Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has criticized the country’s Legislature, security forces, and Supreme Court, accusing them of actions that undermine democracy and public trust.
Speaking on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, during the 2nd Summit for Democracy and Political Accountability in Monrovia, organized by Naymote Partners for Democracy and Development, Johnson Sirleaf warned that the integrity of Liberia’s democratic institutions is at risk due to political infighting and a lack of accountability.
She expressed concern about public disputes within the national security apparatus, stating that such conflicts weaken public confidence in their ability to maintain law and order. She also took aim at the Supreme Court, arguing that recent ambiguous rulings could disrupt efforts to resolve critical issues within the government.
Johnson Sirleaf did not spare the Legislature from criticism, accusing lawmakers of prioritizing personal and political interests over national welfare. She argued that the weakening of legislative oversight and the pursuit of power and financial benefits have eroded public trust.
“It is not the time for the Legislature to bicker and spend the nation’s reserves on the accumulation of power and benefits,” Johnson Sirleaf said. “Statesman-like legislators are what the country needs for its growth.”
She emphasized that while Liberia has strong constitutional laws, their effectiveness depends on the willingness of leaders to enforce them impartially. “Good intentions are not enough without decisive action,” she declared, warning that failure to enforce laws fosters corruption and weakens democracy.
Johnson Sirleaf urged citizens to hold their leaders accountable and remain engaged in the democratic process. “When citizens neglect their duties, democracy falters, corruption thrives, and the nation drifts away from its aspirations,” she warned.
The former president also stressed the need for comprehensive systemic, economic, and judicial reforms, arguing that Liberia must address long-standing issues of abuse, corruption, and regional inequality. Reflecting on her tenure, she said sustainable development requires direct investment in neglected regions, such as through county development programs.
Turning to global affairs, Johnson Sirleaf said Liberia cannot ignore shifting geopolitical dynamics, including rising tensions within ECOWAS and conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. She argued that Africa must seize these global shocks as an opportunity to drive structural reforms and promote self-reliance through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
She highlighted Liberia’s economic struggles, including a GDP growth rate of just 0.4% in 2024 and low access to electricity and literacy. “These statistics should not frighten us—they should embolden us to act,” she said, urging responsible governance to address these challenges.
Johnson Sirleaf concluded with a call to action, urging Liberians to choose leaders who prioritize national interests over party loyalty. “The actions of our leaders, and our participation, are vital to our democracy,” she said.
The summit brought together representatives from the government, civil society, and the international community to discuss pathways to strengthen Liberia’s democratic governance.
In his remarks, UNDP Resident Representative Aliou M. Dia reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s democratic journey, highlighting the need for transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. He emphasized that democracy requires constant nurturing and collective effort to succeed.
Swedish Ambassador to Liberia Karl Backeus echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of a rules-based global order and Sweden’s continued support for democratic governance in Liberia.
Naymote’s Program Director, Alphia Faith Kermokai, noted that democracy is being tested globally by political instability and the erosion of democratic norms. She stressed that the summit aimed to assess Liberia’s democratic progress and identify reforms to promote public trust and institutional integrity.
The two-day summit concluded with a resolution and a commitment from the government, civil society, and international partners to advance democratic governance and political accountability in Liberia.
