NACSUL Defends Minister Nyanti -Calls Allegations against Her False and Damaging

MONROVIA – A civil society union has stepped forward to defend Liberia’s foreign minister against allegations it deems reckless and unproven. The intervention sharpens a national argument over where expression ends and defamation begins. The National Civil Society Union of Liberia’s rejection of claims against Sara Beysolow Nyanti frames the dispute around evidence and due process. At issue is whether public figures can be linked to serious crimes without proof surviving scrutiny. The stakes reach beyond one minister to state institutions and Liberia’s diplomatic standing. The controversy also tests the responsibilities that accompany the constitutional right to speak freely. How such disputes are settled will shape public trust in media and government. THE ANALYST reports.

The National Civil Society Union of Liberia (NACSUL) has strongly rejected allegations made against Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, describing them as false, misleading, irresponsible and damaging to the image of the Republic of Liberia. In a statement, the Union said it had taken serious note of claims recently made by the Chief Executive Officer of SPOON Network, Stanton A. Witherspoon, against the Foreign Minister, and moved to distance itself from what it characterized as unsupported accusations.

The Union said it was particularly concerned about attempts by Witherspoon and other individuals to associate the Minister and the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with alleged drug-trafficking activities in Liberia without credible evidence. NACSUL maintained that such serious allegations should not be made or circulated without verifiable facts. It warned that unsupported accusations have the potential to undermine public confidence in state institutions, damage individual reputations and negatively affect Liberia’s international image and diplomatic relationships.

A DEFENSE OF NYANTI’S RECORD

NACSUL described Nyanti as an official widely recognized nationally and internationally for her distinguished career in diplomacy, governance, humanitarian service and international development. The Union noted that, prior to her appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs, she served within the United Nations system, including in senior leadership positions with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other international institutions across Africa and beyond. It said her decades of public service had earned her recognition among international partners, diplomats, development practitioners and policy experts.

According to the Union, Nyanti has throughout her career been associated with initiatives promoting peacebuilding, democratic governance, women’s empowerment, institutional reform, humanitarian action and sustainable development. It said that under her leadership, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has continued efforts to strengthen Liberia’s bilateral and multilateral relations, expand international cooperation and advance the country’s diplomatic interests. The Union presented this record as evidence that the allegations were inconsistent with her professional standing.

FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY

NACSUL argued that public discourse in a democratic society must be guided by facts, evidence, responsibility and respect for due process. While acknowledging that every citizen enjoys the constitutional right to freedom of expression, the Union stressed that the right carries a responsibility to avoid the reckless dissemination of unverified allegations. It said such allegations were capable of damaging reputations, weakening public institutions and undermining national interests.

The Union further noted reports of legal controversies involving Witherspoon in the United States, but emphasized that any such matters remain the responsibility of competent courts and authorities. It said it would not substitute rumor or speculation for judicial findings. The statement thereby sought to draw a distinction between the Union’s rejection of the allegations and any judgment on Witherspoon’s separate legal circumstances.

CALL FOR EVIDENCE AND RESTRAINT

NACSUL called on Witherspoon to present any credible evidence he may possess to the appropriate legal authorities. It urged media institutions and public commentators to exercise professionalism, restraint and rigorous fact-checking, and called on the Liberian public to remain calm and avoid being influenced by sensational claims lacking an established evidentiary basis. The Union said responsible engagement was essential to protecting both individual reputations and the country’s institutions.

Reaffirming its confidence in the leadership of the Foreign Minister, NACSUL encouraged Nyanti to continue serving Liberia with integrity, competence, dedication and patriotism. The Union said it remained committed to accountable governance, strong democratic institutions, responsible media engagement and the protection of Liberia’s international image. The statement was signed by Amos B. S. Kanneh, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Civil Society Union of Liberia.