Chief Justice Gbeisay Alleges Death Threats Over Nimba Land Verdict

By Lincoln G. Peters

MONROVIA, October 12, 2026 — Liberia’s Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay Sr. has disclosed that he and his family have received death threats following a controversial land dispute ruling in Nimba County, warning that growing ethnic tensions over court decisions could threaten national peace and unity.

Speaking Monday, October 12, during the formal opening of the Supreme Court’s October Term at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia, Chief Justice Gbeisay said threats against his family have persisted amid resistance to the enforcement of a court judgment involving land ownership in Gompa City.

He accused a former mayor of Gompa City of exploiting ethnic sentiments and mobilizing members of the Mano and Gio communities against the court’s decision, allegedly claiming that members of the Mandingo ethnic group have no land rights in the city.

“Up to and including today, my family remains under threat and subject to constant attacks. Some individuals have vowed to kill me for allegedly giving their land to Mandingo people,” Gbeisay disclosed.

He maintained that judicial decisions are based strictly on evidence and applicable laws, rather than ethnic considerations or political pressure.

“The judgments of our courts are based on evidence and the applicable laws. This is the oath I took and continue to hold,” he declared.

The Chief Justice also expressed concern over what he described as the government’s failure to hold individuals accountable for threatening judicial officials and obstructing the enforcement of court judgments.

He recalled a separate incident in 2018 involving a final judgment of the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court in Nimba County, when, according to him, some members of the Mandingo community allegedly mobilized to violently resist enforcement of a ruling against a member of their ethnic group.

Gbeisay alleged that Mark Jabateh, whom he identified as spokesperson for the group, publicly threatened the life of then-Chief Justice Francis S. Korkpor.

According to Gbeisay, Jabateh reportedly declared through the media that he could kill the former Chief Justice if he encountered him.

The Chief Justice criticized the authorities for allegedly failing to take action over the reported threat and questioned Jabateh’s subsequent appointment to a ministerial position in the current administration.

“The past government took no action. Instead, the present government rewarded him with a ministerial position in government,” Gbeisay stated.

His remarks raised concerns about accountability for alleged threats against judicial officers and the protection of judicial independence.

Meanwhile, the Chief Justice appealed for unity and reconciliation among residents of Nimba County, cautioning against the use of ethnic divisions to challenge judicial decisions.

“I want to use this occasion to call on all Liberians, especially my fellow citizens in Gompa City, Nimba County, to unite irrespective of tribe or ethnic background,” he urged.

“Tribalism destroys national unity and peace, and further triggers violence and war,” he warned.

Gbeisay reminded Liberians of the country’s painful history of civil conflict, cautioning that ethnic hostility could undermine the peace achieved after years of violence.

He insisted that the Judiciary would continue enforcing lawful judgments without intimidation, discrimination or political interference.

“The Gbeisay Bench will enforce all legitimate judgments without fear or favor and irrespective of its consequences,” he declared.

“The law is blind, and the only tribe recognized before a court of competent jurisdiction is justice,” he added.

The Chief Justice acknowledged that enforcing court judgments remains a major challenge despite ongoing efforts to expand access to justice across Liberia.

His comments underscore concerns about threats against judicial officers, resistance to court rulings and the potential consequences of ethnic tensions for Liberia’s justice system.

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