The Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas (ALJA) has issued a strong condemnation of recent developments in Liberia’s House of Representatives, where the country’s Justice Minister and Attorney General appear to have skewed a Supreme Court ruling to benefit the so-called “majority members” of the House.
The move, ALJA argues, represents an alarming undermining of the rule of law and the separation of powers enshrined in Liberia’s Constitution.
In a statement issued recently, ALJA criticized the Attorney General’s interpretation of the recent Supreme Court ruling, which involved Articles 33 and 49 of the Liberian Constitution. While the Court refrained from making a definitive judgment on the legality of actions taken by the anti-Koffa faction within the House, ALJA claims the Attorney General’s interpretation may escalate the already volatile political crisis.
The advocacy group expressed concern that the Justice Ministry’s actions, reportedly undertaken at the direction of the executive branch, are dangerously encroaching on the legislative independence guaranteed by the constitution.
ALJA’s statement, signed by President Joey Kennedy, emphasized that the Attorney General’s actions could further destabilize the situation in the House of Representatives.
“The Attorney General’s interpretation distorts the ruling, potentially inflaming the current crisis and compromising the integrity of the legislative process,” Kennedy said.
In addition to its concerns over the Attorney General’s actions, ALJA also expressed alarm over the withdrawal of security personnel and other government resources assigned to Speaker of the House, J. Fonati Koffa.
This move, which occurred amid the ongoing political turmoil in the Legislature, has raised concerns of political intimidation.
ALJA denounced the action, calling it an attempt to use state power to influence legislative decision-making.
The group argued that removing Speaker Koffa’s security detail not only puts his personal safety at risk but also sets a troubling precedent for the abuse of power within the government.
“We see the withdrawal of Speaker Koffa’s security as a blatant act of intimidation aimed at undermining the separation of powers,” said Kennedy.
“This interference is deeply troubling and goes against the principles of democratic governance that Liberia’s Constitution upholds.”
In its statement, ALJA also called on President Joseph Nyumah Boakai to take immediate action to respect and uphold the constitutional doctrine of separation of powers.
The organization urged the President to refrain from further interference in the House’s internal affairs, stressing that such actions threaten the democratic process and the integrity of Liberia’s political system.
ALJA also condemned the recent threats made by Nimba County Representative Samuel Kogar against journalist Julius Jeh of OK FM. During a live broadcast, Representative Kogar accused Jeh of inciting public unrest over the leadership crisis in the House and issued a veiled threat of retribution against the journalist.
ALJA unequivocally labeled the threats as an attack on press freedom, reiterating that journalists must be able to report on national issues without fear of harassment or reprisal.
“The threats against journalist Julius Jeh are a direct attack on press freedom and the essential role of the media in Liberia’s democracy,” the organization stated. “Journalists must be free to report on matters of public interest without fear of retribution or violence.”
ALJA emphasized that press freedom is non-negotiable and vital to ensuring transparency, accountability, and public access to information about government actions.
The advocacy group underscored its commitment to defending the rights of journalists and protecting the free press as a cornerstone of Liberia’s democracy.
The association has vowed to continue monitoring the situation closely, promising to speak out against any further actions that threaten Liberia’s democratic progress.
As a U.S.-based media advocacy organization, ALJA remains dedicated to promoting press freedom, good governance, and the rule of law in Liberia.
Since its founding in 1998, the group has championed accountability and integrity in Liberia’s political landscape.
As the political crisis within the House of Representatives continues to unfold, ALJA’s statements serve as a critical reminder of the importance of protecting both democratic institutions and the freedoms necessary for a healthy, functioning democracy.
