By Wilmot Konah
Monrovia, Liberia — The House of Representatives has unanimously passed a vote of no confidence in Liberia’s Ambassador-at-Large for Special Duties and Special Presidential Envoy, Sheikh Moustapha Kouyateh, following allegations of disrespectful remarks directed at the Legislature.
The decision was reached during plenary on Capitol Hill Thursday, June 4, 2026, after lawmakers extensively debated a communication submitted by Grand Bassa County Electoral District #2 Representative, Hon. Clarence T. Banks, which detailed an alleged encounter involving the ambassador.
According to Rep. Banks, the incident occurred on May 31, 2026, at OK FM, where both he and Ambassador Kouyateh were scheduled to appear on separate segments of a morning talk program. In his submission, the lawmaker stated that while in the station’s guest waiting area, he engaged the ambassador in conversation regarding his media appearance.
Rep. Banks alleged that in response, Ambassador Kouyateh declared: “I did not apologize, and will not apologize about my statement on social media about the House of Representatives.”
The Grand Bassa lawmaker told plenary that the statement was made in the presence of staff and guests at the station, and described it as “disgraceful and shameful,” adding that it undermined the dignity of the Legislature and strained the working relationship between the Executive and Legislative branches.
Following presentation of the communication, members engaged in a lengthy and at times heated debate on the floor of the House, with several lawmakers expressing concern over what they termed continued disregard for the institution.
The debate culminated in a motion filed by Sinoe County Electoral District #1 Representative, Hon. Thomas Romeo Quioh, calling for the House to formally express its lack of confidence in Ambassador Kouyateh. The motion was overwhelmingly supported and adopted by plenary.
A total of 36 lawmakers participated in the decision, which was passed unanimously, according to the official count announced on the floor. As part of its resolution, the House of Representatives has formally communicated its decision to the President of the Republic of Liberia, informing the Executive Mansion that members of the House can no longer effectively work with Ambassador Kouyateh in his current capacity due to what they described as repeated acts of disrespect toward the Legislature.
The House emphasized that while it remains committed to maintaining cordial inter-branch relations, such cooperation must be grounded in mutual respect and adherence to institutional dignity.
Lawmakers further underscored that the integrity of the Legislature, as a representative body of the Liberian people, must be protected at all times, warning that disregard for its authority risks undermining governance and democratic collaboration.
