-A Ranking Congressman raises concern about “regarding worsening political conditions in Liberia:
The government of President George Manneh Weah has been put on record by a Ranking US Congressman, Rep. Chris Smith for its huma rights record and the level of “corruption that is occurring in Liberia.”
Since taking office close to two years now on January 22, 201s, the international football icon-turned politician has been criticized by opposition politicians and other Liberians for bad governance and blamed for the current economic crisis in this West African state.
In recent days, Weah’s own CDC party Chairman Mulbah Morlu has strongly criticized the Liberian leader about the way he’s conducting the affairs of the state, pointing to corruption and other bad governance practices which are contributing to the worsening economic crisis.
The upcoming protest, which has since been banned by the Liberian Justice Ministry, is being organized by the Council of Patriots (COP) led by controversial radio talk show host Henry Costa. And the group has vowed to defy the ban and go ahead with their protest, which they say is an exercise of their right under Article 17 of the Liberian constitution.
But now, it seems the open criticisms are taking international dimension as seen in the following press statement issued December 23, 2019 by this Ranking member of the US Congress:
Statement of Rep. Smith on Liberia’s Worsening Political Situation
Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Africa and co-chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, issued the following statement of concern regarding worsening political conditions in Liberia:
“Human rights advocates are increasingly alarmed by the deterioration of civil and political rights and the corruption that is occurring in Liberia under President George Weah. I am especially concerned by allegations surrounding Monrovia Mayor Jefferson Koijee and the thuggish behavior of the Congress for Democratic Change Security Force he heads.
“Credible allegations of serious human and civil rights violations–including attempted murder, rape, unlawful arrest, detention and torture–have been attributed to Mayor Koijee by the International Justice Group, a US-based non-government organization.
“Especially in light of our historic ties to Liberia, the United States Congress will be closely monitoring the mass public demonstration that is scheduled to occur on December 30 in Monrovia, and I call upon the government of Liberia to respect the free speech and assembly rights of Liberian citizens. Anyone who suppresses these fundamental rights, or engages in ongoing corrupt acts, may very well become subject to targeted Global Magnitsky sanctions.”