MONROVIA, LIBERIA – In a rebuke of recent statements by Justice Minister and Attorney General Cllr. Oswald Tweh, Liberia’s Rule of Law Caucus has accused the minister of issuing veiled threats designed to intimidate opposition lawmakers. The Caucus, an influential bloc within the House of Representatives, described Tweh’s comments as an affront to Liberia’s democratic values and a dangerous precedent for governance.
The Caucus, led by Hon. Musa Hassan Bility of Nimba County District 7, released a strongly worded statement on Saturday, January 18, 2025, condemning the Justice Minister’s remarks. They characterized his statements as an abuse of authority, designed to stifle dissenting voices in a country still striving to strengthen its democratic institutions.
The release emphasized that the Justice Ministry’s primary responsibility is to uphold the law, ensure justice for all, and protect the rights of citizens, not to wield its authority as a political weapon. The Caucus asserted that dissent is a cornerstone of democracy and should never be criminalized.
The controversy comes amid national mourning over a devastating fire incident that has shocked the country. The Rule of Law Caucus criticized the Justice Ministry’s focus on political matters instead of addressing the root causes of the fire, ensuring justice for victims, and implementing preventive measures. According to the Caucus, the Justice Ministry’s priorities appear misplaced at a time when Liberians demand answers and accountability.
In a statement reflecting the growing discontent among opposition lawmakers, Hon. Bility warned that any attempt to silence political adversaries threatens the principles of governance and transparency. He reiterated the importance of a vibrant opposition, calling it essential for Liberia’s progress and a safeguard against authoritarian tendencies.
“The Justice Minister’s remarks are not just an insult to opposition lawmakers; they are an insult to the Liberian people who elected us to represent them,” said Bility. “No amount of intimidation will derail our resolve to advocate for justice, accountability, and the rule of law.”
The Caucus also accused the Justice Ministry of politicizing its mandate and urged Minister Tweh to redirect his focus toward pressing national issues, including public safety and the delivery of justice to affected communities. They argued that political intimidation has no place in Liberia’s democratic landscape and warned that such actions could erode public confidence in the government’s commitment to democracy.
This clash between the Boakai administration and the opposition has added to the political tension in Liberia, sparking concerns about the direction of the country’s governance. The Rule of Law Caucus has vowed to stand firm in its defense of democratic principles, declaring that any attempt to undermine those principles will be met with strong resistance.
“Our democracy was hard-won and must be safeguarded against all threats,” the Caucus stated. “We call on the Justice Minister to act within the confines of the law and avoid any actions that could destabilize the fragile progress we have made as a nation.”
