Liberia President Suspends Human Rights Chief; Civil Society Calls It Unconstitutional

MONROVIA — Liberia’s National Civil Society Council (NCSCL) has strongly condemned President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s decision to suspend the chairperson of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR), Cllr. Dempster Brown. The council says the move violates the country’s constitution and the INCHR Act of 2005. In a statement, the NCSCL and its Human Rights Coalitions argued that the suspension is illegal. The INCHR Act, which created the commission, includes specific protections for its leaders. The council claims the president overstepped his authority. The suspension has sparked immediate concern among human rights groups. They warn that the action threatens the independence of the commission, which is tasked with protecting Liberians’ rights. President Boakai has not yet publicly responded to the criticism. The NCSCL is now calling for the immediate reinstatement of Cllr. Brown.