Liberia: Brumskine Slams Appointees for Attacks On Supreme Court, Warns of Regional Fallout

Monrovia — Cllr. Charlyne M. Brumskine has criticized presidential appointees in the Executive Branch. She condemned their public attacks on the Supreme Court of Liberia. Brumskine warned that this behavior undermines the judiciary and harms President Joseph Boakai's reputation.

Brumskine, a prominent lawyer and managing partner at CMB Law Group, spoke after the Supreme Court's ruling on a leadership crisis in the House of Representatives. The dispute involves two factions: the Rule of Law Caucus and the Majority Bloc, led by Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon.

On April 23, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of J. Fonati Koffa. The court nullified Koon's speakership and deemed all decisions made under his leadership unconstitutional. This ruling followed an amended bill filed by Koffa’s legal team, which claimed that Koon's bloc ignored a previous judgment regarding legislative leadership removal.

After the ruling, Koffa called for unity within the legislature. In contrast, Koon rejected the decision as a "flagrant violation" of separation of powers and vowed non-compliance. This decision sparked nationwide debate among lawmakers, officials, civil society, and citizens.

Later that night, Brumskine took to Facebook to denounce presidential appointees for attacking judicial integrity over disagreement with the ruling. She emphasized that such actions erode public trust in constitutional institutions and misrepresent Liberia’s governance internationally.

Brumskine stated that young people need to understand this behavior is wrong. She stressed that no official should disrespect another government branch. While she supports free speech, she urged Executive Branch officials to use it responsibly.

"Freedom of speech is important," she said. "But if you are in the Executive, you reflect the president." She questioned how an appointed official could harshly criticize the Supreme Court without damaging the president’s image.

Brumskine also addressed Liberia's youth directly. She urged them not to support public officials who make inflammatory comments online. Many officials live privileged lives far removed from average citizens' struggles.

"Some live lives you can't relate to," she noted about high salaries and perks enjoyed by public officials while citizens face daily challenges like tuition fees or healthcare access.

She encouraged young people to rise above party politics and avoid becoming pawns in online disputes over court rulings. "What they're doing is wrong," she said firmly.

Brumskine concluded with a call for informed Liberians to educate others about respecting the judiciary and upholding constitutional order.