Monrovia, Liberia – The House of Representatives has unanimously passed a vote of no confidence in Liberia’s Ambassador-at-Large for Special Duties and Special Presidential Envoy, Sheikh Moustapha Kouyateh, citing concerns over remarks he allegedly made regarding the Legislature.
The decision was reached during a regular sitting of plenary following the consideration of a communication submitted by Grand Bassa County District #2 Representative Clarence T. Banks.
In his communication to Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon and members of the House, Representative Banks detailed an encounter with Ambassador Kouyateh on May 31, 2026, at OK FM, where both men had been invited to participate in separate segments of the station’s morning radio program.
According to Representative Banks, while the two were in the station’s guest waiting area, he inquired about the purpose of Ambassador Kouyateh’s appearance on the program. Banks alleged that Kouyateh responded by stating: “I did not apologize, and will not apologize about my statement on the social media about the House of Representatives.”
Representative Banks told plenary that the statement was made in the presence of several employees and guests at the radio station. He described the remarks as “disgraceful and shameful,” arguing that they undermined the mutual respect and cooperation expected between the Executive and Legislative branches of government.
The matter subsequently sparked extensive deliberations among lawmakers during plenary discussions.
Following the debate, Sinoe County District #1 Representative Thomas Romeo Quioh introduced a motion calling on the House to formally declare a vote of no confidence in Ambassador Kouyateh. The motion received unanimous backing from members and was adopted by plenary.
In its resolution, the House expressed its dissatisfaction with Ambassador Kouyateh’s conduct and informed President Joseph Nyuma Boakai that lawmakers no longer have confidence in the presidential envoy’s ability to effectively engage with the Legislature in his current role.
Lawmakers maintained that the decision was based on what they characterized as the Ambassador’s continued disrespect and disregard for the institution of the House of Representatives.
The House has since formally communicated its position to President Boakai, urging the Chief Executive to take note of its concerns regarding Ambassador Kouyateh’s relationship with the Legislature.
The development marks a significant escalation in tensions between the House of Representatives and the Ambassador-at-Large, as lawmakers insist that maintaining respect for state institutions remains essential to fostering effective collaboration between the branches of government.
