They Shield The Powerful, Suffer The Powerless

By Jamesetta D Williams

Monrovia-November 20, 2025: Bringing to justice individuals accused of rape remains the staggering cry of Liberian women as they took to the streets Monday to cry on the United Nations, calling for urgent international intervention in what they describe as a worsening crisis of rape and sexual violence across the country.

The fight against rape which began several years during the administration of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is said to be facing strangulation of all sorts, to the extent where the government is accused of shielding the powerful ones but easily goes after the powerless in society.

Apparently tired with the current trends rape matters have taken in light of the inaction against suspended Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Bryant McGill accused of raping a 14-year old girl, a Coalition of women and girls under the banner Women and Girls of Liberia turned attention to the international community through the United Nations Office in Monrovia.

In their petition read by Juren Korlu Morlu, the group accused the Liberian government of failing to protect victims or prosecute powerful perpetrators.

According to the statement, the justice system continues to favor “the powerful over the powerless,” noting that rape cases linked to politically connected individuals are often ignored, delayed, or completely abandoned.

She revealed that over 2,000 unresolved rape and sexual abuse cases remain sitting in offices and courtrooms without action.

“Files disappear. Cases are quietly dropped. Victims are pushed into silence,” she said, adding that alleged abusers continue to walk freely due to their government ties.

Morlu highlighted several victims — including Maya, Lorpu, Dennesse, Princess, Christine, Roberta, Janjay, Kula, and Favor — whose cases she said have never been taken seriously. She also referenced the case of a 14-year-old girl allegedly raped by a Deputy Minister, claiming that authorities are refusing to act while the accused official continues to report to work at the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

“The poor girl sits with pain, while her father, a simple security officer, is mocked,” Morlu stressed.

In their six-count petition, the women called on the UN to launch an independent investigation into the lack of rape prosecutions.

increase international pressure on the government to punish offenders, and provide protection for survivors facing threats and political interference.

They also urged to UN to hold public officials accountable when they obstruct justice, partner with women’s organizations to offer emergency support and protection for endangered girls and ensure that no rape case is ever hidden, buried, or manipulated under any government.

Receiving the petition on behalf of the UN, Shirke Fahbullah, head of security at the UN office in Monrovia, promised that the concerns would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities.

He urged the women to remain patient as the UN reviews their request.