Monrovia, Liberia – There have been calls for K. Massayan Sorsor, a Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) official, to be fired and charged with assault after a distressing video showed him attacking an elderly man. Many Liberians are describing Sorsor’s violent assault on an elderly man known as Pa Gayflor in the video, which was made public by activist Martin K. N. Kollie on Saturday, March 22, 2025, as a flagrant abuse of authority.
Sorsor can be heard bragging, “Let him go to court,” on the footage. He hits the helpless old guy repeatedly, saying, “I don’t care.” Pa Gayflor’s family claims that Sorsor also boasted that his riches and power would protect him from any repercussions. If accurate, this episode highlights the pervasive impunity and haughtiness that characterize Liberia’s governing system, where officials feel above the law.
The public has called on higher authorities for justice noting that a group of attorneys, headed by Cllr. Massaquoi Jonathan, had been engaged to pursue legal action against Sorsor on behalf of the family.
Even more troubling than the physical attack is the disclosure that Sorsor reportedly dragged the elderly man to court after slapping him and even succeeded in getting his son, Aaron Gayflor Jr., locked up in South Beach Prison. This presents grave issues regarding the misuse of official institutions to suppress and threaten victims. Rather than being held accountable for his violent acts, Sorsor allegedly exploited the legal system as a tool to further punish the families of his victims.
In a press statement issued by Patience Senkpeni Kumeh, director of communications, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning admitted the existence of the video claiming that the matter is already in court. The Ministry added that its Human Resources and Legal Units are “reviewing all internal policies” in relation to the issue. However, as many see this attitude as an effort to avoid direct accountability, it has only served to increase criticism.
