Monrovia, Liberia – In a strongly worded statement, former Monrovia Mayor Jefferson Tamba Koijee has condemned what he calls the “illegal dismissal” of Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) employees by the current administration, labeling the act a violation of human rights and a threat to national security.
Koijee, who served as the youngest mayor in Liberia’s history, claims that the dismissals are part of a broader conspiracy orchestrated by President Joseph Boakai, accusing him of leading “political witch hunts” against those who do not align with the Unity Party’s views. According to Koijee, these dismissals undermine Liberia’s employment sector and violate the rights of innocent Liberians.
“The Civil Service Agency (CSA) has conspired with the Monrovia City Government to dismiss legally employed Liberians who did not commit institutional crimes nor pose external threats,” Koijee asserted. He accused President Boakai of orchestrating the dismissals in a deliberate attempt to target political opponents, claiming that “Mr. Boakai feels insulted as a sitting president.”
Koijee also suggested that the actions of the current city mayor, whom he described as “incompetent,” are detrimental to the country’s peace and security. “The Mayor of Monrovia has proven his sheer incompetence,” Koijee said, arguing that these dismissals increase risks to the lives of those affected, as well as their families.
Koijee further accused the administration of ignoring the rule of law, noting that employees were dismissed without any proper investigation. He cited Article 18 of the Liberian Constitution, which prohibits dismissals based on “partisanship, tribe, creed, and other discriminatory factors.” Koijee contended that “the Mayor’s willful aberration, abrogation, and circumvention of due process” is a direct infringement on the rights of the affected employees.
In a broader critique, Koijee referenced President Boakai’s alleged history of violating tenure laws and undermining judicial rulings. He claimed that after the Supreme Court ruled against Boakai for illegally dismissing public officials earlier this year, the president retaliated by reducing the judiciary’s budget.
Koijee called on the international community and diplomatic missions in Liberia to intervene, warning that these dismissals could negatively impact Liberia’s relationships with international development partners. “These dismissals concern our domestic politicking but also have the potential risk of undermining the long-lasting relationship we share with diplomatic missions,” he noted.
Addressing his tenure as mayor, Koijee emphasized that under his leadership, he retained employees from various political backgrounds, including members of the Unity Party, and ensured their rights were upheld. “I worked as a Mayor for all of the people of Monrovia and not as a CDC Mayor,” he said, contrasting his leadership approach with that of the current administration.
Koijee concluded his statement with a call to resist what he described as President Boakai’s “greedy and self-seeking political desperados,” insisting that Liberia’s peace is “bigger than Mr. Boakai and his accomplice risky missionaries.”
The dismissals have sparked outrage and concern among many Liberians, with Koijee warning that such actions could destabilize the fragile peace in the country. As tensions rise, many are watching closely to see how the government will respond to these allegations and whether the affected employees will receive justice.
Matthew Jacobs is a photojournalist with a keen focus on Liberian politics and economics. With a background in photojournalism, he has covered major developments in Liberia and the surrounding region for over a decade. Matthew is known for his in-depth analysis and ability to bring complex issues to the public in a clear and engaging manner. As a lead reporter for Kukatonon News, he provides critical insights into governmental affairs, fiscal policies, and their impact on the lives of everyday citizens.