The Human Rights Monitor Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church has strongly denounced what it described as “threatening and inflammatory” remarks made by former rebel commander Joshua Milton Blayee widely known by his war-time alias “General Butt Naked” against Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah.
Jefferson B. Knight, Director of the Human Rights Monitor, called Blayee’s threats an assault on Liberia’s fragile peace and an act that promotes intimidation in a democratic society.
“These remarks are not only deeply disturbing but dangerous,” said Knight.
“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 has no legal authority to issue threats or invoke 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 emphasized that Rep. Kolubah, like all citizens, is entitled to these rights without fear of harassment or violence.
Blayee, once a feared warlord during Liberia’s civil conflict, has in recent years claimed to have undergone a personal transformation, even becoming a self-proclaimed evangelist.
However, his recent comments targeting Rep. Kolubah have revived 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 then noted 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 has come amid heightened political tensions and a broader national conversation on accountability, reconciliation, and the role of ex-combatants in public discourse.
Authorities are yet to officially respond to the call for an investigation into Blayee’s comments.
However, pundits say how the government handles this situation could set a significant precedent for curbing post-conflict impunity and ensuring respect for democratic governance in Liberia.