Published: September 12, 2025
MONROVIA — The Revolutionary National Youth League of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has condemned Deputy Youth and Sports Minister for Youth Development J. Bryant McGill, who is accused of raping a 14-year-old girl, and called for his immediate suspension without pay pending investigation.
In a statement Thursday, the CDC Youth League described the allegation as a “horrific act of rape” and a betrayal of public trust, stressing that such abuse violates the Children’s Law of 2011, the Domestic Violence Act of 2019, and international human rights standards.
The group criticized what it called a culture of impunity under President Joseph N. Boakai’s Unity Party-led government, citing the case of Internal Affairs Minister Francis Sakila Nyumalin, who has also faced rape accusations but continues to serve in office. “This lack of accountability undermines the very fabric of justice and safety for our young people,” the statement said.
The CDC Youth League rejected McGill’s recent decision to take a “leave of absence,” saying it amounted to a cosmetic measure that still allowed him to collect a salary while the alleged victim endured trauma. “We call for the immediate suspension without pay of Deputy Minister McGill as he undergoes police investigation and encourage the Liberia National Police not to compromise this grave crime against a promising young Liberian child,” the group said.
The Youth League also urged the Liberia Children’s Parliament to treat the matter seriously, stressing that the rights and protection of children are at stake.
The statement expressed disappointment in major youth organizations such as the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) and the Liberia National Students’ Union (LINSU) for their silence, arguing that their failure to condemn the allegations weakened their credibility and endangered victims.
The CDC Youth League said offenders must face the full weight of the law, including Deputy Minister McGill if found guilty. It urged the establishment of a system of compulsory background checks to screen individuals seeking work in public offices that serve children and vulnerable groups. The group also called on the government to strengthen laws that safeguard children from abuse and neglect, with clear reporting and enforcement mechanisms.
“The minister is not above the law; if found guilty of such heinous acts, he must face the full force of the law to ensure justice for the 14-year-old child,” the Youth League said.
Signed by CDC Youth League Chairman Emmanuel Mulbah Johnson, the statement urged citizens, civil society groups, and youth leaders to speak out against sexual violence and hold government officials accountable.
“Silence is complicity; we cannot afford to turn a blind eye to these atrocities,” the statement concluded.
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