Monrovia – Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female head of state, marked her 86th birthday with a powerful message urging Liberia’s three branches of government to fulfill their roles with integrity, efficiency, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected], Willie N. Tokpah, [email protected]
Madam Sirleaf’s call to action highlights the importance of legislative reforms, judicial independence, and executive accountability, warning that time for meaningful change in Liberia is running out.
‘Make laws, not noise’
“It is time for our Legislature to make laws, not noise,” she stated, underscoring her concerns over what she perceives as political distractions within the legislative body. Sirleaf’s message appeared to critique lawmakers for focusing more on rhetoric than on enacting policies that address Liberia’s pressing social and economic challenges.
Her statement comes amid a divide in the House of Representatives over efforts to remove House Speaker Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa. Forty-three members, identifying themselves as the ‘Majority Bloc,’ have signed a resolution calling for Speaker Koffa’s removal. Initially, 47 lawmakers supported the move, but four have since withdrawn their signatures, alleging bribery as the reason.
The 43 anti-Koffa lawmakers have vacated the House’s main chamber and are now holding their own session in the Legislature’s Joint Chamber. Meanwhile, the remaining 30 pro-Koffa lawmakers continue to meet in the House’s chamber but lack the quorum needed to conduct official business. In response, the pro-Koffa group has invoked the Liberian Constitution and House rules to compel the majority lawmakers to attend.
The pro-Koffa group petitioned the Supreme Court, leading Justice-in-Chamber Cllr. Yarmin Gbeisay to issue a prohibition on the Majority Bloc’s proceedings, pending a conference scheduled for Monday, November 4. However, the Majority Bloc has objected to Justice Gbeisay’s decision, arguing that he overstepped his bounds, as the judiciary cannot interfere in legislative matters. They have vowed to continue holding their own “session.”
Changing minds and attitudes. It is time for our Legislature to make laws, and not noise. It is time that our Judiciary get on with certain cases and dispense justice without being compromised. It is time for the Executive to speak, but speak with the power of exemplary behavior. Some will ask, why this message now? It is because time for us, time for Liberia is running out. Why am I doing this? It’s because I am a leader and because I care for the good of the country. Silence makes us all culpable in wrong doings.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia
Former President Sirleaf emphasized the importance of a legislative shift toward meaningful progress, warning that Liberia risks losing valuable time for growth if lawmakers fail to focus on substantive issues. He stated that genuine legislative efforts are essential to propel the nation forward.
‘Time to dispense justice’
Beyond the Legislature, Sirleaf called on the judiciary to act independently and swiftly. “It is time that our Judiciary get on with certain cases and dispense justice without being compromised,” she said. The former president’s comments may resonate with Liberians concerned about delays in high-profile corruption and human rights cases, which have sometimes cast a shadow over Liberia’s legal system. In a country where the judiciary has often faced allegations of corruption, observer says Sirleaf’s call for uncompromised justice adds urgency to the public’s demand for accountability and transparency.
‘Speak with the power of exemplary behavior’
In her message, Madam Sirleaf also addressed the Executive branch, urging leaders to embody integrity in their public lives. “It is time for the Executive to speak, but speak with the power of exemplary behavior,” she said, hinting at the need for President Joseph Boakai and his administration to lead by example in addressing the country’s social and economic issues. He call comes at the time the Boakai-Koung government is being riddled by allegation of corruption and ineptitude.
Sirleaf reflected on why she chose to speak out at this time, answering, “Some will ask, why this message now? It is because time for us, time for Liberia is running out.” Expressing a deep sense of responsibility as a national leader, she declared, “I am doing this because I am a leader and because I care for the good of the country.” The former president also highlighted the dangers of silence in the face of wrongdoing, adding, “Silence makes us all culpable in wrongdoings.”
‘Time is running out’
Madam Sirleaf’s comments come at a time when Liberia faces various social and economic challenges, including widespread poverty, a high unemployment rate, and public discontent over perceived government inaction on corruption and human rights abuses. Her words will likely stir debate across Liberia’s political landscape, with citizens and leaders alike reflecting on her legacy and her call for ethical governance.
Sirleaf, who served as Liberia’s president from 2006 to 2018, has continued to be an influential figure on the global stage, advocating for democratic values, women’s rights, and African development. Her 86th birthday message signals her ongoing commitment to Liberia’s progress, echoing her belief that transformative leadership and accountability remain essential to the nation’s future.
Advocating for Women in Politics
Former President Sirleaf continues to inspire and advocate for a robust democracy in Liberia, emphasizing the importance of principled leadership over personal wealth in political roles.
Celebrating her birthday at her residence in Sinkor, Madam Sirleaf stressed the need for women in Africa to be actively involved in national leadership as a pillar for genuine democracy.
In her remarks, the former Liberian leader referenced ex- Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who, at age 79, peacefully transitioned power, setting an example she followed during her own presidency.
“That was what Africa stands for. You may come in, you may serve, and at some point, you can gracefully give it up, but giving it up doesn’t mean you can’t continue to serve,” Sirleaf stated, underscoring the importance of ethical leadership.
Madam Sirleaf when on to criticize leaders who prioritize personal gain over national development, noting that true leaders focus on service to their people.
She commended African women for their efforts to promote female participation in politics, asserting that her own commitment to public service is a testament that every woman can lead with dedication.
Despite stepping down from public office, former president Sirleaf expressed pride in her accomplishments and encouraged female leaders to continue their vital work, announcing plans for a Master-Class Foundation, aimed at providing educational training for Liberians.
The celebration also marked the soft launch of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center. Although its official groundbreaking is set for March 2025, the center is already expected to serve as a hub for empowering women across Africa by promoting leadership and facilitating talent development.
Over the past five years, the vision for the center has crystallized into reality, having raised over $2 million in support for its initiatives, thanks to contributions from supporters in Nigeria and the United States.
Madam Sirleaf emphasized that the center’s construction will be supervised by four African women engineers, aligning with the mission of fostering female leadership.
Gracing the former president’s birthday event, Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung praised Madam Sirleaf for her foundational role in establishing governance structures in Liberia, noting that the country is now viewed as a model of democracy in Africa.
The Liberian Vice President lauded her efforts to elevate women’s voices and break male dominance in leadership.
Also, at the event was Former Nigerian President Obasanjo who echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the challenges women face in Africa and commending Sirleaf’s work in establishing the center to empower women.
“There is an ardent need for the establishment of her center to champion the rights of women,” he asserted.
Additionally, Cameroon’s Ambassador to Liberia, Beng’yela A. Gang, described Sirleaf as a “beacon of hope” and a “Golden Lady,” recognizing her enduring influence in African leadership and her commitment to guiding women in Liberia and beyond.
As the celebration unfolded, the atmosphere was filled with gratitude and admiration for Sirleaf’s lifelong dedication to promoting democracy and empowering women in politics, underscoring her legacy as a trailblazer in Liberia and across Africa.
