By Amos Harris
Monrovia, Liberia – Liberia’s Human Rights Monitor, a prominent advocacy group under the United Methodist Church, has strongly condemned former rebel commander Joshua Milton Blayee, infamously known as “General Butt Naked,” for what they describe as “threatening and inflammatory” remarks. Blayee’s recent comments targeted Montserrado County District #10 Representative, Honorable Yekeh Kolubah.
Jefferson B. Knight, Director of the Human Rights Monitor, characterized Blayee’s threats as a direct assault on Liberia’s fragile peace and an act promoting intimidation within a democratic society. “These remarks are not only deeply disturbing but dangerous,” Knight stated, adding, “They erode public trust in the rule of law and threaten the safety of a sitting member of the national legislature. Such behavior must not go unchallenged.”
The human rights body emphasized that Joshua Blayee holds no formal role in national security and lacks any legal authority to issue threats or evoke the rhetoric of war. The group is urging Liberian authorities to immediately investigate the incident and summon Blayee for questioning. “No one, regardless of their past or present influence, should be permitted to intimidate or terrorize elected officials or ordinary citizens,” the statement read. “This is a threat to national stability and democratic order.”
The Human Rights Monitor reiterated its unwavering stance against all forms of violence, calling on Liberians to uphold democratic norms, particularly the constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of speech and movement. The statement stressed that Representative Kolubah, like all citizens, is entitled to these rights without fear of harassment or violence.
Blayee, once a feared warlord during Liberia’s brutal civil conflict, has in recent years claimed a personal transformation, even becoming a self-proclaimed evangelist. However, his recent comments targeting Representative Kolubah have reignited public concerns about the lingering influence of former war actors and their role in post-conflict Liberia.
“The recent remarks by Blayee threaten to reverse the hard-won gains Liberia has made in peacebuilding and national reconciliation,” Knight warned. “At a time when Liberians are striving for unity and healing, this kind of rhetoric brings painful memories and undermines national cohesion.”
The Human Rights Monitor called on civil society organizations, government agencies, and the international community to denounce such threats and remain vigilant against actions that could destabilize the nation. Knight concluded with a passionate appeal for collective responsibility: “We urge all peace-loving Liberians to stand against threats, uphold the dignity of every citizen, and protect the democratic values enshrined in our Constitution. Liberia’s peace and future are too important to be threatened by individuals seeking to relive a violent past.”
The statement comes amid heightened political tensions and a broader national conversation on accountability, reconciliation, and the role of ex-combatants in public discourse. As of today, June 28, 2025, authorities have yet to officially respond to the call for an investigation into Blayee’s comments. Political observers suggest that how the government handles this situation could set a significant precedent for curbing post-conflict impunity and ensuring respect for democratic governance in Liberia.