-Threatens Lawsuit Over May Release Alleging He Sought To ‘Destabilize The State’
MONROVIA, Liberia — Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe Jr. has accused the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) of using state platforms to “attack critical voices,” and warned he will sue if the Senate does not address a May 2025 MICAT press release that, he says, alleged he was attempting to “destabilize the state.”
Speaking on the Senate floor few weeks ago, Snowe said the allegation has harmed his standing “on the international scene” and that the administration’s communications posture is “diluting the standard of that ministry.”
“A few months ago, the Ministry of Information lied on me that I wanted to destabilize the country,” Snowe told colleagues. “The Senate invited the minister. He came along with the Minister of Justice, and we had a conversation. Nothing has been done about it… If nothing is done, I will have to consult my lawyer and I will go to court. My name must be cleared.”
Pattern Of Personal Attacks Alleged
Snowe listed what he called a pattern of personal attacks from official government channels against public figures who criticize policy:
- Senator Amara Konneh: “He raised an issue in line with his legislative function… he was attacked by the Ministry of Information.”
- Senator Crayton Duncan: “Raised a critical issue… attacked by the Ministry of Information.”
- Former President George Weah: “He was mentioned that he had ‘mosquito brains.’”
- Alexander B. Cummings: “His height was mentioned… used to determine his comments.”
- Bishop Kortu Brown: “Asked by the Ministry of Information to go and be a politician,” after public remarks.
- Former Vice President Jewel Howard‑Taylor: “She spoke at an opposition gathering… she was attacked by that ministry.”
“That is not the responsibility or the function of the Ministry of Information,” Snowe said, arguing that robust debate is welcome, but not personal insults from official accounts. “When you go at the Ministry of Information, and you begin to attack critical voices, and you’re insulting people—national leaders—I think they are diluting the standard of that ministry, and it’s turning more to a gangsterism situation.”
He said the tone set by government communications is fueling a wider “wave of insult” in national discourse, including among nominees and political commentators. “If we cannot be protected for our views on this floor, then we don’t have anywhere else to be protected,” Snowe added.
Background And Next Steps
In May 2025, MICAT issued a press release accusing Snowe of actions “to destabilize the state,” according to the senator’s account raised in plenary. Snowe said the Senate called in the Information and Justice Ministers after that statement, but no remedy followed. MICAT has not publicly withdrawn the claim.
- Possible legal action: Snowe said he will consult counsel and file suit if the Senate does not act. While criminal press offenses were abolished under the Kamara Abdullah Kamara Act of 2019, civil defamation actions remain available.
- Senate response: The Senate previously held discussions with the information and justice ministers, per Snowe. It is unclear whether the chamber will take additional steps following his latest complaint.
- Government comment: MICAT has not yet responded to Snowe’s allegations. This story will be updated if the ministry offers a response.
Who Is Snowe
Snowe, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, won the Bomi County Senate seat in 2020. He has positioned himself as an independent‑minded lawmaker on fiscal policy, concessions oversight and foreign affairs.
“The point I’m making… they cannot use government platforms to attack critical voices in the country,” Snowe told the Senate. “If the Senate would just sit down, fold our arms and look at it, it won’t help us.”
