By Bill W. Cooper
Al Hassan Conteh, serving as Ambassador with oversight in Liberia’s Mission in Nigeria has for the first time addressed the troubling allegations surrounding a rape case involving a family under his watch in Abuja.
The case drew significant attention both domestically and internationally, raising questions about the safety of minors and the accountability of diplomatic representatives.
During his appearance for his confirmation hearing before the Senate’s Committee on Foreign Affairs Wednesday, Conteh, now appointed as Ambassador-Designate to the United States of America, used the opportunity to clarify the circumstances surrounding the case, emphasizing the thorough investigation that followed the incident.
“As Ambassador at the time, I took the allegation very seriously because it occurred within the country’s embassy; taking into consideration that the safety and well-being of our children are paramount, and we must ensure that justice is served,” he said.
It can be recalled that the seven-year-old was raped on the premises of the Liberian Embassy in Nigeria, between September 2020 and April 2021, while Conteh served as Ambassador for that Mission.
The case however, was immediately brought to the attention of the Liberian Embassy, prompting an internal investigation but Ambassador Conteh has since remained mute thereby being criticized over the form and manner in which his administration handled the matter.
Serving as the University of Liberia (UL) current acting president, Conteh, was on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, nominated by President Boakai as Liberia Ambassador-Designate to the U.S including other officials, pending confirmation by the Liberian Senate.
However, since his appointment, several Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), including the Human Rights Defenders, have all criticized the President for appointing Conteh to such a key position amidst the unresolved rape allegation.
The group also accused Ambassador Al-Hassan Conteh of allegedly facilitating and compromising the gang-rape of minor and meting undue pressure and insecurity for his staff and family who had to relocate out of the in Nigeria, thus calling on President Joseph Boakai to withdraw his appointment.
But responding to a Senator question during his confirmation hearing recently, Conteh explained that the investigation was comprehensive, involving interviews with witnesses, consultations with local authorities, and collaboration with Nigerian law enforcement.
“We wanted to ensure that every aspect of this case was examined, as such, we thoroughly investigated the matter and gathered evidence, understanding the full scope of what happened,” he told the hearing.
“And following the investigation, a detailed report was compiled, outlining the findings and recommendations which were submitted to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, who in return sent a facts-finding team to Nigeria as a follow-up to the investigation,” he explained.
Conteh maintained, “Again, we have done our part in ensuring that the recommendations were made and that the case is now before the Juvenile Court for Montserrado County.”
He also acknowledged the broader implications of the case, stating, “This incident was not just about one individual as such, we did all to create an environment where children feel safe and protected, and where perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.”
In response to the potential impact of the case on Liberia’s diplomatic relations with Nigeria, Conteh added, “While this incident is deeply troubling, I believe that our partnership with Nigeria remains strong.”
According to information, the case concerning the then seven-year-old survivor, who was allegedly abused by Alieu B. Sackor, 15, and Ambullah Massaquoi, 12, then, has been delayed multiple times and is still lingering within the corridor of the court.
According to documents from the Juvenile Court for Montserrado County, the young girl is now facing a three-and-a-half-year wait for justice, as the trial was postponed just hours before it was scheduled to start.
