The Liberian Civil Service Agency (CSA) has directed the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) to terminate the employment of nine employees for what it describes as a “deadly social media campaign” targeting senior government officials, particularly President Joseph Boakai.
The dismissals, which have been carried out by the MCC, have sparked criticism from prominent Liberian figures, who have accused the government of infringing on the rights of civil servants and clamping down on free speech.
According to the termination letters, the dismissed employees, including the Public Relations Officer, Revenue Agent, and Procurement Assistant, were found to have engaged in “consistent and deliberate” actions on social media that involved “enraging insults” against the President and other government officials.
The CSA, led by Director General Josiah F. Joekai, claimed that the employees’ actions have “caused significant harm to the reputation and image of the MCC” and are “incompatible with the status of the employees in question.”
However, the move has been met with strong opposition. Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon criticized the decision, calling it a “wrong move” that should not be encouraged.
Nimba County Representative Musa Hassan Bility also condemned the action, warning President Boakai to “rein in” the CSA Director General, who he said does not have the authority to infringe on the rights of civil servants.
One of the dismissed employees, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, refused to comment, stating that they were waiting to receive their official dismissal letter from the MCC.
Political analysts have expressed concerns that the potential dismissals could signal a broader clampdown on free speech, a development that would contradict the Unity Party’s campaign message during the 2023 Presidential election.
The controversy surrounding the CSA’s directive and the MCC’s subsequent actions has raised questions about the government’s commitment to upholding civil liberties and the rights of its citizens, even within the public service.
