House Passes Vote of No Confidence in Ambassador Kouyateh
MONROVIA – The House of Representatives has unanimously voted to pass a vote of no confidence in Liberia’s Ambassador-at-Large for Special Duties and Special Presidential Envoy, Sheikh Moustapha Kouyateh, following concerns over remarks he allegedly made about the lower chamber of the Legislature.
“House informs President Boakai it can no longer work with Special Presidential Envoy following controversial remarks about the Legislature”.
The decision was reached during Thursday’s regular sitting of plenary after lawmakers considered a communication submitted by Grand Bassa County District #2 Representative Clarence Banks.
In his communication to Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon and members of the House, Rep. Banks detailed an encounter with Ambassador Kouyateh on May 31, 2026, at OK FM, where both men had been invited to appear on separate segments of the station’s morning program.
According to Rep. Banks, while they were in the station’s guest waiting area, he inquired about the Ambassador’s appearance on the show. In response, Ambassador Kouyateh allegedly stated: “I did not apologize, and will not apologize about my statement on social media about the House of Representatives.”
Rep. Banks told plenary that the remark was made in the presence of several employees and guests of the radio station.
He described the statement as “disgraceful and shameful,” arguing that it undermined the cordial working relationship expected between the Executive and Legislative branches of government.
The communication sparked a spirited debate among lawmakers, many of whom expressed disappointment and concern over the Ambassador’s alleged comments and what they viewed as a pattern of disrespect toward the institution.
Following deliberations, Sinoe County District #1 Representative Thomas Romeo Quioh introduced a motion calling on the House to formally declare its lack of confidence in Ambassador Kouyateh.
The motion received overwhelming support and was unanimously adopted by plenary.
As part of the resolution, the House officially communicated its position to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, informing the Chief Executive that members of the lower chamber can no longer work with Ambassador Kouyateh in his current capacity due to what they described as his continued disrespect and disregard for the Legislature.
The vote marks a significant escalation in tensions between the House of Representatives and the presidential envoy, placing additional pressure on the Executive Mansion to respond to lawmakers’ concerns.
