The group’s spokesperson, Jacob Boakai—who is not related to the President—said after the elections, the then-Unity Party standard bearer assured them of support regarding job opportunities.
Rehab Community, Paynesville City-Members of the Unity Party, gathered outside President Joseph Boakai’s residence to demand jobs, were chased and brutally confronted by police officers, according to spokesperson Jacob Boakai, who also reported the arrest of three of their members.
By Jaheim T. [email protected]
One of the objectives of Boakai’s RESCUE MISSION is to create jobs. However, since his inauguration in January 2024, the administration has faced challenges from both the party’s hierarchy and its supporters, who are struggling to secure employment.
On Thursday, members of a joint security alliance, responsible for protecting Boakai during the 2017 through the 2023 elections, expressed their frustrations. Those who dedicated themselves to safeguarding the President during a time of diminished national security are now feeling neglected.
The group’s spokesperson, Jacob Boakai—who is not related to the President—said that after the elections, the then-Unity Party standard bearer assured them of support regarding job opportunities, promising that no one would suffer and that everyone would benefit from their efforts.
However, a shift occurred after the elections. Upon their arrival at the President’s residence, they were met with an unexpected and dismissive request to leave the premises. “When we inquired about this abrupt change,” Jacob said. “We were told that since the President had assumed office, we no longer had a place there.”
Jacob accused Charles Johnson, Deputy Director for Administration at the Executive Protection Service (EPS), of being behind the decision to exclude them from the security forces.
Johnson, who was once accused for selling security positions to some individuals, was the name mentioned on the protesters lip.
He recounted how the group had approached their situation diplomatically, equipped with documents demonstrating their previous engagement with the Unity Party and the President’s office. Despite their efforts, they received no response or assistance.
During one encounter where they sought the President’s attention, Jacob recalled a concerning incident: “The President grew upset and demanded to know why Charles Johnson wasn’t prioritizing them. He urgently called Johnson to address our grievances, expressing that he did not want any noise.”
Following the President’s request, they were invited to the Executive Mansion for discussions, which led to further promises of job opportunities. “We were told that good things were in store for us,” the spokesperson recalled, mixing hope with frustration. However, despite subsequent letters and face-to-face meetings, no actions have materialized.
He said the group feeling ignored and distraught, decided to peacefully gather at the President’s residence to highlight their plight. “We emphasized that in 2017, we worked diligently without reward, and here we were again, without jobs,” Boakai stated.
“Our only intention was to assemble peacefully and raise our concerns, yet the police responded with unwarranted brutality.”
He described the physical confrontations he faced, revealing the bruises he sustained: “I was thrown to the ground by officers who know exactly who I am. We were not engaging in violence; we just wanted to alert those in power to our situation. Instead of listening, the police attacked us viciously.”
Boakai expressed concern over law enforcement behavior in Liberia. “Many of these officers lack professionalism and display arrogance toward us. I believe Charles Johnson ordered them to harm us—officers Kesselly and Kennedy, along with Lavalah, were part,” he claimed.
“President Boakai,” he pleaded, “what have we done to deserve this treatment? We have lost family members and endured significant hardships in our commitment to support you. Is this how you choose to repay our sacrifices?”
The peaceful gathering escalated into chaos as their requests for assistance were met with aggression. “We stood there holding our placards, waiting for the authorities to acknowledge our message. Instead, we became targets of aggression; our phones were damaged, and three of our friends were unjustly taken away by the police without any charges,” he lamented.
Among the victims of this violent response was a young woman who merely asked a question. “She was met with violence and arrested, despite doing nothing wrong,” he recounted, visibly pained.
“This situation weighs heavily on all of us—305 men who have endured substantial loss and suffering. I personally lost two children during our struggle, and many have had their properties destroyed in our support of Joseph Boakai. How does he plan to acknowledge our sacrifices?”
The spokesperson called to the President: “We are peaceful people; we don’t seek violence. If these actions continue, they will send a troubling message to the public.
Meanwhile, the office of the President is yet to respond.
