– Liberia teetering on the brink of chaos
On Capitol Hill, the heart of Liberia’s legislative activities, a fierce confrontation between two factions of lawmakers is escalating to potentially dangerous levels. What began as a power struggle within the House of Representatives has now drawn the attention of regional bodies and international observers, with fears that without proper intervention, the situation could spiral into violence.
A Chaotic Disruption
The turmoil reached a peak when a group of lawmakers loyal to the embattled Speaker of the House forcefully interrupted a session held by the majority bloc. This faction, led by the Chairperson on Rules, Order, and Administration, Representative Marvin Cole, reportedly stormed the Joint Chambers and used pepper spray in an attempt to disrupt proceedings. Despite the chaos, the 43 Representatives, including Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, remained steadfast, refusing to abandon their seats. Supporters, equipped with teargas, were seen clad in white T-shirts and red caps, a choice of attire and action that has been characterized as an act of gangsterism.
Recently, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf cautioned lawmakers against creating disturbances in the legislative process and urged them to focus on passing laws efficiently. The July 26 orators have labeled the lawmakers as lawbreakers and have called for them to take corrective action.
The Roots of the Conflict
At the heart of this conflict lies a deep-seated dispute over the leadership of the House. A significant portion of the House, 43 members to be exact, has signed a resolution calling for the Speaker’s removal. The accusations against the Speaker include corruption, conflicts of interest, and a failure in leadership. This internal power struggle has not only paralyzed legislative activities but has also drawn significant media attention across the West African sub-region.
ECOWAS Steps In
Recognizing the severity of the situation, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken an active role in mediating the crisis. An ECOWAS Parliamentary Delegation arrived in Liberia on November 12, 2024, with a mission to facilitate conflict resolution. The delegation’s presence underscores the regional body’s concern over the potential instability that the legislative impasse could cause.
The ECOWAS team, led by Hon. Memounatu Ibrahima, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, is scheduled to meet with all parties involved, including top government officials and the self-styled “majority bloc” in the joint chambers. Their agenda is clear: to seek clarity on the conflict and broker an amicable solution. In a consultative meeting with the leadership of the Liberian Senate, Hon. Ibrahima expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended by the Senate and highlighted the delegation’s mandate to resolve the crisis.
The Senate’s Stance
Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence welcomed the ECOWAS delegation, emphasizing the interconnected nature of the Liberian Legislature. She pointed out that any disruption in the House of Representatives inevitably affects the Senate, hence the Senate’s vested interest in resolving the impasse. Pro-tempore Lawrence also mentioned the Senate’s mediation efforts, expressing hope that the Senate’s committee would deliver a report by the end of the week.
A Call for Peace
The ECOWAS delegation, which includes distinguished members such as Deputy Speaker Hon. Barau J Jibrin and Hon. Ballay G. Tunkara, aims to ensure that peace and stability are restored in Liberia’s legislative body. The situation on Capitol Hill underscores a critical moment for Liberia’s democracy, where the actions of its lawmakers and the effectiveness of regional mediation could set a precedent for conflict resolution in the region.
As the ECOWAS delegation continues its work, the people of Liberia and the international community watch closely. The hope is that dialogue and diplomacy will prevail, restoring order and allowing the House of Representatives to refocus on its legislative duties, free from the shadow of internal conflict.
