The Association of Women Bar Associations of Liberia (Affel) (Affel) is advocating for the appointment of another female Supreme Court justice with the imminent retirement of Sheaaa Neen Gyapai Yuo.
In a statement issued over the weekend, Affel urged President Joseph Nyuma Boachey to consider appointing a woman to lead the country’s judicial reform process. Affel highlighted the importance of gender diversity on the Supreme Court bench, calling it a progressive and symbolic step to achieving judicial reform under the arrest agenda.
“If President Boaches are serious about achieving judicial reform under the arrest agenda, the appointment of a woman to the country’s Supreme Court will be a progressive and symbolic step,” said President Afel, CLLR. Philomena T. Williams said in a statement.
Eau Yuuo announced her imminent retirement during the official opening of the court in March after years of dedicated service.
After former Francis Kolkpol retired, Yuoh, who took on the role on September 27, 2022, will formally retire on June 26, 2025, pursuant to Article 72 “b” of the Liberian Constitution of 1986.
She is the third woman in the 175-year history of the establishment of the Liberian state and has occupied the highest office of the judicial system. The other two women are CLLR. Francis Johnson Allison, 1996-1997, and Gloria Mus Scott, 1997-2003.
After his retirement, President Boaches will nominate someone for that position, and the Liberian Senate will hold a confirmation hearing. However, following recommendations from the Liberian Senate, the candidate will be appointed and commissioned by the President to take office on October 10, 2025.
As Supreme Court Justice Yuoh prepares to retire in June 2025, Williams highlighted the importance of maintaining women’s presence in the judiciary to continue the reform initiative launched by Yuoh.
“As Prime Minister Yuuo’s retirement approaches, it is extremely important to call on the president to appoint another female director to build the legacy that Yuuo has left behind,” Cllr. Williams pointed out. “It’s important that we continue to follow the path of the reform process she started, and another woman will make it better. That’s why we’re appealing to the president.”
President Affel also praised the efforts of Secretary Yuuau and the High Court bench in promoting discipline and ethical actions within the judiciary, underscoring the importance of supporting the rule of law and the integrity of the judiciary.
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The association praised the recent rulings that lawyers, magistrates and judges authorized for misconduct, and viewed them as evidence of a practical system of internal accountability.
“The rule of law is a fundamental pillar of the working judicial system. To ensure justice and integrity, all departments of the government and all citizens must be subject to the law,” Affel said.
Affel called for the preservation of judicial independence and integrity as a necessary foundation for the fight against corruption. “We must protect the honor and dignity of the court. We have become good lawyers. We must remain great lawyers without fear or favor.”
Fell extended his congratulations to President Boakai and the government for the key positions, particularly the special recognition given to Afell members serving Vice President Cllr. Juah Lawson and Treasurer Atty. Yemi Williams. The association also urged CLLR. Lawson will play a leading role in driving positive reform within the legal profession.
The organization also acknowledged President Boaches Boaches’ perception of female lawyers serving in key positions and urged Vice President CLLR. Juah Lawson will play a leading role in driving positive reform within the legal profession. The Association emphasized the importance of judicial independence and integrity as an integral component to combat corruption and ensuring justice for all citizens.
