The U.S. Department of State has released its 2024 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Liberia, highlighting ongoing and serious violations across multiple sectors of public life.
While acknowledging that there were “no significant changes” in the overall human rights landscape, the report draws attention to persistent abuses ranging from extrajudicial killings to censorship of the press and corruption in the justice system.
Extrajudicial Killings Raise Alarm
The report confirms “numerous” credible accounts of arbitrary or unlawful killings perpetrated by the government or its agents.
One notable incident involved the death of an inmate in Fish Town Central Prison, which triggered public outrage and a prison break.
The government’s response-investigating and charging several corrections officers, was noted, but observers say accountability remains inconsistent.
Press Freedom Threatened by Political Retaliation
Though the Liberian Constitution protects freedom of speech and the press, political retaliation against journalists and public servants is on the rise.
The report cited an incident in August when nine Monrovia City Corporation employees were dismissed after allegedly using social media to criticize the president and other officials.
Journalists also faced harassment, with press associations reporting pressure and intimidation from government actors.
A tense meeting on June 20 between Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana and media executives over new accreditation policies resulted in several editors walking out, citing concerns of censorship and political overreach.
Justice System Under Fire for Arbitrary Detention
One of the most troubling revelations involves prolonged pretrial detention and widespread misuse of the bail system.
Judges were reported to use bail as a punitive tool rather than a legal safeguard, while poor court management and corruption contributed to delays in issuing indictments and scheduling hearings.
Human rights observers, including the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHRL), stated that many detainees are held for extended periods, often without being formally charged or having access to legal representation.
Torture and Abuse by Security Forces Persist
The report accuses several Liberian security agencies of engaging in torture and inhumane treatment, naming the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency among the worst offenders.
Although the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) received relatively fewer complaints, the lack of consistent disciplinary measures continues to cast doubt on the effectiveness of internal oversight mechanisms.
Growing Call for Reforms
As the report makes the rounds both locally and internationally, civil society groups are already calling for systemic reforms across the judiciary, law enforcement, and media sectors.
“This is not just a report, it’s a warning,” said one Monrovia-based human rights advocate.
“Liberia must address these failures if it wants to preserve its democratic progress.”
