MONROVIA – Liberia’s first female president returned to the national legislative stage Thursday with pointed reflections on structural challenges confronting the country’s democracy and development trajectory. Addressing members of the House of Representatives, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf raised concerns ranging from constitutional reform and land governance to urban planning, economic ownership, and women’s representation in politics. Her remarks, delivered in what she described as an unprecedented invitation to address the chamber, sought to provoke reflection among lawmakers about their responsibilities in shaping the country’s future. The former leader emphasized the need for bold policy decisions and structural reforms to move Liberia forward. THE ANALYST reports.
Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has called on members of the House of Representatives to confront a number of structural challenges affecting Liberia’s governance, economy and democratic institutions, urging lawmakers to take bold action on constitutional reform, land governance, economic ownership and gender representation.
Delivering remarks Thursday, March 5, 2026, before the Honorable House of Representatives, Sirleaf thanked the body for what she described as an unprecedented invitation to address the chamber.
“Mr. Speaker, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Honorable members of the House of Representatives, thank you for the invitation to speak at your Session today,” she said. “I believe this to be an unprecedented historical decision.”
Sirleaf noted that her intervention was not intended to be a traditional speech but rather reflections designed to stimulate policy discussion among legislators.
“Mr. Speaker, I do not propose to make a speech in the usual way,” she stated. “Rather I will make remarks to provide my views on some critical issues that I think are relevant for the development of our country. In doing so, I hope that I excite you to think and to act on the role that you are called upon to play by the people of this country whom you represent.”
Constitutional Reform
Sirleaf’s first major concern focused on Article 27(b) of Liberia’s Constitution, which restricts citizenship to persons who are “Negros or of Negro descent.”
According to her, the country must confront the issue if it seeks to modernize and align with emerging African nations.
“Honorable Legislators, my first comment has to do with Article 27b of our Constitution that says, ‘in order to preserve, foster and maintain the positive Liberian culture, values and character, only persons who are Negros or of Negro descent shall qualify by birth or by naturalization to be citizens of Liberia,’” she said.
Sirleaf argued that Liberia has evolved significantly since independence in 1847 and must now undertake structural reforms to remain competitive with other African states.
“Liberia today is above where we were on our Independence in 1847. Therefore, we must now make those structural changes that propel us to join emerging African countries that have left us behind.”
She recalled earlier constitutional reform efforts led by former Interim President Dr. Amos Sawyer but noted that the controversial citizenship clause remained untouched.
“My plea now is that we consider the necessary Amendment to Chapter 4, Article 27b of the Constitution,” she urged.
Land Governance Challenges
Sirleaf also raised alarm about the growing crisis surrounding land ownership and land use across the country.
“Mr. Speaker, Honorable Legislators, my second comment has to do with land. This issue is causing serious problems in the country,” she said.
According to the former president, many institutions and individuals hold large tracts of undeveloped land while others occupy land illegally, leading to widespread disputes.
“Institutions, organizations and individuals are holding large tracts of unused and undeveloped land which must be put to work through sale or other development arrangements,” she said.
“At the same time, people are occupying and sitting on land that don’t belong to them, causing serious legal issues that the Judiciary and other state structures seem unable or unwilling to resolve.”
Sirleaf criticized weak zoning enforcement and informal occupation practices, noting that some landowners allow markets and informal settlements to emerge on their property.
“These issues point to the need for policies and other legal actions to solve the problems,” she said.
She further argued that government may need to exercise eminent domain powers to address land management challenges.
“The Government’s authority in the use of eminent domain must now be used. This is likely to be painful to many, but this is the price of development that we would all like to see.”
State of Monrovia
Turning to urban development, Sirleaf lamented the deteriorating condition of Monrovia and its surrounding municipalities.
“Mr. Speaker, Honorable Legislators, my third issue is the State of Monrovia, our Capital City and the other affiliated cities,” she said.
She recalled the historical character of the capital, including landmarks such as historic churches, Broad Street’s tree-lined median, the Central Bank, the Ministry of Finance, the E.J. Roye Building, the Centennial Pavilion, the Executive Pavilion and the Executive Mansion.
“We have always been proud of the site of our city,” she noted.
However, Sirleaf said international partners and visitors increasingly question why more cannot be done to improve the city’s condition.
“Our partners and visitors drive the roads of our city and wonder why nothing can be done about these,” she said.
She urged legislators to support any executive actions aimed at restoring and modernizing the capital.
“We need your Legislative support of any action that the President and the Executives may take to respond to this matter.”
Liberianization and Economic Ownership
Sirleaf’s fourth concern centered on the concept of Liberianization and the participation of Liberians in key sectors of the national economy.
“Mr. Speaker, Honorable Legislators, my fourth area of concern is Liberianization,” she said.
She observed that policies previously designed to reserve certain business activities for Liberians may no longer be properly enforced.
“I believe that there are several policies and actions of the past that restricted certain areas of business to Liberians, and I doubt if such policies are being respected today.”
Sirleaf also expressed concern about foreign nationals occupying strategic coastal areas and waterways to extract minerals, sometimes with environmental consequences.
“It is observed that certain non-citizen groups have taken over critical areas or sites on beaches and waterways to enable them to extract valuable minerals, thereby causing serious environmental damage,” she said.
“No country will allow this to happen and neither should we.”
She emphasized that Liberia must also cultivate a supportive environment for local entrepreneurs.
“We need changing minds and attitudes. We also need to give more moral and financial support to those Liberians that are trying to expand the private sector.”
Political Party System
Sirleaf also called for reforms in the country’s political party system.
“Mr. Speaker, Honorable Legislators, my fifth issue is on our political organization,” she said.
She suggested that laws governing political parties should be clarified and properly enforced to strengthen democratic institutions.
“The laws on our political party system need to be clarified and enforced,” she said.
“Legal action on this is not meant to restrict freedom but ensure that such rights lead to better organized and financed national political organizations.”
Women’s Political Representation
Sirleaf concluded her remarks by highlighting the low level of women’s representation in Liberia’s Legislature.
“Mr. Speaker and Honorable Legislators, my final concern, more importantly, is the issue of women leadership,” she said.
According to her, the number of female legislators remains far too low.
“We have nine women out of a total of seventy-three in the House of Representatives. Similarly, we have two women out of thirty in the Senate,” she said.
“This embarrasses me. It embarrasses women in Liberia. It embarrasses women in Africa. And it embarrasses women worldwide. Mr. Speaker and Honorable Legislators, it should also embarrass you.”
She cited Rwanda as an example of strong female political representation.
“Just think, an African country, Rwanda, has the largest number of women parliamentarians in that country’s Parliament and in the world.”
Sirleaf urged Liberia to consider mechanisms such as quota systems or other legal frameworks that ensure equitable participation of women in politics.
“Many countries in Africa, like others worldwide, have adopted a quota system or other legal political action to ensure that women are equitably represented in the Legislative system,” she said.
“I know that the vote for women is a competitive endeavor, but competition is not restricted by a system that recognizes the rights of participation, values and contribution of women.”
Closing Reflections
Sirleaf concluded by acknowledging the time constraints of lawmakers and expressing appreciation for the opportunity to address them.
“Mr. Speaker, Honorable Legislators, I know that your time is limited and invaluable, so I will not proceed with other structural issues that need to be addressed,” she said.
She noted that reactions to her remarks may vary among Liberians.
“I know that there will be many who applaud this initiative and there will be many others who may question it,” she said.
“I also know that some will say in our usual Liberian way, ‘she served for twelve years, why didn’t she do all of these things.’”
Responding to such anticipated criticism, Sirleaf defended her record in office.
“Let me say in response and in closing that I did my best under the extenuating conditions that we all know so well,” she said.
“I served my country with dedication and honesty. I therefore make no apology and I make no claims. My record stands for me and history will be the judge.”