Capitol Hill, Monrovia – The role of the judiciary in safeguarding democracy has been highlighted by Liberia’s President Joseph N. Boakai on Monday, October 13, 2025, during the opening ceremony of the Supreme Court of Liberia’s October Term at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia.
According to Boakai, the system of governance is based on three separate coordinate branches, naming the Legislature, Executive, and the Judiciary; adding that each branch has its mandate, but all share one sacred obligation, to serve the Liberian people with integrity, fairness, and respect for the law.
According to the President, the judiciary is the ultimate defender of liberty and justice, and it is through it that all Liberians, regardless of wealth or lack thereof, education or lack thereof, must find justice and protection.
People learn to trust their institutions and democracy thrives when justice is impartial, fair, and unaffected by status, he maintained.
“At this point, I wish to recall an African proverb that states, The ruin of a nation begins in the homes of its people. Wisdom reminds everyone that justice, integrity, and order must start at the core of institutions,” President Boakai said.
According to him, the country will prosper if the judicial system are powerful; noting that if they are weak, the democratic foundation will not hold up.
Speaking about changes and restoring trust, the President clarified that citizens have expressed dissatisfaction in recent years with the delays of trials, the lack of transparency of the proceedings, and the belief that justice occasionally shifts under pressure.
He asserted that the issues are valid and call for immediate, brave, and sincere reform.
“The Chief Justice’s vision to modernize court administration, improve case management, strengthen judicial integrity, and decentralize justice delivery is encouraging to me,” he said, adding that no Liberian would have to travel far to seek justice.
In his capacity as president, Boakai reiterated his dedication to upholding the independence of the judiciary while simultaneously guaranteeing better working conditions for magistrates and judges.
He assured the third branch of government that his administration will continue to support better training, facilities, and logistics for the courts. Boakai In an effort to create a more effective and reliable legal system said, “we will also promote closer cooperation between the Ministry of Justice, the Judiciary, and the Liberia National Bar Association.”
A country can’t move forward if laws are disregarded, contracts are broken, or the weak have no recourse, the president revealed, adding that the judiciary must never lose sight of the fact that justice and development are inseparable as his government pursues the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, with Pillar 3 being the Rule of Law.
He said that only in areas where procedures are predictable, the law is understood and upheld, and people obey laws that are justly and consistently applied would investors come.
He went on to say, “Therefore, our joint endeavor to strengthen and reform the judiciary is part of a larger mission, to build a Liberia that is just, peaceful, and prosperous.”
The Liberian leader also called on all of the nation’s justices, judges, and magistrates to carry out their responsibilities with courage, decency, and humility, emphasizing that their robes are a sign of service rather than privilege.
“Let your conscience and the truth guide your judgments, and let each decision you make increase the public’s confidence in our courts.”
