Monrovia – The Supreme Court on Friday delivered its much-anticipated ruling in a packed courtroom, following final week’s arguments introduced by attorneys representing each side.
The case stemmed from a petition filed by Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and his allies, difficult actions by the Majority Bloc as unconstitutional. These actions included holding periods outdoors the official House Chambers, eradicating Speaker Koffa, suspending a number of lawmakers, nullifying committees fashioned underneath the Speaker, and reconstituting new committees.
In its ruling, the Supreme Court stated the matter introduced was a constitutional problem, affirming its authority to train last appellate jurisdiction in all circumstances, together with these originating from courts of report, administrative businesses, or autonomous authorities. The Court acknowledged:
“The Supreme Court has jurisdiction to decide constitutional issues arising out of internal dissensions among members of the Legislature, as in the present case.”
Key Points of the Ruling
The Court clarified its interpretation of Article 33 of the 1986 Constitution, emphasizing that whether or not a easy majority or a smaller quantity is current, a presiding officer—outlined in Article 49 because the Speaker or, in his/her absence, the Deputy Speaker—should oversee the House.
The ruling highlighted that if the Speaker presides over a minority, there is no such thing as a constitutional mechanism for compelling absent members to attend. Moreover, the Legislature has not enacted any statute or standing rule to handle this problem, as envisioned underneath Article 33. The Court underscored that creating such mechanisms lies inside the Legislature’s purview, and the judiciary can’t intervene with out violating the separation of powers doctrine.
It stated: “That in the event where the Speaker is presiding over a minority, the Constitution is devoid of the mechanism for how the minority is to compel attendance of absent members; and the Legislature has promulgated no enabling statute or standing rules setting forth the process for compelling absentee members to attend sessions as envisioned under Article 33 of the Constitution; and that under these circumstances, the Supreme Court cannot do for the Legislature what is within its purview to do, as to do so will be a violation of the constitutional mandate on the separation of powers.”
We have a good time victory, not of a block, however of a democracy embedded within the rule of regulation. In the subsequent few days I might be reaching throughout the aisle to encourage my colleagues to return to work, do the Liberian individuals enterprise, restructure the home, and ponder my transition. To God be the Glory.
J. Fonati Koffa, Speaker, House of Representatives, RL
The Court declared: “WHEREFORE AND IN VIEW OF THE FOREGOING, any sittings or actions by members of the Legislature not in conformity with the intent of Articles 33 and 49 of the Constitution are ultra vires. Hence, members of the House of Representatives are to conduct themselves accordingly. The Clerk of this Court is ordered to inform the parties. AND IT IS HEREBY SO ORDERED.”
A lawyer, weighing in on the ruling, citing anonymity, stated in regulation, extremely vires is a Latin time period that means “beyond the powers. “It refers to acts, decisions, or actions taken by a person or entity that exceed the authority granted to them by law, statute, or constitutional provisions. When something is described as ultra vires, it means that the action is legally invalid because it was taken without proper legal authority or outside the scope of the powers assigned to the person or body. Therefore, the court is saying the action of the majority bloc is not in line with the Constitution.”
Speaker Koffa Welcomes Ruling
Following the ruling, Speaker Koffa and his allies claimed victory, urging their colleagues to rejoin them in the primary chambers to conduct the House’s enterprise.
In a press release, Speaker Koffa stated: “We celebrate victory, not of a block, but of a democracy embedded in the rule of law. In the next few days I will be reaching across the aisle to encourage my colleagues to return to work, do the Liberian people business, restructure the house, and contemplate my transition. To God be the Glory.”
The ruling is anticipated to pave the way in which for resolving the extended deadlock and restoring regular legislative actions.
Monrovia – Liberia’s electrical energy sector, like many others, was left in ruins following the nation’s brutal 14-year civil battle. In response, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf made its revitalization certainly one of her administration’s prime priorities. Her “Small Light Today, Big Light Tomorrow” program marked the restoration of electrical energy to components of Monrovia for the primary time in over a decade.
A significant enhance got here with the Millennium Challenge Compact, beneath which Liberia obtained $257 million to rehabilitate the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant and help different important initiatives within the sector. This funding marked a turning level for the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), enabling it to rebuild and broaden its operations.
Progress Under Successive Leadership
The LEC noticed vital growth beneath successive administration groups, together with the Irish-Ghana-based vitality firm ESBI and an all-Liberian staff led by Monie Captan. Captain had beforehand managed the Millennium Challenge Account Liberia, the entity chargeable for overseeing the $257 million fund. He was appointed Acting Managing Director of LEC by then-President George Weah and served throughout a interval marked by each progress and chronic challenges.
Following the expiration of Captan’s tenure, President Joseph N. Boakai has appointed an interim administration staff to information the LEC via its present challenges. The staff is led by Engr. Thomas Zailee Gonkerwon, an Electrical Engineer and Executive Director for Distribution and Transmission. Other key members embody Eric Augustine Fredericks, Interim Deputy Managing Director for Administration, Emile Kanga, Interim Deputy Managing Director for Operations and I. Dele Shobayo, Interim Deputy Managing Director for Technical Services
The staff assumes management at a important time as Liberia enters the dry season—a interval characterised by decreased energy provide as a consequence of declining water ranges within the St. Paul River, the first vitality supply for the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant in White Plains. Additionally, the LEC faces a number of urgent points Rising Debt. Liberia owes vital sums to Ivory Coast via the West African Power Pool, and the federal government’s debt to the LEC continues to develop.
Rampant unlawful connections and non-payment by shoppers undermine the utility’s monetary viability. According to the LEC, business losses to energy theft stood at 27.5 p.c in 2024.
In addition, persistent infrastructure and administration challenges hinder dependable service supply. The appointments have sparked public debate, with key questions rising: Does the interim administration staff have the experience and expertise to deal with these challenges successfully? Were these appointments based mostly on advantage, or have been they influenced by political lobbying and behind-the-scenes negotiations? Can the staff restore public confidence within the LEC’s capability to ship dependable electrical energy? FPA takes a more in-depth take a look at the president’s newest appointments and their implications for the way forward for Liberia’s electrical energy sector.
Engr. Thomas Zailee Gonkerwon, Interim MD
Engr. Thomas Zailee Gonkerwon is an Electrical Engineer and an Energy Expert with over Thirty (30) Years of labor expertise within the Electricity sector of Liberia. Engr. Gonkerwon serves as Executive Director for Distribution and Transmission and is chargeable for the technical, strategic, and monetary administration of the utility’s transmission and distribution belongings.
According to the LEC. Gonkerwon holds a complicated diploma in Electricity from the Booker Washington Institute (BWI), and a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) diploma in Electrical Engineering from the University of Liberia.
Engr. Gonkerwon has additionally earned a number of certificates from the Liberia Institute of Public Administration (LIPA) within the areas of Project Planning & Management, Monitoring & Evaluation, and Procurement.
Gonkerwon hailed from Nimba. Though he rose via the rank and file on the LEC, FPA gathered that he was really helpful by VP Jeremiah Kpan Koung. Critics say he spends most of his time on the LEC within the technical division. As such, his elevation to Managing Director is a misplacement and will create a niche within the division of Distribution and Transmission. Others disagreed, saying his expertise could be an added benefit.
Engr. Emile G. Karnga, Interim Deputy MD for Operations
Karnga serves as Senior Manager for Generation assigned on the Mount Coffee Hydro Power Plant (MCHPP) accountable and chargeable for the general strategic planning, secure and environment friendly operation, upkeep, and financial sustainability of the ability plant and to make sure that the plant meets necessities outlined by Law.
According to the LEC, Engr. Karnga holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Electronics Engineering from the Liberia Christian College Monrovia, Liberia, and a BSc Degree in Electronics Engineering from Stella Maris Polytechnic University Monrovia, Liberia. Engr. Karnga has additionally earned a number of certificates in Hydro operation and upkeep from Kafue Gorge Regional Training Center, Lusaka, Zambia, and Certificate in Hydro Power Operation and Maintenance from Voith Training Center Heidenheim, Germany.
Before becoming a member of the LEC, Engr. Karnga labored with Firestone Liberia Rubber Company as an Engineer the place he was chargeable for Instrumentation, Machine Analysis, and Industrial Electrical Control programs. He additionally labored with the Ministry of Education in Liberia and was assigned in Harbel, Margibi County on the Harbel Multilateral High School as Administrative Coordinator to oversee and run the Technical and vocational Section. Since becoming a member of the LEC, Engr. Karnga has served in a number of positions at MCHPP together with Maintenance Supervisor, Maintenance Manager, and Acting Plant Manager.
Engr. Dele I. Shobayo, Interim DM for Technical Services
Shobayo serves as Executive Director for Planning, Engineering, and Major Connections through which capability he oversees energy system planning and enlargement; engineering and community design, technical requirements and specs growth and verification; meter processing, management, and configuration; main connections and income safety. Engr. Shobayo has labored in each personal and public sectors and has various expertise within the planning, implementation, and administration of vitality applications and initiatives and electrical energy infrastructure and programs. He has additionally contributed meaningfully to engineering schooling and engineering curriculum growth in Liberia.
In his earlier function as Senior Energy Advisor on the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Engr. Shobayo performed a important function in vitality coverage formulation and sector planning on the nationwide and sub-regional ranges, in response to the LEC. Prior to becoming a member of the Liberia Electricity Corporation, he served as Energy Project Technical Manager at Millennium Challenge Account – Liberia the place he managed a number of initiatives beneath the $257M Liberia Compact with the United States Government.
He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and a Master of Engineering in Electrical Machines and Power Systems from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. He has quite a few skilled certifications together with an Advanced Certificate in Power System Protection from Egyptian Electricity Holding Company. Engr. Dele I. Shobayo has authored a number of publications. He is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the Engineering Society of Liberia.
Eric Augustine Fredericks, Interim Deputy MD for Administration
Unlike his three colleagues, Fredericks has no expertise working with the LEC. The LEC has not up to date his profile on its web site as to the time of writing this text. However, his resume, seen by FPA, quotes him as having a profile with a variety of abilities, schooling, and expertise, including that he can excel in numerous roles and sectors.
It additionally says his technical information in electrical engineering and expertise in banking, finance, public administration, venture administration, election knowledge administration and schooling, amongst others makes him a priceless addition to any group and staff.
According to sources Fredericks is said to the President Pro Tempore, Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence and is alleged to be the Pro Tempore’s most well-liked candidate for the job regardless of his restricted information. FPA has gathered that he was first appointed by President Boakai as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), however was rejected by the donors.
Sources instructed FPA now he operates from the Mansion and claims to be bringing a 400mW coal plant to Liberia via some buyers. This work is opposite to the COP. On his appointment, a critic stated: “His experience, very weak. He was one of those that they had at NEC checking on the tally.”
A Crucial Test for the Boakai Administration
President Boakai’s choice to nominate this staff will probably be seen as one other check of his administration’s capability to handle important sectors. The staff’s success—or failure—might have vital implications for the president’s broader governance agenda and his dedication to resolving Liberia’s persistent electrical energy challenges.
Monrovia – Liberia’s Supreme Court is reportedly struggling to achieve a unanimous choice within the contentious House Leadership case, with allegations of government department interference including gas to the controversy.
The case facilities on a lingering dispute between rival blocs within the House of Representatives, Majority Bloc now led by Richard Koon, and the Pro-Koffa Bloc with each events claiming legitimacy in main the chamber. The stalemate has sparked considerations over constitutional order and the separation of powers, as lawmakers and political observers await a decisive ruling from the complete bench.
Allegations of Bribery Surface
Adding to the drama, Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Y. Kolubah has accused officers of trying to affect the court docket’s ruling via monetary inducements. In a Facebook publish on Wednesday, Rep. Kollubah accused his colleagues of initiatives being manipulated.
Said Rep Kolubah: “At 4:00 PM this evening, The Managing Director of Freeport Sekou Hussein Dukuly went to his office and stayed until 7:00 PM, after which he departed for Bella Casa Hotel. He took along with him $900,000 USD, intended to influence the court ruling in favor of the so-called majority Bloc. The money was received by Prince Moye, James Biney and Emmanuel Nuquay on the instructions of Jeremiah Koung.”
Dukuly Denies Claims
Responding to the allegations, Dukuly, who serves as Managing Director of the National Port Authority, categorically denied any involvement, describing Kolubah’s assertion as baseless propaganda.
“It’s not only a lie but a terrible propaganda from folks in both houses. This doesn’t pass any reasonable test. Show me a video that I’ve been to Bella Casa, and we can talk then,” Dukuly stated.
Heightened Political Tensions
The alleged lobbying has drawn widespread condemnation, with critics warning that such actions, if confirmed, may undermine judicial independence and public confidence in Liberia’s democracy.
The stalemate within the House Leadership case has already disrupted legislative proceedings, and the dearth of readability from the Supreme Court dangers exacerbating the scenario. Observers are calling on the Court to behave swiftly and impartially to resolve the deadlock and restore normalcy to the legislative department.
What’s at Stake?
The ongoing case has important implications for governance in Liberia. Observers say a ruling perceived as biased may set a harmful precedent, whereas a delay dangers deepening the legislative paralysis and eroding public belief in state establishments.
As the nation awaits a call, the highlight stays on the Supreme Court to display its dedication to upholding the rule of regulation within the face of mounting political strain.
Lawmakers weigh in
Lawmakers from each side have been claiming victory, with some hinting on social media of tried bribery.
Rep. Marvin Cole (District #3, Bong County), a pro-Koffa group member and one of many essential figures within the dispute wrote on Facebook. “THE LAW WILL CONTROL. ANYTHING NOT MONEY VICTORY HERE FINALLY!!”
Rep. Musa Bility (District #7 Nimba) additionally of the Pro-Koffa group wrote: “The Tin Line” has simply gotten thinner.”
While one other supporter of Speaker Koffa, Rep Frank Saah Foko, Jr. wrote on his Facebook web page: “The Law is The Law. Thanks to the Supreme Court for upholding the laws of Liberia. Absolutely, no man is above the Law. Congratulations in advance Hon. Cllr J Fonati Koffa. Thanks for your high level of tolerance.”
James Kolleh, of the Majority Bloc additionally wrote: “Law is not Public Sentiment.”
Tensions Simmering in Majority Bloc Over Richard Koon’s Leadership
Leaked conversations from the WhatsApp group of the Majority Bloc within the House of Representatives reveal rising tensions over the controversial election of Rep. Richard Koon (District #11, Montserrado County) as Speaker. Koon was hurriedly elected after the bloc declared the Speaker’s seat vacant throughout certainly one of their sittings.
Some members have expressed dissatisfaction, labeling Koon’s management a “disgrace” to the legislative physique.
“Since this funny election we had, it’s embarrassing that the man imposed on us is a complete disgrace and embarrassment to this honorable body. Rep. Richard Koon is a mess…” wrote Rep. Gizzie Kollince (District #4, Lofa County) within the chat group.
Kollince’s sentiment was echoed by fellow Lofa lawmaker Rep. Julie F. Wiah (District #2, Lofa), who added, “Wow, so Rep. Koon, you really want to be Speaker too? You think we can risk our integrity for you? Nonsense!!!”
Amid the heated exchanges, Rep. James Kolleh sought to calm the scenario, urging his colleagues to stay targeted: “Gentlemen, with all due respect, let’s lower this noise. We’re already winning. The court might rule in our favor. We’re very sure.”
However, Rep. Kollince shot again, expressing frustration: “Even if we win this case, there will still be another noise. You don’t treat people like children. I’m getting tired of this whole mess!!!”
Rep. Kolleh countered Kollince’s claims, asserting that the election course of had been truthful: “Hon. Kollince, we didn’t force you against your will. The process was open, and Hon. Fallah declined. What did you expect from us in the process?”
Kollince, seemingly unhappy, retorted: “Kolleh, when you talk like this, I will get really mad. How can you have an election abruptly like that? Who does that? Y’all played us in the process.”
Rep. Kolleh weighed in, defending the election course of: “How can a grown man like you think you were played? Hon. Fallah was given an option to resign before contesting. Did he make use of the opportunity? We never had time, so we acted upon…”
The leaked exchanges spotlight deep divisions throughout the Majority Bloc, elevating questions on its cohesion and the legitimacy of Koon’s election as Speaker. With a Supreme Court ruling on the matter nonetheless pending, the bloc’s inside discord may complicate its quest for unity and legitimacy.
Monrovia – A tragic accident involving a car from the workplace of the late Senator Prince Johnson has reportedly claimed two lives, and left 4 in vital situation.
The car, bearing license plate SEN-13, was en route from Nimba County to Monrovia when the accident occurred. According to preliminary stories, six passengers had been on board and had been rushed to the Kakata Health Center the place two had been pronounced lifeless. FPA gathered that one of many deceased is believed to be a safety of the late Senator Johnson.
Health officers advised FPA that 4 had been badly injured and rushed to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Monrovia.
Footage from the scene reveals victims mendacity unconscious, with the car showing to have veered off the street.
FPA reporter who visited the scene mentioned the incident occurred round Steao’s Farm between Kakata and Weala in Cinta Township.
Officials from the late Senator Johnson’s workplace have but to situation a press release concerning the incident.
Senator Johnson, a outstanding determine in Liberian politics, handed away final week after reportedly collapsing as a result of hypertension and being rushed to the hospital.
FrontPage Africa continues to watch the state of affairs and can present updates as extra data turns into obtainable.
Correction: This information has been up to date to vary the variety of fatalities from 4 to 2.
A leaked audio recording has surfaced, allegedly capturing the late Nimba County Senator Prince Y. Johnson (PYJ) expressing emotions of betrayal by President Joseph Boakai and his political ally, Vice President Jeremiah Koung, over their help for the institution of a battle crimes court docket in Liberia.
In the recording, the fallen senator, who was a controversial determine in Liberian politics resulting from his position throughout the civil battle, recounted occasions that left him disillusioned with Boakai and Koung.
PYJ, whose political affect in Nimba County performed a pivotal position in Liberian elections, revealed his frustrations with selections that appeared opposite to his expectations of loyalty.
“When Boakai came, he was deceived… And Boakai is not well, he is still wanting to go after people,” the voice purportedly of Senator Johnson acknowledged. He alleged that the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) orchestrated a decision within the House of Representatives regarding the battle crimes court docket, which was then forwarded to the Senate.
According to the recording, PYJ claimed to have found that he and Senator James Biney have been among the many final senators who had not signed the decision. He questioned Senator Koung, a former ally, concerning the scenario, expressing disappointment on the perceived shift in loyalty.
According to him, VP Koung gave him US$5,000 to discover a lawyer to defend him in court docket if the court docket was established. He additionally mentioned he was assured by majority of the Senators that the decision was crafted to appease the President, however when a invoice for the institution of the court docket is crafted and despatched to them, they won’t cross it into legislation.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission had really helpful that sure people who performed main position within the Liberian civil battle be barred from holding public workplace for 30 years. President Sirleaf, then a sitting president, was listed by the TRC amongst those that have been to be barred.
However, the Supreme Court dominated in opposition to the TRC suggestion when it was challenged by a gaggle of Liberians. The late Senator Johnson additional criticized President Boakai, accusing him of hypocrisy.
He referenced Boakai’s help for prosecuting alleged battle criminals regardless of having benefitted from the 2010 Supreme Court ruling that allowed him to function vice chairman for 12 years underneath former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
“Boakai, who benefited from the 2010 decision by the Supreme Court ruling to run with Ellen, and who became vice president for 12 years, and who we supported and made him President, now he wants to prosecute us,” the late senator might be heard within the leaked audio.
The leaked audio has reignited discussions concerning the push for a battle crimes court docket in Liberia, a extremely contentious situation that continues to divide public opinion.
Advocates argue that such a court docket is crucial for accountability and justice for victims of the civil battle, whereas opponents, together with influential figures like PYJ, seen it as a politically motivated transfer that would undermine stability.
When [President] Boakai got here, he was deceived… And Boakai is just not properly, he’s nonetheless eager to go after individuals. The CDC nonetheless controls the Lower House and so they went and did some sort of decision that handed due to the cash course of. Then they despatched it to the Senate. Then one thing occurred. All of them signed after which I heard what was occurring and realized that Senator [James] Biney and I have been the remaining two individuals to signal. So, I went to Koung and requested what’s happening. You have been right here When Weah despatched a paper. I used to be on the management staff and we despatched the report with paperwork to information Weah. Then Boakai who benefited from the 2010 choice by the Supreme Court ruling to run with Ellen, and who grew to become vice chairman for 12 years, and who we supported and made him President, now he needs to prosecute us.
Fallen Nimba County Senator Prince Johnson
The emergence of this audio recording is predicted to additional complicate the political panorama, because it raises questions concerning the alliances and motivations of key actors in Liberia’s push for justice and reconciliation. Neither President Boakai nor Senator Koung has commented on the allegations contained within the audio.
History of ‘rift’
Prior to his loss of life, Senator Johnson had expressed his dissatisfaction with the Liberian authorities’s push for the institution of a battle and financial crimes court docket within the nation.
The senator, who was a former insurgent chief, was one among 28 senators who signed a decision to ascertain the court docket geared toward addressing the aftermath of Liberia’s 14-year civil battle that resulted within the lack of over 25,000 lives and properties.
Senator Johnson, who had been vocal about his opposition to the institution of the court docket, threatened to not commit himself to the court docket had the institution gone forward. He had additionally claimed to have armed males able to counter anybody who tries to arrest him.
Senator Johnson accused President Boakai of imposing the institution of the battle crimes court docket, utilizing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s suggestions and paying individuals to eliminate him.
It is price noting that throughout the 2023 normal and presidential elections, Senator Johnson’s get together, the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), and President Boakai’s Unity Party (UP) collaborated in defeating President George Weah’s Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC). However, their political alliance collapsed following President Boakai’s dedication in the direction of establishing the battle and financial crimes court docket.
Dillon’s revelation
In the wake of Senator Prince Yormie Johnson’s loss of life, Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillion has disclosed that the late senator solicited his help in securing a job for his daughter from President Boakai.
According to Senator Dillion, the late Senator Johnson approached him a number of instances, requesting assist for his daughter solely recognized as Crystal.
“Senator Johnson brought his daughter to me, Crystal. Some of my colleagues nodded their heads positively in acknowledgement of that. And several times he came and said, ” Senator, my son, please discuss to President Boakai to offer my daughter a job. I belief you and your relationship with the President. I say I’ll underneath the request”, Senator Dillion acknowledged.
Senator Dillion mentioned the late Nimba County Senator Johnson expressed his belief in his relationship with the President and urged him to make the request.
Senator Dillion recounted a dialog he had with Johnson simply two days earlier than the senator’s passing.
“He called me and said, ‘Distinguished, please don’t forget.’ I assured him I would discuss the matter with the President during the funeral of the late Superintendent of Grand Bassa County.”
After studying of Johnson’s loss of life via a name from his daughter Crystal, Dillion mentioned he seized the chance to relay the late senator’s needs to President Boakai. “I informed the President about Senator Johnson’s request and encouraged him to honor it,” Dillion mentioned.
This revelation has additional fueled speculations of a strained relations between President Boakai and Senator Johnson throughout his final days; with studies suggesting that the 2 weren’t on talking phrases previous to the senator’s loss of life.
Monrovia – Representative Dixon Wlawlee Seboe has confirmed that House Speaker Fonati Koffa has approved the distribution of copies of the draft nationwide funds to all 73 members of the House of Representatives. The transfer goals to facilitate a correct evaluation of the nationwide monetary instrument.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh
Addressing legislative reporters on the Capitol Building on Tuesday, Rep. Seboe (District 16, Montserrado County) disclosed that the Speaker’s instruction adopted a notification from the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives. According to the Chief Clerk, the Ministry of Finance had submitted a number of copies of the funds to the House, as required by the Public Financial Management (PFM) Law.
Rep. Seboe emphasised that distributing the draft funds to lawmakers units the stage for its thorough evaluation. However, he famous that any deliberations would require the House to attain a quorum underneath Speaker Koffa’s management.
This announcement provides one other layer of complexity to the already controversial funds submission course of. The govt department had earlier bypassed protocol by presenting the draft funds to the Chief Clerk Mildred Sayon, as an alternative of the Speaker, as mandated. The Deputy Chief Clerk, within the absence of Madam Sayon, finally submitted the funds to the Majority Bloc, a transfer that left Speaker Koffa displeased.
The newest growth unfolds towards the backdrop of ongoing pressure within the House of Representatives, with two opposing factions awaiting a Supreme Court ruling to find out their legitimacy.
Proceedings on the House stay at a standstill. Speaker Koffa and the Minority Bloc have been unable to convene a session as a consequence of an absence of quorum, whereas the Majority Bloc has shunned holding classes following a Supreme Court keep order on the legislative deadlock.
The distribution of the draft funds underscores the urgency of resolving the political impasse, because the nation’s fiscal operations hinge on the approval of the nationwide funds.
MAMBA POINT, Monrovia—It’s been only one month on the job for Dr. Jallah Allen Barbu, because the nation’s second head of Liberia’s Office for the War and Economics Crimes Court. It is clearly not what the 60- year-old authorized scholar and former Dean of the University of Liberia Law School anticipated when he accepted the position that may lead Liberia’s overdue effort to carry those that upended the nation and left 250,000 useless, accountable finally.
The turnover be aware got here from the primary head of the workplace, Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi, who had been appointed by the president in June. Cllr. Massaquoi was out of the position by August after an outcry from stakeholders who mentioned the president had didn’t conduct the appointment with the transparency and inclusivity that the position – upon which many are hanging hopes for justice, reconciliation and therapeutic – required.
Cllr. Barbu mentioned the handover be aware had some data on how the workplace operated however nothing about what the $500,000 allotted to the court docket within the authorities’s 2024 recast finances was spent on and what was left. “There was nothing to physically turn over and that was it,” mentioned Cllr. Barbu. He conceded the workplace has not but been supplied with working funding from that finances allocation.
Cllr. Massaquoi has not responded to a number of requests asking how a lot of the $500,000 was spent and on what. Cllr. Oswald Tweh, Liberia’s Justice Minister, mentioned in a WhatsApp message that he was “presently out of the country” and that upon his return he “will gladly address your queries.”
Cllr. Barbu mentioned he additionally was not conscious of how a lot could have been left behind by Cllr. Massaquoi for the operations of the workplace however understands from the justice ministry {that a} “sum of money is still available”. How a lot, he doesn’t know. “Trust me if I knew I would tell the Liberian people.”
He mentioned he expects a speedy decision. “I believe the government is just about to work in that direction with us.”
Cllr. Barbu rejected a suggestion that it is perhaps a disappointing begin.
“Nothing good comes easy,” mentioned Dr. Barbu. “Rome was not in-built a day. I don’t anticipate that from the phrase go, ranging from scratch with nothing, we’ll have a luxurious constructing, we’ll have very stunning items of furnishings, we’ll have an workplace that’s so handy.
What I respect about this course of is that I’m given the problem to start out up and construct this workplace when it comes to the supplies that we’d like right here, the framework that we set up when it comes to structuring the workplace.”
Cllr. Barbu insisted his interactions with President Joseph Boakai had satisfied him of the president’s deep dedication to seeing the court docket convey justice to Liberians for the 14 years of civil wars that devastated the nation.
“I have full faith and confidence in the commitment of the government to ensure that this office succeeds,” he mentioned. “From all that I know the government is not paying lip service. This is going to happen.”
Transparency and accountability are high of Cllr. Barbu’s thoughts, little doubt, a minimum of partly as a result of that’s what the worldwide donors who will present the majority of the funding for the court docket, will demand. He promised rigorous inside accounting practices could be put in place and the Office could be absolutely open to unbiased auditors.
“We’re setting in motion an accountability process that will help us to account for the resources, the assets, the personnel, the time and every little thing that has to do with this office,” he mentioned. “We haven’t solely to speak the discuss, however we should additionally stroll the stroll. Not simply this workplace, additionally the Liberian authorities. Accountability requires authorities to be watching what we’re receiving and the way we’re utilizing it. Office will likely be absolutely clear to authorities.
Despite the dearth of funding, Dr. Barbu is shifting quick. His first steps have been to arrange the workplace and rent key employees.
He has appointed Cllr. Asatu Bah Kenneth, as director of an financial crimes division, Cllr. Frederick Gbemie as director of the battle crimes division and Atty. Archie Williams, director of analysis. He didn’t make the positions open to public purposes arguing that he wanted to make some appointments himself, as he’s permitted to do, so as to get the method going quick.
Cllr. Asatu Bah Kenneth is an ex-deputy chief of the Liberia Immigration Service.
Cllr. Kenneth’s appointment has been extensively welcomed. She’s a outstanding ladies’s rights advocate and former deputy immigration chief. Cllr. Kenneth has additionally held a variety of positions within the safety sector, together with deputy police chief. As an advocate, she was a part of a bunch of girls beneath the banner of the Women in Peacebuilding Network, which led a sequence of protests to compel fighters to finish the civil wars. The group, which has worldwide chapters, is now known as the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding.
Mr. Philip M. Kollie, its nationwide community coordinator, mentioned he was happy to listen to concerning the appointment.
“We think it’s in the right direction,” mentioned Mr. Kollie in a cellphone interview. “And her dream, including thousands of women who advocated for social justice in Liberia, will surely, surely be a reality.”
But the appointment of Cllr. Gbemie has run into fierce opposition from human rights activists who say he was a member of the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL), headed by convicted warlord Charles Taylor, which is accused of committing two in each 5 violations reported to the nation’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, together with homicide, rape, torture and compelled labor.
Cllr. Gbemie has denied his was a member of the NPFL however Cllr. Barbu mentioned he has initiated an investigation.
Cllr. Barbu promised all appointments are “temporary pending an evaluation process. After I get all of the feedback, and we evaluate them then we’ll move forward to see if we can make a decision on that.” He welcomed everybody to come back ahead with proof in opposition to Cllr. Gbemie or every other employees.
Cllr. Barbu promised to take any accusations of misdeeds by his employees very significantly. “No matter how trivial people may want to treat them, I don’t. Even if it’s just a conversation in passing, I take them very seriously.”
Dr. Barbu mentioned he was now engaged on a framework for every division of the workplace and expects them to be performed this week. Then he guarantees to promote positions to employees these divisions.
Also on his thoughts is the invoice that should go to the Legislature to convey the court docket’s into being. The Legislature has handed a decision, however a invoice is required earlier than the courts could be established. He has one deadline: the president’s government order to determine the workplace for the courts ends, after one yr, in May. He mentioned there may be loads of work to do.
“Times do change, and as times change, what evolves must be addressed, because what was yesterday may not be today, and what is today may not be tomorrow,” mentioned Cllr. Barbu.
“So that’s why legislative drafting requires a broad thinking so that you are clear about where you are and what where you go. So, it’s possible, that instrument will be subject to review.”
Cllr. Barbu mentioned he has begun dialogue with the worldwide group. International companions together with the UN have made very clear to him the courts have to be Liberian led with victims and survivors on the middle. They are additionally insisting on sturdy coordination to make sure that cash is nicely spent, and work will not be being duplicated.
Though as but donors have given “no definite pledge in dollars and cents, they have expressed willingness to work with us for funds, technical support etc.,” and in lots of conferences he has already had, he’s persuaded the donors “are ready to go”.
With November’s US election of Donald Trump to return to the presidency, some advocates have nervous the courts will not be a precedence for the brand new Trump administration. The US is anticipated to supply the majority of funding for the court docket. But Dr. Barbu is optimistic.
“I believe the world believes in justice and the word believes in ensuring that impunity is addressed,” he mentioned. “I don’t think any administration in America is an exception. How they approach that is something I cannot speak to. But what I can speak to is, in Liberia, we have to do what is right to attract the attention of others around the world.”
Cllr. Babu’s workplace will draft blueprint for the courts which might strive these most answerable for worldwide crimes and critical human rights violations throughout the nation’s three a long time of battle beginning in 1979. The workplace can even select a mannequin for the court docket, in addition to its mandate.
Cllr. Barbu admits to feeling the enormity of his activity.
“I carry the weight to bring this war history to a logical conclusion, but it’s a shared responsibility. I know fully well I have a lot of people, the entire country, people out of the country, citizens and non-citizens of Liberia, who are working along to make this process successful.”
Meanwhile, Cllr. Barbu and his staff will journey to neighboring Sierra Leone this week for a examine tour on what classes could be realized from that nation’s Special Court.
The full audio interview with Dr. Barbu is on the market as a part of the New Narratives/Front Page Africa podcast series “War Crimes Justice Comes to Liberia”.
This story is a collaboration with New Narratives as a part of the West Africa Justice Reporting Project. Funding was offered by the Swedish Embassy in Liberia which had no say within the story’s content material.
Moiuton Corner, Brewerville – In a major step towards empowering ladies in Liberia, 26 ladies from the Moiuton Corner, Brewerville group have benefited from a one-day consciousness session on Legal Issues About Women’s Land Rights, as a part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
By: Joscious Cecelia Ballah
The occasion, was organized by the Women’s Land Rights Taskforce and it was held beneath the theme “Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” targeted on educating ladies about their authorized entitlements to land, a elementary useful resource for financial stability and social empowerment.
The consciousness session was facilitated by Cllr. Ruth Jappah, a famend Liberian lawyer and advocate for girls’s rights. The occasion addressed the quite a few challenges ladies face in accessing, proudly owning, and controlling land in Liberia, a rustic the place customary and statutory legal guidelines typically intersect, complicating the authorized panorama for girls.
Speaking to the ladies, Cllr. Jappah knowledgeable individuals that the Liberian Land Rights Law provides them (ladies) the rights to personal property and that ladies should all the time guarantee to have all of the requisite paperwork for his or her lands.
“In order to verify the land is yours, all the time get papers for it and don’t enable anybody to present you lands with the mouth (by speaking orally), we have now our workplace on the town, all the time ensure that to contact us and we will information you within the course of. Cllr. Jappah stated.
In Liberia, land will not be solely a essential financial asset but in addition a key image of identification and energy. However, for a lot of ladies, accessing land stays a distant dream attributable to a mixture of conventional gender norms, authorized ambiguities, and cultural practices that restrict their management over this useful resource. Even with the introduction of the Land Rights Law, which seeks to make sure gender equality in land possession, many ladies stay unaware of their rights, leaving them weak to exploitation, exclusion from decision-making, and financial instability.
This lack of knowledge is among the driving forces behind the Women Land Rights Task Force of Liberia (WLRTF), which is devoted to elevating consciousness about ladies’s authorized rights to land. The activity drive acknowledges that to interrupt the cycle of poverty and gender inequality, it’s important for girls to not solely perceive their rights however to actively defend and assert them.
The central goal of the ladies land rights consciousness session was to reinforce authorized literacy amongst ladies in Moiuton Corner, with a selected deal with understanding the Land Rights Law, inheritance rights, and the protections out there beneath Liberia’s statutory land legal guidelines. By equipping ladies with information about their authorized entitlements, the occasion sought to scale back the limitations that forestall them from accessing and proudly owning land.
Cllr. Jappah, who led the session, confused the significance of authorized training in empowering ladies to say their rights. “Knowledge is power,” she stated. “When women understand their legal rights to land, they become stronger in advocating for themselves, and they can challenge any attempt to deny them their rightful place in land ownership.”
The occasion additionally targeted on educating ladies concerning the authorized processes concerned in securing land, together with problem discriminatory practices and navigate the authorized techniques in each city and rural areas. Women have been inspired to face agency in opposition to gender-based discrimination and to make use of the regulation to guard their land and property.
As a part of the efforts to proceed creating consciousness amongst ladies, WLRTF introduced on the occasion that they may host a collection of group city corridor conferences that allowed individuals to have interaction in open discussions about their rights to land and permits beneficiaries to ask questions.
Cllr. Jappa additionally took off time to showcase different profitable instances of girls reclaiming their land and known as on the ladies to difficult discriminatory practices that deny ladies’s rights to land.
“This is a real eye-opener for me,” stated Esther Forkpa. “Before today, I never knew how much power the law gives us as women. I will no longer allow anyone to take my land or my family land from me. I now know how to fight for it.”
The tales shared through the city halls have been significantly impactful, as they provided concrete examples of girls who had efficiently navigated Liberia’s authorized system to guard their land. But it additionally expose a number of the challenges ladies have and proceed to endure attributable to damaging conventional norms and inequalities, stressing the significance of girls gaining information concerning the legal guidelines and the way they will take their stance.
To additional improve the ladies’s understanding of the authorized framework surrounding land rights, the WLRTF distributed instructional supplies, together with simplified flyers and pamphlets. These supplies, produced in collaboration with the Liberia Land Authority (LLA), summarized key factors of the Land Rights Law, statutory land legal guidelines, and inheritance rights. The supplies have been designed to be accessible to ladies from all instructional backgrounds, making certain that nobody was left behind.
“We wanted to make sure the women leave with something they could refer to later,” stated a consultant of the ladies’s land proper activity drive. “The materials are easy to understand, and we hope they will continue to serve as a resource for these women as they navigate the challenges of land ownership.”
In addition to the in-person workshops and supplies distribution, the WLRTF is anticipated to launch a media marketing campaign to increase the attain of the occasion. Radio broadcasts, social media posts, to share details about ladies’s land rights, in addition to success tales
The one-day consciousness occasion in Moiuton Corner is only one a part of the bigger effort by the WLRTF to boost consciousness and empower ladies throughout Liberia. The initiative is a part of a broader motion to create an inclusive and gender-equal society, the place ladies have the authorized and social sources they should thrive.
The occasion concluded, with all 26 individuals leaving with renewed confidence of their skill to claim their land rights and rise up in opposition to gender-based violence and discrimination. For many, the workshop marked the start of a journey towards better empowerment and financial safety.
“We are not just learning for ourselves,” stated Roseline Duo. “We are learning for our daughters, for our granddaughters, so they can live in a Liberia where they have the same land rights as men.”
With continued advocacy, training, and group engagement, it’s hoped that ladies throughout Liberia will proceed to make strides towards securing their land and property rights, paving the way in which for a extra equal and simply society.
The President highlighted the historic connection between Liberia and Ethiopia, emphasizing their shared roles as pioneers of African independence and advocates for Pan-Africanism.
Margibi County-President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on his eightieth birthday welcomed Ethiopian Airlines as Africa’s largest provider resumes flights to Liberia after a pause of greater than 40 years.
The inaugural flight landed in Monrovia on Saturday November 30, 2024, with greater than 200 passengers on flight.
It was an attention-grabbing occasion, celebrated in a grand ceremony attended by Liberia’s President and several other different senior authorities officers, together with the delegation from Ethiopian Airlines.
The transfer to renew flights to Liberia signifies the airline’s dedication to fostering stronger financial, cultural, and social ties throughout the continent.
Speaking on the Farmington Hotel on the Roberts International Airport, President Boakai burdened that the resumption of Ethiopian Airlines flights to Liberia is an achievement that strengthened ties between Liberia and Ethiopia, including that it’s a main enhance to the aviation and tourism sectors of Liberia.
According to President Boakai, the return of Ethiopian Airlines signifies Liberia’s rising financial potential. The transfer, in line with the Liberian chief, is a reaffirmation of the lengthy partnership between the 2 nations.
“Ethiopian Airlines’ return to Liberia signifies much more than the reopening of air routes; it is a powerful symbol of our long-standing friendship, mutual respect, and shared African heritage,” President Boakai stated.
The President highlighted the historic connection between Liberia and Ethiopia, emphasizing their shared roles as pioneers of African independence and advocates for Pan-Africanism.
He stated: “I want to commend Ethiopian Airlines for its resilience and leadership in connecting the African continent to the world, Ethiopian Airlines is a source of pride for all of Africa.”
The recommencement of direct flights between Monrovia and Addis Ababa is predicted to open new alternatives for commerce, tourism, and cooperation in areas equivalent to training and tradition, he stated.
The President famous that this growth will function a bridge for nearer financial and diplomatic ties, foster funding, and create job alternatives, significantly within the aviation and tourism sectors.
“This historic flight marks a new era of cooperation that reaffirms our commitment to African solidarity and to the broader vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated continent,” the President asserted.
The President concluded by emphasizing that the resumption of Ethiopian Airlines’ flights isn’t just a bilateral achievement however a mirrored image of the broader Pan-African imaginative and prescient of unity and progress.
Also talking on the occasion, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Lemma Vadecha, expressed optimism concerning the new vacation spot, emphasizing its potential to bolster financial integration and promote tourism.
“On this day we are not only celebrating your birthday Mr. President but a new partnership between our two countries,” Mr. Vadecha expressed.
Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Commercial Officer added: “Ethiopian Airlines has a long-standing history with Monrovia having begun its first-class service to this city in November 1966.”
According to Mr. Vadecha, his entity is happy to renew flights to Monrovia, one thing he says reinforces the dedication to connecting Africa and selling intra-African commerce.
This, he says, is consistent with the imaginative and prescient of offering the perfect journey expertise. The presence of Ethiopian Airlines in Liberia will improve alternatives for enterprise and tourism, driving mutual progress, Vadecha stated.
The airways will function three weekly flights to Monrovia, providing connectivity by way of its Addis Ababa hub.
The airline’s return to Liberia is predicted to facilitate commerce, tourism, and cultural change, contributing to the socio-economic growth of each nations.
The resumption of flights is seen as a strategic transfer to strengthen ties between Ethiopia and Liberia whereas contributing to the broader imaginative and prescient of African unity and collaboration.
Human rights advocates and victims’ teams are indignant over the demise of Prince Johnson, the accused infamous warlord, who died all of the sudden in Paynesville early Thursday morning. Senator Johnson, 72, had high blood pressure, in accordance with his household.
By Anthony Stephens with New Narratives
Johnson was seen by many consultants as probably the most prone to face prosecution for his many atrocities when he headed the Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia (INPFL), a break free from Charles Taylor’s NPFL. He was named primary on the listing of 116 “most notorious perpetrators”, really useful for prosecution by Liberia’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He was additionally the long-time senator for Nimba County, elected to the workplace thrice.
Twenty-one years for the reason that finish of the battle, Liberia’s president and Legislature have lastly begun establishing a courtroom to strive these accused of probably the most egregious human rights violations that left 250,000 individuals lifeless and hundreds of thousands displaced. Victims will now be robbed of the possibility to see the person accused of committing probably the most atrocities through the battle tried.
“It is sad because victims of his actions have been cheated by death of the opportunity to see him face trial for the commission of crimes against humanity,” mentioned Mr. John Stewart, an ex-TRC commissioner, by textual content message. “It is indeed a loss sustained by the campaign for accountability. I would have loved to see him face trial, but fate intervened, denying me the opportunity.”
Prince Johnson at slain President Samuel Doe’s desk in 1990
Senator Johnson’s INPFL was accused of committing 2,588 or 2 p.c of all crimes reported to the TRC. He was personally accused of committing widespread human rights violations, together with “killing, extortion, massacre, destruction of property, force recruitment, assault, abduction, torture & forced labor, rape.”
He all the time claimed he was performing on behalf of residents of his residence county Nimba, which felt focused by President Samuel Doe, and challenged the credibility of the TRC report, together with in a 2021 interview with the Voice of America. “Why will they refer to a senator like me as a notorious war criminal?” requested Senator Johnson.
While he claimed to help a battle crimes courtroom as an opportunity to clear his title, he repeatedly challenged its legality.
“The people who are clamoring for the economic and war crimes court, it’s not a bad thing,” mentioned Senator Johnson. “But the thing here, we have legal and constitutional instruments that block people from bringing a war crimes court, because the TRC they are basing on, it has flaws and irregularities that led to division within the file and ranks of the TRC commissioners. If you want to bring war crimes court for whatever reason on the basis of TRC, then it will be questionable. If you want to bring war crimes court on the basis on a new beginning to establish the court, filing information, data, that’s a good thing.”
Child troopers through the Liberian Civil War. Source: Sutori
Legal students have repeatedly mentioned that any trials by a Liberian courtroom wouldn’t be based mostly on proof from the TRC. Each case must be constructed from scratch. There are additionally no authorized limitations to trials, as battle crimes and crimes towards humanity haven’t any statute of limitation, which means they are often performed no matter how lengthy it has been for the reason that alleged crimes had been dedicated.
Several of Senator Johnson’s most notable atrocities claimed the world’s consideration, together with the torture of Samuel Doe, then-Liberian president, who his troops had captured and tortured. The acts had been captured in a video that’s accessible on-line. President Doe died a day later however it’s not clear how. Mr. Johnson repeatedly justified Mr. Doe’s demise in interviews and speeches, insisting that Mr. Doe was killed in retaliation for the deaths of “my people,” referring to the individuals of Nimba County, who revered him as a “political godfather” and “a liberator.”
They elected him senator for 27 years. But he served them for greater than 18 years—one of many longest elected officers in Liberia’s post-war historical past.
President Doe with then Secretary of Defense of the United States Caspar W. Weinberger exterior the Pentagon in 1982
Mr. Doe’s homicide and that of Linda Drury, a younger American lady, haunted the senator. At one-point, American investigators got here to Liberia making an attempt to construct a case towards him for the latter crime. Though he was by no means charged, his current years noticed his travels restricted. He was placed on the US Magnitsky sanctions list in 2021, accused of being “involved in pay-for-play funding with government ministries and organizations for personal enrichment. As part of the scheme, upon receiving funding from the Government of Liberia (GOL), the involved government ministries and organizations launder a portion of the funding for return to the involved participants. The pay-for-play funding scheme involves millions of U.S. dollars. Johnson has also offered the sale of votes in multiple Liberian elections in exchange for money.”
That prevented him from touring to most Western nations. His travels in Africa had been additionally restricted by the danger that he would possibly land in a rustic the place prosecutors would possibly cost him utilizing the precept of common jurisdiction – which means he might be tried wherever, no matter the place the crimes had been dedicated. In an obvious response to the US sanctions, Senator Johnson resigned from his function as third deputy speaker of the regional parliament of the Economic Community of West African States in 2022.
Mr. Johnson’s passing might assist Liberia’s push for a battle and economics crimes courtroom in two methods: He was the loudest opponent to a courtroom, threatening on events to lift a militia ought to he be indicted. He was additionally anticipated to foyer different senators and representatives to dam passage of a invoice to determine the courtroom, which is predicted to come back to the Legislature in coming months.
“Yes. It will be an easy one,” mentioned Sumo Kollie Mulbah in a cellphone interview. He’s the Montserrado County consultant who put this 12 months’s decision to determine a courtroom on the ground of the House. “It will be a very easy one, because Prince Johnson was used as the icon of Nimba County. People felt that the war crimes court is about Nimbaians. No. The issue is about justice for those that died during the war, because we feel that the dead cannot speak for themselves. It’s the living who speaks for the dead and because of that, we must speak for our people that died.”
Sumo Mulbah put the decision for battle and financial crimes courts on the ground of the House. He says Senator Johnson’s demise makes it ”simple” for the courts to be legislated.
Senator Johnson was additionally seen as the most important safety menace to a courtroom, due to his threats to lift a militia to oppose it. His demise might scale back any safety threats which may have come about because of the courts.
Senator Johnson joins a rising listing of accused perpetrators who’ve died with out being prosecuted, together with Prof. Alhaji G.V. Kromah, George Dweh, Roosevelt Johnson and Francois Massaquoi amongst others. The administration of Joseph Boakai, in its tenth month, has taken key steps in establishing the courtroom, together with the signing of a joint decision for the courtroom by the Legislature, establishing an workplace for the courtroom. A invoice nonetheless must go the Legislature for the courtroom to get underway. Fearing that extra accused warlords may die, consultants need the federal government to now transfer with pace in legislating the courtroom. Any trials would possible nonetheless be not less than two years away.
“If we continue to delay, at the end of the day, that’s how it’s going to be because we have lost several of them…people like Tom Woewiyu…if they continue to go like this, who are we going to prosecute?” requested Mr. Sonyah in a cellphone interview. Woewiyu died of Covid within the United States whereas awaiting sentencing after being convicted on 14 counts of immigration fraud for mendacity about his war-related crimes in his immigration proceedings.
Mr. Stewart echoed his sentiments, urging the federal government to supply start-up funding for the Office of the courts instantly.
“This underscores the urgent need for the GoL [Government of Liberia] to jumpstart the process of accountability by making an initial but substantial contributions as seed funding to enable the office to establish the court to become functional,” mentioned Mr. Stewart. “This is especially in view of the fact that major perpetrators are dying out and thereby denying Justice to victims.”
After the battle, Mr. Johnson turned a self-styled evangelist, who often used the pulpit of his private church to evangelise forgiveness and hate, throwing jibes at his political opponents. He was a king maker in politics, throwing his help behind the presidential candidate who paid probably the most cash. His help determined victories for all of Liberia’s three post-war presidents: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, George Weah and Joseph Boakai. Political analysts say his demise may change Liberia’s political panorama. He additionally had unsuccessful presidential runs himself in 2011 and 2017.
“Oh yes! PYJ’s [Prince Yormie Johnson’s] death is going to have impact on Nimba and the country at large politically,” mentioned Mr. Franklin Wesseh, ex-chairman of the Center for the Exchange of Intellectual Opinions, a number one level of mental convergence for Liberia’s policymakers, politicians and peculiar residents. “Nimba might no longer be the determiner of Liberia’s President. PYJ told the people of Nimba which way to go, and the obeyed. They saw him as their savior. I doubt strongly if anyone can fill that vacuum anytime soon. No son or daughter or daughter of Nimba has shown that prospect of being able to wield that authority that PYJ commanded.”
Mr. Boakai, who Senator Johnson supported over Mr. Weah through the 2023 presidential election, described him “as a figure who played a pivotal role in Liberia’s complex historical evolution and contributed to national discourse through his service in the Senate,” according to the Executive Mansion.
“The Government of Liberia will work closely with the Johnson family, the Vice President and the people of Nimba to ensure that Senator Prince Y. Johnson receives a befitting farewell in accordance with national traditions,” mentioned the assertion.
In a Facebook put up, Mr. Weah, who had a falling out with Mr. Johnson within the lead as much as the 2023 election, made no point out of his impression on Liberian politics, however mentioned “Liberia is bereaved; Nimba is bereaved; the Liberian Senate is bereaved,” providing his “heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family and all those impacted by his passing.”
Constitutionally, the election of Johnson’s alternative should be held inside 90 days. But the Senate should formally inform the National Elections Commission in regards to the emptiness inside 30 days.
“As for replacing PYJ at the Senate, I predict Madam Edith Gongloe-Weh will succeed him,” mentioned Mr. Wesseh in a WhatsApp message. “But she may face a fierce opposition from Representative Samuel Kogar if he decides to contest for the seat too.
This story is a collaboration with New Narratives as a part of the West Africa Justice Reporting Project. Funding was supplied by the Swedish embassy in Liberia. The donor had no say within the story’s content material.
