Liberia: Former Vice President Taylor escapes unharmed after vehicle attack in Paynesville

MONROVIA – Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has raised the alarm when her vehicle was targeted while driving through the Duport Road community, which resulted in the rear window of the car being shattered.

By Selma Lomax

In a statement issued after the incident, the former vice president said Saturday’s attack represented an escalation of the challenges she faces, as the current administration of President Joseph Boakai has repeatedly raised concerns about her security.

“This attack marks an escalation of challenges for former Vice President Howard-Taylor, who has repeatedly raised concerns about her safety with the current administration. Despite her numerous requests for increased protection from the Executive Protection Service, her requests have largely gone unanswered. This incident not only poses a direct threat to her personal safety, but is also a disturbing indication of the larger security challenges that ordinary citizens of Liberia face on a daily basis,” the statement said.

Despite her numerous requests for increased protection from the Executive Protection Service, her appeals have largely gone unanswered, Ms Howard-Taylor said.

“It is particularly worrying to note that since the new government took office, I have not received adequate security support.”

Ms Howard-Taylor said no official or security vehicles had been provided, leaving her without adequate protection. “This raises serious concerns about the obligation to provide security for people who have served at the highest levels of government,” she added.

The former vice president said she would remain a staunch advocate of peace and democratic integrity throughout her career and was deeply concerned about the lack of security provided to her by the current government under President Boakai.

“This oversight is in stark contrast to the state security measures afforded to former government officials, including President Boakai and former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, during the administration of former President George Weah and Vice President Howard-Taylor,” she added.

Ms. Howard-Taylor called on the Liberian National Police to intensify its efforts to arrest and bring to justice those responsible for this act. She added: “It is imperative that the government addresses this serious security deficiency and ensures the safety of all its citizens, including public figures and former officials.”

She therefore expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support of the people and reiterated her commitment to democratic values ​​and the rule of law. She called on all Liberians to remain vigilant and support efforts to maintain peace and security in the country.

FrontPageAfrica’s efforts to contact the Director of the Executive Protection Service, Sam Gaye, were unsuccessful at press time.