Liberia’s political landscape was shaken on Wednesday as the Senate Liaison Officer to the Executive, Hon. Sando Johnson, called for the impeachment of Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Youh and all sitting associate justices of the Supreme Court. The call, made during a press briefing in Monrovia, has ignited widespread concern about the future of judicial independence in the country.
Johnson accused the Supreme Court under Chief Justice Youh’s leadership of losing its credibility and being “compromised,” suggesting that the judiciary no longer functions as an impartial guardian of the Constitution. “We will begin the process of petitioning the House of Representatives for the impeachment of the Chief Justice and all associate justices,” Johnson stated. “Justice Youh is a compromised justice.”
His remarks come at a time of rising tension between the three branches of government. Recent rulings by the Supreme Court have reportedly intensified disputes within the Legislature and triggered backlash from some political actors. Analysts suggest the impeachment call may be linked to the court’s controversial involvement in resolving a leadership crisis in the House of Representatives.
Johnson’s declaration has prompted strong reactions from legal professionals and civil society groups. Several commentators have warned that any attempt to impeach the nation’s top judges must follow constitutional protocols and be grounded in clear evidence of misconduct, rather than political disagreement.
“This is a serious allegation with serious implications,” said one legal analyst, speaking anonymously. “If we allow politics to dictate the composition of our courts, we risk undermining the very foundation of our democratic system.”
As of press time, the Judiciary has not responded to the allegations. The coming days are expected to bring intense debate within both legislative chambers, as the country braces for what could evolve into a critical test of Liberia’s constitutional resilience and the separation of powers.
This unfolding episode raises pressing concerns about the integrity of state institutions and whether political pressure is eclipsing the rule of law in Liberia’s fragile democracy.
