By: Sampat JMB Kpakimah
The Liberia Coalition of Human Rights Defenders (LICHRD), on behalf of a coalition of civil society and human rights organizations, has called for the protection of the independence and integrity of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR), warning that continued political interference could undermine the institution’s credibility and Liberia’s international human rights standing.
Reading a position statement on Friday, July 31, 2026, LICHRD Chairperson Neidoteh Boye Torbor said the coalition was compelled to speak out over what it described as growing political interference in the affairs of the Commission.
Addressing journalists, international partners, and members of the public, Torbor said the gathering was not one of celebration but of concern for an institution established to protect the rights of Liberians.
“We have gathered here today not to celebrate the legacy of a Commission established to give hope and voice to victims and survivors of human rights abuses, but to mourn the condition of a Commission that has, over the years, been weakened by confusion largely fueled by political interference and influence,” he stated.
The coalition stressed that the INCHR was established in line with the United Nations Paris Principles and the INCHR Act of 2005 to function as an independent national human rights institution responsible for promoting and protecting human rights across Liberia.
According to the statement, the Commission’s enabling law explicitly prohibits any state institution or individual from interfering with its work, emphasizing that the Commission must operate independently in carrying out its constitutional mandate.
The coalition argued that political interference threatens democratic governance, weakens public confidence in the Commission, and undermines Liberia’s obligations under both domestic and international human rights frameworks.
Citing the INCHR Act, the 1986 Constitution, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and ECOWAS democratic governance instruments, the coalition maintained that national human rights institutions must enjoy operational, administrative, financial, and functional independence.
LICHRD Boss questioned the legality of the appointment of Commissioner Mohammed Fahnbulleh as Acting Chairperson of the INCHR.
According to the statement, while the President has the authority under the INCHR Act to appoint replacement commissioners in cases of resignation, death, or dismissal, the law does not expressly authorize the President to appoint an Acting Chairperson or intervene in the Commission’s internal leadership succession.
The coalition further argued that Fahnbulleh’s appointment raises concerns about impartiality because he allegedly became Acting Chairperson following a complaint in which he was directly involved.
“This situation creates at least the appearance of bias, if not actual bias,” the statement noted.
The human rights defenders also addressed the expiration of the tenure of the Commission’s members.
According to the coalition, the statutory terms of all commissioners except the Chairperson expired on July 31, 2026, while the Chairperson serves a separate six-year term.
The coalition argued that although two commissioners were appointed in 2022, the legislative intent was for the six commissioners to serve a common five-year term, with only the Chairperson serving a six-year mandate.
Based on that interpretation, the coalition called on all six commissioners, including the Acting Chairperson, to vacate their positions and urged the Presidency to allow the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to commence the statutory vetting process for the appointment of new commissioners.
The coalition warned that allowing commissioners to remain beyond their legal tenure could undermine public confidence in the institution and place the Commission’s internationally recognized “A Status” accreditation at risk.
According to the statement, any perceived executive interference could negatively affect Liberia’s standing before the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).
The coalition cautioned that political interference in the INCHR could have significant national consequences, including eroding public trust, weakening Liberia’s international reputation, and affecting development assistance tied to governance, accountability, and human rights standards.
To safeguard the Commission’s independence, the coalition called for stronger enforcement of existing legal protections, including security of tenure for commissioners, guaranteed financial autonomy, and transparent appointment processes rooted in civil society consultation as provided under the INCHR Act.
The coalition further called for an investigation in to the circumstances surrounding Commissioner Fahnbulleh’s original appointment to the Commission, alleging that he was never vetted through the legal process prescribed by law.
It called on integrity institutions to investigate how Fahnbulleh became a commissioner and, if any wrongdoing is established, recommended that appropriate legal measures be taken, including the possible recovery of any public funds improperly received.
Responding to previous remarks reportedly made by Fahnbulleh regarding unpaid salaries, the coalition maintained that it would not support payment for public officials who allegedly did not perform their duties, noting that the Supreme Court had previously ruled in favor of the Commission’s decision to withhold such payments.
Concluding the statement, the coalition emphasized that the Independent National Commission on Human Rights belongs to the Liberian people and should remain free from political influence.
The group urged the Presidency to respect the legal framework governing the Commission, allow the Chief Justice to initiate the statutory vetting process for the reconstitution of the Board of Commissioners, and uphold the rule of law in the interest of justice and human rights.
Mr. Torbor expressed hope that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai would carefully consider its concerns and take steps to preserve the independence of Liberia’s national human rights institution.
