Voice of Liberia CEO Sekou Sheriff has condemned National Security Advisor Samuel Kofi Woods for his silence on alleged human rights abuses under President Joseph Boakai’s administration.
In an open letter, Sheriff accused Woods of failing to act against what he described as state-sanctioned brutality, extrajudicial killings, and repression that have left Liberia in turmoil.
Sheriff denounced Woods for remaining silent despite reports of 22 documented human rights violations. Once a respected human rights advocate, Woods now faces accusations of ignoring mounting evidence of security forces unleashing violence on civilians.
Sekou Sheriff called his inaction a betrayal of the principles he once stood for, saying the people of Liberia expected a leader committed to defending human dignity.
He also criticized Inspector General Gregory Colman, alleging that under his leadership, the Liberia National Police has become increasingly violent and infiltrated by criminals. Sheriff cited the deaths of Amanda Nebo, Morris Gomo, Bangalie Kamara, Essah Massaley, and 17-year-old James Kandy as part of a disturbing pattern of state-sponsored violence. He argued that these incidents were not isolated but rather reflective of a systemic abuse of power.
Sheriff further accused Woods of transforming from a fierce critic of past oppressive regimes into an enabler of the very injustices he once fought against. He warned that history would not absolve those who remain silent in the face of oppression. Calling Woods’ silence a stain on his legacy, Sheriff urged him to take a decisive stand before it was too late.
The letter demanded an immediate and independent investigation into the alleged abuses, particularly the conduct of Inspector General Colman and the security forces under his command. Sheriff warned that the international community and the Liberian people were watching closely and would not tolerate continued inaction.
