STAND Calls Kolubah Expulsion “Witch-Hunt” -Warns of Threat to Liberia’s Democracy

MONROVIA – The civil society group Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) has launched a blistering attack on the controversial expulsion of Montserrado County District #10 Representative, Yekeh Kolubah, describing the move as a “ruthless witch-hunt” and a dangerous assault on free speech in Liberia.
In a sharply worded statement released Friday, STAND accused the House of Representatives of overstepping constitutional bounds and engaging in what it called a calculated campaign to silence dissenting voices critical of the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
“The expulsion of Hon. Kolubah is not only unjustifiable, it is a direct assault on freedom of speech,” the group declared. “It is intended to silence critical voices that continue to expose the excesses of the Boakai-led government.”
The organization, chaired by Mulbah K. Morlu Jr., framed the decision as part of a broader and more troubling pattern, pointing to recent remarks by President Boakai as evidence of what it believes is an emerging crackdown on political opposition.
Quoting the President’s statement: “There are things that were not happening that will happen now”, STAND warned that such rhetoric, when viewed alongside Kolubah’s expulsion, suggests a “brazen political purge” and a coordinated effort to erode democratic norms.
“This is no longer about a single representative,” the statement emphasized. “It is an open attack on free expression, a warning to all critical voices, and a direct threat to democratic accountability.”
The group further alleged that the action taken under the leadership of the House, referred to as the “Koon Speakership”, bore “the unmistakable imprint of a targeted political campaign,” potentially linked to Kolubah’s outspoken position on the Liberia–Guinea border dispute.
STAND did not mince words in accusing the Legislature of “weaponizing its authority” to suppress dissent, warning that such actions risk undermining the independence of the legislative branch and weakening the country’s fragile democratic foundations.
“More troubling is the emerging shadow of executive influence,” the statement continued. “The President’s own words now echo as a forewarning… a chilling signal that emboldens actions which weaken democratic norms and compromise legislative independence.”
The organization concluded with a firm rejection of what it termed an “abuse of power,” pledging to stand against any attempt to silence citizens or stifle opposing views.
“STAND categorically rejects this abuse of power and stands firmly against all attempts to silence the people, suppress dissent, and erode Liberia’s fragile democracy,” the statement concluded.
The expulsion of Representative Kolubah has ignited intense debate across Liberia’s political landscape, raising fresh concerns about the balance between legislative authority and constitutional freedoms in a nation still consolidating its democratic gains.