Monrovia, Liberia – The nomination of Mr. Francis S. Nyumalin as Minister of Internal Affairs and Mr. J. Nelson Freeman as Deputy Inspector General for Operations of the Liberia National Police has drawn a strong warning from the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) to the Liberian Senate. The CDC is urging the rejection of both nominations after learning of their troubling human rights backgrounds.
President Joseph Boakai’s choice to choose people with such dark pasts deeply concerns the CDC, which cited the candidates’ violent records and disdain for human rights as major roadblocks to Liberia’s development in a statement issued today.
It has been alleged that Mr. Nyumalin and Mr. Freeman committed violent crimes, such as the brutalization and senseless murder of defenseless people. In 2011, a violent attack on unarmed individuals by a special police squad that resulted in fatalities was carried out under the command of Mr. Freeman specifically. To date, he has avoided responsibility in spite of these accusations.
According to reports, Mr. Nyumalin, a former legislator, organized attacks against political opponents in Foya, Lofa County, publicly identified himself as a “Old rebel,” and incited violence among gullible teenagers. He has also been connected to a violent campaign during recent elections in the same county.
In the event that President Boakai sticks to his choice, the CDC has urged the Liberian Senate to reject his nominations and encouraged President Boakai to reevaluate them. Permitting people with such blemished histories to occupy positions of authority, according to the CDC, weakens the rule of law and jeopardizes Liberia’s stability.
Mulbah K. Morlu, Jr., the chairman of the CDC, stressed the party’s dedication to maintaining the rule of law and condemned impunity in all its manifestations, irrespective of political membership. He asked the Senate to put the wellbeing of the Liberian people above political considerations and cautioned against the consequences of institutionalized violence.
The CDC’s position highlights the value of integrity and accountability in governance and sends a strong message against injustice and impunity. All eyes are on the Liberian Senate to preserve the values of justice and respect for human rights as the nomination process progresses.
