Presidential Appointee Fadiga Allegedly Denied Work Permit over Death Threats against former President Weah

Monrovia, Liberia: French authorities have reportedly denied work permits to Hussein Youjay Fadiga, who was appointed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai as Minister Counselor for Press and Public Affairs at the Liberian Embassy in Paris.

The alleged decision seems to stem from a 2019 social media viral video in which Fadiga is heard firsthand issuing death threats against former President George M. Weah. 

Although no official statement has been issued by the French government, sources close to the matter suggest that concerns over public order and national security played a decisive role in the French government's decision to deny taking up his official assignment.

Originally released in November 2019, the footage captures Fadiga speaking in a politically charged and uncompromising tone, describing former President Weah as "evil" and expressing his wish for the death of former President Weah.

This revelation has cast a dark shadow over Fadiga's suitability for an international diplomatic role.

His appointment in September 2024 was initially seen by some as a bold step to modernize Liberia’s global outreach; however, his controversial digital record quickly became a flashpoint.

Sources indicate that French security protocols, which now scrutinize every element of a candidate’s public history, deemed the recorded remarks unacceptable, leading to the alleged denial of his work permit.

Further compounding the issue, Fadiga’s public career has been marked by additional incidents.

It can be recalled that in early February 2025, reports emerged of a violent confrontation between Fadiga and a member of the Armed Forces of Liberia, during which he allegedly used pepper spray and an open handcuff to subdue his opponent, the AFL personnel. 

As international norms evolve, the case of Fadiga has become emblematic of a new era in which digital records play a critical role in determining a public official’s future. 

The decision by French authorities, if confirmed, underscores a global trend toward strict accountability for every recorded word and action.