By: Frank P. Martin
MONROVIA: The United States government, through its Embassy near Monrovia, has strongly called on Liberian politicians to demonstrate respect for, and adherence to the rule of law.
The American Ambassador to Liberia, Mark Toner, made the call as members of the Liberian House of Representatives have been faced with prolonged leadership impasse occasioned by attempts by a group of lawmakers that wants to ‘dethrone’ Jonathan Fonati Koffa from the House Speaker post.
U.S. Ambassador issued the words of caution to Liberian leaders on Monday, November 25, 2024, when he visited Liberia’s former President, George Manneh Weah, at his Rehab Road residence in Paynesville, outside Monrovia.
Speaking ahead of yesterday’s Supreme Court’s hearing on the dispute surrounding the attempted removal of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, Ambassador Toner expressed America’s keen interest in Liberia’s peace and political stability.
Ambassador Toner made it clear that a peaceful resolution of the impasse, grounded in constitutional principles, is essential for Liberia’s democratic progress and in enhancing national stability and development.
“The United States wants to see Liberia’s political process play out peacefully and with respect to the rule of law,” emphasized Ambassador Toner.
“Now more than ever, Liberia’s leaders—past and present—must demonstrate unity to sustain peace,” he declared.
During the US Ambassador’s visit to Weah, Liberia’s former President, voiced his strong disapproval of the ongoing actions in the Liberian House of Representatives.
Ex-President Weah referenced efforts by a group of lawmakers, calling itself ‘Majority Bloc’ to unseat House Speaker, Fonati Koffa.
Moreover, during a church service on Sunday, November 24, ex-president Weah accused the Boakai led government of involvement in unconstitutional attempt to “hijack democracy.
“This country has been struggling for years. We grew up here, witnessed the wars, and hoped for a better future. Yet, some lawmakers are taking us backward,” said Weah.
“Unconstitutionally removing the Speaker threatens our democratic gains, and the world is watching,” the former President added.
The opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) political leader’s comments reflect growing tensions as lawmakers from the ‘Majority Bloc’ of the House claim that Koffa failed to address allegations brought against him.
Speaker Koffa has categorically rejected any wrongdoing but maintains a peaceful resolution of the impasse, and within the confines of the Nation’s Constitution and the Rules of the Lower House.
Former President Weah warned of potential consequences if democracy continues to be undermined.
“We’ve broken records in upholding democracy, and we must not allow these gains to be reversed. Every Liberian must stand up to protect our laws and ensure peace prevails,” Weah said.
The ‘majority bloc’ which now claiming to have a membership of 50 lawmakers selected ruling Unity Party official, Representative Richard Nagbe Koon, as the ‘new Speaker’ of the House of Representatives without legally removing Koffa from the Speaker post.
Interestingly, Speaker Koffa has described Representative Koon’s selection by the ‘majority bloc’ as “illegal.”
Koon’s selection followed a resolution declaring the speakership vacant—a move strongly contested by Koffa’s allies, who have vowed legal action.
However, the Supreme Court of Liberia stepped in, ordering the ‘majority bloc’ to return to the status quo ante, effectively freezing all actions taken by the Representatives (majority bloc) until the matter is resolved.
Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh, along with Associate Justices Jamesetta Wolokolie, Yussif D. Kaba, Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, and Ceaneh D. Clinton-Johnson, presided over yesterday’s hearing.
The Court summoned the Minister of Justice and affected lawmakers to file their official responses to the legal challenge.
The political drama began on October 17, 2024 when “47 members” of the House introduced a resolution seeking Koffa’s removal. The situation escalated with Koon’s selection on November 21.
While Koffa’s supporters argue that the process was illegal, the ‘majority bloc’ insists their actions are justified.
