The Revolutionary National Youth League of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has unequivocally condemned the horrific act of rape allegedly committed by Deputy Minister for Youth Development, Mr. J. Bryant McGill, of the Ministry of Youth and Sport. In a statement issued Friday, September 12, 2025, the CDC Youth League said such atrocious act is not only a violation of the Children Law of 2011 and the Domestic Violence Act of 2019, but also a human rights violation and a betrayal of the trust placed in public officials to uphold safeguarding principles and the dignity of young people.
The party draw attention to what it termed as the disturbing trend of impunity surrounding allegations of sexual violence within the Unity Party government, alleging that the Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr. Francis Sakila Nyumalin, who is a tribesman to the President Joseph N. Boakai, has also faced accusations of rape yet has remained unpunished and continues to serve in office.
“This lack of accountability undermines the very fabric of justice and safety for our young people. We call for the immediate suspension without pay of Deputy Minister for Youth Development Mr. J. Bryant McGill as he undergoes police investigation and encourage the Liberian National Police not to compromise this grave crime against a promising young Liberian child. A cosmetic leave of absence forwarded by Minister Bryant McGill still allows Minister McGill to receive a handsome salary while his victim endures daily trauma. We also encourage the Liberia Children’s Parliament to take this matter seriously, as the rights and protections of children are at stake,” the CDC Youth League stated.
The political auxiliary noted that it is disheartening to witness major youth-led and youth-focused institutions, including the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) and the Liberia National Students’ Union (LINSU), failing to raise their voices against these grave injustices. “Their silence not only weakens their positions but also jeopardizes the well-being of victims, including the 14-year-old girl who has been subjected to unimaginable trauma,” the statement said.
In light of these events, the CDC Youth League strongly recommended the following actions:
1. Severe Punishment for Offenders: We call for the application of stringent penalties against Mr. J. Bryant McGill in accordance with the Children Law of 2011, the Domestic Violence Act of 2019, and international human rights law regarding abuse against children. The Minister is not above the law; if found guilty of such heinous acts, he must face the full force of the law to ensure justice for the 14-year-old child.
2. Compulsory DBS Background Checks: To prevent child abuse and protect vulnerable young people, we advocate for mandatory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) background checks for all individuals seeking employment in public offices that interact with children and vulnerable adults. This measure will help ensure that individuals with a history of severe human rights violations are barred from such positions. The Liberia National Police can work in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice to carry out these checks.
3. Legislation to Protect Children from Abuse and Neglect: We urge the government to develop and implement comprehensive laws that safeguard children from abuse and neglect. These laws must provide clear guidelines for the protection of minors and establish mechanisms for reporting and addressing violations.
Meanwhile, the Revolutionary National Youth League affirmed its commitment to advocate for the rights and safety of Liberian youth and called on all citizens, organizations, and leaders to unite in the fight against sexual violence and to ensure that young people are provided with a safe and nurturing environment.
“We must hold the alleged sex offender, Mr. J. Bryant McGill, accountable, protect the 14-year-old victim, and foster a culture of respect and dignity for all victims. As young leaders, we must rise to the occasion and challenge the status quo. We urge our peers and the broader community to speak out against sexual violence and hold government officials who are sex offenders accountable. Silence is complicity; we cannot afford to turn a blind eye to these atrocities,” the statement, signed by Emmanuel Mulbah Johnson, CDC Youth League Chairman, indicted.
In view of this latest development, The Liberia National Police has acknowledged the alleged crime and is currently conducting an investigation on the matter.
According to the head of the Women and Children Section, Susie Telleh, on August 30, 2025, the Liberia National Police (LNP) received formal a complaint alleging the sexual abuse of a 14 year-old minor by Mr. J Bryant McGill, Deputy Minister for Youth Development at the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Given the sensitive nature of this allegation and the involvement of a public official, the police is working closely with social workers and medical professionals to ensure that the victim receives the care and support she needs.
The Liberia National Police has assured the public that no one is above the law and it will remain firmly committed to impartiality, professionalism and the pursuit of justice regardless of status or affiliation.
The LNP stated that the Sex Crimes Unit at the Ministry of Justice and relevant forensic and social service teams have conducted interviews with key individuals, reviewed surveillance footage and taken steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the victim, adding that the suspect has availed himself for questioning and additional investigative actions are currently underway.
