MONROVIA – May 4, 2025 – The South-Eastern Alliance of Liberia (SEAL) has expressed deep concern over a recent ruling by the Supreme Court of Liberia, warning that apparent inconsistencies in the Court’s decisions threaten public confidence in the country’s judicial integrity.
In a formal statement issued over the weekend, SEAL acknowledged the importance of upholding the rulings of Liberia’s highest court, calling it a foundational pillar of democracy. However, the group raised alarm over what it described as a “contradictory” position taken by the Supreme Court during the ongoing 2025 National Budget process.
According to SEAL, the Court’s decision to allow its financial representatives to participate in budget hearings—chaired by House Speaker Hon. Richard Koon of the legislative majority bloc—while simultaneously advocating for increased allocations to the judiciary, reflects a troubling dual posture that could compromise the perceived impartiality of the court.
“This dual posture appears contradictory and raises valid concerns about the consistency and perceived impartiality of the Court’s engagement with the legislative process,” SEAL stated.
The organization also voiced support for President Joseph Boakai’s recent alignment with the legislative majority bloc, arguing that the move enhances effective governance and promotes national stability within Liberia’s constitutionally defined framework.
Beyond judicial concerns, SEAL strongly condemned what it termed “unpatriotic and inflammatory” rhetoric by former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor. Her recent public remarks, the group noted, carried undertones of incitement and posed a threat to Liberia’s hard-earned democratic order.
SEAL further criticized a coalition of five opposition parties, including comments from former party chairman Mulbah Morlu, accusing them of attempting to undermine national peace. The group reminded the public that some of these individuals were previously implicated in unconstitutional actions, including the removal of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court—a move SEAL described as a violation of the Liberian Constitution.
In a broader appeal, the alliance urged Liberians to refrain from participating in any protest actions organized by “discredited actors” whose past governance decisions have led to marginalization and the weakening of democratic norms.
Amid the growing political discourse, SEAL acknowledged progress made under the current administration, citing improved civil service salary payments as evidence of enhanced fiscal management. “Payments, which were previously delayed until the 15th of the following month, are now being made by the 20th of the current month,” the statement read, crediting the government for increased accountability.
SEAL also referenced recent comments by the President of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), who pointed to legal discrepancies in the Supreme Court’s own decisions regarding the legitimacy of the budget process. “That is an error on the part of the Court,” the LNBA president reportedly said, adding that any action based on the court-declared illegal session would also be illegal.
Despite its criticisms, SEAL emphasized its continued commitment to peace, legal order, and the advancement of Liberia’s democracy.
