Liberia’s Press Freedom Under Threat Despite Progress, Warns Media Watchdog
Monrovia, Liberia – May 3, 2026
Liberia’s media freedom gains are at risk amid rising attacks on journalists and government attempts to roll back legal protections, a leading media advocacy group has warned.
The Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP-Liberia) issued the alert on World Press Freedom Day, celebrated globally on May 3 under the theme “Shaping a Future of Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security.” While acknowledging Liberia’s progress in fostering an open media environment, CEMESP cautioned that recent violations signal a dangerous backslide.
Progress at Risk
Liberia has made strides in press freedom, notably through the Kamara Abdullai Kamara Act, which decriminalized libel and strengthened legal safeguards for journalists. The country’s media landscape remains relatively pluralistic, with critical reporting still tolerated.
CEMESP also praised the Independent Information Commission of Liberia for expanding awareness and enforcement of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, which has improved government transparency.
However, these achievements are overshadowed by a surge in attacks against journalists in 2025—ranging from assaults to arbitrary arrests—raising concerns about impunity and shrinking democratic space.
Wave of Violations
CEMESP documented multiple cases of harassment and violence:
- Moses Garzeawu (BBC) was assaulted by police while covering a sports event at Monrovia’s SKD Stadium.
- Bai Best and David Yates (Daily Observer) faced arrest threats over a report on a hotel manager’s death.
- Alex Yomie (Radio Lar) was abducted in Nimba County by suspected members of the Poro secret society.
- Frank Sainworla (Public Trust Media Group) had his phone confiscated and photos deleted by city police.
- Edward Stemn was jailed in Maryland County after reporting on alleged judicial corruption.
Journalists investigating illegal mining and land disputes in rural areas also faced intimidation, highlighting the heightened risks outside the capital.
“These incidents show a troubling pattern of impunity,” CEMESP stated. “Perpetrators are rarely held accountable.”
Government Backsliding?
The group sounded alarms over reported efforts to amend the Kamara Abdullai Kamara Act, fearing weakened protections. It also criticized a new Civil Service Agency directive requiring non-disclosure agreements for civil servants—a move it called a violation of the FOI Act’s transparency principles.
“Liberia must move beyond legal commitments and ensure real protections for journalists,” said CEMESP Executive Director Malcolm W. Joseph. “Undermining press freedom laws sends a dangerous message about accountability.”
Calls to Action
CEMESP urged the Liberian government to:
- Halt any regressive amendments to press freedom laws.
- Investigate and prosecute attacks on journalists.
- Enforce FOI Act compliance across all agencies.
- Boost protections for rural reporters and train security forces on media rights.
As Liberia marks World Press Freedom Day, CEMESP stressed that a free press is vital for peace, human rights, and development. “Without a safe and vibrant media, democracy weakens, and public trust erodes,” the group warned.
— Reported by Nexio News
