History Warns Against Dehumanizing Political Critics as ‘Dogs’ or ‘Cockroaches,’ Analyst Isaac Jackson Cites Rwanda, Libya Precedents in Critique of President Boakai’s Language
BY: Rufus Divine Brooks Jr.
MONROVIA, Liberia — When political critics are likened to “dogs” or “cockroaches,” history offers stark reminders of the dangerous consequences that can follow such dehumanizing language.
The late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi once described opponents as “cockroaches” and “rats,” and mass killings followed.
During the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, Hutu leaders similarly labeled Tutsis “cockroaches” to justify widespread slaughter.
Liberia risks treading a perilous path when President Joseph Boakai refers to critics as “dogs,” a description that is ill-considered and inconsistent with the norms of a democratic society. In a democracy, critics are legitimate stakeholders who should be engaged through constructive dialogue, not derision.
Such language, Atty. Isaa Jackson argue, undermines democratic culture by fostering an environment in which hostility toward dissenters can be normalized or incited.
Concerns are compounded by reports of a heavy-handed government response to University of Liberia students protesting for jobs and justice.
At the same time, the apparent silencing of vocal critics — including figures such as Prophet Key and Representative Yekeh Kolubah — raises further questions about the current state of free expression.
Where, then, is Liberia heading, and what wisdom lies in deploying divisive and dehumanizing language against citizens who dissent?
Isaac Jackson is a Liberian commentator on governance and public affairs.