MONTROVIA – When President Joseph Nyma Boachey and Vice President Jeremiah Kupang Koun took the oath of office on January 22, 2024, Shee A Neen Yuo vowed to support, protect and defend the Liberian Constitution.
In his inaugural speech, President Boaches vowed that his administration would reflect the hopes and aspirations of the people of Liberia and support the rule of law.
He declared. “Hundreds have become volunteer vote watchers at polling stations, including the most challenging locations in the nation. The messages sent by their acts of courage and determination are loud and clear. As always, a business call.
But exactly a year later, that strict pledge is being tested. The Boakai-Koung administration is under scrutiny for handling the ongoing legislative impasse that the Supreme Court recently awarded.
The court declared the actions of the self-proclaimed “majority bloc.” He ordered the House to conduct business in line with constitutional and legal procedures.
Many believed that the Supreme Court decision – the ultimate arbitrator of justice – would resolve the crisis. As the majority of the bloc refused to comply, the public turned to the administrators to enforce the court’s mandate by officially acknowledging Parliament Cofa as a legitimate speaker.
However, those expectations seem to be unmet. In a national speech on Thursday, President Boaches appeared to break the ranks in court, saying his administration will continue to work with what he calls a “functioning quorum” in the House to ensure the government’s uninterrupted operation.
“My fellow Liberians, our constitution, and the Supreme Court have defined what constitutes a quorum for the implementation of our operations in Parliament,” he said. “We intend to actively support this important principle of constitutional democracy. We will continue to work with the quorum to ensure the full functioning of government.”
However, his statement sparked controversy. That’s because the actions that the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional appear to be consistent with the very group.
Critics argue that the president’s position justifies the illegal activities of the majority. Legal experts emphasize that it is the executive’s duty to enforce court decisions.
cllr. Lafayette B. Gould has asked the government to officially recognize speaker Kofa, restoring all privileges, security and logistics support that he has been stripped of, and to transfer to Rep. Richard Coon.
President Boakai’s comments reflect rhetoric from Congressman Koon and members of the majority bloc. In a statement that was strongly expressed following the court’s ruling, Rep. Kuhn argued that the House would not comply with the “savage and bold violation” of the doctrine of separation of power.
“The House leader acting through me will reject the Supreme Court’s decision that former Speaker Kofa continues to be the chairman on the strongest terms,” Kuhn said, referring to a resolution signed by 50 members seeking the removal of Koffa.
Rep. James Kore of Bonn County, reflecting Coon’s rebellion, suggesting that Bullock might try to bounce Supreme Court justice each to be allegedly crossed constitutional boundaries.
According to that, cllr. Gould warned that attempts to abolish the Constitution, including rebellion from the Supreme Court decision, were offensive under Article 76.
“Treason against the Republic consists of attempting to abolish or abolish the Constitution by using force or other means,” he said. “When the Supreme Court governs constitutional issues and groups of people reject that decision in ways that cripple governance, they are undermining the constitution.”
Violation of the rule of law threatens bids by the UN Security Council in Liberia
In the wake of an increase in rhetoric and rebellion, the Boachesky Kuhn administration has put pressure on the Supreme Court to implement the recent Supreme Court decision. The government is perceived as failing to recognize and carry out the duties of the courts undermines the rule of law. This is a lawsuit that not only causes confusion, but can undermine credibility both domestically and internationally.
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Experts warn that continuing to ignore the Supreme Court’s decision could severely hinder Liberia’s bid for non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council.
Sen. Edwin Melvin Snow, head of the Liberian delegation to Ecowas Parliament, warned that the international community is closely monitoring Monrovia’s development.
“Today, I will appeal to you. Let’s respect the rule of law. The court’s decision is final. Let’s respect that. We are competing for seats on the UN Security Council. These things will follow us.
As Liberia aims to raise its international status, analysts say judicial authorities and constitutional governance could put its diplomatic aspirations significantly at risk.
