MONROVIA – Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh has raised concerns over the expulsion of Representative Yekeh Kolubah, describing the action as a “troubling signal” about the state of democracy and due process in Liberia.
By Selma Lomax, [email protected]
Senator Konneh questioned whether the country’s democratic system genuinely protects citizens’ voices or merely creates the appearance of participation, while key decisions are driven by fear, emotion, and political manoeuvring.
He reflected on his years of political experience across Liberia, noting that while citizens are often told that the majority rules and that elections determine national direction, the reality is more complex and frequently shaped by individuals skilled at influencing public perception, particularly within a population still recovering from years of civil conflict.
Senator Konneh recounted a personal experience during the 2023 runoff elections, describing a conversation with an elderly woman in Duala Market, who told him she votes because it is the only time leaders appear to listen to her. He said the statement reflects a truth about how many Liberians experience democracy, as both an outlet for frustration and a limited form of engagement rather than true empowerment.
According to the senator, the expulsion of Rep. Kolubah raises constitutional concerns, particularly around due process as outlined in the 1986 Constitution, which requires notice, investigation, the right to defense, and transparency in proceedings involving elected officials.
He pointed to reports indicating that Rep. Kolubah’s legal team was denied a proper opportunity to defend him, suggesting a deviation from these constitutional safeguards and a risk to public confidence in the rule of law.
Senator Konneh also criticized discussions labellingRep. Kolubah’s actions as treason, emphasizing that treason is a narrowly defined offense tied to acts against the state during wartime and should not be used loosely as a political accusation.
He stressed that the authority to investigate and prosecute such crimes lies with the executive branch through law enforcement and judicial institutions, not the legislature, warning that any attempt by lawmakers to assume such powers represents a dangerous overlap of constitutional roles.
Drawing historical parallels, Konneh referenced the controversial impeachment of Kabineh Ja’neh in 2019, which was later challenged at the ECOWAS Court and widely criticized as an abuse of legislative authority.
He argued that the current situation mirrors past actions where political interests overshadowed adherence to legal standards, creating a pattern that risks repeating itself with different actors.
While acknowledging that Rep. Kolubah’s statements on national issues may have been controversial or even reckless, Senator Konneh insisted that criticism and dissent must not be criminalized, noting that democracy depends not only on protecting agreeable voices but also those that challenge authority.
He warned that silencing an elected representative effectively silences the constituents who voted for him, thereby weakening the democratic foundation of representation.
The senator also highlighted growing public frustration as economic pressures continue to mount, with rising prices of essential goods placing additional strain on ordinary citizens while political disputes dominate national attention.
He noted that at a time when President Joseph Boakai is seeking legislative support for major financial decisions, including the printing of new banknotes and a supplemental national budget, the focus of lawmakers should remain on governance, transparency, and public trust rather than internal conflicts.
Senator Konneh further raised concerns about the role of the judiciary, pointing to a recent injunction halting legislative proceedings against Rep. Kolubah and summoning House leadership to a conference scheduled for April 20, 2026.
He questioned whether ignoring such judicial intervention would signal a disregard for the authority of the Supreme Court and further erode institutional balance.
The senator described the situation as a critical moment for Liberia’s democracy, warning that if due process is disregarded, dissent suppressed, and constitutional boundaries blurred, the country risks drifting away from genuine democratic governance toward what he characterized as a managed political performance.
He called for the immediate reinstatement of Rep.Kolubah, urging national leaders to prioritize the rule of law, protect democratic principles, and refocus attention on the pressing needs of the Liberian people.
