By By: Alphanso G. Kalama;
Monrovia, Liberia – The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has launched a scathing attack on the Student Unification Party (SUP), accusing the student political group of fabricating lies and exploiting gender-based violence (GBV) for political gain. The Ministry’s explosive rebuttal follows SUP’s claims that Gender Minister Gbeme Horace-Kollie has remained silent on the alarming rise of violence against women and children in Liberia.
In a strongly worded statement, the MoGCSP dismissed SUP’s allegations as “baseless propaganda” and “an orchestrated attempt to mislead the public.” The Ministry pointed to Minister Horace-Kollie’s continuous advocacy, citing her numerous media appearances, policy interventions, and direct actions in support of GBV victims.
“This is nothing but a deliberate smear campaign designed to discredit the Ministry’s efforts in protecting the vulnerable,” the statement read. “Minister Horace-Kollie has been at the forefront of the fight against GBV, making public condemnations, initiating programs, and taking direct action to address the crisis.”
SUP’s “Baseless” Attacks Condemned
In a direct challenge to SUP, the Ministry called on the student organization’s Women’s Bureau to “move beyond empty rhetoric” and gain a proper understanding of the Ministry’s initiatives.
“We challenge SUP to educate themselves on the Ministry’s work before making false claims. Instead of engaging in political theater, they should contribute meaningfully to awareness efforts aimed at reducing GBV,” the Ministry asserted.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to providing high-quality services and rejected all attempts to politicize the GBV crisis. It vowed to remain focused on its mission, despite what it called “malicious distractions.”
SUP Fires First Shots: Calls for Justice in Mysterious Deaths
Before the Ministry’s response, SUP had already condemned Minister Horace-Kollie’s alleged “criminal silence” amid rising incidents of violence and mysterious deaths of women and children. The student group decried what it called “government-sponsored impunity” and accused the Boakai administration of turning Liberia into a “zombie republic” where killings go unpunished.
The SUP statement cited a string of murders, including the tragic deaths of Princess Zuo, Mary Howard, and pregnant student Lovette Tamba, whom the group claims died due to medical malpractice at John F. Kennedy Hospital.
“The government’s refusal to take decisive action proves that the so-called ‘Rescue Mission’ is nothing but a catastrophic failure,” SUP declared. “We will not allow this bloodshed to continue without consequences.”
SUP Threatens “Revolutionary Action”
SUP issued an ultimatum, demanding immediate government intervention and independent investigations into the deaths. The group warned that if justice is not served, it will mobilize students and citizens in mass protests against the government.
“As history has shown, when the ruling elite fail to protect the people, the people must take matters into their own hands,” the SUP Women’s Bureau stated. “This administration must answer for its failures before we are forced to take revolutionary action.”
The student group has announced a protest rally scheduled for Monday, February 24, 2025, at Capitol Hill Campus, beginning at 8:00 AM.
