MONROVIA – The National Civil Society Union of Liberia (NACSUL) has strongly rejected allegations recently made by SPOON Network Chief Executive Officer Stanton A. Witherspoon against Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, describing the claims as false, misleading, irresponsible, and damaging to Liberia’s image.
In a statement signed by NACSUL through its President and CEO, Amos B. S. Kanneh, the Union expressed particular concern over what it described as attempts to associate Minister Nyanti and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with alleged drug-trafficking activities without credible evidence.
NACSUL said allegations of such a serious nature should not be made or circulated without verifiable facts, warning that unsupported accusations could undermine public confidence in state institutions, damage individual reputations, and adversely affect Liberia’s international standing and diplomatic relationships.
NACSUL Defends Nyanti’s Record
The civil society organization highlighted Minister Nyanti’s extensive professional background in diplomacy, governance, humanitarian affairs, and international development.
Before her appointment as Liberia’s Foreign Minister, Nyanti 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.
According to NACSUL, her professional career has been marked by involvement in peacebuilding, democratic governance, women’s empowerment, institutional reform, humanitarian action, and sustainable development.
The Union said Nyanti’s decades of public service have earned her recognition among international partners, diplomats, development practitioners, and policy experts.
NACSUL also pointed to efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under Nyanti’s leadership to strengthen Liberia’s bilateral and multilateral relations, expand international cooperation, and advance the country’s diplomatic interests.
Calls for Evidence, Responsible Public Discourse
NACSUL emphasized that public discourse in a democratic society should be grounded in facts, evidence, responsibility, and respect for due process.
While acknowledging the constitutional right to freedom of expression, the Union said that right carries a corresponding responsibility to avoid the reckless dissemination of unverified allegations capable of damaging reputations, weakening public institutions, or undermining national interests.
The Union therefore called on anyone making serious allegations against public officials to present credible evidence to the appropriate legal and investigative authorities rather than relying on public speculation.
NACSUL References Witherspoon’s Legal Controversies
The organization also referred to reports concerning legal controversies involving Witherspoon in the United States.
However, NACSUL stressed that such matters should remain the responsibility of competent courts and authorities and said it would not substitute rumor or speculation for judicial findings.
The Union’s position, it said, is that allegations—regardless of who makes them—should be subjected to proper legal and evidentiary processes before conclusions are drawn.
Calls for Restraint and Fact-Checking
NACSUL called on Witherspoon to submit any credible evidence he may possess to the appropriate legal authorities.
The Union also urged media organizations, journalists, and public commentators to exercise professionalism, restraint, and rigorous fact-checking when reporting or discussing allegations involving public officials.
It further appealed to Liberians to remain calm and avoid being influenced by sensational claims that have not been supported by established evidence.
NACSUL Reaffirms Confidence in Nyanti
The civil society group reaffirmed its commitment to accountable governance, strong democratic institutions, responsible media engagement, and the protection of Liberia’s international image.
NACSUL also expressed confidence in Minister Nyanti’s leadership and encouraged her to continue serving Liberia with what it described as integrity, competence, dedication, and patriotism.
The statement was signed by Amos B. S. Kanneh, President and CEO of the National Civil Society Union of Liberia.
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