STAND Calls for the Dismissal of CSA Director Josiah Joekai for Lawlessness and Abuse of Power
Monrovia, Liberia; August 17, 2024 – The Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), a leading civil society organization in Liberia, has issued a strong call to President Joseph N. Boakai, urging the immediate dismissal of Josiah Joekai, the Director General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA). STAND accuses Joekai of failing to uphold the duties of his office and fostering an environment of lawlessness, which the organization believes threatens Liberia’s peace and stability.
STAND’s statement describes Joekai’s tenure as chaotic and counterproductive, criticizing his focus on monitoring the social media activities of civil servants rather than addressing the pressing human resource needs of the nation. “It is absolutely disappointing that Mr. Joekai will ignore the importance of the task assigned to him and reduce the country’s civil service to a social media police agency,” STAND declared. The organization contends that such actions represent a significant decline in public service standards and distract from the CSA’s core mission of managing Liberia’s human resources through career development, recruitment, and training.
STAND is particularly alarmed by reports that Joekai has directed government functionaries to dismiss civil servants who criticize the Office of the President. According to the organization, these actions are not only unlawful but also constitute a severe violation of the constitutional rights of Liberians to free speech and expression. “The dismissal of civil servants for expressing personal views or criticisms is a violation of their constitutional rights,” STAND emphasized, warning that this trend towards authoritarianism could erode the democratic progress Liberia has made.
The organization further condemned Joekai’s inflammatory statements and recent actions, which they argue undermine the integrity of the CSA and pose a danger to Liberia’s progress. STAND also criticized the broader trend of politically motivated dismissals within the government, noting that Joekai’s behavior suggests a closer alignment with political interests rather than a commitment to serving the people of Liberia impartially.
STAND’s call for Joekai’s dismissal is rooted in its belief that the CSA’s independence must be preserved, and that civil servants should not be punished for their political affiliations or opinions. The organization urged President Boakai to intervene urgently to protect the integrity of the CSA and ensure that wrongfully dismissed citizens receive appropriate redress. “A timely intervention will reaffirm his commitment to good governance and the protection of civil liberties in Liberia,” STAND asserted.
As part of its efforts to address these concerns, STAND has announced a consultative meeting scheduled for the coming week, inviting all unlawfully dismissed civil servants and government employees to participate. The information gathered from this meeting will strengthen STAND’s position as it prepares to present its concerns to President Boakai formally.
STAND’s call reflects growing concerns among civil society about the direction of the Boakai administration and the potential consequences of allowing such abuses of power to go unchecked. With this bold move, STAND aims to hold the government accountable and ensure that Liberia remains on the path to democracy and good governance.
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.