The Rule of Law Caucus in Liberia’s House of Representatives has raised serious concerns over statements made by Justice Minister and Attorney General Cllr. Oswald Tweh accused him of issuing veiled threats of arrest aimed at opposition lawmakers.
In a strongly worded press release issued on Saturday, January 18, 2025, and signed by its chairman, Hon. Musa Hassan Bility of Nimba County’s District 7, the Caucus decried the remarks as an attack on Liberia’s democratic principles and an affront to the rights of opposition legislators.
The Caucus stated that the Justice Ministry’s primary mandate is to ensure justice, protect citizens’ rights, uphold public safety, and not silence dissenting voices or intimidate political opponents. “Liberia is a democracy, not an autocracy. Divergent views must be respected, not punished,” the statement emphasized.
This development comes as Liberia grapples with the aftermath of a tragic fire incident that has left the nation mourning. The Rule of Law Caucus criticized the Justice Ministry’s focus on political threats, urging it instead to prioritize investigating the fire’s cause, delivering justice for the victims, and taking measures to prevent future tragedies. “The Liberian people deserve accountability and answers, not threats against their elected representatives,” the Caucus said.
Highlighting the significance of a strong opposition in a functioning democracy, the Caucus warned that attempts to intimidate dissenting voices undermine the foundations of Liberia’s governance. The press release described the Justice Minister’s remarks as a disservice to the democratic process and an insult to the Legislature.
“We want to make it clear: the Rule of Law Caucus, along with the broader opposition, will not be cowed into submission,” Hon. Bility declared. “A vibrant and vocal opposition is critical to Liberia’s democracy. No amount of intimidation will deter us from our constitutional duty to advocate for transparency, accountability, and justice.”
The Caucus stressed that Liberia cannot afford to sacrifice its hard-won democratic values for short-term political convenience. It urged Minister Tweh to shift his focus to fulfilling his office’s responsibilities and refrain from politicizing the Justice Ministry.
The statement concluded with a firm commitment from the Rule of Law Caucus to stand resolute in its defense of democratic ideals and the interests of the Liberian people. “Our commitment to democracy is unwavering, and we will not tolerate any attempts to undermine it,” the release read.
