Liberia’s Chief Justice, Sie-Nyene G. Yuoh, has officially marked the end of her tenure, delivering a farewell speech that resonated with gratitude, reflection, and an unwavering commitment to justice. The moment was historic, drawing legal minds, students, and ordinary citizens who gathered to witness the closing chapter of her time at the Supreme Court.
Her retirement comes in line with Article 72(b) of the 1986 Constitution, which mandates that judges step down upon reaching the age of 70. With her birthday approaching in June 2025, the transition is a constitutional requirement rather than a voluntary decision.
During her address, Chief Justice Yuoh took the audience through her journey in the judiciary, from Associate Justice to the highest judicial office in the land. She spoke of the values that shaped her career: fairness, equality, and a firm belief in the rule of law. She also reflected on key rulings under her leadership, touching on civil rights protections and privacy rights in the digital age, demonstrating how justice must evolve with society.
Her tenure, like any, had its challenges. The judiciary has often been at the center of debates on legal reforms, public trust, and judicial independence. But for Yuoh, her work was always about ensuring that the law serves the people, not just the powerful.
As Liberia prepares to welcome a new Chief Justice, her departure leaves behind a legacy of resilience and service, one that will undoubtedly shape the future of the country’s legal system.
