The Standard Bearer of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), Alexander B. Cummings, has described the frequency of mysterious deaths, unsolved murders, ritualistic killings and disappearances, which have characterized the four-year rule of the CDC-led government under President George Weah, as alarming, worrisome and frightening.
In a statement issued over the weekend, Cummings said, “The many unsolved deaths have increased fear, insecurity and heightened panic amongst the general citizenry. No responsible government would allow its people to live in a state of fear and rising crimes. President Weah administration’s actions and inactions have shown that they are irresponsible, and they do not care about the Liberian people.
“The mysterious deaths of Princess Cooper, 25, and Melvin Togba, 36, both of which occurred on March 24, 2022, have joined the long list of unsolved cases over the last few years. Citizens do die in every country. Murders do occur, but governments have a sacred duty to solve them—to catch the murderers and punish them. Even this, we cannot trust President Weah and his administration to do.
“Since the inception of this government, more than 20 mysterious deaths and gruesome murders have reportedly gone unsolved, along with ritualistic killings and disappearances, with little or no reasonable information to the public on the results of announced investigations, if any.
“These include the deaths of John Hilary Tubman, son of former President William V.S Tubman; Baptist prelate William R. Tolbert III, son of former President William Tolbert; Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) official, Matthew Innis, linked to the missing L$16 billion; CBL driver, Kollie Ballah; Immigration officer, Maude Elliot; Head of the Internal Audit Agency, Emmanuel Barten Nyesuah; Liberia Revenue Authority Auditors, Gifty Asmah Lama, Albert Peters and George Fanbutu; Alexander Yeahnur of Rivergee; Eliza Robert of Maryland; Hawa of Grand Cape Mount County; Mulbah Kunyon, also of Cape Mount; Afoa Williams of District #9, Montserrado County; Ma Nowai of the Johnsonville area; the St. Moses Funeral Parlor case—Siafa, Robert, Blamo and Blama; and Odell Sherman.
“We continue to pray for their families and for the peaceful repose of their souls, even as the Liberian government fails them, their families and friends and destroys the peace and security of our society.
“Police authorities are said to be investigating the most recent murders, but we await, without any certainty, that it would not be business as usual. Already, so-called preliminary reports from the police are stating no signs of foul play in Princess’ death. This is heartbreaking and, although said to be preliminary, is already conclusive.
“The growing number of unexplained deaths, mysterious murders and disappearances threaten our peace and security, and undermine prospects for economic recovery. No serious investor will look to invest in a country with rising crime, with a government unwilling or unable to solve mysterious deaths, murders and disappearances.
“Where there is no guaranteed security of individual citizens and a strong commitment to the rule of law, the economy will collapse further and recovery will be stalled. Economic conditions will worsen and the hardship on our people will continue. Solving murders and stopping crimes are indispensible to job creation, economic recovery and development.
“We can no longer gamble the safety and security of our people. Our Constitution provides for the security of all persons, and yet the government has failed to do so. The time, resources and energy that this government spends on political persecutions should be spent on finding the culprits of these egregious crimes against our people and giving relief to our scared, shaken and despondent citizenry.
“We call on this government to strengthen our security sector in order to prevent the occurrences of these wanton killings, speed up investigation and bring to justice those culpable for these heinous crimes.
“We can no longer accept business as usual while our people die like flies.
“My condolences to families, friends and loved ones of the victims and to everyone who has lost a loved one under mysterious circumstances without redress…Liberians Deserve Better.”