The forced eviction of Embattled Speaker Fonati Koffa from his office—executed by Majority bloc Speaker Richard Koon through the breaking down of doors and clearing out his belongings—is a shameful and deeply troubling act that undermines the very foundation of Liberia’s democracy. Such an aggressive and lawless display of power is not just an attack on Koffa as an individual but an assault on the integrity of the House of Representatives and the rule of law.
Regardless of where one stands on the speakership dispute, one fact remains clear: the House of Representatives is a legislative body governed by laws, not mob rule. If Richard Koon and the majority bloc claim legitimacy, why resort to vandalism and force? Why was it necessary to physically break into an office rather than follow due legal processes? These actions reek of political desperation rather than democratic legitimacy.
Even more alarming is the broader message this sends about governance in Liberia. The sight of a sitting Speaker’s doors being kicked down and his possessions forcibly removed paints a picture of a government in disarray—one where power struggles take precedence over due process. How can Liberians trust their elected leaders to uphold the Constitution when those very leaders resort to brute force to settle political scores?
This act of political vandalism comes at a time when the country should be demonstrating maturity and stability. On the same day Liberia hosted President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone for the Armed Forces Day celebration, the Legislature chose chaos over order. Instead of focusing on strengthening governance and national unity, those responsible for this reckless act have dragged the country deeper into political uncertainty.
If a sitting Speaker, though Embattled, can be evicted through brute force today, what stops similar strong-arm tactics from being used against other political figures tomorrow?
Liberia must decide whether it is a democracy or a political jungle where the strongest takes all.
DN News Liberia condemns this forceful eviction in the strongest terms and calls on all responsible actors to restore order and dignity to the Legislature.
The speakership dispute must be resolved through legal and democratic means, not by breaking doors and seizing offices like common “criminals”. The world is watching, and Liberia cannot afford to set such a reckless precedent.
