President Joseph Boakai's signing of the FY 2025 National Budget amid ongoing political turmoil has indeed plunged Liberia into a constitutional crisis, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the rule of law in the country.
The budget's passage and signing have been fraught with controversy from the beginning. Boakai's decision to submit the budget to the "Majority Bloc" through the Chief Clerk, bypassing Speaker Koffa, appears to violate established constitutional protocols[1]. This action has been seen as a deliberate attempt to circumvent proper legislative procedures.
The "illegal" approval process further undermines the integrity of this crucial financial instrument. This rushed procedure lacks the comprehensive scrutiny typically afforded to such matters, potentially jeopardizing the nation's fiscal stability[2].
Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Kabineh M. Ja'nah's announcement to challenge the budget's legality in court underscores the gravity of this constitutional breach[1]. This impending legal battle could significantly disrupt Liberia's fiscal planning and execution.
The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has labeled Boakai's actions as treasonous, warning that signing a budget passed through these questionable means constitutes a subversion of the Constitution[3]. This accusation highlights the severity of the constitutional crisis and the potential for further political instability.
President Boakai's actions raise questions about his commitment to his oath of office. By signing a budget that was passed through potentially unconstitutional means, he risks undermining the democratic principles he swore to uphold. This action sets a concerning precedent for future governance, potentially eroding the checks and balances crucial to a functioning democracy.
The ongoing ECOWAS mediation efforts, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, underscore the regional implications of this crisis[4]. The involvement of international bodies highlights the potential for this internal strife to impact Liberia's standing in West Africa and beyond.
Economically, the controversial passage and signing of the budget could have severe repercussions. The political instability and procedural irregularities surrounding the budget process may erode investor confidence, potentially hindering Liberia's economic growth at a critical juncture[6].
As Liberia grapples with this constitutional crisis, the Supreme Court may be called upon to rule on the legality of the budget process. This judicial intervention could set important precedents for future legislative actions and potentially determine the course of Liberian democracy.
President Boakai's signing of the FY 2025 National Budget marks a critical moment in Liberia's democratic journey. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the nation can navigate this challenge while preserving its constitutional norms and democratic principles. The outcome of this crisis will have lasting implications for Liberia's political stability, economic prospects, and regional standing.
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References:
[1] https://newscentral.africa/liberias-former-justice-janah-others-to-challenge-2025-budget/
[2] https://smartnewsliberia.com/ecowas-parliament-seeks-mediation-in-liberias-legislative-crisis-calls-for-meeting-with-speaker-koffa/
[3] https://analystliberiaonline.com/ecowas-parliament-mission-in-town-notifies-speaker-koffa-on-intent-to-intervene-in-house-debacle/
[4] https://allafrica.com/stories/202411110084.html
[5] https://thenewdawnliberia.com/in-house-crisis-ecowas-to-pick-where-s-court-fails/
[6] https://smartnewsliberia.com/sen-chea-criticizes-pres-boakais-decision-to-bypass-speaker-koffa-in-budget-submission-citing-constitutional-breaches/
[7] https://www.insightsliberia.com/post/liberia-s-budget-battle-procedural-chaos-clouds-2025-fiscal-plan
[8] https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-ecowas-parliamentary-delegation-arrives-in-liberia-to-mediate-house-leadership-impasse-amid-tensions-over-alleged-joint-chambers-vandalism/
[9] https://allafrica.com/stories/202411120265.html
[1] https://www.mfdp.gov.lr/index.php/media-center/press-release/president-boakai-presents-fy2025-draft-national-budget-to-the-national-legislature
[2] https://www.insightsliberia.com/post/liberia-s-budget-battle-procedural-chaos-clouds-2025-fiscal-planBoakai Violates His Oath of Office: signs Controversial 2025 National BudgetBoakai Violates His Oath of Office: signs Controversial 2025 National Budget
[4] https://allafrica.com/stories/202411120265.html
[5] https://allafrica.com/stories/202410280280.html
[6] https://lup.lub.lu.se/luur/download?func=downloadFile&recordOId=8930934&fileOId=8933626
[7] https://www.insightsliberia.com/post/assessing-boakai-s-arrest-agenda-a-new-framework-for-liberia-s-post-war-governance-and-development
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