House of Rep. Legislature Honors Sirleaf After Policy Remarks-Citation Recognizes Leadership And Reform Advocacy

MONROVIA – Liberia’s House of Representatives has acknowledged the national concerns raised by former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf following her historic address to lawmakers during a plenary session. Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon described the moment as one of reflection and national pride while emphasizing the significance of the policy issues highlighted by the former president. The address touched on constitutional reform, land governance, economic participation through Liberianization, and the condition of the capital city, Monrovia. Lawmakers were urged to examine Liberia’s legal and institutional frameworks in light of changing national realities. The Legislature also used the occasion to honor Sirleaf for her leadership and service, as THE ANALYST’s H. Matthew Turry reports.

The House of Representatives, through its Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, has acknowledged the issues raised by former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and expressed appreciation for the former Liberian leader’s presence and contributions, describing the moment as one of reflection, learning, and national pride for the Legislature.

Former Liberian and Africa’s first female President, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, on Thursday, March 5, 2026, delivered what observers described as a historic address to members of the House of Representatives during a plenary session. During the address, she raised several critical national issues and encouraged lawmakers to reflect on their legislative responsibilities toward the country’s development.

Among the issues highlighted by the former president were Article 27(b) of the 1986 Liberian Constitution—which restricts Liberian citizenship to persons who are Negroes or of Negro descent—growing land disputes across the country, the deteriorating state of the capital city, Monrovia, and concerns surrounding Liberia’s Liberianization policy.

Responding to the remarks of the former president, House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon stressed the importance of land governance in the country.

“Land is not merely a commodity in Liberia, but it is identity, heritage, and livelihood,” Speaker Koon said.

“As lawmakers, we are reminded that the stewardship of land policy carries with it profound responsibility,” he added.

According to the Speaker, the country is currently experiencing increasing challenges related to land ownership and acquisition.

“The recent wave of land acquisition has caused serious problems in this country,” he noted.

Speaker Koon further observed that the issues raised by the former president serve as a reminder of the legislative responsibilities of lawmakers in maintaining national peace and development.

“The remarks also underscore the continued importance of land governance issues that remind us of what we are supposed to legislate to ensure that our country lives in peace, stability, and economic development,” he said.

Reflecting on the broader scope of Sirleaf’s address, the House Speaker acknowledged that the issues discussed have deep national implications.

“Your address on the important questions surrounding Liberia’s Liberianization policy, the evolving discourse on citizenship for people of Negro descent, land rights and acquisition, and the governance framework of our capital city Monrovia speaks to some of the key issues confronting our nation today,” Speaker Koon said.

“These are not just legal or administrative matters. They are questions that strike at the very heart of who we are as a people and how we define belonging, opportunity, and national sovereignty,” he emphasized.

Speaker Koon further noted that the occasion served as a reminder that countries must continuously review and update their legal and policy frameworks to reflect both citizens’ aspirations and changing national realities.

“The reflection today reminds us that nations must constantly examine their laws and policies to ensure that they reflect both the aspirations of their citizens and the realities of changing times,” he said.

The Montserrado County lawmaker also addressed the importance of Liberia’s Liberianization policy, which historically aimed to empower Liberian participation in the country’s economic life.

According to him, the policy must continue to evolve in ways that protect national interests while encouraging inclusive economic growth and opportunity.

Commenting on the debate surrounding citizenship for persons of Negro descent, Speaker Koon noted that Liberia’s history is closely connected to the return of people of African ancestry seeking freedom.

“Liberia’s founding history is deeply connected to the idea of freedom and the historic return of people of African ancestry to this land,” he said.

“Yet, as our country grows and interacts with the wider world, we must approach these issues with wisdom, historical cautiousness, and legislative clarity.”

Speaker Koon also used the occasion to recognize the former president’s leadership and national contributions.

“We are deeply honoured to receive you, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Your leadership and contribution have shaped the trajectory of our nation,” he stated.

“Your presence here today reminds us that leadership is more than just about holding office,” he added.

“It is about leaving behind ideas and institutions that continue to guide the nation long after one’s tenure.”

Meanwhile, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf explained during her address that rather than delivering a conventional speech, she intended to share reflections on key national issues that require legislative attention and action.

One of the major issues raised by Madam Sirleaf was Article 27(b) of the 1986 Constitution, which restricts Liberian citizenship to persons who are Negroes or of Negro descent.

She urged lawmakers to reconsider the provision through constitutional reform, emphasizing that Liberia must make structural adjustments that would enable the country to keep pace with emerging African nations.

The former president also highlighted the growing land disputes across the country, noting that the issue continues to create significant legal and social challenges.

She observed that many institutions and individuals hold vast tracts of undeveloped land while others occupy properties that do not belong to them—a situation she said requires stronger policies and legal interventions.

Madam Sirleaf further stressed the need for effective zoning regulations and responsible land management.

Turning to the condition of Monrovia and other urban centers, Madam Sirleaf expressed concern about the deteriorating state of the capital city, which she described as once admired for its historic landmarks and orderly structure.

She called for decisive legislative support for government actions aimed at restoring the dignity and development of the capital.

The former president also addressed the issue of Liberianization, noting that policies designed to protect Liberian participation in the national economy must be strengthened and enforced.

She warned against the unchecked exploitation of Liberia’s natural resources by non-citizens, particularly along beaches and waterways, which she said poses serious environmental risks.

Madam Sirleaf further emphasized the importance of strengthening Liberia’s political party system, calling for clearer laws and stronger enforcement mechanisms to ensure that political organizations operate in a structured and accountable manner.

In addition, she expressed deep concern about the low representation of women in the Liberian Legislature.

According to her, the House of Representatives currently has nine women out of seventy-three members, while the Senate has only two women out of thirty members.

She described the situation as troubling and encouraged lawmakers to consider legal and political measures that would promote greater participation of women in national leadership.

However, in recognition of her historic leadership and contributions to Liberia and the global community, Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, on behalf of the House of Representatives and the 55th Legislature of Liberia, conferred upon Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf a Special Legislative Citation of Distinguished Honor.

The citation acknowledged her historic role as Africa’s first democratically elected female president, her global advocacy for peace and democracy, and her lifelong dedication to the progress and development of Liberia.