-Parliament to Undertake Mediation Mission in Monrovia Amid Political Impasse
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia – The Parliamentary Mediation Mission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament is set to visit Liberia from November 11 to 15, 2024, in response to the ongoing political impasse at the Liberian House of Representatives. The mission aims to facilitate dialogue and find a peaceful resolution to the crisis that threatens the stability of the country and the region.
In a message addressed to Speaker Bhofal Koffa, Rt. Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, extended heartfelt greetings to the people of Liberia. She acknowledged the significant progress Liberia has made in consolidating peace, security, and democratic governance, particularly following the smooth transition of power in November 2023. However, she expressed concern that the current political deadlock could undermine these achievements and disrupt efforts to maintain stability in a region still grappling with the aftermath of recent coups in four member states.
In light of this fragility, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the current Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, has directed the ECOWAS Parliament to seek an immediate resolution to the parliamentary crisis. The mission will be led by Speaker Ibrahima, accompanied by two deputy speakers and two representatives from the ECOWAS Parliament.
The objectives of the mission include:
1.Identifying the root causes of the impasse within the House of Representatives and assessing its implications for national stability.
2.Engaging with key stakeholders to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
3.Proposing concrete recommendations to the ECOWAS Authority, Liberian authorities, and all relevant stakeholders to promote political stability and cohesion.
Speaker Ibrahima emphasized the importance of open dialogue and expressed her desire to meet with Speaker Koffa and his delegation for constructive discussions aimed at reaching an amicable resolution. She highlighted the ECOWAS Parliament’s commitment to promoting peace, security, and stability in the West African region, as outlined in the Supplementary Act relating to the Enhancement of the Powers of the ECOWAS Parliament, adopted on December 17, 2016.
To facilitate the mission, Speaker Ibrahima will rely on Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe Jr., head of the Liberian delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, to assist with necessary arrangements for the meetings. In closing, Speaker Ibrahima expressed her anticipation of a favorable response to her request for cooperation and collaboration in resolving the political impasse, underscoring the collective commitment to fostering lasting peace and stability in Liberia.
The crisis:
Some 47 members of the House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature on Thursday, October 17, 2024, read a resolution to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa from his position at the grounds of the Legislature. In the resolution, the legislators cited multiple allegations of misconduct, conflicts of interest, and administrative incompetence.
The resolution references Article 49 of the Liberian Constitution and Rule 9.1 of the House’s Rules and Procedures, which allow for the removal of the Speaker for cause. The resolution accuses Koffa of holding multiple positions as a consultant and lawyer for various government agencies and private companies, including the Liberia Petroleum and Refining Corporation and the Central Bank of Liberia.
Over the weekend, a House Press Bureau release said the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa took cognizance of the ruling from the Supreme Court of Liberia, in which Justice Yamie Gbessay declined to issue a writ of prohibition that sought to prevent unauthorized legislative sessions by certain members of the House.
The release says Speaker Koffa respects the decision of Justice Gbessay but emphasized that this ruling does not exhaust his legal options in addressing this matter. In response to the court’s decision, Speaker Koffa stated, “I am standing firmly on the side of the law and will remain resolute in ensuring that no group of members can subvert the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia or the established rules of the House. We intend to take further legal actions in the coming days to assert our rights within the framework of the law. I will not resign in the face of such callous disregard for the legal process.” Speaker asserts. The Speaker expressed his commitment to uphold the integrity of the legislative process and prevent any actions that compromise the constitutional order of the House of Representatives.
He reiterated his dedication to ensuring that all legislative proceedings are conducted by the law and House regulations. Still, on the ongoing saga within the House of Representatives, Speaker Koffa’s bloc has announced plans to seek redress at the full bench of the Supreme Court on constitutional grounds.
This came following Associate Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay’s decision to refrain from intervening in the matter and declining to issue a Writ of Prohibition prayed for by Speaker Koffa’s bloc. The Office of the Clerk of the Supreme Court of Liberia has officially communicated its decision regarding a petition for a J. Fonai Kofa and members of the self-styled “Majority Bloc” faction within the House.
In a letter addressed to Representative Samuel G. Kogar and other representatives of the Majority Bloe, the court presided over by His Honor Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr., announced that it has declined to issue the requested writ. The petition was filed in response to actions taken under the House’s standing rules by the Speaker and his elected officers.
The case, which has drawn significant attention, involves Representatives Samuel G. Kogar of Nimba County District #5, Richard Nagbe Koon of Montserrado County District #11, and other members of the House. They were acting under the authority of the City of Monrovia and sought judicial intervention regarding the Speaker’s authority and the operations of the House. In addition to declining the writ, the court also rejected a stay order that had been requested on October 25, 2024.
