By Rufus Divine Brooks Jr., Contributing writer
The recent appointment of Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay as Liberia’s Chief Justice has sparked widespread controversy, with civil society groups condemning the move as a serious threat to the independence of the judiciary.
The Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), together with the WE THE PEOPLE Movement—organizers of the upcoming July 17 “Enough is Enough” protest—issued a strong statement rejecting the appointment. They accuse the Boakai administration of trying to exert undue political influence over the nation’s highest court.
STAND points to Justice Gbeisay’s recent involvement in the Fonati Koffa legislative dispute, describing his actions as demonstrating “inconsistency and political pliability,” traits they say are incompatible with the impartiality required of a Chief Justice.
The group specifically highlights Gbeisay’s contradictory positions regarding the Supreme Court’s boycott of President Boakai’s State of the Nation Address in February 2025. Initially, Gbeisay supported the Court’s decision to boycott, but later issued a dissenting opinion during the Bill of Information hearing—a move STAND calls a “judicial flip-flop.” They argue this raises serious doubts about his dedication to upholding the Constitution and his ability to lead the judiciary with integrity.
STAND warns that Gbeisay’s perceived political leanings evoke troubling memories of pre-war Liberia, when executive interference in the judiciary contributed to national instability. They fear his appointment could reverse the progress made under former Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh and stoke concerns about increasing executive control over the courts.
The organization also points to ongoing criticisms from the U.S. State Department and other international partners regarding Liberia’s judiciary, highlighting issues with transparency and integrity. They interpret President Boakai’s decision to appoint Gbeisay amid these concerns as prioritizing political loyalty over constitutional duty and the national interest.
“Liberia deserves a Chief Justice who embodies integrity, legal expertise, experience, and an unwavering commitment to judicial independence—not someone widely seen as susceptible to executive influence,” STAND’s statement reads.
Calling on Liberians to resist what they describe as the return of a compromised Supreme Court, STAND and its partners warn that decisive civic action is needed to prevent Justice Gbeisay from becoming “the Gbalazeh of our time,” a reference to the controversial tenure of former Chief Justice Emmanuel Gbalazeh.
