–Koijee Speaks Out
The former Mayor of Monrovia, Jefferson T. Koijee, has observed that the “new dawn” of Joseph Boakai’s administration has quickly revealed itself to be nothing more than a “charade—a government that thrives on hypocrisy, shields criminals, and weaponizes justice to target political opponents while indulging in corruption and gross human rights violations”.
Koijee, who was repeatedly accused of human rights abuses during the George Weah administration, is now throwing down the gauntlet, daring the Boakai government to investigate and prosecute him. He said despite years of relentless propaganda, not a single legitimate case has been brought against him. “Meanwhile, the real criminals walk free under Boakai’s protection,” he told the Hot Pepper.
Koijee, once vilified as the mastermind behind mysterious killings, disappearances, and para-military operations, was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) based on claims peddled by individuals who now sit comfortably in Boakai’s administration. Despite his repeated demands for an impartial investigation to clear his name, the administration remains silent, perhaps due to its inability to produce any credible evidence.
The former mayor told the Hot Pepper that, instead of upholding the rule of law the Boakai administration has plunged Liberia into a cesspool of lawlessness, and that the very individuals who accused him of crimes are now at the helm of power, presiding over an alarming surge in human rights violations while shielding their own from scrutiny. He described Liberia under the Boakai administration as a haven for crime and cover-ups.
“Take, for example, the highly publicized murder case of Charloe Musu. The only person ever arrested and charged—former Chief Justice Gloria Musu Scott—was miraculously freed and rewarded with a government position. Meanwhile, Charloe’s murder remains unsolved, and the real killer roams free under Boakai’s watch. What happened to justice? Or does justice only apply when the target is a political enemy?” he wondered.
According to him, under Boakai’s leadership, the Liberia National Police (LNP) has transformed into nothing more than a state-sponsored gang, allegedly responsible for a wave of brutality, extrajudicial killings, and the suppression of dissent. “The list of atrocities committed under Boakai’s administration in just one year is staggering!” he added.
“Voinjama City, Lofa County: a 45-year-old woman known as ‘Yarmah’ was found dead, with body mutilated and sensitive parts extracted—a chilling act reminiscent of ritualistic killings. Where is the outrage? Where is the investigation?
“Voinjama Police Cell: A 19-year-old murder suspect was found dead inside his cell. The LNP’s response? Silence. No accountability. No justice.
“Redlight, Monrovia: A local Fulani businessman, Hassan Jalloh, was brutally murdered, reportedly at the hands of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA). Instead of justice, there was a cover-up.
“These are just a handful of the 22 documented human rights violations under Boakai’s first year in power—yet there has been no international outcry, no sanctions, no demands for accountability. Why? Because the perpetrators are Boakai’s allies,” Koijee accused the Boakai-Koung administration.
Koijee then frowned at what he termed “the appalling double standards at play”. He said for six years he was hounded by relentless propaganda, and his name dragged through the mud by the very people who now preside over Liberia’s rapid descent into chaos. He stated that his accusers screamed for justice when it suited their political agenda, but now that they hold power they conveniently ignore the suffering of ordinary Liberians.
“This administration has proven to be nothing more than a cabal of corrupt officials who manipulate the system to settle political scores while enabling crime and lawlessness to flourish,” he stated further.
Meanwhile, Koijee has called on the international community to swiftly intervene before Boakai and his administration derail the democratic gains of the country. “The situation in Liberia is dire. Boakai’s administration is running the country into the ground, using state institutions to target opponents while shielding criminals and human rights violators. The world must not turn a blind eye to the hypocrisy and brutality unfolding in Liberia. We deserve a government that prioritizes accountability and the rule of law, not one that silences dissent and protects the guilty,” Koijee declared.
He insisted that Liberia cannot afford to continue down this treacherous path. “If Boakai’s government refuses to uphold justice, then it is up to the international community to intervene before Liberia collapses into total anarchy. The time for action is now,” he maintained.