Monrovia, Liberia – In a strongly worded statement, Hon. Joseph Bannie has cautioned the Liberian government against any involvement—direct or indirect—in efforts to free former Liberian President Charles Taylor, warning that such action could destabilize the nation and undermine the administration’s “Rescue Agenda.”
Hon. Bannie began his message by extending seasonal greetings and congratulating the administration on achievements expected to mark its first two years in office. However, drawing inspiration from the biblical letters to the seven churches in Asia Minor (Revelations 2:4, 14, 20), he stated that despite the government’s progress, “I have somewhat against you.”
According to Hon. Bannie, Liberia’s past two presidents failed the nation by not establishing a War Crimes Court to deliver long-awaited justice for atrocities committed during Liberia’s 14-year civil war. He emphasized that many Liberians continue to suffer the consequences of those years of destruction, genocide, and displacement.
“Your government stands in the gap to restore justice as law-abiding,” Bannie said, urging the current administration not to repeat what he described as the failures of its predecessors.
He further warned that any government support aimed at initiating, influencing, or approving the release of Charles Taylor who was convicted by the Special Court for Sierra Leone would severely damage national trust.
“Any support…to free this unpatriotic enemy of Liberia, Charles Taylor, from prison, will completely destroy your ‘Rescue Agenda,’” he stressed.
Hon. Bannie noted that Liberia has not yet recovered from the violence, bloodshed, and suffering connected to Taylor’s actions during the conflict years. Allowing Taylor to return to Liberian soil, he cautioned, could provoke fear, instability, and even renewed violence.
“To see him walk back on the very soil that he laid waste may trigger another violence,” he stated. “We are still hurting with no justice.”
Hon. Bannie concluded with a stern warning that succumbing to individuals who profited from Liberia’s destruction could turn the administration into “another failure to Liberia” and risk laying “ground for another civil war or uncontrolled violence.”
“We will retaliate,” he said, emphasizing the depth of public pain and the demand for justice long delayed.
