National Civil Society Council of Liberia

26/07/2026

~ A Special Independence Day Statement to the Civil Society Ecosystem of Liberia, marking Liberia's 179th Independence Day Celebration.~

Fellow compatriots and members of the civil society sector, today we gather in the spirit and solidarity to celebrate our nation’s 179th Independence Day, a day that reminds us of the sacrifices of our forebears and the enduring responsibility we carry as custodians of freedom, human rights, justice, and democracy. This day is not only a commemoration of sovereignty but also a call to duty, a reminder that our work as civil society actors is central to the nation’s progress.

Civil society in our country represents the Third Sector of Governance, a vital bridge between the people and the state. We are the conscience of the nation, the voice of the voiceless, and the guardians of democracy and accountability. Our role is not ornamental; it is foundational. We stand as the conscious compass that ensures governance remains people-centered, transparent, and just. On this Independence Day, we recommit ourselves to this sacred duty.

The challenges before us are immense, corruption, transnational crimes (drugs and substance abuse), weak institutions, and the erosion of trust in governance. Yet, these challenges are not insurmountable. With courage and unity, civil society can continue to demand greater accountability from our government, transparency in public affairs, and adherence to the rule of
law. These are not mere slogans; they are the pillars upon which a just and equitable Liberia must stand.

We must remind ourselves that no political persuasion, no threat to civic space and actors, and no manipulation shall deter us from our national service. Our loyalty is to Liberia, not to transient political interests. Our commitment is to justice, not to expediency. Our duty is to the people, not to power. On this Independence Day, let us reaffirm that civil society will never abandon its responsibility to safeguard the nation’s democratic soul.

As chairperson, I call upon the Government of Liberia to embrace accountability as a virtue, not a burden. Transparency must be the hallmark of governance, and the rule of law must be upheld without fear or favor. Justice must not be selective, and rights must not be conditional. The Government must see civil society not as an adversary but as a partner in building a Liberia where every citizen feels protected, valued, and empowered.

To my fellow civil society actors, let us rise above fatigue and cynicism. Let us find renewed strength in the stories of resilience from our communities. Let us be bold in our advocacy, fearless in our pursuit of justice, and unwavering in our defense of human rights and dignity. Our work is not easy, but it is noble. It is the work of nation-building, and it requires our collective energy, wisdom, and sacrifice.Independence Day is a time of reflection, but it is also a time of vision.

Let us envision a nation where governance is participatory, where resources are managed responsibly, and where justice is not a privilege but a right. Let's envision a society where civil actors are respected, let’s envision a society where the leaders will not compromise the general interest for self, where citizens are empowered, and where the Government is accountable to the people. This vision is possible if we remain steadfast in our mission.

Finally, let's celebrate this Independence with hope and determination. Hope that nation can rise above its challenges, and determination that civil society will continue to serve as the backbone
of democracy. Together, we can build a nation that honors the sacrifices of the past, meets the demands of the present, and secures the promise of the future. Liberia is our common heritage,
and its destiny is our shared responsibility.

Signed: Lawrence Yealue II, National Chairperson, National Civil Society Council of Liberia (NCSCL)

04/03/2026

"I pledge to lead with transparency, humanity, and bold courage," Lawrence Yealue, chairperson of the National Civil Society Council of Liberia.

04/03/2026

"Vision alone does not build institutions, but work does." Outgoing chairperson of the NCSCL, Madam Loretta Alethea Pope Kai

01/03/2026

Happy Birthday to our outgoing National Chairperson, Madam Loretta Alethea Pope Kai, whose tenure has been defined by courage, integrity, and steadfast dedication to strengthening civil society in Liberia.

Your leadership has amplified the voices of communities, promoted accountability, and reinforced unity within our movement.

As you conclude your service as National Chairperson of the National Civil Society Council of Liberia, your legacy remains a powerful reminder of what purposeful leadership can achieve. May this new chapter bring you continued success, renewed energy, and abundant blessings.

Thank you for your leadership. Thank you for your vision. And thank you for the difference you have made in strengthening the work of the National Civil Society Council of Liberia.

Happy Birthday, Loretta! 🎊✨

23/02/2026

You are cordially invited to join us for the Inauguration Ceremony of our newly elected officials.

This important occasion marks a significant milestone in our collective commitment to democratic governance, transparency, and institutional continuity within civil society.

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM
Venue: Ballroom, Monrovia City Hall

The ceremony will symbolize a smooth and peaceful transition of leadership as the outgoing administration concludes its constitutional six-year tenure of dedicated service.

We look forward to your attendance and participation in this landmark event.

19/12/2025

The National Civil Society Council of Liberia successfully convened its 4th National General Assembly under the theme: “Solidifying the Gains: Building a Resilient and Future-Ready Civil Society." The G.A is being held in Sinje, Grand Cape mount County, Liberia

The Assembly officially commenced on the 17th with a formal opening ceremony

Day two was dedicated to the review and adoption of the Council’s Constitution, a milestone that was achieved through a transparent and participatory process.

On Day Three, the Chairperson presented a comprehensive report on her three years of leadership, demonstrating accountability, transparency, and commitment to strong civil society governance.

Following the presentation, she formally shifted power to the Adhoc Electoral Committee marking the official transition into the electoral phase

The Adhoc Electoral Committee then assumed full responsibility for the General Assembly elections proceedings to select the new leadership that will steer the Council for the next three years

This General Assembly represents a significant step forward in strengthening democratic leadership, institutional resilience, and the future readiness of civil society in Liberia.

13/12/2025

All concerned CSOs, kindly take a few minutes of your time to read the information in these flyers. A PDF document containing the information here has been shared in various group chats and other communication channels since December 10, 2025.

Thank you.👇

08/12/2025

12/09/2025

CSO Council Demands Suspension of Deputy Minister Accused of R**e Requests Leave

Monrovia, Liberia – September 12, 2025 – The National Civil Society Council of Liberia (NCSCL) is calling on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to immediately suspend Deputy Minister for Youth Development at the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS), Mr. Bryant McGill who is facing allegations of r**e.

Deputy Minister McGill is accused of statutory r**e for allegedly having sexual affair with 14-year-old minor. The victim (name withheld), is the daughter of an employee at the Ministry.

In a statement released Friday in Monrovia, the Council said the accusation against Deputy Minister McGill is troubling, particularly given the government’s stated commitment to fighting sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and especially so, the position he occupies in government.

“The National Civil Society Council of Liberia urges President Boakai to, with immediate effect, suspend Mr. Bryant McGill pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation. Taking this step is crucial to protecting the integrity of the investigation and to maintaining public trust in government institutions.” the statement read.

“Government officials should be held to a higher moral and ethical standard. While we respect the principle of due process, it is imperative that the accused steps aside during the investigation to avoid any perception of interference or influence,” the Council emphasized.

The Council pointed out that r**e remains one of the most widespread human rights violations in Liberia, undermining the dignity and safety of women and girls across the country.

NCSCL warned that the credibility of the administration’s stance on SGBV would be severely questioned if decisive actions are not taken against officials accused of such crimes.

The Council further called on the Liberia National Police and the Ministry of Justice to conduct a thorough, impartial, and timely probe into the allegation.

NCSCL, which is the umbrella organization for all civil society organizations in the country, also urged the government to ensure that the alleged survivor receives adequate protection and psychosocial support.

Civil society organizations have long been vocal about the prevalence of r**e in Liberia. In 2020, widespread protests by women’s rights groups pushed the government to declare r**e a “national emergency,” a move that raised expectations for stronger accountability.

The Council among other things warned against attempts to politicize or downplay the matter, stressing that justice must be pursued regardless of the official’s status.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has confirmed that Deputy Minister McGill is undergoing police investigation over allegation of sexual misconduct involving the minor.

“We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, as they center on the fundamental principles of justice, integrity, and the safety of our citizens, particularly young people.”

“The Ministry will remain in close communication with the Liberia National Police as their investigation unfolds and reaffirms its full commitment to cooperating with law enforcement to ensure a thorough, impartial, and transparent process.”

“The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to upholding the law, safeguarding the integrity of public service, and protecting the well-being of all individuals, especially the youth we serve.”

The accused has meanwhile requested a leave from the Ministry on the back of the allegation and investigation.

“To ensure the investigation proceeds without any perception of influence, the Ministry has accepted and is forwarding to the office of the President, Hon. J. Bryant McGill's request for a leave of absence, effective immediately, until the matter is resolved,” an MYS statement added.

21/08/2025