Liberia News: Ja’neh Sues Gov’t To ECOWAS Court

Liberia-Former Associate Justice, Cllr. Kabinneh Mohammed Ja’neh, has filed a lawsuit against the government of President Joseph Boakai at the ECOWAS Court.

The suit accuses the administration of violating the United Nations Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, following the alleged disappearance of his client, Mr. Khalil Sheriff, who has been missing since his arrest by Liberian security forces mid-October 2024.

Speaking to radio panelists on a local radio station, Spoon TV, Cllr. Ja’neh is demanding justice for Mr. Sherif, whom the Liberian National Police (LNP) detained on allegations of recruiting individuals to rebel against Guinea’s junta regime headed Col. Mamadi Doubouya. Despite a court order requiring the police to produce Sheriff, they have failed to do so, leaving his fate unknown.

“Up to now, we cannot tell the whereabouts of my client, whether he is alive or not,” Cllr. Ja’neh lamented. “The security sector has refused to cooperate, and this is a blatant violation of both national and international laws.”

Ja’neh revealed that Sherif was reportedly arrested with over $170, 000 USD and two pickups. However, only $2,000 and one of the vehicles have been accounted for, raising further questions about the police’s transparency and accountability.

Adopted in 2006, the UN Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance criminalizes enforced disappearances and categorizes them as crimes against humanity when systematically carried out. Key provisions include, ensuring accountability for state agents or individuals responsible for disappearances, granting victims and families the right to know the fate of the disappeared, obliging states to investigate, prosecute offenders, and prevent such violations.

Cllr. Ja’neh has urged the ECOWAS Court to treat the case with urgency, emphasizing that his client’s life could be at immediate risk. He noted that under standard procedure, ECOWAS Court files are translated into English, French, and Portuguese before being heard—a process that could delay justice. “This is about life and death; every delay puts my client’s life in greater danger,” Ja’neh emphasized.

Ja’neh also expressed disappointment with the Boakai administration, which campaigned on promises of upholding the rule of law. He described the government’s alleged failure to enforce a court order and ensure Sherif’s safety as a “betrayal of their campaign promises.”

“This government campaigned on accountability and justice. Yet, they are showing a complete disregard for the rule of law in one of the first major human rights cases under their administration,” Ja’neh said.

The lawsuit has sparked concerns about the state of human rights and judicial accountability in Liberia under its new leadership. With the case now before the ECOWAS Court which is expected to be heard after the break, observers are questioning whether the Boakai administration can address this challenge without further damaging its credibility.

The ECOWAS Court’s decision on this matter will set a critical precedent for Liberia and the region in handling issues of enforced disappearance and human rights violations.

This high-stakes legal battle will test the strength of Liberia’s judicial and security systems as well as its commitment to international treaties. All eyes are now on the ECOWAS Court to deliver justice swiftly in this troubling case.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story. This paper will closely monitor and report on this case to the logical conclusion, as it unfolds.