By By: Alphanso G. Kalama;
Monrovia, Liberia – Liberia’s much-anticipated draft national budget for fiscal year 2025 will not be submitted to the House of Representatives on the previously scheduled date, as the country’s political leadership grapples with an ongoing dispute in the legislature.
In a formal letter addressed to the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, Acting Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Samuel A. Stevquoah, informed lawmakers that the submission of the 2025 draft national budget, originally slated for October 31, 2024, has been postponed to November 8, 2024. The delay comes amid unresolved tensions within the legislature and the need for further consultations with legal experts.
The situation emerged after a petition for a Writ of Prohibition was filed before the Supreme Court of Liberia by House Speaker Koffa. The petition sought the Court’s intervention in an ongoing impasse in the House, where a group of majority members demanded that certain executive branch officials begin appearing before joint hearings of the House, rather than before the Speaker. The Speaker objected, warning that such actions could undermine the rule of law and set a dangerous precedent for the country’s governance.
On November 6, 2024, the Supreme Court declined to issue the Writ of Prohibition requested by the Speaker, a move that has left the President’s office in consultation with legal experts to better understand the implications of the Court’s decision.
In light of these developments, President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr. expressed his deep concern over the situation and emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the three branches of government. The President, according to Stevquoah’s letter, is committed to upholding the separation of powers and ensuring that the government’s actions remain in compliance with the rule of law.
“The President regards the evolving situation with the utmost urgency and is unwavering about upholding the sanctity of the ‘three separate but coordinate branches’ of government,” the letter stated. “Accordingly, in light of the prevailing circumstances, the President is actively seeking extensive expert advice to ensure a thorough and compliant understanding of the Supreme Court’s ruling and its implications.”
The delay in submitting the budget is expected to have ripple effects on government planning and operations, as the legislature must review and approve the national budget before the start of the fiscal year.
The letter further expressed the President’s hope that lawmakers will resolve their internal disagreements “in the shortest possible time” for the good of the Liberian people.
As the situation develops, political analysts are closely monitoring how this standoff between the executive and legislative branches may impact not only the national budget process but also the broader political landscape in Liberia.
The 2025 national budget remains a key priority for the government, as it addresses critical sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, and security. However, the political deadlock has placed a significant question mark on the timeline for its approval and implementation.
For now, all eyes remain on Capitol Hill as the government seeks to navigate this complex political situation and bring resolution to the budget delay.
