26/05/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 26, 2026
Brewerville, Liberia
Jarwlee Tweh Geegbe, a former leading human rights advocate in Liberia and affiliated with organizations including Rescue
Alternatives Liberia and the Liberia Coalition of Human Rights Defenders, has unequivocally condemned the violent and
disturbing events that reportedly unfolded during the Second District Report of the Representative of District 17. These acts of barbarism should concern every peace-loving citizen, regardless of political affiliation.
What was intended to be a peaceful democratic gathering aimed at informing constituents of District 17 and fostering civic engagement was instead overshadowed by an atmosphere of tension, intimidation, and fear. Young people and students from the district, who gathered to peacefully express their concerns and dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs,
reportedly found themselves confronted by individuals alleged to be associates of Representative Bernard Benson. These
individuals, widely identified by residents as the "Gaza Boys," were described as acting in an aggressive and intimidatingmanner.
Disturbingly, members of this group reportedly appeared in coordinated outfits bearing the inscription "Gaza Brigade" on their backs. This display created the impression that their presence was not spontaneous but rather organized in advance. Eyewitness accounts further allege that sonme individuals were brought in from outside District 17, raising serious concerns about the intent behind their participation in what should have been a public and inclusive district event.
These developments raise critical questions:
• Why would an elected lawnmaker feel compelled to rely on groups allegedly acting as personal enforcers, rather than trusting the Liberia National Police and the rule of law to maintain order?
• Why should peaceful students and residents of District 17, exercising their democratic rights through placards and calls for accountability, be treated with hostility?
Such actions are deeply troubling and pose a threat to the democratic principles upon which our society is built.
The frustration amnong residents of District 17 is both real and growing. For months, citizens have voiced concerns regarding unfulfilled promises, questionable project implementation, lack of transparency, and the slow pace of meaningful development.
These concerns warrant dialogue and accountability, not intimidation or suppression.
No citizen should ever feel threatened for holding their leaders accountable. No student should feel unsafe for peacefully expressing dissent.
And no public servant should wield power in a manner that instills fear among the very people they were elected to serve.
District 17 deserves mature, responsible, and people-centered representation leadership that listens attentively, acts decisively,
communicates honestly, and upholds the dignity of its constituents. The people deserve accountability, development,
opportunity, and respect.
In light of these events, I call on community leaders, civil society organizations, youth groups, and national stakeholders to unequivocally condemn all forms of political intimidation and violence, regardless of the individuals involved. The future of our district and our democracy depends on our collective commitment to protecting the rights and voices of all citizens.
â—ŹThe people are watching.
â—ŹThe people are thinking.
â—ŹAnd ultimately, the people will decide the future of District 17.
Jarwlee Tweh Geegbe is an emerging voice for empowerment in District 17, a former national leader in human rights advocacy, a human resource developer, a philanthropist, and a committed advocate for justice and accountability.
Signed:
Team Geegbe
District 17th Montsarrado
Brewerville VOA +231 88 987 6443
Green Coast Community District 17th [email protected]
Montsarrado County, Liberia (Both on WhatsApp)
