MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah has issued a stern caution to President Joseph Boakai, urging him not to compromise Liberia’s constitutional integrity by submitting a national budget without the formal endorsement of House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa, whose authority remains intact despite a turbulent legislative standoff. In his statement, released on November 13, 2024, Tweah highlighted the potential for lasting damage if Boakai’s administration disregards constitutional norms, stressing that such a move would undermine Liberia’s post-war identity as a lawful democratic nation.
Tweah’s message brings attention to the broader issues of executive overreach and the erosion of democratic values. Reflecting on Liberia’s tragic civil war, in which over 250,000 Liberians sacrificed their lives, Tweah reminded the public and the administration that these sacrifices were made to build a nation based on the rule of law rather than the arbitrary “rule of men.” According to Tweah, the country’s struggle for constitutional order should not be compromised by the executive branch’s desire for political expediency. “No political crisis or conflict, no matter how entrenched, can return Liberia to the pernicious ‘will of men,’” he emphasized.
This escalating crisis, Tweah argued, could become a defining moment in Liberia’s democratic journey. He warned that if President Boakai bypasses constitutional requirements by enforcing a budget without Speaker Koffa’s endorsement, it would signal a dangerous departure from the legal standards upheld since the end of the civil war. Such an action would have serious political, social, and economic repercussions, threatening Liberia’s stability, undermining trust in government institutions, and setting a disturbing precedent for future administrations. Tweah highlighted that Liberia’s fragile democracy cannot afford such a rupture, especially at a time when the public is already skeptical of political leadership.
Acknowledging the pressures facing President Boakai from within his party, Tweah noted that these pressures should not overshadow the President’s duty to uphold Liberia’s constitution. He argued that while Boakai may feel compelled to act in the interest of his party, his ultimate responsibility lies with the Liberian people. “The President swore an oath to uphold the law, and I believe the weight of that oath bears heavily on him in these turbulent legislative times,” Tweah stated. The former minister emphasized that any attempt to override legislative processes for political gain would not only betray the public trust but also cast a permanent stain on Boakai’s legacy as Liberia’s leader.
Tweah also turned his focus to key figures in Boakai’s administration, particularly Finance Minister Amara Konneh, cautioning them against endorsing an “illegal budget.” He emphasized that international partners, including the IMF and World Bank, impose rigorous standards for governance, and they would likely reject any budget tainted by constitutional irregularities. “How will the Boards of the IMF and the World Bank, for example, accept a budget with the stigma of ‘illegality’ when their deliberations center on governance and the rule of law?” Tweah asked. He warned that the economic and diplomatic fallout of an unconstitutional budget could be devastating, affecting Liberia’s standing on the global stage and potentially jeopardizing future foreign aid and investment.
Beyond the President’s potential actions, Tweah also scrutinized the behavior of dissenting lawmakers who have refused to recognize Speaker Koffa’s authority, viewing it as a legitimate, if contentious, political tactic within legislative disputes. However, he cautioned that these lawmakers must also respect constitutional boundaries. Attempts to force Koffa’s resignation by blocking governmental functions would be a grave overreach, he argued, that risks damaging Liberia’s democratic institutions. Tweah pointed to the 2016 case of Speaker Alex Tyler, noting that then-President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf respected legislative processes by submitting the budget to the embattled Speaker despite the political discord, setting an example of restraint that should guide the current administration.
In his address, Tweah called for all parties involved in the crisis to prioritize constitutional norms, asserting that the health of Liberia’s democracy depends on respecting the rule of law. He expressed concern that the current standoff is veering dangerously close to undermining Liberia’s democratic processes. “In our political fracas, let us do our utmost to uphold the rule of law, for which so many Liberians paid dearly,” he concluded. “Liberia will emerge stronger from this impasse if we honor our democratic and constitutional foundations.”
As Liberia’s political drama unfolds, Tweah’s remarks serve as a reminder of the precariousness of Liberia’s post-war democracy and the importance of navigating current challenges with respect for constitutional norms. His statement underscores that the legacy of Liberia’s post-conflict governance, painstakingly built over the last two decades, could unravel if the current administration prioritizes party loyalty over constitutional obligations.
Adding to his critique, Tweah suggested that the judicial branch, too, could face a defining test if the matter reaches the Supreme Court. He expressed confidence in the judiciary’s commitment to constitutional principles, noting that the court’s recent ruling on the Speaker’s authority should guide its response in the event of a constitutional challenge. Drawing on the judicial doctrine of “stare decisis,” he argued that Liberia’s highest court would likely uphold its previous rulings, reinforcing the Speaker’s uncontested authority in budgetary matters.
Tweah further warned of the potential for social unrest if public perception grows that the executive branch is overstepping its bounds. He underscored that the Liberian people have shown resilience in defending their democratic rights, and any actions perceived as authoritarian could provoke widespread discontent. The former finance minister called for restraint from all parties, stressing that a political crisis should not be allowed to escalate into a constitutional breakdown that undermines Liberia’s hard-won peace.
In a final appeal, Tweah urged the current government to avoid setting a dangerous precedent. He noted that while political disagreements are inherent in any democracy, they should never justify actions that could destabilize the nation or subvert its constitutional framework. Highlighting the lessons of Liberia’s past, Tweah reminded officials that ignoring constitutional obligations in the name of political gain could have consequences far beyond the current crisis.
Tweah’s words echo as both a warning and a call to action, emphasizing that Liberia’s leaders must navigate these challenges with integrity, respect for the rule of law, and a commitment to preserving the nation’s democratic foundations.
