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of gross violations of his fundamental rights.
Addressed to Liberians and the international community, including entities such as the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia and the UN Human Rights Council, Damaro recounts his recent arrest and detention, which he attributes to his affiliation with the opposition.
Damaro describes himself as a law-abiding citizen, businessman, husband, father, and political figure living peacefully since the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) ceded power to the Unity Party after the December 2023 presidential runoff elections. He emphasizes his continued contributions to Liberia and his engagement in critically analyzing the nation’s governance.
The incident occurred when Damaro stopped at a gas station on Capitol By-pass in Monrovia. He recounts that while contemplating his next move amid traffic congestion caused by police reactions to nearby peaceful protesters, he was abruptly apprehended. According to Damaro, police officers forcibly subdued him without provocation, placing him in the back of a pickup truck. He asserts that he was not participating in any protest or possessing any protest materials at the time.
Upon arrival at the Liberia National Police (LNP) Headquarters, Damaro alleges that the focus was on photographing and handcuffing him rather than taking any formal statement. He was subsequently taken to the basement, where he claims he was mistreated by officers, including being ordered to sit on the floor and remove his footwear under threat of violence. This treatment reportedly agitated other detainees, leading to further commotion.
Later that afternoon, Damaro was transported to Criminal Court “C,” where he faced multiple charges, including riot, failure to disperse, obstructing highways, physical obstruction of government function, aggravated assault, criminal mischief, theft of property, and disorderly conduct. He notes that the court proceedings were expedited, lasting only nine minutes, and that he was not allowed to consult with legal representation before the hearing.
Following the court session, Damaro was remanded to the Monrovia Central Prison, commonly known as South Beach. He describes the overcrowded conditions, sharing a small cell with eight other individuals. Despite designated visitation days, he alleges that he was denied visits. During one night, a group of plainclothes individuals attempted to locate him in the prison, causing unrest among inmates.
Damaro contends that his arrest and subsequent treatment were politically motivated, aimed at silencing opposition voices. He highlights procedural irregularities, such as being taken to court without a formal police statement and the lack of due process throughout his detention.
The former aide expresses gratitude for the intervention of international human rights organizations and embassies, whose inquiries into his situation he believes contributed to his eventual release. He emphasizes the importance of upholding human rights and the rule of law in Liberia, calling on the international community to hold the Boakai administration accountable for actions that undermine democratic principles.
