– As Chief Justice Gbeisay concludes landmark visit
MONROVIA/ADDIS ABABA – His Honor Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay Sr., Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, concluded a landmark visit to Ethiopia, securing a commitment for enhanced judicial cooperation and exploring pathways to modernize Liberia’s court system. The visit, centered around the 4th International Legal Symposium of the Conference of Constitutional Jurisdictions of Africa (CCJA), has laid the groundwork for a strategic partnership between the two nations’ judiciaries.
Chief Justice Gbeisay, who attended the symposium as an honored observer, engaged in high-level dialogues with his Ethiopian counterparts. A key outcome of these discussions was Liberia’s formal request for technical support in digitizing its court records and case management systems—a proposal that was warmly received by Ethiopia’s judicial leadership.
“Modernizing our judiciary is not just an option; it is a necessity for ensuring transparency, efficiency, and access to justice for all Liberians,” said Chief Justice Gbeisay. “Our discussions in Addis Ababa have opened a promising new chapter. We are eager to learn from Ethiopia’s advancements and build a judicial system that meets the demands of the 21st century.”
The symposium, held under the theme “Constitutionalism and State-Building in Africa,” gathered prominent jurists from across the continent. Although Liberia is not yet a signatory to the CCJA, the invitation to Chief Justice Gbeisay is seen as a significant gesture, recognizing Liberia’s evolving role in Africa’s constitutional dialogue.
During the visit, the Chief Justice was accompanied by his Chief of Office Staff, Atty. Edwina D. Vakun. The Liberian delegation expressed keen interest in Ethiopia’s multi-tiered court structure, which includes specialized commercial courts and community-level dispute resolution mechanisms. Ethiopian officials extended an open invitation for Liberian judicial officers to visit their courts and training centers to gain firsthand experience.
The Ethiopian Chief Justice emphasized the importance of intra-African collaboration. “The strength of Africa’s legal institutions lies in our ability to share knowledge and support one another. Ethiopia stands ready to partner with Liberia on this important journey of judicial reform. Shared progress is the foundation of a stronger continent.”
The visit also included a stop at the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in Addis Ababa, reinforcing the link between the judiciary and Liberia’s diplomatic corps. The Embassy commended the Council of Constitutional Inquiry of Ethiopia (CCI) and the CCJA for the invitation, reaffirming Liberia’s commitment to advancing the rule of law and good governance.
Despite facing respective economic and geopolitical challenges, both judiciaries reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to upholding judicial independence and improving access to justice. Chief Justice Gbeisay’s successful visit signals a hopeful future for judicial reform in Liberia, strengthened by continental partnership and a shared vision for progress.
