A Commentary about Liberia’s Current state of affairs:
Since the election of President Joseph Boakai in January 2024, Liberia has seen troubling actions that undermine the rule of law and threaten the country’s fragile peace. These actions have raised alarms about the state of Liberia’s democracy, its judicial independence, and the political stability that the nation has worked so hard to maintain since the end of its civil war. One of the most significant concerns is the systematic removal of tenured officials from their positions in the government.
These dismissals not only defy legal principles but also threaten the very foundations of Liberia’s democratic institutions. These actions are troubling pattern including the removing of civil servants from their positions without just cause or adherence to legal processes at various ministries and agencies. Civil servants, particularly those in tenure positions, are afforded legal protections to prevent arbitrary dismissals. These protections are essential for maintaining the integrity and independence of public service, ensuring that officials can perform their duties impartially, free from political interference. However, the increasing removals of tenured officials have undermined these protections, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity within the public sector.
For many civil servants, these dismissals are not just professional setbacks but personal crises. Many have found themselves without income or means to support their families, exacerbating poverty and social instability. This disregard for the rule of law has raised concerns from human rights organizations, legal experts, and even the judiciary. The arbitrary removal of officials sets a dangerous precedent, eroding trust in Liberia’s legal and political institutions and contributing to an environment of lawlessness.
Secondly, the controversy surrounding Speaker J. Fonati Koffa’s Removal is a threat to Liberia’s democratic process. This action is another significant issue that is being promoted by President Boakai’s Unity Party’s (UP) since they were defeated at the speakership election in January 2024. Speaker Koffa was elected in January 2024 in a free and fair election that the entire country followed as outlined by the laws of Liberia and the House of Representative rules. However, since the election of the Speaker, it seems that Rep. Richard Koon, a member of the Unity Party who lost the election, was not satisfied and therefore put into action a plan to unseat him. This move, based on political defeat rather than legal grounds, is a clear violation of Liberia’s democratic processes and the law.
The attempt to remove a legally elected official less than a year after his election sends a dangerous message: when political actors fail to win power through legitimate elections, they can resort to unlawful methods to achieve their goals. This undermines the core principles of democracy, where election results must be respected, and the rule of law upheld. If this approach becomes normalized, it could lead to a situation where political power is seized through illegal means, rather than through the ballot box, eroding Liberia’s democratic fabric.
The implications of these actions extend beyond Liberia’s borders. Domestically, they threaten to deepen political divisions, fuel unrest, and destabilize the country. Liberia is still recovering from the aftermath of a brutal 14-year civil war, and any actions that jeopardize peace and stability could undo much of the progress made in the past two decades. On December 11, 2024, a violent confrontation between lawmakers and police highlighted the increasing tensions, signaling that political disagreements are escalating dangerously.
Internationally, Liberia’s reputation as a stable democracy is at risk. The international community has supported Liberia’s post-war recovery, and its success hinges on upholding democratic processes, the rule of law, and human rights. If political actors can disregard election outcomes and violate the law with impunity, Liberia’s standing in the international community will be severely damaged. This could lead to a reduction in foreign investment, diplomatic isolation, and a loss of crucial international support.
The recurring disregard for the rule of law in Liberia underscores a fundamental truth: the country’s future depends on its commitment to upholding democratic principles and the rule of law. Lawmakers, political parties, and citizens must respect the processes that have been put in place to ensure peace, stability, and fairness in the country. This includes respecting election results, adhering to court rulings, and upholding the independence of the judiciary and civil service.
The repeated violations of legal protections for civil servants and the unlawful removal of elected officials must be halted. Liberia’s future cannot be built on a foundation of lawlessness and political maneuvering. The country’s leaders must commit to safeguarding the democratic institutions that have been painstakingly built since the end of the civil war. Allowing these actions to continue risks undermining Liberia’s hard-won peace and stability.
If Liberia’s political leaders continue down this path of defying the rule of law and disregarding legal processes, the country may face a shift towards authoritarianism. The unchecked concentration of power in the hands of the executive and the weakening of key institutions, such as the judiciary and civil service, could transform Liberia into a dictatorship. This would destabilize the country and undermine the peace that has been so hard to achieve.
Moreover, such a trajectory risks alienating the Liberian people, who have fought for decades to build a functioning democracy. The erosion of democratic norms and the rejection of legal accountability would set the stage for political chaos, where violence and intimidation become tools of political struggle.
Lastly, the actions of President Boakai’s administration, particularly the arbitrary dismissal of tenured officials, civil servants, and the Unity Party’s attempt to remove Speaker Koffa, are clear violations of Liberia’s Constitution and laws. These actions threaten to undermine the stability, peace, and democracy that the country has fought so hard to preserve. The message is clear: ignoring the rule of law and disregarding electoral outcomes could unravel the hard-won peace Liberia has achieved.
All Liberians, whether in government, political parties, or civil society, must recognize that the only path to a prosperous and stable Liberia is one rooted in respect for the rule of law, adherence to democratic processes, and the protection of institutions. The international community must also continue to support Liberia in its efforts to maintain a strong, democratic, and peaceful state. Anything less, threatens to undo the progress made and puts Liberia’s future in jeopardy.
To preserve Liberia’s hard-won peace and stability, we must all commit to the rule of law, protect our democratic institutions, and foster political discourse based on respect for the law, not political expediency. Only then can Liberia continue its path to true democratic governance and prosperity.
