MONROVIA — The Coalition for Justice in Liberia (CJL) has called on the Liberian Senate to reject the nomination of Lewis Brown as the country’s Ambassador to the United Nations, citing his controversial past and the implications of his appointment for justice and accountability in Liberia.
In a strongly worded statement, the CJL described Brown’s nomination as a “blatant contradiction” to President Joseph Boakai’s public commitment to upholding justice and accountability. The group warned that confirming Brown would undermine ongoing efforts to address Liberia’s history of human rights abuses and economic crimes.
“This appointment jeopardizes the progress we have made toward accountability and reconciliation,” the CJL asserted. “It sends a troubling message to both Liberians and the international community that impunity continues to hold sway in Liberia’s governance.”
The CJL highlighted Brown’s tenure as a senior official in Charles Taylor’s government, including roles as National Security Advisor and Minister of Foreign Affairs during a period of widespread human rights abuses and economic mismanagement. Brown’s association with the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL), a faction linked to numerous atrocities during Liberia’s civil wars, was also underscored.
Lewis G. Brown, Permanent Representative to the UN (Designate)
“Let us not forget that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report explicitly recommended Mr. Brown for prosecution,” the coalition emphasized. “Appointing him to represent Liberia at the United Nations—a body committed to human rights and justice—would be a mockery of these principles.”
The group’s opposition comes in the wake of President Boakai’s recent issuance of Executive Order 131, which established a vetting committee to select a director for a proposed war and economic crimes court. This move had been widely lauded as a step toward accountability, making Brown’s nomination all the more perplexing, according to the CJL.
The Liberian Senate, which has previously passed a resolution advocating for the creation of the war and economic crimes court, now faces mounting pressure to align its actions with the principles it endorsed. “Rejecting Mr. Brown’s confirmation is essential to reaffirming Liberia’s commitment to the rule of law and human rights,” the CJL declared.
The coalition appealed to President Boakai to reconsider his decision and urged the Senate to take a stand. “This is a pivotal moment for Liberia to demonstrate that it prioritizes justice over political expediency,” the statement read.
In conclusion, the CJL called on all Liberians and international partners to join the fight for accountability and sustainable peace. “Together, we can ensure that Liberia builds a future rooted in justice, reconciliation, and respect for human rights,” the coalition stated.
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