By Stephanie M. Duncan
A deepening leadership crisis has erupted at the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR), with dismissed Executive Director Cllr. Urias Teh-Pour and suspended Director for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Baw Wah Brownell, rejecting disciplinary actions taken against them and questioning the legal authority of former Acting Chairperson Mohammed E. Fahnbulleh to terminate their appointments.
The dispute follows the Commission’s announcement on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, that Teh-Pour had been dismissed while Brownell remained suspended for allegedly continuing to represent the INCHR despite being under suspension.
The Commission further disclosed that both officials had been referred to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) over allegations of financial impropriety and administrative misconduct. It also said a separate complaint had been filed with the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia National Police, accusing the two officials of impersonating public officials.
According to the Commission, Teh-Pour allegedly received official correspondence from the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) and subsequently nominated Brownell to represent the INCHR at an official engagement, despite both officials being under suspension.
The Board maintained that those actions violated the Commission’s Staff Handbook, the National Code of Conduct, and the Code of Ethics, thereby undermining the institution’s authority and integrity.
However, speaking at a press conference in Monrovia on Thursday, August 6, 2026, Teh-Pour and Brownell strongly rejected the allegations, describing them as false, politically motivated, and intended to damage their reputations.
Reading a joint statement, Teh-Pour insisted that neither he nor Brownell has ever been found guilty of corruption or financial misconduct through any audit, investigation, or formal complaint.
He argued that all financial transactions at the Commission are subject to strict oversight by the Internal Audit Agency (IAA), independent external auditors, and the General Auditing Commission (GAC), adding that none of those institutions has reported any financial irregularities involving them.
Teh-Pour also challenged the legality of the disciplinary actions, contending that Fahnbulleh’s tenure as Commissioner expired on July 31, 2026, leaving him without the legal authority to suspend or dismiss employees or make decisions on behalf of the Commission.
Citing provisions of the INCHR Act, he argued that the Board effectively ceased to exist upon the expiration of the commissioners’ mandates and can only be reconstituted through the appointment of a new panel in accordance with the law.
The suspended officials further accused Fahnbulleh of pursuing what they described as a personal campaign against them, alleging that the disciplinary measures stem from long-standing internal disagreements.
Teh-Pour also claimed that Fahnbulleh had previously faced allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of office that were investigated by civil society organizations.
Responding to questions from journalists, Teh-Pour denied allegations that he impersonated Commission officials or unlawfully engaged with international partners. He maintained that his duties as Executive Director required regular communication with regional and international human rights institutions.
He further criticized the disciplinary process, arguing that the Commission acted without conducting a formal investigation, contrary to principles of due process.
Despite the Commission’s decision to refer the matter to the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia National Police, Teh-Pour and Brownell said they would challenge their dismissal in court, insisting that the allegations against them are unsupported by evidence.
The unfolding dispute has exposed deep divisions within Liberia’s national human rights institution, with both sides accusing each other of misconduct, abuse of authority, and violations of the INCHR Act, raising renewed concerns about governance, leadership, and institutional stability at the Commission.
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