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Liberia: The Looming Threat of Civil Unrest in Liberia: An Urgent Call to take a Lead on the CSA Director General

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By, Sir-George S Tengbeh, founder, Liberia Labour & Governance Alliance (LILGA). August 21, 2024

Introduction

Liberia stands at a crossroads, where the actions of its leaders could either reinforce its democratic principles or push the nation into a quagmire of another civil unrest.

The recent actions of the Director General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), Josiah Joekai, have sparked concerns about abuse of power, lawlessness, and the erosion of civil liberties in the country. The Liberia Labor and Governance Alliance (LILGA) request the president of Liberia Mr. Joseph Nyumah Boakai to call to order the director General of the CSA.

This article delves into the alarming situation, drawing parallels with similar incidents in other countries where wrongful dismissals led to significant civil unrest, and emphasizing the need for President Joseph N. Boakai to act swiftly to prevent further damage to Liberia’s fragile democracy.

The Role of the CSA and the Misconduct of Josiah Joekai

Created in 1973 through an ACT of the legislature, the Civil Service Agency (CSA) of Liberia is tasked with managing the country’s labor sectors with specific focus on profession advancement, employment, and guidance. However, under the leadership of Josiah Joekai of the CSA has deviated from its constitutional functions, becoming an instrument of political authoritarianism.

It has been reported that Mr. Joekai has instructed government bureaucrats to dismiss government employers who criticize the Office of the President, a move that LILGA and many civil societies see as a barefaced violation of constitutional rights and an affront to democratic governance.

The Decent Work Act (DWA), which governs labor relations in Liberia, is clear on the rights of employees to free speech and association. Chapter 2, Section 2.6 of the DWA supports employees’ rights to join organizations and express their views freely, with exceptions only in specific cases such as the Ministry of National Defence.

Furthermore, chapter 2, section 2.7 of the DWA, supported by Article 18 of the Liberian Constitution, speaks against discrimination in the workplace. The actions of Mr. Joekai, therefore, not only violate these legal protections but also undermine the very foundation of Liberia’s civil service.

Case Studies of Wrongful Dismissals Leading to Civil Unrest

To understand the potential consequences of Mr. Joekai’s actions, it is instructive to look at case studies from other countries where wrongful dismissals led to widespread civil unrest:

  1. Tunisia (2010-2011)

The wrongful dismissal of a street vendor, Mohamed Bouazizi, in Tunisia was the catalyst for the Arab Spring. Bouazizi’s act of self-immolation in protest against his unfair treatment sparked nationwide protests that eventually led to the overthrow of the government. Tunisia’s case highlights how perceived injustices in the workplace can ignite broader societal discontent.

  1. Egypt (2011)

The firing of several workers who had participated in strikes and protests government policies contributed to the Egyptian Revolution of 2011. The mass mobilization against the government was driven in part by anger over the suppression of workers’ rights and the lack of accountability for those in power.

  1. South Africa (2012)

The Marikana Massacre, where 34 striking miners were killed by police, was precipitated by a labor dispute over wages and working conditions. The wrongful dismissal and violent suppression of the miners’ strike led to nationwide outrage and highlighted the deep-seated issues of inequality and injustice in South Africa.

  1. Bangladesh (2013)

The Rana Plaza collapse, which killed over 1,100 garment workers, was a direct result of poor working conditions and the exploitation of labor. In the aftermath, wrongful dismissals of workers who spoke out against these conditions led to widespread protests and international condemnation, forcing the government to implement labor reforms.

  1. India (2020)

The wrongful dismissal of workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the agriculture sector, led to massive protests by farmers and laborers. The protests, which were among the largest in the country’s history, were fueled by anger over the government’s handling of labor rights and economic policies.

The Decent Work Act and International Labor Standards

The actions of Josiah Joekai stand in stark contrast to both national and international labor standards. Chapter 11, section 11.11, 11.12, 11.14 of the revised penal law of Liberia now (Abdullah Kamara Freedom of Speech Act) and the Decent Work Act (DWA) of Liberia clearly outlines the rights of employees, including the right to free speech, association, and protection against wrongful dismissal.

Chapter 14, Section 14.6 of the DWA requires that employees be given notice of termination, and the grounds for immediate termination as outlined in Chapter 14, Section 14.3 must be clearly stated. The recent waves of wrongful dismissals amidst free speech and headcounts as investigated based on the many reports, appears to have been blatantly disregarded.

Moreover, international labor conventions, such as ILO Convention 89, support workers’ rights to freedom of expression and association. The actions of Mr. Joekai, which include monitoring social media posts to determine retention, demotion, or dismissal of civil servants, represent a serious breach of these rights. Such actions are not only illegal but also justly inexcusable, as they seek to quiet disagreement and stifle free speech, which are cornerstones of our independent  community.

 

The Role of the President in Upholding Democratic Principles

The President of Liberia, Joseph N. Boakai bears the decisive responsibility for ensuring that the principles of good governance, democracy, and the rule of law are upheld in accordance with the constitution of the republic of Liberia.

The actions of director general Josiah Joekai are a direct outrage to these principles, and if place under scrutiny with repercussions could lead to widespread civil unrest, as seen in the case studies mentioned earlier. President Boakai must act decisively to address these concerns and prevent further erosion of public trust in the government.

LILGA’s call for an immediate disciplinary action against Mr. Joekai is not just about holding one individual accountable; it is about preserving the integrity of Liberia’s civil service and protecting the rights of all citizens in both the private and public sector.

The wrongful dismissal of civil servants for expressing their views or political disagreements is a clear abuse of power that cannot be tolerated in a democratic society. The President of Liberia must see it as a necessity to intercede for the insurance of sanity, and that justice is served.

The civil service agency CSA has to returns to its fundamental mandate of providing services to the people of Liberia impartially and without political bias thereby leaving a good room for trust and integrity.

The Danger of Ignoring the Warning Signs

The situation in Liberia is precarious, and the actions of the CSA Director General have the potential to spark widespread unrest. History has shown that when governments fail to address grievances related to wrongful dismissals and the suppression of free speech, the consequences can be dire.

The examples of Tunisia, Egypt, South Africa, Bangladesh, and India serve as stark reminders of the dangers of ignoring the warning signs.

In Liberia, the dismissal of civil servants for expressing their views is a clear violation of their constitutional rights, and it sends a chilling message to all citizens: that dissent will not be tolerated.

This is a dangerous path that can lead to authoritarianism, where the government seeks to control every aspect of public life, including what people can and cannot say.

Liberia has come a long way since its civil war, and it is imperative that the country continues to build on its democratic gains. The actions of Josiah Joekai threaten to undermine these gains and push the country toward a dangerous path of civil unrest.

President Joseph N. Boakai must act swiftly to address the situation through the issuance of disciplinary actions against Mr. Joekai and restoring the integrity of the Civil Service Agency. Failure to do so could result in a series of demonstrations and protests that could destabilize the country and undo years of progress.

The time to act is now. Liberia’s future depends on the ability of its leaders to uphold the rule of law, protect civil liberties, and ensure that justice is served for all citizens as entrained in the ARREST agenda of the UP-Led Administration. LILGA’s call for action should not be ignored, and President Boakai must take decisive steps to prevent a crisis that could have far-reaching consequences for the nation.

Contact Liberia Labour & Governance Alliance (LILGA) by email: liberialabourmovement@gmail.com or by whatsapp: +2317776

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