A Liberian diplomat has come forward with allegations of targeted threats and professional retaliation by the Liberian government, raising serious concerns about the treatment of former officials tied to the previous administration.
James Waylee, who served as Second Secretary and an expert on the 3rd Committee of the United Nations at Liberia’s Permanent Mission in New York, has accused the government of Liberia of orchestrating a campaign of neglect and intimidation against him and his family.
Waylee’s troubles began after he assumed his diplomatic role in January 2024. Despite performing his duties at the United Nations headquarters in New York, United States, he alleged the government abandoned him, withholding his salary and refusing to provide housing and other benefits granted to his colleagues.
“I was deliberately singled out. My salary went unpaid, and my family and I were left without basic support, even though I was actively working on Liberia’s behalf at the UN. The government owes me $56,550 in salaries and other benefits” Waylee said.
When the Assistant Minister for Public Affairs at the Foreign Ministry was contacted about the allegations, Madam Sawah Nana Gbarr promised to get back to this paper. “Will get back to you’. Later during the evening of yesterday, she texted that “I can’t speak to that”.
Waylee, a former Chairman of the Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE) and a prominent member of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), believes his political affiliation with the former government has made him a target.
Documents, including employment letters, U.S. State Department records, daily work logs, and his official recall letter corroborate his claims of neglect. The recall letter, issued on August 7, 2024, not only ended his diplomatic posting but also left him vulnerable to threats and financial instability.
“The government’s actions are political. My association with the former regime has subjected me to threats and exclusion,” Waylee explained.
Waylee disclosed that his public criticism of the government’s failure to pay his salaries and benefits has led to direct threats against him. He claims he has been warned to stop speaking out or face serious consequences.
The threats extend beyond Waylee to his wife and 16-year-old daughter, who face unique risks due to their connection to a politically exposed person. Waylee fears for their safety, particularly given the rising levels of political violence and insecurity in Liberia.
“I cannot ignore the risks to my family. The government’s actions and the threats we’ve received have left us vulnerable,” he emphasized.
“Speaking out has made me a target, but I will not remain silent. The government must answer for its actions and respect the rights of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation,” he stated.
