“Liberia Teetering to One-party, One-Govt, One-Branch System”  -Representative Bility Reflects on 2024 Challenges

MONROVIA – The passing of the old year and the ushering in of the new year is often a time of deep reflection. As indicated in his “LETTER FROM SACLEPEA”, Nimba County District #7 Representative, Musa Hassan Bility has released a troubling lamentation of the year 2024 which he observed as a precarious period that has drawn Liberia dangerously close to a one-party, one-government, one-government system where the backbone of the nation’s democracy is shaken beyond recognition.

“The January 15 (legislative) elections revealed the cracks in our system. Trust was scarce, and betrayal ran rampant. As the months unfolded, it became clear how fragile our institutions are. Threats of expulsion, withheld benefits, and intimidation became the tools of consolidation. The legislature—both the House and the Senate—has effectively become an extension of the executive, eroding the checks and balances that underpin our democracy.

“This concentration of power has left Liberia teetering dangerously close to a one-party, one-government, one-branch system. The separation of powers that once served as the backbone of our governance is barely recognizable. This is a troubling and dangerous time, not just for the legislature but for the nation as a whole,” Representative Bility lamented.

 A staunch supporter of embattled House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, Representative Bility said the year 2024 marked his first time as a member of the House of Representatives, an experience he said that made him feel like he was stepping into a storm.  

“I encountered unchecked ambition, betrayal, and political intrigue—forces that sought to undermine the principles of governance. Yet, through it all, I have realized that standing on principle and summoning the courage to resist are among our most vital tools in preserving our democratic ideals,” Bility said.

Disappointment with the Supreme Court

Without mincing his words, Representative Bility said despite all of the trials and tribulations he encountered as a freshman representative, the most disheartening moment of the year was the failure of the Supreme Court to live up to its sacred duty.

“For a nation like ours, with its long struggle for fairness and justice, the Court has always represented hope. It was the place where the injured could turn for redress, where the Constitution could be safeguarded, and where the definition of what it means to be Liberian could be reaffirmed.

“But this year, the Court faltered. It allowed itself to be consumed by political influence, failing to provide clarity or fairness at a time when the nation needed it most. This failure was not just disappointing—it was frightening. When the Court cannot be trusted to protect the Constitution, where else can the people turn? This is not simply a failure of leadership; it is a collapse of one of the pillars of democracy.

“At this crossroads, I believe the international community has a crucial role to play. Liberia’s challenges are not isolated—they have regional and global implications. History has shown that whenever our democracy falters, the international community steps in to help us rebuild. It is my hope that they will intervene now, before the damage becomes irreparable,” Representative Bility intoned.

Hope amid Challenges

Having outlined the myriads of challenges encountered during the year 2024, Representative Bility says he remains hopeful that Liberia will survive the attempts by undemocratic forces to circumvent the rule of law.

“Even in these challenging times, I refuse to lose hope. This year, I made the conscious decision to stand firm—not for individuals or alliances, but for the rule of law. There were moments when defeat felt inevitable, when the forces aligned against us seemed insurmountable. But in those moments, I drew strength from a powerful thought: “When faced with death—in this case, a political death—the answer is, NOT TODAY.” It is this defiance that has carried me through and will continue to guide me forward.

“Sitting here in Saclepea, I am reminded that every challenge carries within it the possibility of renewal. Growth often comes through adversity, and it is in the hardest moments that we find the strength to rise. Liberia’s story is not one of despair—it is a story of a resilient people who endure, who hold onto hope even when the odds are stacked against them.

“This year has exposed the depths of ambition and the fragility of our institutions, but it has also reaffirmed my belief in the strength of the human spirit. Liberia is capable of greatness, but only if we have the courage to rebuild what has been broken. Our future will not be defined by the failures of our institutions, but by the determination of its people to create a nation where justice, accountability, and integrity prevail.

“As we move into a new year, we must carry the lessons of 2024 not as burdens, but as the foundation for something greater. Each step forward is a chance to write a new chapter for Liberia, one defined by hope, progress, and unwavering resolve. The struggles of today are not the end; they are the beginning of transformation.

“And so, from Saclepea, I leave you with this thought: the future belongs to those who refuse to surrender to despair. Let us walk forward, not as victims of circumstance, but as authors of our own destiny. Together, we can leave behind a legacy of courage, integrity, and boundless hope for generations to come!” Bility stated optimistically.