Former President George Manneh Weah has issued a strong appeal for adherence to Liberia’s constitutional order following a landmark Supreme Court ruling that affirmed Speaker J. Fonati Koffa as the legitimate leader of the House of Representatives.
In a statement released today, Weah described the Court’s decision as a vital defense of Liberia’s democracy and warned that disregarding it could plunge the nation into instability.
The Supreme Court’s ruling stemmed from a legal challenge against an attempted ouster of Speaker Koffa by a faction of lawmakers. The Court declared the move unconstitutional, reinforcing the sanctity of Liberia’s governance institutions.
Weah, who peacefully conceded power after the 2023 elections, emphasized that the ruling transcends politics. “This is not just a legal matter, it is about preserving the rule of law, which is the bedrock of our nation,” he stated. “Any attempt to undermine this decision risks a constitutional crisis that Liberia cannot afford.”
The former president directly addressed current leader Joseph Boakai, urging his administration to respect the judiciary’s authority. “The Executive must lead by example in upholding our Constitution,” Weah said. “To ignore this ruling is to endanger the peace and progress we have fought so hard to achieve.”
He also appealed to Liberia’s international allies, including the United Nations, African Union, and ECOWAS, to support compliance with the Court’s decision. “Our partners have stood by us in rebuilding Liberia. Now, we ask them to stand for democracy once more,” he added.
Weah’s message struck a unifying tone, calling on Liberians to prioritize the nation’s stability over political divisions. “Our democracy is stronger than any individual or party,” he asserted. “We must defend it together, through justice, law, and unwavering resolve.”
His statement comes amid rising political tensions, with observers warning that defiance of the Court’s ruling could escalate unrest. Weah, whose concession in 2023 was hailed as a milestone for democracy, positioned himself as a stabilizing voice, urging citizens to safeguard Liberia’s hard-won peace.
As Liberia navigates this critical juncture, Weah’s words serve as both a caution and a rallying cry. “Let us reaffirm our commitment to a Liberia where democracy, not disorder, prevails,” he concluded. “Our children’s future depends on the choices we make today.”
The international community and local civil society groups are closely monitoring developments, with many echoing Weah’s call for calm and constitutional fidelity.
For now, all eyes remain on the Boakai administration’s next steps, and whether Liberia’s leaders will heed the warning to avoid a crisis.
