MONROVIA: A mediating team from the Economy Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament is expected to arrive in Liberia to help with the amicable resolution of the current political impasse in the House of Representatives.
The ECOWAS Parliamentarian delegation has extended warm greetings to Liberia, acknowledging the recent strides made in consolidating peace and democratic governance.
The visit of the ECOWAS Parliamentary delegation follows the smooth transition of power in November 2023 in the House of Representatives when Representative Jonathan Fonati Koffa won the speaker post.
However, the Parliament has raised concerns regarding the current political impasse in the Liberian House of Representatives.
The political impasse in the Lower House of Liberia’s bicameral Legislature poses significant threat to the peace and stability of the Liberian nation and the broader West African region.
In light of this situation, and by directives of Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the current Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, a call for immediate parliamentary intervention to resolve the crisis has been made.
The ECOWAS Parliament, empowered by the Supplementary Act relating to the Enhancement of its Powers, aims to promote peace and security in the region.
To address the ongoing challenges, a five-member delegation from the ECOWAS Parliament, led by the Speaker, is set to undertake a mediation mission to Monrovia from November 11 to November 14, 2024.
The mission’s objectives include identifying the root causes of the impasse, engaging with key stakeholders for a peaceful resolution, and proposing recommendations to enhance democratic processes and ensure sustained peace in Liberia.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of political instability in neighboring states, the success of this mission could prove vital for Liberia’s democratic future and regional stability.
On October 17, 2024, members of a self-styled a group, ‘majority bloc,’ in the House of Representatives, signed a resolution calling for the removal of House Speaker, Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa, on allegations of conflict of interest among.
Speculations also suggest that many of the lawmakers who are opting for the Speaker’s removal due alleged conflict of interest are also benefiting from similar abuse; as some have various businesses in the country with foreign investments.
