The Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) has raised serious concerns about the state of media freedom in Liberia, as the country joins the rest of the world on tomorrow, Saturday, May 3, in observing World Press Freedom Day 2025.
Commemorated under the global theme, “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis,” this year’s celebration emphasizes the crucial role of independent journalism in addressing global and national issues, including the environmental crisis, while calling for greater protections for journalists.
In Liberia, however, the day’s observance is overshadowed by what CEMESP describes as mounting threats to press freedom and freedom of expression under the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
Despite the government’s democratic pledges, CEMESP notes that incidents over the past year have revealed a troubling trend of intimidation, violence, and impunity against journalists and media institutions.
Among the cases highlighted was the February 2025 interrogation of Philibert Browne, publisher of the Hot Pepper newspaper, by the National Security Agency (NSA), following a report on alleged government corruption. CEMESP said the incident raised alarms over attempts to suppress investigative journalism.
Similarly, in November 2024, reporter Franklin Doloquee of FrontPage Africa was reportedly assaulted in Nimba County by individuals believed to be connected to a local government official after he reported on alleged public funds mismanagement. To date, no one has been held accountable for the attack.
Media institutions themselves have also come under threat. In September 2024, the offices of Spoon Network, a vocal independent broadcaster, were vandalized following a series of critical commentaries on government performance.
According to CEMESP, the Liberia National Police failed to conduct a credible investigation into the incident, reinforcing perceptions of state tolerance for reprisals against critical media outlets.
CEMESP warned that these incidents not only violate Liberia’s constitutional guarantees of press freedom and free expression but also erode public trust in the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The organization expressed deep concern that security forces either failed to act or were complicit in acts of violence against journalists, contributing to a growing climate of fear and impunity in the country.
Nonetheless, CEMESP acknowledged some positive developments over the past year, including increased engagement between civil society organizations and media stakeholders to promote journalist safety, the reactivation of dialogue on media law reforms, and the continued resilience of community radio stations and independent media outlets, which remain critical sources of information for Liberians.
Against this backdrop, CEMESP issued a strong call for the Boakai administration to recommit itself to safeguarding press freedom. The organization urged the government to guarantee the safety of journalists, conduct impartial investigations into attacks against the media, and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
It further called for urgent reforms to transform the state-owned Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) into a truly independent public service broadcaster that serves the interests of all Liberians, rather than functioning as a government mouthpiece.
CEMESP also emphasized the need to expedite the passage of key legislative reforms, including the Independent Media Commission Bill, the Community Radio Sustainability Bill, and the Data Protection Bill.
According to the organization, these measures are vital not only to strengthening Liberia’s democratic institutions but also to enabling journalists to play their critical role in amplifying voices on environmental justice, holding polluters accountable, and educating the public on sustainable practices.
“As Liberia stands at a crossroads, CEMESP reminds all stakeholders—especially those in government—that democracy thrives where the press is free, independent, and empowered to speak truth to power without fear,” said Malcolm W. Joseph, Executive Director of CEMESP, in a statement issued from Monrovia.
World Press Freedom Day, celebrated annually on May 3, serves as a global reminder of the importance of protecting journalists and fostering an environment where free and independent media can flourish. In Liberia, CEMESP’s call serves as a stark reminder that the country’s hard-won democratic gains remain fragile and require vigilant protection.
