Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is expected to address the plenary session of the House of Representatives Thursday for the first time after leaving office in 2018.
Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon extended the former President the invitation to talk to lawmakers, according to information shared by the House’s Press Bureau.
Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, confirmed her attendance in a letter to the Speaker, describing the gesture as “unprecedented” and one that will “go down in history.”
She said the invitation represents more than ceremony—it is a meaningful opportunity for dialogue between Liberia’s past leadership and its current representatives.
She has been a chief critic of the legislature, mainly its handling of the appropriation process and the national budget.
Her acceptance comes after her security team conducted a thorough inspection of the venue. According to the former president, the arrangements met her expectations, particularly regarding entry protocols and safety measures.
The House has framed the engagement as a demonstration of its commitment to democratic continuity and institutional dialogue.
Sirleaf’s anticipated remarks are expected to touch on themes of national unity, democratic resilience, and the importance of institutional accountability.
While the exact content of her address remains undisclosed, her history of championing women’s empowerment, anti-corruption reforms, and post-war reconstruction suggests that her message will resonate with both lawmakers and the broader public.
Liberia’s Legislature has often been criticized for partisanship and lack of transparency. Inviting a former president—particularly one with Sirleaf’s stature—signals an effort to bridge divides and elevate discourse. It also places the House in the spotlight, testing whether lawmakers can rise to the occasion and engage constructively with a figure who remains influential in national and international circles.
