– As New Kru Town Residents warn that their inaction risks undermining Liberia’s democratic foundations
By Jerromie S. Walters
Bushrod Island, Liberia – The historic Borough of New Kru Town condemns the ongoing political crisis in Liberia’s House of Representatives, with particular emphasis on the “conspicuous silence” of the religious community and civil society organizations. In a statement, the people of New Kru Town, warn that the inaction of these key institutions risks eroding public trust and undermining Liberia’s democratic foundations.
The Borough statement comes against the backdrop of a protracted leadership crisis in Liberia’s 55th Legislature. The impasse began on October 17, 2024, when a group of lawmakers initiated moves to remove Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa over several allegations. The situation heightened on November 21, 2024, with the controversial election of Richard Nagbe Koon as Speaker. Koffa’s supporters have since rejected the outcome, labeling it as fraudulent and illegitimate, further deepening divisions within the legislative body.
Considering all that has played, the Borough of New Kru Town expressed disappointment in the Liberian religious community, which has historically been a vocal advocate for justice, tolerance, and democratic governance. “Their silence in the midst of this legislative crisis suggests tacit approval of unconstitutional actions,” the statement read. “The time has come for religious leaders to reclaim their prophetic voice and speak out against the injustices unfolding before our eyes.”
Liberia’s religious community consists of the Liberia Council of Churches, the Muslim Council, and others. The nation also has dozens of civil society organizations that have aided in upholding the rule of law as well as maintaining the peace and stability of the state. This is why the borough is baffled that none of these bodies have acted toward addressing the impasse at the House of Representatives.
Similarly, civil society organizations, which played a pivotal role in past struggles against tyranny and dictatorship, were criticized for their apparent inaction. “The civil society movement has seemingly gone to sleep while bad governance takes root,” the statement declared. “We remind them that the people are watching, and they will soon be held accountable for their inaction.”
A Call to Defend Democracy
The people of New Kru Town, a community renowned for its legacy of political activism and social justice, reaffirmed their commitment to defending Liberia’s constitutional order. The statement highlighted the Borough’s historical significance, from the struggles of Didho Twe to its role in shaping modern-day democratic movements.
“Today, we once again rise to defend the rule of law, constitutional order, and the integrity of our democratic institutions,” the statement proclaimed. It condemned the blatant disregard for constitutional provisions and the rule of law by the Majority Bloc in the House of Representatives, warning that such actions risk plunging Liberia into a full-blown constitutional crisis.
The Speaker of Ghana’s 9th Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin is among scores of other prominent individuals who have emphasized the importance of the rule of law, unity, and selfless leadership in democratic governance, amid the ongoing impasse at Liberia’s House of Representatives.
Opposition Parties’ Failure to Act
The statement also captured Liberia’s opposition political parties, including the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), the Alternative National Congress (ANC), and the National Patriotic Party (NPP), for their failure to take a strong stance against the unconstitutional actions in the House of Representatives.
“The lukewarm approach of the opposition, especially in the face of the suspension of its members from the Legislature, is unacceptable,” the statement declared. It called on former President George Manneh Weah and other opposition leaders to demonstrate the political will necessary to resist what it described as a “power grab” and to ensure compliance with the rule of law.
A Warning to International Partners
The people of New Kru Town urged Liberia’s international partners to refrain from engaging with the Majority Bloc or its “purported Speaker” until the Supreme Court issues a final ruling on the matter. “Any premature endorsement risks legitimizing an illegitimate leadership,” the statement warned.
Supreme Court Urged to Act Decisively
The statement called on the Supreme Court of Liberia to issue a clear and unambiguous ruling to resolve the crisis, emphasizing that judicial ambiguity has only exacerbated the political instability. “The people of Liberia cannot afford to be subjected to uncertainty caused by the Court’s failure to act decisively,” the statement read.
A Call to Action: Mobilizing for Democracy
Reaffirming its commitment to defending democracy, the Borough of New Kru Town announced plans to mobilize communities across Liberia and design strategies to safeguard the nation’s democratic principles. “Democracy is not a privilege but a right, earned through blood, sweat, and sacrifice,” the statement emphasized.
The community called on all Liberians, civil society organizations, and the international community to join them in resisting unconstitutional governance and restoring the rule of law. “We will never stand idly by while our nation’s democratic gains are eroded by greed, political manipulation, and power grabs,” the statement concluded.
The statement from New Kru Town reaffirms the community’s commitment to: Defending the Constitution and the rule of law, holding political actors accountable for their actions, Mobilizing Liberians to stand against unconstitutional governance, Advocating for a free, fair, and democratic Liberia
