MONROVIA — The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has issued one of its strongest public rebukes yet of the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, warning of what it describes as a growing erosion of democratic norms and freedom of expression in the country.
In a sharply worded statement delivered Thursday by PUL President Julius Kanubah, the Union said Liberia is witnessing a “worrying departure” from democratic practice, raising alarm over what it called shrinking civic space and increasing intolerance for dissent.
“Democracy is not tested in moments of agreement, but in how a society treats dissent,” Kanubah declared. “Today, many Liberians… are increasingly anxious about whether they can speak freely without fear.”
Allegations of Systemic Democratic Decline
The PUL outlined a series of recent developments it says collectively point to a pattern of democratic backsliding.
Among the concerns raised were the controversial removal of House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, the continued detention of Justin Oldpa Yeazehn—also known as Prophet Key—under orders of the Supreme Court of Liberia, and the violent suppression of student protesters at the University of Liberia on April 14.
The Union also criticized what it described as the “extra-legal expulsion” of Representative Yekeh Kolubah, as well as ongoing legislative and administrative efforts it says could undermine press freedom and access to information.
Particularly contentious, according to the PUL, are attempts to introduce a Non-Disclosure Agreement for government employees and proposals within the House of Representatives of Liberia to amend existing press freedom laws in ways that could reintroduce criminal penalties for speech.
“Freedom of expression is not a privilege to be granted or withdrawn at will,” the statement emphasized. “It is a constitutional right guaranteed under Article 15.”
Warning Against Undermining the Rule of Law
The PUL stressed that any actions perceived as bypassing due process or undermining judicial authority could have far-reaching consequences for Liberia’s democratic stability.
“The judiciary must remain the final arbiter of disputes, and its authority must be respected at all times,” Kanubah said, warning that disregard for legal procedures weakens institutions and erodes public confidence.
The Union also condemned the use of force against peaceful demonstrators, insisting that citizens must be able to assemble and express grievances without fear of violence or intimidation.
“These are not acts of defiance—they are expressions of democratic participation,” the PUL stated.
Direct Challenge to Government
In a direct appeal to the Boakai administration, the PUL called for immediate steps to safeguard fundamental freedoms, including:
- Upholding freedom of expression in both policy and practice;
- Respecting judicial independence;
- Ensuring adherence to due process;
- Ending intimidation of protesters and dissenting voices;
- Rejecting any rollback of press freedom protections.
The statement also linked democratic freedoms to national development, arguing that governance cannot succeed in an environment where citizens feel silenced.
“The success of any national development agenda depends on trust, accountability, and respect for fundamental rights,” Kanubah said. “There can be no rescue without freedom.”
Rising Political Tensions
The PUL’s statement comes amid growing political tensions in Liberia, with recent disputes involving the Legislature, judiciary, and executive raising questions about the balance of power and the protection of civil liberties.
Observers say the Union’s unusually forceful tone signals heightened concern within the media community about the direction of governance under the current administration.
As Liberia navigates these challenges, the PUL says it remains committed to defending press freedom and engaging constructively to safeguard the country’s democratic gains.
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