The military junta in Guinea has effectively extended its reach into Liberia, successfully orchestrating the forced extradition of a Guinean national, Ibrahim Khalif Cherif, accused of plotting against Guinea’s ruling authorities.
This controversial transfer, conducted under the cover of darkness on November 3 at Roberts International Airport, has raised alarms about the disregard for international protocols and the apparent cowardice of Liberian authorities in the face of Guinea’s military intimidation.
Sources indicate that a private jet carrying six heavily armed commandos from Guinea landed at the airport, demanding the immediate return of Cherif.
Led by Ibrahima Sory Bangoura, second-in-command of Guinea’s National Committee of Reconciliation and Development (CNRD), the commandos exhibited a show of force that left Liberian security forces powerless and on high alert.
The aggression and authority displayed by the Guinean force was purely on purpose, when they dictated to Liberia authorities that they were acting at the behest of Junta leader Mamady Doumbouya, according to people familiar with the incident. Liberia Ministry of information contacted said it has no details on the matter.
The decision to extradite Cherif has drawn condemnation, with critics accusing the Liberian government of disregarding established international agreements, such as the ECOWAS convention, which prohibits extradition in cases involving political offenses or where individuals may face inhumane treatment.
Human rights advocates have expressed deep concerns regarding Cherif’s potential fate in Guinea, fearing he may be subjected to torture or denied a fair trial.
This incident has sparked legal responses within Liberia, with Criminal Court Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie issuing a 72-hour ultimatum for Cherif’s immediate appearance in court, citing grave concerns over his safety and the legality of the extradition. Cherif’s lawyer, Cllr. Kabineh Ja’neh, has condemned the actions of the government, alleging that a midnight raid on his client’s residence was executed without a warrant, characterizing the incident as “kidnapping.”
“This removal was orchestrated by senior national security actors, demonstrating blatant disregard for the rule of law,” Ja’neh declared vehemently, referring to the administration's actions as a “first-degree felony of kidnapping.”
Observers emphasize the historical context of this crisis as reminiscent of Liberia’s own tumultuous past, where individuals extradited to authoritarian regimes faced deadly reprisals.
Allegations have emerged that Cherif played a role in recruiting former rebels to undermine the Guinean military junta—a claim further complicating the tense relationship between the two neighbors.
Political analysts express concern that Liberia’s compliance with Guinea’s military demands may destabilize the already fragile political landscape, Igniting concerns over sovereignty and human rights.
The bold actions of the Guinean military junta and the perceived cowardice of Liberian authorities have prompted calls for accountability and adherence to international law concerning human rights and extradition protocols.
