MONROVIA – The Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) has called on the Liberia National Police (LNP) to ensure a professional and impartial investigation into the death of Mrs. Tonia Jackson, a South African national and the wife of renowned Liberian economist Mr. Samuel Jackson. The call comes amid rising public outrage and the circulation of graphic images on social media.
As the leading Liberian women’s advocacy group in Liberia, WONGOSOL expresses deep concern and sadness over Mrs. Jackson’s death, as the circumstances surrounding her demise have sparked serious allegations of domestic violence, with images circulating online appearing to show visible lacerations on her body. “WONGOSOL calls on the Liberia National Police to ensure that this matter is investigated professionally, free from political interference or influence, and guided solely by the rule of law and the facts,” the organization stated.
While emphasizing that the full facts are yet to be officially established, WONGOSOL strongly condemned all forms of violence against women and demanded a thorough, impartial, and timely investigation.
“At the center of this tragedy is a woman — a mother, a daughter, and a Liberian through marriage — whose life may have been cut short under deeply disturbing circumstances,” the statement read.
In its call for transparency, WONGOSOL urged Mrs. Jackson’s husband, Mr. Samuel Jackson, to cooperate fully with the authorities and make himself available to assist with the investigation. The group noted that in cases involving the death of a spouse under troubling circumstances, the immediate partner often becomes a key person of interest, and full cooperation with law enforcement is essential for establishing the truth.
The organization anchored its demands in Liberia’s legal framework, citing the Domestic Violence Act of 2019, which criminalizes physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse within domestic relationships and mandates law enforcement to respond promptly to such complaints. It also invoked the Constitution of Liberia, which guarantees the protection of life, dignity, and equal protection under the law.
Furthermore, WONGOSOL reminded the public of Liberia’s obligations under regional and international human rights instruments, including the Maputo Protocol, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), all of which obligate the state to prevent, investigate, and punish violence against women.
Mr. Samuel Jackson appeared at the headquarters of the Liberia National Police (LNP) with his team of lawyers earlier today for questioning. This came after an earlier invitation extended to him by the LNP to assist the police with the ongoing investigation into the death of his wife. After hours of interrogation, he was allowed to return home while the LNP forensic team also visited his home as part of the investigation.
Meanwhile, WONGOSOL strongly condemns the circulation of graphic images of Madam Jackson’s body on social media, describing the act as a serious violation of her dignity and her family’s privacy. “Every woman, whether living or deceased, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect,” WONGOSOL said, calling on individuals and media platforms to immediately desist from sharing such images.
The group urged the public to exercise restraint and allow the Liberia National Police to complete its investigation before drawing conclusions that could inflame tensions or cause further harm to the bereaved family. Highlighting the broader context of the tragedy, WONGOSOL noted that domestic violence remains a serious and often hidden reality for many women and girls in Liberia, where victims frequently suffer in silence due to stigma and fear.
“This tragic incident must serve as a reminder that violence against women is not a private matter but a grave violation of human rights that demands collective national action,” the statement emphasized.
WONGOSOL extended its deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, and friends of Madam Tonia Jackson. It also expressed solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa and its diplomatic mission in Liberia as they mourn the loss of one of their nationals.
The Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) is a network of over 250 women-led and women-focused civil society organizations across Liberia. Since 1998, WONGOSOL has been at the forefront of promoting women’s rights, social justice, and good governance through advocacy, policy engagement, and grassroots mobilization.
