In Rare House Address, Sirleaf Urges Bold Reforms for Liberia’s Future

Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf returned to the national Legislature on Thursday, March 5, 2026,  delivering a rare address before the House of Representatives that prompted reflection among lawmakers on the country’s governance, laws, and development priorities.

The former Liberian leader appeared during the House's 16th day sitting session, presided over by House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon and Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah, addressing members of the August Body in what she described as an "unprecedented" and significant moment in Liberia’s democratic history. Rather than offering ceremonial remarks, Sirleaf told lawmakers she had come to share "reflections" on a number of national issues she believed required renewed legislative attention.
Among those issues, she raised concerns over the Citizenship Law Under Review. She said Article 27(b) of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia restricts Liberian citizenship to persons who are Negroes or of Negro descent.

Sirleaf urged legislators to examine whether the provision still reflects the country’s long-term aspirations, particularly as other African nations continue to modernize their legal frameworks in response to changing global realities. She suggested that thoughtful constitutional reform could help position Liberia as a more inclusive and competitive nation. The former Liberian President raised concerns over Persistent Land Disputes. She highlighted the growing number of land disputes across the country, describing the situation as a longstanding challenge affecting social stability and development.

Sirleaf noted that while large portions of land remain undeveloped under the control of a limited number of institutions and individuals, other properties are occupied without clear legal ownership. The resulting tensions, she said, underscore the need for stronger policies, improved land management, and clearer enforcement of existing laws. Effective land governance, she added, is essential to national development and long-term peace.
Sirleaf also stressed her concern over Monrovia’s condition.

Turning to the state of the capital, she expressed concern over what she described as the steady decline of Monrovia. Once known for its distinctive architecture and orderly design, she explained that the city has seen visible deterioration in infrastructure and urban planning in recent years, she observed. Sirleaf urged lawmakers to support initiatives aimed at restoring the capital’s appearance and functionality. Sirleaf explained that rebuilding Monrovia goes beyond infrastructure improvements and speaks to restoring national pride.

Former President Sirleaf also commented on Safeguarding Liberia’s Economy. Sirleaf pointed out the weakening enforcement of Liberia’s Liberianization policy, which she noted was designed to ensure meaningful participation of Liberians in key sectors of the economy. She warned that natural resources, including coastal areas and waterways, are increasingly being exploited by non-citizens without adequate regulation. If left unchecked, such practices could pose both environmental and economic risks to the country, she said.

Africa's first female President weigh in on    Women’s Representation in Politics, She  highlighted  the limited representation of women in the Legislature. Sirleaf noted that only nine of the 73 members of the House of Representatives are women, while just two women serve among the 30 members of the Senate. The figures, she said, remain concerning for a nation that once celebrated the election of Africa’s first democratically chosen female president. She encouraged policymakers to consider measures that would expand opportunities for women to participate more fully in national leadership.
Sirleaf further commented on possible  questions about why some of the reforms she discussed were not fully implemented during her presidency, Sirleaf acknowledged the criticism and responded directly. Sirleaf said her administration worked under difficult circumstances while seeking to stabilize a country still recovering from years of civil conflict. 

“I served my country with dedication and honesty,” she told lawmakers, adding that the full assessment of her leadership would ultimately rest with history. Following her presentation as guest lecturer, House Leadership recognized her legacy and service to the country. Speaker Koon commended Sirleaf for her contributions to Liberia’s democratic development and described her visit as a moment of reflection for the House.

In recognition of her historic leadership, Speaker Koon presented Sirleaf with a Special Legislative Citation of Distinguished Honor. The citation recognized her legacy as Africa’s first democratically elected female president and acknowledged her international advocacy for peace, democratic governance, and national development.

Author: Victor Quaye