Published: February 13, 2026
Monrovia — Chief Zanzan Karwor, the former head of Liberia’s Traditional Council, officially known as the National Traditional Council of Chiefs and Elders, has broken silence from his sickbed, expressing deep frustration over what he describes as neglect and abandonment by colleagues, friends, and the nation he served for decades.
Chief Karwor, a once loud voice speaking for traditional leaders and preaching peace between politicians whose disagreements overwhelmed their supporters and lulled them into confrontations has reportedly been battling diabetes for more than a year, a terrible experience which has led to the emotional disclosure during a recent courtesy visit by former CDC Chairman and now head of STAND, Mulbah Morlu. The former traditional leader recounted a painful journey marked by illness, isolation, and what he considers a lack of recognition for his years of service to Liberia.
Chief Karwor further that the situation worsened after the dissolution of the Chiefs’ Council by the Ministry of Local Government, formerly the Ministry of Internal Affairs, noting that many of the traditional leaders he once worked with stopped reaching out to him—even during his illness.
A Battle with Illness and Amputation
According to Chief Karwor, his health condition worsened in 2025, leading to his admission at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Monrovia, where he underwent an amputation. He said he spent several months at the facility but was later discharged within weeks without what he described as adequate medical attention, forcing him to seek continued treatment at an undisclosed clinic.
Throughout his struggle for survival, Chief Karwor said there has been little public concern or institutional support, a situation he finds painful given his long-standing role as a national traditional leader.
“They Have Left Me Alone”
Speaking emotionally, the former chairman lamented what he called abandonment by fellow chiefs and elders.
“All the chiefs that I know, and all of them know me, they have abandoned me. Nobody has come to speak to me. What they are doing to me is not good; they are not treating me well, I beg them, let them not do that. I am a human being,” he added.
Rumors, Fear, and a Cry for Help
The former traditional leader also attributed part of his isolation to misleading media reports that falsely claimed he had died in late 2025. While those reports were later proven untrue, Chief Karwor believes the rumors contributed to his present silence and abandonment.
Although he said he is not necessarily afraid of being poisoned, he expressed concern for his safety and well-being, revealing that he often lacks basic necessities, including food.
“Now I am talking about my life being at risk. I don’t know if someone could pass through somebody to give me medicine or food. I don’t know, because there is no food here,” he said, appealing for assistance while visibly distressed.
A Legacy of Traditional Leadership
Chief Zanzan Karwor was first elected Chairman of the National Traditional Council of Chiefs and Elders in June 2006 during an election held in Gbarnga, Bong County. He served in that position for nearly two decades, becoming one of the longest-serving heads of the traditional institution.
His tenure ended on August 9, 2024, following a leadership election that installed Chief Arthur W. Dowah as his successor.
Today, as he continues his battle with illness, Chief Karwor’s revelations have sparked renewed conversations about how Liberia treats its traditional leaders after service—and whether more can be done to uphold dignity, care, and recognition for those who once held national responsibility.
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