The economic community of West African States (ECOWAS) is calling on all stakeholders in Liberia to respect the future rulings of the country’s Supreme Court as the nation is working on a significant political shaking.
In a strongly expressed statement issued on Thursday, March 27, he said the appeal followed a high-level political mission sent to Liberia by Ekowas, led by former Attorney General on UN Political Affairs and Nigerian Foreign Minister Professor Ibrahim Gambari.
The mission, which took place from March 23-27, 2025, was launched in response to an ongoing political impasse in the Liberian House of Representatives. The deadlock, which has stalled legislative business, raised concerns about the country’s stability and governance. Ekowas aims to ensure that Liberia continues its democratic journey while promoting peace, stability and socioeconomic development.
At a tense, apparently hearing in front of the full bench of the Liberian Supreme Court on March 26, it can be recalled that the ongoing leadership battle in the House of Representatives took a dramatic legal turn when he burned his lawyers on both sides of the crisis.
The hearing will focus on an information bill submitted by Koffa’s legal team, led by CLLR. Arthur Johnson asked the court to intervene in what they deemed a violation of their previous opinions on the matter. In January, the Supreme Court ruled that “the status quo must be maintained” and held that Congress must follow legitimate procedures.
The judiciary also emphasized that “government officials have no authority to interfere in the internal work of Parliament, and have no authority to save in the event of violations of the Constitution or law.” But did that opinion amount to a binding judgment or delegation? That question – forcedly raised during the hearing – may prove to be decisive.
The mission, led by Professor Gambari, included key members such as Moudjib Djinadou, director of political affairs at Unowas, and Joao Ribeiro Butiam Co, Nigeria and Ecowas ambassador of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau. The mission was also supported by Ekowas technical teams, including representatives from Ekowas in Liberia, Josephine Nukulma and other senior Ekowas staff.
During the visit, Professor Gambari and the mission delegation held important meetings with senior officials such as Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, former Presidents Ellen Johnson Saahoof and George Mane Weir, Minister of Foreign Affairs and his Sarah Bethorrow Nianti.
These consultations were crucial in understanding the positions of various political actors and stakeholders during the ongoing political crisis in Liberia, particularly in the impasse within the House.
The statement emphasized the importance of quickly and peacefully resolving the deadlock, and emphasized that future decisions by the rule of law, particularly the Liberian Supreme Court, are important for the country’s political and democratic stability.
“The Supreme Court decision is of paramount importance and strongly urges all stakeholders to respect and adhere to the court’s decision,” the release said in his engagement with Liberian leaders. “A timely resolution of the current political crisis in the House is essential to ensure that Liberia remains on the path of peaceful governance, development and democracy.”
Sign up for the AllAfrica newsletter for free
Get the latest African news
success!
Almost finished…
You need to check your email address.
Follow the instructions in the email you sent to complete the process.
error!
There was a problem processing the submission. Please try again later.
The mission also called on Liberian political leaders, including President Boaches and former presidents Sirleef and Wee, to cooperate for the larger nation. They emphasized that national unity and cooperation across political boundaries is key to maintaining stability and promoting the nation’s long-term development.
In addition to respecting the Supreme Court’s decision, the mission urged all stakeholders to engage in developing a clear and prompt roadmap to resolve the House’s leadership crisis. The mission also highlighted the role of international partners in supporting Liberia’s efforts to find lasting solutions to the political crisis and encouraging united efforts from the global community.
The statement reaffirmed Ekowas’s unwavering commitment to supporting Liberia for peace, excellent governance and sustainable development. “Ecowas remains committed to helping Liberia promote peace, democracy and prosperity,” the statement concluded.
