Say Rights Commission’s Acting Chair, Cllr. Mohammed Fahnbulleh’s Tenure Has Expired, As Board Of Commissioners Announces Their Dismissal
PHOTO: (L-R) Urias Teh Pour and Bah Wah Brownell determined to resist
By Our Staff Writer
The leadership crisis at Liberia’s Independent Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) continues unabated, with claims and counter claims.
This week, the INCHR acting Chairman, Cllr. Mohammed Fahnbulleh, who was recently appointed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, announced that Urias Teh Pour, Executive Director
And Bah-Wah Brownell, Director, Department of Planning, Internal Monitoring and Evaluation earlier suspended, have been dismissed by the INCHR Board of Commissioners, something the pair are challenging.
The latest development is happening many weeks after the Executive Branch of government headed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai was taken to the Supreme Court by Suspended Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) Chairman, Cllr. Dempster Brown for allegedly violating the Act establishing the commission by illegally suspending him. Suspended National Human Rights Commission Chair Takes Executive Mansion To Supreme Court – News Public Trust
Acting Commissioner Fahnbulleh told the media that both men have been forwarded to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC)) on corruption charges.
But in a joint statement issued on August 6, 2026, both men categorically denied any involvement in corrupt practices at the rights commission.
“Corruption allegations require evidence: investigation, forensic audit, and legal foundation. In the absence of these, they are rhetorical. We place on record that all INCHR financial transactions undergo rigorous multi-layered verification and require prior approval from the Internal Audit Agency of the Republic of Liberia. The claim that funds were siphoned circumvents this verification process—an impossibility, To be direct: no complaint has been filed against us. No audit or investigation has implicated us. These accusations are fabrication.” Teh Pour and Brownell said in their press statement.
SEE FULL TEXT OF THEIR PRESS STATEMENT BELOW:
Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR)
20th Street, Russell Avenue, Sinkor, Monrovia, Liberia
JOINT STATEMENT BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND DIRECTOR OF PLANNING, INTERNAL MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Date: August 6, 2026
Members of the Press, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
For several weeks, we have observed baseless accusations leveled against our persons and by extension against this Commission by Former Commissioner Mohammed E. Fahnbulleh. We have decided to respond, not to engage in public dispute, but out of duty to the Liberian people, our partners, and our staff. We note that Former Commissioner Fahnbulleh’s tenure expired on July 31, 2026, and procedural matters surrounding the vetting of a new board are being handled through proper legal channels. However, the substance of his allegations—particularly corruption claims—demands direct rebuttal.
ADDRESSING CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS
Former Commissioner Fahnbulleh has alleged mismanagement of UNICEF funds. These claims are categorically false and demonstrate fundamental misunderstanding of our financial protocols.
Corruption allegations require evidence: investigation, forensic audit, and legal foundation. In the absence of these, they are rhetorical. We place on record that all INCHR financial transactions undergo rigorous multi-layered verification and require prior approval from the Internal Audit Agency of the Republic of Liberia. The claim that funds were siphoned circumvents this verification process—an impossibility.
The INCHR has consistently submitted to independent external audits by Moore Stephens & CO and the General Auditing Commission (GAC). These audits have affirmed our adherence to international accounting standards and proper utilization of public funds.
To be direct: no complaint has been filed against us. No audit or investigation has implicated us. These accusations are fabrication.
THE IRREGULAR APPOINTMENT AND POLITICAL LEVERAGE
Former Commissioner Fahnbulleh was never certified by the Independent Committee of Experts (ICE) as required by the 2005 INCHR Act, Article 9(3). His name did not appear on the official list of recommended candidates. Instead, he was irregularly appointed through personal political connections—a fact he has publicly boasted about. This appointment provoked internal discord and nearly cost us our prestigious ‘A’ status.
Once installed, Fahnbulleh used political leverage to intimidate the Board. He threatened Board Members, including the Chairperson, for their positions. Most significantly: after the tragic July 26, 2022 student protests in which Walter Seville nearly died, Fahnbulleh opposed publication of the Commission’s investigative report, appealing to political superiors. The report was suppressed despite courageous student testimony. This pattern reveals political loyalty placed above human rights principles.
THE FOUNDATION: PERSONAL VENGEANCE
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. His handling of the Prince Wreyou case—whose death sparked violent protests at the INCHR compound—remains unresolved and troubling. He now abuses his temporary “Acting Chairperson” position to settle personal scores, dismissing and threatening staff who challenge his conduct.
CURRENT ABUSE OF POWER
In less than three weeks, Fahnbulleh has dismissed key staff, including Director Peter Zaizay (previously threatened for submitting an unfavorable report on a high-profile case), the Gender Coordinator, and others appointed by the Chairperson. Regular meetings subject staff to threats and boasts of government connections. This creates a climate of fear and silences dissent—a clear abuse of authority.
CONCLUSION
We have been reluctant to dignify these accusations with response, but their persistence compels us to speak plainly: there is no legal basis for these allegations. Fahnbulleh’s tenure has expired. His corruption claims are malicious distraction designed to tarnish reputations, destroy the Commission, jeopardize our ‘A’ status, and undermine Liberia’s human rights commitment.
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.
Thank you.
Urias Teh Pour
Executive Director
Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR)
Bah-Wah Brownell
Director, Department of Planning, Internal Monitoring and Evaluation
Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR)
Russell Avenue, 20th Street, Sinkor, Monrovia, Liberia
+231-886585158 / +231-776813296