Monrovia, Liberia –– The National Civil Society Council of Liberia (NCSCL) has welcomed President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s decision to suspend Deputy Minister for Youth Development, Mr. Bryant McGill, following allegations of statutory rape involving a 14-year-old minor.
In a statement released Thursday in Monrovia, the Council praised the President’s action, describing it as a demonstration of his government’s seriousness in tackling sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and upholding accountability in public service.
“The National Civil Society Council of Liberia applauds President Boakai for taking decisive action by suspending Mr. Bryant McGill pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation. This is a bold step toward safeguarding public trust, protecting the integrity of the investigation, and reinforcing the government’s commitment to fighting SGBV,” the Council said.
The Council stressed that while due process must be respected, public officials accused of crimes of such grave nature must not remain in office during investigations.
“Government officials should be held to a higher moral and ethical standard. The President’s action sends a strong message that no one is above the law, and that the dignity and safety of women and girls must be protected at all costs,” NCSCL emphasized.
Rape, the Council pointed out, remains one of the most rampant human rights violations in Liberia, undermining the dignity, security, and future of women and girls across the country.
NCSCL also urged the Liberia National Police and the Ministry of Justice to conduct a thorough, impartial, and speedy investigation into the allegations, while ensuring that the alleged survivor receives adequate protection and psychosocial support.
At the same time, the Council warned against any attempt to politicize or downplay the matter, stressing that justice must be pursued irrespective of the accused’s position in government.
The umbrella body of civil society organizations recalled that in 2020, women’s rights groups staged nationwide protests that led the government to declare rape a “national emergency,” raising expectations for stronger accountability measures in addressing sexual violence.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Youth and Sports confirmed that Deputy Minister McGill is undergoing police investigation over the allegation. The Ministry noted that McGill himself had requested a leave of absence to avoid perceptions of interference, a request that has been forwarded to the Office of the President.
“The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to upholding the law, safeguarding the integrity of public service, and protecting the well-being of young people across Liberia,” the Ministry’s statement read.
NCSCL then urged the Unity Party led government to ensure that the suspension is not just procedural, but must be backed by genuine accountability that restores public confidence in the government’s fight against SGBV.
