Calls for Accountability: The Case of Officer Boima Massaley in Liberia

The Liberia Human Rights Report highlights serious violations by the government, with arbitrary killings and police misconduct raising significant concerns among citizens. The fatal shooting of fisherman Favor by Officer Boima Massaley has ignited community outrage, amplifying fears of extrajudicial killings and police brutality. Accountability and systemic reforms within the Liberia National Police are critically needed to restore trust and honor human rights in the nation.

The Liberia Human Rights Report highlights ongoing human rights violations in the country, reflecting the challenges faced by citizens daily. Significant issues include arbitrary killings by the police, harsh prison conditions, and serious judicial independence concerns. Additionally, freedom of expression and press is heavily restricted, amidst growing corruption and insufficient accountability measures for violence against women and children. Rape, domestic violence, and female genital mutilation are frequent and often met with governmental inaction.

A tragic event has amplified these concerns: the killing of a 22-year-old fisherman named Favor by off-duty police officer Boima Massaley on February 12, 2025, at Gbanjor Beach. Eyewitnesses assert that Officer Massaley displayed aggression while brandishing his firearm at a group that included Favor, who was ultimately shot and pronounced dead at the scene. This incident has generated community outrage and raised serious questions about police conduct and the prevalence of extrajudicial killings in Liberia.

Following the shooting, community members intervened to disarm Officer Massaley, who attempted to flee the scene. He was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation, as the community expressed growing fears surrounding police violence in Lower Virginia, echoed by previous police-related fatalities.

The history of police brutality in the area is alarming, with a notable case involving Police Inspector Fayiah, who fatally shot resident Mr. Mohammed last August. Such incidents underscore the urgent need for reforms and accountability within the Liberia National Police.

Extrajudicial killings, recognized by the United Nations as unlawful state actions, continue to threaten human rights in Liberia. Such egregious acts display a systemic failure of the justice system and highlight the potential misuse of police power leading to unlawful termination of innocent lives, often without due process.

These unlawful practices illustrate a disturbing trend in the policing landscape of Liberia, where excessive use of force by law enforcement has become commonplace. The recent incidents involving Favor and Mr. Mohammed reveal a worrying pattern of law enforcement officers abusing their authority, highlighting the dire need for an overhaul of police protocols and training.

Accountability for officers like Boima Massaley is crucial to restoring public trust. Prosecution of Massaley would signify a necessary step towards fostering justice and safeguarding human rights in Liberia. This process requires significant reform to ensure that law enforcement operates within ethical boundaries and maintains respect for citizens’ rights.

The critical evaluation of police conduct in Liberia, particularly following the tragic incident involving Officer Boima Massaley, emphasizes a national crisis in human rights. It is essential for authorities to prioritize accountability and implement reforms to address systemic issues within the police force. By ensuring responsible law enforcement, Liberia can begin to mend its strained relationship between the police and its citizens, honoring the rights of all individuals and reinforcing the principle of justice.

Original Source: www.thenewdawnliberia.com