While acknowledging the government’s recent steps to tackle corruption, particularly the suspension of nearly 500 officials for failing to declare their assets, Brown cautioned that these were “leaping efforts” rather than a sustainable strategy for systemic change.
Monrovia — In an exclusive interview on February 16, Bishop Kortu Brown, the former President of the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) and Senior Pastor of the New Water in the Desert Apostolic Pentecostal Church, expressed deep concerns about Liberia’s political and economic trajectory under the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
By Obediah Johnson, [email protected]
Brown, a prominent religious figure in Liberia, is not only a critic of the political environment but also a voice of moral authority in a country still struggling to overcome the scars of a 14-year civil war.
In the wake of Boakai’s administration facing heightened scrutiny over corruption — both within government and the private sector — Bishop Brown shared his reflections on the state of the nation, urging a more comprehensive approach to the issues at hand.
While acknowledging the government’s recent steps to tackle corruption, particularly the suspension of nearly 500 officials for failing to declare their assets, Brown cautioned that these were “leaping efforts” rather than a sustainable strategy for systemic change.
A ‘Toxic’ Political Climate
Brown emphasized that while the suspension of public officials is a step forward, it is not the ultimate solution. The fight against corruption, he argued, requires a holistic approach that goes beyond political theater and addresses the root causes of systemic corruption.
“On the fight against corruption, I think it’s a leaping effort. They say it’s better late than never, but the government’s efforts must be holistic,” said Bishop Brown, reflecting on the recent actions taken by the Boakai administration. “Public resources intended to improve the lives of Liberians should not be wasted on political drama.”
Beyond the issue of corruption, Bishop Brown expressed grave concerns about the lack of political reconciliation, which has exacerbated the already toxic political environment in Liberia.
For over a year, the country’s political leaders have failed to bridge the divide, with tensions intensifying within the ruling Unity Party (UP). According to Brown, the failure to foster dialogue and unity only deepens the political crisis.
“The political climate is toxic,” he said, stressing that Liberia cannot progress without concerted efforts from all sides. “If there’s no political dialogue, the country will remain stagnant.”
Stalemate at the Capitol
One of the most pressing symptoms of Liberia’s political paralysis is the ongoing impasse at the National Legislature, particularly in the House of Representatives.
A bitter dispute surrounding the position of Speaker Fonati Koffa has dragged on for months, fueling a national crisis and stoking widespread disillusionment. The conflict, Bishop Brown argued, is not just a matter of political rivalry, but a direct challenge to Liberia’s governance and international credibility.
“Lawmakers can’t be lawbreakers,” Brown said, condemning the recent actions by the Majority Bloc in the House, which evicted Speaker Koffa without a court order. “If they believe Speaker Koffa is impeding the House’s functions, they must follow the rule of law.”
Bishop Brown’s disappointment was clear as he highlighted the lack of constitutional adherence during this turbulent period. The lack of a legal basis for Koffa’s eviction has only fueled the country’s political confusion, leaving Liberia’s already fragile institutions in a state of disarray.
“The conflict within the legislature is overshadowing the gains being made by the government,” he warned. “The continuous ‘fuss’ over who becomes Speaker is not good for Liberia.”
Legal Clarity and National Healing
In addition to calling for a resolution to the Speaker crisis, Bishop Brown stressed the need for legal clarity.
He urged lawmakers to convene a Special Session to either confirm or remove Speaker Koffa in a transparent, constitutionally sound manner. The legal ambiguities surrounding Koffa’s removal and the subsequent election of Richard Koon, which Brown criticized as unconstitutional, have left the country reeling.
“The embarrassment is that one Speaker was removed unconstitutionally, and another one was elected unconstitutionally,” Bishop Brown noted, underlining the broader consequences of such actions for Liberia’s rule of law.
Beyond the Capitol Building, Brown also pointed to rising insecurity in Liberia, particularly with the troubling reports of unexplained deaths.
He called for stronger investigations into these incidents and urged the government to ensure the public is kept informed of the progress of these investigations.
Addressing Hunger and Poverty
Bishop Brown’s reflections also touched on Liberia’s continuing struggle with poverty and hunger, issues that persist despite the government’s efforts to address them.
With the country’s economic recovery still in its early stages, Brown emphasized the urgent need for coordinated action between the government, the private sector, and civil society.
“Conscious and crystal efforts must be made to address the country’s economic challenges,” he said, calling for President Boakai to reassess the performance of his cabinet members and make necessary changes to strengthen the country’s fight against poverty.
He also called for private sector stakeholders to collaborate with the government in finding lasting solutions to the growing economic challenges, stressing that a united effort is required to reduce the suffering caused by widespread hunger and poverty.
Bishop Kortu Brown’s insights into Liberia’s current political and economic crises offer both a critique and a call to action.
For Liberia to overcome these obstacles, Brown believes the nation must prioritize unity, legal adherence, and the well-being of its citizens.
His passionate call for dialogue, legal clarity, and a more structured approach to governance presents a blueprint for Liberia’s path forward — one that requires all Liberians to come together to rebuild the country, heal its divisions, and chart a new course for the future.
