“‘This Is Not the Way’ Sirleaf Pushes Back Against Kolubah’s Expulsion”

Monrovia, Liberia: Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has weighed in on the controversial expulsion of Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah, raising concerns about the protection of free speech and democratic principles in Liberia.

Speaking in a calm but firm tone, Sirleaf made it clear that she does not support punitive action based on expression, emphasizing that freedom of speech remains a cornerstone of good governance.

“I don’t think this is the way to go. I don’t think someone should be expelled because of freedom of speech,” the former President stated.

Sirleaf, who governed Liberia from 2006 to 2018 and remains one of Africa’s most prominent democratic voices, stressed that dissent and criticism should not be met with harsh penalties, warning that such actions could undermine democratic values.

“I signed the independence of freedom of speech. I don’t think someone should be overly disturbed when people say things. I certainly do not think it should be a reason for someone to bear such penalty,” she added.

Her comments come amid growing public debate surrounding Kolubah’s expulsion, which has sparked mixed reactions across the political spectrum, with some defending disciplinary measures while others view the move as excessive and politically motivated.

Sirleaf further pointed out that while maintaining order and respect within institutions is important, there are more balanced approaches to addressing controversial or offensive speech without resorting to expulsion.

“There are other ways to curb that. Freedom of speech is something that we must respect. That’s what makes good governance,” she concluded.

Her intervention now adds significant weight to the national conversation, placing renewed focus on the boundaries between discipline, accountability, and the fundamental right to free expression in Liberia’s democracy.