Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe, Jr., who represents Bomi County and serves as the head of Liberia’s delegation to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, has reported to the Liberian Senate that both he and his family members are facing threats to their lives due to a recent statement issued by the Government of Liberia.
The Ministry of Information condemned as “irresponsible and inflammatory” comments made by Senator Snowe regarding his intentions to use his position within ECOWAS to ensure the failure of President Joseph N. Boakai.
Senator Snowe made his statement on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, when he filed an official complaint and requested the Senate Plenary to investigate a “malicious allegation” made by the Government of the Republic of Liberia.
He emphasized that treason is a serious charge under the Constitution of Liberia, which can lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty. Since the government’s statement suggested that he intended to destabilize the country, he and his family have begun receiving threatening messages.
The Senator claimed his life is being threatened and stated that this issue should not be viewed as mere politics because he is an opposition senator; it could happen to any other senator in the future. He noted that the Constitution of Liberia supports multiparty democracy.
“I have received calls from people all over Liberia, including members of the security apparatus, accusing me of wanting to overthrow the Liberian government. The situation has even affected my 90-year-old mother, whose blood pressure has significantly risen since the statement was released. In fact, my family initially concealed the news from her to prevent undue stress,” he said.
According to him, the accusation from the Ministry of Information is a serious crime, and he seeks assurances from the Liberian Senate regarding his security, stressing that his family’s safety is now in the hands of the state.
Senator Snowe affirmed his belief that this government will be a one-term administration and stated that if he were to die today, the government would be held responsible for the statement issued by the Ministry of Information.
He noted that since the release of the statement, he and his family have been receiving threatening messages and now require security protection. Snowe requested two things from the Senate: first, that the findings of the investigation be published internationally to clear his name and affirm that he never made any treasonous statement; secondly, that the Ministry of Information retract its statement and issue a formal apology.
“I have informed our international partners, including ECOWAS, the African Union, the European Union (EU), the United Nations, and other reputable organizations, to monitor this situation, which appears to reflect an emerging pattern of political intimidation and persecution,” Snowe remarked.
He further asserted that if the Government of Liberia desires his position at ECOWAS, it should come and take it, emphasizing that he does not fight for such roles. He explained that while he values his position at ECOWAS, it is a privilege, not a right, and it is not worth risking his life.
