– Nominates New Members to ParliamentAgainst Rule Five
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – The election of three new lawmakers to represent Liberia at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament has flared dissension, with questions arising over whether ECOWAS will accept the newly elected representatives in keeping Rule Five (5).
The New Representatives
On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, the Plenary of the House of Representatives elected Bong County District #6 Representative Moima Briggs-Mensah, Lofa County District #5 Representative Augustine B. Chiewolo, and Sinoe County District #2 Representative Samson Q. Wiah as Liberia’s representatives to the ECOWAS Parliament. The majority bloc has protested that the previous process was marred by political maneuvering and a lack of transparency. The elections, held during the 11th Day Sitting of the 1st Quarter of the 2nd Session, according to the majority bloc, adhered to ECOWAS requirements for political balance and gender representation.
Representative Moima Briggs-Mensah (Bong County, District #6): An independent lawmaker, Rep. Briggs-Mensah was re-elected to continue her role at the ECOWAS Parliament. Representative Augustine B. Chiewolo (Lofa County, District #5): Represents the ruling Unity Party (UP) and Representative Samson Q. Wiah (Sinoe County, District #2) represents the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC). They both replace Rep. Samuel Enders and Rep. Taa Wongbe.
Controversy Over the Replacement Process
Even before Tuesday’s election, the news about the replacement was met with resistance from some lawmakers, who argue that the previous representatives are protected by the Rule five (5).According to rule five (5) of ECOWAS Protocol under the caption ‘Duration of Parliamentary Mandate’, states that the duration of the Representative shall be for a period of four (4) years and it shall begin and end as laid down in Article 18(2)(a) of the supplementary Act, which states that “The Representative who has taken oath shall remain a Representative and shall not be replaced or dismissed so long as remains a Member of his National Parliament.
In a letter dated February 7, 2024, embattled House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa submitted the names of five legislators, including Rep. Taa Wongbe and Rep. Samuel Enders, as Liberia’s representatives to the ECOWAS Parliament. The letter cited Article 28.C of the ECOWAS Supplementary Act, which mandates the submission of representatives by member states.
However, the “Majority Bloc” in the House of Representatives has criticized the previous process, alleging that the delegates were handpicked by Speaker Koffa rather than elected through a transparent process. On February 13, 2025, lawmakers Hon. James Kolleh (Bong County, District #2) and Hon. Johnson Williams (River Gee County, District #3) called for the immediate withdrawal of Liberia’s former representatives, paving the way for the new elections.
Rep. Taa Wongbe Fired Back
Nimba County District #9 Representative Taa Wongbe, one of the “outgoing” delegates, vehemently opposed his removal. In a Facebook post on February 15, 2025, Wongbe accused his colleagues of prioritizing personal gain over public service. “When we came to the House, while some of us went for strategic relationship committees, the ‘Politicians’ were fighting for ‘MONEY’ committees,” he stated. “They can gladly illegally stuff, eat, chew, and swallow their ‘Chairman on Foreign Affairs’ committee, but they can NEVER take ECOWAS until 2028. They like it, they can fall down and die, they will not get it!”
Wongbe, recognized by Forbes as one of the #Next1000 global leaders in 2021, emphasized his commitment to purpose-driven leadership. “Many people have reached out regarding the situation with the House and ECOWAS. What those jokers don’t understand is how some of us got to where we are today,” he added.
ECOWAS Protocols and Next Steps
The election of the new delegates was conducted in line with Article 18 of the ECOWAS Protocols, which mandates political balance and female representation in the delegation. However, the controversy raises questions about whether ECOWAS will accept the newly elected representatives, given the ongoing dispute over the legitimacy of the body that elected the new representatives which is being led by Representative Richard Koon who was controversially elected as Speker of the Hosue.
The newly elected delegates are expected to assume their roles at the ECOWAS Parliament, where they will join representatives from other member states to deliberate on critical regional issues, including economic integration, peace and security, and governance.
