The ECOWAS parliamentary team’s attempt to resolve the standoff in Liberia’s House of Representatives has ended in failure, as lawmakers remain divided over Speaker J. Fonati Koffa’s leadership.
From November 11 to 16, 2024, ECOWAS Parliament Speaker Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima led a mediation mission in Monrovia. Despite multiple discussions with key players from both the Majority and Minority factions, the team was unable to broker an agreement.
The Majority bloc, comprising 43 lawmakers, are demanding that Speaker Koffa step down thereby refusing to sit under his gavel.
Koffa, however, has rejected calls to resign, insisting on following constitutional protocols.
The delegation, sent on the orders of Nigerian President and ECOWAS Chairman Ahmed Bola Tinubu, expressed disappointment at the lack of progress but reiterated its commitment to finding a solution.
During their stay, the mediators met with President Joseph Boakai, Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh, Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Senate President Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, and various civil society representatives to gauge the wider impact of the impasse.
The ECOWAS team urged all parties to respect Liberia’s 1986 Constitution and follow the House’s rules, stressing the importance of prioritizing the nation’s interests over political disputes.
In a communique released to the public, the ECOWAS team mentioned that While their mediation mission succeeded in bringing both sides to the table, they failed to reach a consensus during the visit. However, the ECOWAS delegation remains hopeful and continues to engage with the parties, emphasizing the need to preserve Liberia’s democratic achievements and resolve the deadlock in the interest of the citizens.
