“Once installed, Fahnbulleh used political leverage to intimidate the Board. These baseless allegations stem from Fahnbulleh’s desire for vengeance. He was investigated by civil society organizations for sexual harassment of a female staffer and found culpable,” Executive Director Urias Teh Pour and Director Bah-Wah Brownell, Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR).
In a joint statement issued Thursday, Executive Director Urias Teh Pour and Director of Planning, Internal Monitoring and Evaluation Bah-Wah Brownell denied allegations that UNICEF funds were mismanaged, saying the Commission operates under strict financial controls and regular independent audits.
The officials said every financial transaction is reviewed through established government procedures, including oversight by the Internal Audit Agency, and is subject to external audits conducted by Moore Stephens & Co. and Liberia’s General Auditing Commission (GAC).
“Corruption allegations require evidence, investigation, forensic audit, and a legal foundation. In the absence of these, they are rhetorical,” the statement said.
The two officials maintained that no audit, investigation, or formal complaint has found them or the Commission responsible for financial wrongdoing.
“No complaint has been filed against us. No audit or investigation has implicated us. These accusations are fabrication,” they said.
The statement also challenged Fahnbulleh’s appointment to the Commission, alleging that he was not certified by the Independent Committee of Experts as required under the INCHR Act before taking office. It further claimed that his appointment created internal divisions within the institution.
The officials accused Fahnbulleh of placing political interests ahead of the Commission’s mandate, alleging that he opposed the release of an investigative report into the July 26, 2022 student protest in which Walter Seville was seriously injured.
“The report was suppressed despite courageous student testimony. This pattern reveals political loyalty placed above human rights principles,” the statement said.
The joint statement also accused Fahnbulleh of using his current position as Acting Chairperson to dismiss senior staff and intimidate employees, creating what it described as a hostile working environment.
Concluding the statement, the officials said they remain committed to accountability and transparency despite the allegations.
“We stand by our record of integrity and transparency, validated by independent audits. We will not be intimidated or silenced. We remain committed to our mandate and to the people of Liberia.”
Fahnbulleh has previously accused officials of the Commission of financial mismanagement and corruption. Those allegations prompted Thursday’s response.
Verity News made efforts to obtain Mr. Fahnbulleh’s response to the allegations contained in the statement but was unsuccessful. His response will be published when it becomes available.
The exchange comes as the Commission experiences a leadership transition following the reported expiration of Fahnbulleh’s tenure on July 31, 2026.
