IPNEWS: Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has sparked a significant debate by calling for the removal of what she described as a “racist provision” in the country’s constitution.
During a historic address to the Liberian Legislature, Sirleaf urged lawmakers to lead constitutional reforms, specifically targeting Article 27(b).
Key points of the Debate stem from The “Negro Descent” Clause: Article 27(b) of the Liberian Constitution that restricts citizenship exclusively to persons of “Negro descent”.
Madam argued that this restriction is outdated, undermines Liberia’s commitment to equality, and is no longer relevant in a modern global context.
Sirleaf and other advocates suggest that reforming these laws would integrate long-term residents—such as those of Lebanese, Indian, and Syrian descent—who have lived in Liberia for generations and contribute significantly to the economy.
Critics of the reform argue that the clause is a vital symbol of Liberia’s identity as Africa’s first independent Black republic. Some express concern that changing the law could lead to economic displacement of indigenous Liberians by wealthier foreign-descended groups.
In the same address, Sirleaf touched on several other national concerns. She criticized the “embarrassing” low number of women in the legislature and called for legal mechanisms like quota systems to improve participation.
She warned that rising land governance issues are becoming a major social challenge and urged stronger policies to resolve them.
Sirleaf expressed concern that policies intended to reserve certain economic activities for Liberians are not being properly enforced
