Monrovia—Several supporters of the opposition Coalition of Democratic Change (CDC) who are employed at the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Commission have reportedly been suspended for alleged violations of Civil Service Agency (CSA) policies.
On October 16, a communication circulating on social media identified multiple CDC supporters, including Antoinette G. Paypay, Princess Dugbaye, Bendu Konneh, and others, who were purportedly suspended for attending a party function.
However, Eddie Harmon, the Communication Director of WASH Commission, clarified that the suspensions were not related to political activities.
He stated that the CSA had conducted a headcount and recommended suspensions for employees who had been absent from work for several days.
“The CSA came and conducted a headcount and noted that those who had not reported to work for specific days should be suspended,” Harmon explained, adding that the individuals listed were suspended based on CSA recommendations.
He emphasized that the WASH Commission should not be blamed for these actions, and he denied that anyone had been dismissed contrary to circulating reports.
The viral communication, which claimed to be an internal memo approved by WASH Commission CEO George Yango, sparked heated debate, suggesting that employees were being targeted for their political affiliations.
Mr. Harmon, however, dismissed the memo as “false and misleading,” asserting that it was created to sow confusion and distrust.
Despite acknowledging that the listed individuals have been suspended, Harmon reiterated that the reason was not political but rather due to violations of CSA absenteeism policies.
However, he pointed out that it was notable that nearly all those suspended were members of the CDC.
This incident marks another chapter in the ongoing scrutiny of the Joseph Boakai-led government, which has faced criticism for allegedly targeting opposition members.
In August, nine employees of the Monrovia City Corporation were dismissed following allegations that they misused social media to criticize government officials.
The CSA Director General Josiah Joekai praised these terminations as a response to a “deadly social media campaign” against senior public officials, including President Boakai.
The recent suspensions at the WASH Commission have raised serious public concern regarding the Boakai administration’s commitment to principles of inclusion and free expression, with many critics viewing these actions as an attempt to suppress political opposition within public institutions.
