MONROVIA — The Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) has condemned the expulsion of former Montserrado County District 10 lawmaker, Yekeh Kolubah, describing the action as a “ruthless witch-hunt” and a significant threat to free speech and democratic governance in Liberia.
By Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com
STAND said the decision by the House of Representatives to expel Kolubah, reportedly based on internal legislative disputes, allegations of disorderly conduct, and his repeated confrontations within the chamber, reflects what it called a broader and more troubling attempt to silence dissenting voices in the country’s political arena.
The group maintained that Kolubah’s removal from the legislature cannot be treated as an isolated disciplinary measure. Instead, it argued, the action must be viewed within the context of what it described as an “escalating pattern of political intolerance” under the administration of President Joseph Boakai.
According to STAND, Kolubah has remained one of the most outspoken critics of the current government, particularly on sensitive national matters, including the ongoing Liberia–Guinea border issue.
STAND further expressed concern over what it termed a deteriorating political climate, pointing to a recent remark attributed to President Boakai, in which he stated, “There are things that were not happening that will happen now.”
The organization said the statement, when considered alongside Kolubah’s expulsion, raises serious questions about the independence of democratic institutions and suggests the possibility of politically motivated actions aimed at suppressing opposition voices.
“The expulsion of Kolubah represents more than a simple disciplinary action. It signals a calculated and deliberate effort to silence a persistent and critical voice,” the statement emphasized. “This action constitutes a direct attack on free expression and serves as a warning to those who seek to hold power accountable.”
The organization also criticized the leadership of the House of Representatives, accusing it of overstepping constitutional boundaries and misusing its authority to marginalize dissenting lawmakers.
STAND warned that such actions could set a dangerous precedence, where legislative powers are employed not for governance and representation, but for political exclusion and retaliation.
According to the statement, Kolubah’s consistent outspokenness, while often controversial, falls squarely within the democratic rights and responsibilities of elected officials to represent their constituents and question the actions of the government.
STAND argued that silencing such voices weakens accountability, undermines public trust, and erodes the fundamental principles of democracy.
“This situation is no longer about a single lawmaker,” the statement continued. “It is about the future of democratic participation in Liberia. If dissenting voices are punished or removed, then the very foundation of democracy is placed at risk.”
STAND called on national stakeholders, civil society organizations, and the international community to closely monitor the situation in Liberia and to speak out against what it described as a growing erosion of democratic norms and freedoms.
