Strasbourg, France — Liberia’s Ambassador to France, Teeko T. Yorlay, met with senior officials of the Venice Commission on Tuesday to reaffirm Liberia’s commitment to legal reform, constitutional governance, and human rights—key pillars of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s national agenda.
The high-level meeting, held at the Council of Europe Headquarters in Strasbourg, featured discussions between Ambassador Yorlay and Mr. Serguei Kouznetsov, Head of Division IV of the Venice Commission, the Council’s constitutional advisory body.
Kouznetsov welcomed Ambassador Yorlay and underscored the Commission’s mission to strengthen democracy, human rights, and the rule of law across its member states and beyond. He noted that Liberia’s inclusion in global legal reform discussions reflects growing international recognition of the country’s democratic progress.
“We are pleased with Liberia’s upcoming participation in the Executive Meeting of the North-South Centre,” Kouznetsov said, referencing the event scheduled for Wednesday, May 21. “The Venice Commission remains available to offer its constitutional expertise to help countries like Liberia advance justice and the rule of law.”
Ambassador Yorlay, representing Liberia’s Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, used the occasion to update the Commission on recent legal strides in Liberia. He emphasized the Boakai administration’s dedication to overhauling Liberia’s legal system and restoring public trust in democratic institutions after years of civil strife.
“Liberia has come a long way from its turbulent past,” Yorlay said. “We have held four consecutive democratic elections and peaceful transfers of power, most recently in 2023, when the sitting president conceded defeat—further proving our commitment to democratic governance.”
In a significant policy shift, Ambassador Yorlay highlighted President Boakai’s establishment of the Office for the War Crimes Court in 2024 through an Executive Order. The move is widely seen as a landmark step toward addressing the impunity associated with Liberia’s brutal civil wars.
Yorlay lauded the Venice Commission for its longstanding role in advising governments and courts on constitutional matters, saying that Liberia is eager to draw on such expertise as it accelerates reforms at home.
The ambassador was joined at the meeting by Mr. Francis R. Grant, Minister Counselor at the Liberian Embassy in Paris.
Liberia was admitted as an associate member of the Council of Europe’s North-South Centre in March 2025, a development hailed by both Liberian and European officials as a bridge-building opportunity between Africa and Europe.
The North-South Centre, also known as the European Centre for Global Interdependence and Solidarity, promotes dialogue and cooperation between Europe and countries in Africa, Latin America, and the Arab world. Liberia’s engagement with the Centre, and now the Venice Commission, is seen as part of a broader foreign policy effort to reposition the West African nation as a model of democratic renewal and legal accountability.
“The government of Liberia remains unwavering in its commitment to transparency, justice, and the rule of law,” Ambassador Yorlay said. “Our partnership with institutions like the Venice Commission reflects our intention to be a serious player in global governance reforms.”
The Boakai administration’s emphasis on international partnerships comes at a time when Liberia is rebuilding its domestic legal infrastructure, tackling corruption, and considering constitutional amendments to modernize governance.
Analysts say Liberia’s alignment with bodies such as the Venice Commission signals a desire to anchor its post-conflict recovery in international norms and legal standards. The Venice Commission, founded in 1991, has provided constitutional guidance to over 60 countries.
Ambassador Yorlay’s appearance at the Venice Commission precedes his participation in the 34th Executive Committee Meeting of the North-South Centre, where he will officially represent the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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