By Jerry Flomo
In a small village in Grand Bassa County, a hidden relationship between two young men has ignited a fierce backlash, leading to a series of violent threats against one of the individuals involved. Jeremiah Divine Dorbor, who’s now 20 years old, has faced persecution for his sexual orientation after he and his friend, Robert Baysah, were caught in an intimate encounter last year. The incident, which took place in September 20, 2022, sparked outrage in their community, where homosexuality is viewed as a grave cultural violation and a criminal offense under Liberian law.
The two young men had kept their relationship a secret for months, aware of the risks they faced if discovered. But when Robert’s parents walked in on them during an intimate moment, their lives changed overnight. “I managed to escape the house half-naked,” Dorbor recounted, still shaken by the trauma. Fearing for his life, he sought help from his sister Dalia, who urged him to flee. As word spread in their community, the threats escalated. “They wanted to kill me,” Dorbor told Democracy Watch, his voice trembling with fear.
Community members wasted no time in expressing their anger and disdain. One local resident, who gave his name as Solomon Kpawee, declared, “We cannot tolerate this kind of behavior in our town. Homosexuality is an abomination, and Jeremiah has disgraced us all. We will hunt him down and make him pay for what he did.” Another community youth leader, identified only as Emmanuel, echoed these sentiments, stating that they had already started gathering information on Dorbor’s whereabouts. “We will find him wherever he is, even if it means going to Monrovia. We cannot allow him to get away with this,” Emmanuel added.
Jeremiah’s ordeal didn’t begin in Monrovia. His troubles date back to his childhood in Compound No. 3, Grand Bassa County, where he first faced accusations of same-sex activity. In 2018, he and his childhood friend, Baryogar, were caught in a similar situation that led to severe condemnation from village elders and traditional leaders. According to local sources, Jeremiah’s uncle, Daniel A.Kiamue , who had taken him in after his parents traveled abroad, smuggled him out of the village to protect him from physical harm. “People were ready to kill him back then, but we managed to sneak him out of the village at night,” a family friend revealed.
The situation only worsened in Monrovia, where Jeremiah believed he could find refuge. However, in the urban sprawl of the capital city, news of his sexual orientation followed him. Robert’s family, particularly his father, was said to have enlisted the help of local vigilantes to track Jeremiah down. “They put a bounty on my head,” Dorbor said, referencing the widespread rumors that circulated in his community. Even now, more than a year later, he remains in hiding, fearing for his life.
Democracy Watch contacted Jeremiah’s uncle, Daniel Kimaue, who confirmed the ongoing threats against his nephew. “The boy escaped, and I don’t want anything to do with him anymore,”Kiamue stated. “He has brought disgrace to our family, and people are still looking for him. Even I am at risk because of what he did in Grand Bassa and Monrovia. The community is unforgiving.”
A former magistrate in Wayzohn City, Emmanuel Yankan, also weighed in on the case. In an exclusive interview with Democracy Watch, Yankan recalled how the community erupted when rumors first spread about Jeremiah’s involvement in homosexual practices. “There were complaints filed against him. The court had to intervene multiple times to protect him from the mob,” Yankan said. He further explained that traditional leaders in the community saw Jeremiah’s actions as a violation of cultural norms, which intensified the threats against his life.
Despite Jeremiah’s repeated attempts to escape his past, the situation has only grown more dangerous. Sources in Monrovia say that groups of young men continue to patrol the streets of Paynesville searching for him. “They want to make an example out of him,” said one local youth, who asked not to be named. “This is not just about Jeremiah. We don’t want this kind of behavior spreading in our community.”
The dangers for Jeremiah are not just theoretical. According to reports reaching Democracy Watch, several members of his extended family have also been targeted by angry residents who believe Jeremiah’s actions have brought shame to their community. His father, David Dorbor, reportedly distanced himself from his son, leaving only his uncle to manage the fallout. But even Daniel Kiamue , who once helped smuggle Jeremiah to safety, has now severed ties with him. “I can’t risk my life anymore,” Mr Kiamue told the paper. “This boy has become a threat to everyone around him.”
The issue of homosexuality remains highly contentious in Liberia, where it is not only socially stigmatized but also criminalized. Section 14.79 of Liberia’s Penal Code prohibits same-sex relationships, making them punishable by up to a year in prison. “It’s against our laws and our traditions,” said Joseph Wleh, a resident of Jeremiah’s hometown. “We will not allow anyone to disrespect our culture, not even if they run to Monrovia.”
As threats mount and tensions continue to rise, Jeremiah Divine Dorbor’s future hangs in the balance. Now living in exile, he faces the reality that returning to Liberia could mean a death sentence. “Even in Monrovia, the youth are still searching for me. They’ve submitted petitions to the community chairperson demanding that I be found and dealt with. Every day I live in fear of being caught and killed.”
As Jeremiah’s story unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by those in Liberia who are persecuted for their sexual orientation. While he continues to fight for survival, his only hope lies in finding a place where he can live without the constant threat of violence and death.
For now, though, Jeremiah Divine Dorbor remains a hunted man, forced into hiding, with the shadow of death looming ever closer.
Final Note: Jeremiah Divine Dorbor was born into a devout Christian family in 2002 in Gorblee, Grand Bassa County. His parents, Cecelia and David Dorbor, were well-known pastors committed to spreading the word of God. Raised under the strict tenets of Christianity, Jeremiah’s upbringing was grounded in faith. However, his journey has taken a dark turn due to societal rejection, as his identity conflicts with the very beliefs he was raised with.
While his parents sought medical treatment in the U.S. in 2012, Jeremiah was left in the care of his uncle, Daniel Kiamue. The once peaceful life he led has been shattered by violence and threats, leaving him to seek refuge in a world that continues to turn its back on him. His story, now making headlines, represents the painful intersection of faith, culture, and identity in Liberia.
