IPNEWS: The Liberian House of Representatives unanimously passed a vote of no confidence in Ambassador-at-Large Sheikh Al-Moustapha Kouyateh on Thursday, June 4, 2026, following his open refusal to fulfill the legislature’s strict terms for an apology.
The standoff began when Ambassador Kouyateh allegedly claimed during an on-air radio broadcast that members of the Liberian National Legislature accepted bribes from European companies to approve concession agreements.
Last week Lawmakers summoned Kouyateh, stating that his accusations severely damaged the dignity, reputation, and credibility of the legislative body.
After an initial legislative hearing where he expressed regret following a directive from President Joseph N. Boakai, the House mandated strict sanctions. He was ordered to issue a formal written apology, publish it in four local newspapers for four consecutive days, and appear on OK FM 99.5 to publicly retract his statements.
Ambassador Kouyateh openly defied the House’s additional mandates. He wrote to President Boakai stating he would not issue further retractions, arguing that the legislative demands infringed upon his constitutional right to freedom of expression.
Kouyateh clarified on-air that his “apology” was only intended to address their “misinterpretation”. He doubled down on his core assertion that from Liberia’s independence in 1847 to the present day, national concession agreements have historically favored foreign investors over the ordinary Liberian citizens.
During the Thursday plenary sitting, Grand Bassa County District #2 Representative J. Clarence T. Banks introduced a formal communication highlighting Kouyateh’s defiance.
Following an intense floor debate, Sinoe County District #1 Representative Thomas Romeo Quioh proffered the official motion to pass a vote of no confidence.
The House voted unanimously to pass the no-confidence measure, declaring that they could no longer work with Kouyateh due to his blatant disregard for the institution.
The House has officially forwarded its resolution to President Joseph Boakai, requesting the Chief Executive to take notice of the plenary’s position regarding the ambassador’s special duties role.
Last Friday, Sheikh Al-Moustapha Kouyateh informed President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of his decision not to apologize or retract statements alleging corruption within the National Legislature, despite demands from members of the House of Representatives.
In a letter addressed to President Boakai on May 29, Sheikh Kouyateh reaffirmed his position, stating that he stands by his allegations and is prepared to face any repercussions arising from his refusal to comply with the lawmakers’ demands.
“Your Excellency, I will not apologize nor retract my statement as demanded by the House of Representatives. I am prepared to face any consequences that may arise from my decision,” Kouyateh wrote in the communication.
The letter comes amid growing tensions between the outspoken Islamic cleric and members of the Legislature following his public accusations of corruption against lawmakers. The allegations reportedly drew strong reactions from the House of Representatives, which demanded that Kouyateh withdraw his remarks and issue a formal apology.
However, Kouyateh’s latest communication to the President signals his determination to maintain his stance, setting the stage for a possible escalation of the dispute.
It remains unclear whether the Executive Mansion will intervene in the matter or what actions, if any, lawmakers may take in response to Kouyateh’s refusal.
The controversy has sparked public debate over accountability, freedom of expression, and the handling of corruption allegations involving public officials.
Further developments are expected as the situation unfolds.
