Liberia’s Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, J. Bryant McGill, is at the center of a growing controversy surrounding an alleged rape scandal involving a 14-year-old girl, the daughter of a Ministry staff member. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with civil society groups, youth activists, and legal advocates calling for swift action.
On Tuesday, a group of young activists from the Movement Against Rape and Sexual Gender-Based Violence (MARSGBV) staged a peaceful protest outside the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Paynesville, demanding justice for the alleged victim. The protesters, mostly young Liberians, wore red and black and held placards with messages such as “Say No to Rape” and “I Am a Child, I Have a Future.”
According to reports, the victim’s father, Christopher Davis, a Ministry employee, filed a formal complaint after his daughter reported multiple encounters with Deputy Minister McGill, who allegedly lured her into his office. A medical examination reportedly found evidence consistent with sexual assault. The Liberia National Police (LNP) has launched an investigation, with the Women and Children Protection Section collaborating with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and other relevant units.
Despite the evidence, McGill has not been arrested, instead requesting a leave of absence to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest in the ongoing investigation. This has sparked criticism, with the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) demanding swift legal action. Under Liberian law, rape is a non-bailable offense, and the lack of arrest has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to protecting victims of sexual violence.
The youth-led protesters have vowed to escalate their actions if justice is delayed, emphasizing that rape is a crime against humanity that leaves lasting scars. They have also appealed directly to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, urging him not to compromise the case and to ensure that justice is served. The government faces mounting pressure to act decisively, with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection calling for swift action and transparency throughout the legal process.
As the investigation continues, civil society groups are closely monitoring the situation, advocating for the rights of victims of sexual violence in Liberia. The case has highlighted the need for greater accountability and protection for vulnerable individuals, particularly children, and the importance of upholding the rule of law in the face of allegations of sexual violence.
