Monrovia – The economic community of West African States (ECOWAS) calls on all parties caught up in the political position of the Liberian House of Representatives to respect the Supreme Court’s imminent decision and support the country’s democratic principles. Local groups emphasize the importance of dialogue and legal procedures in resolving leadership disputes that have put the country’s parliament uncertainty.
A high-level political mission led by Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former Foreign Minister of Nigeria and former Prime Minister for Political Affairs, has concluded a series of talks in Monrovia. The delegation met with President Joseph Nyma Boachey, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleef, George Manne Weir, Foreign Minister Sarah Bethorrow Nyanti, and representatives from the international community. Through these meetings, ECOWAS highlighted the urgent need for cooperation and responsible leadership.
“Ekowas remains immovable in its commitment to supporting Liberia in maintaining peace, promoting development and strengthening democratic governance,” said the local agency, which emphasized the need to respect the judicial process.
The current political impasse comes from the self-declared majority bloc of the House. This challenges the powers of House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, claiming that it has established a parallel legislative leader. The dispute intensified on March 26 when it openly condemned the legal team representing the majority bloc led by Cllr. H. Varney Sherman.
During the court proceedings on March 26, Yuo firmly argued that the numerical strength of lawmakers did not give them unilateral authority. “Even if your clients are 100, they don’t have the right to impose themselves as a majority block,” she declared. “Why did you go and specify another speaker when the selected speaker is still in office?”
Judge Yuo also highlighted the lack of legal justification for conducting parallel sessions, and questioned the rationale behind factional rebellion. In response to the majority of Bullock’s claim that Vice-Chair Thomas Farah had the main side of the meeting, the Supreme Court justice asked, “The law says that a group of lawmakers can hold sessions elsewhere and summon for the session while the elected speakers are present.”
Associate Justice James Howard Wollockory further emphasized that constitutional procedures must be followed. “Our rules are important to avoid confusion,” she said. Liberian constitution requires compliance with two-thirds of majority votes and legitimate procedures for the removal of seated speakers, highlighted by the judicial authorities, essential to legitimate legitimacy.
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Associate Justice Yusuf Kaba reminded lawmakers that “speakers must give justice procedures.” He noted that while other countries’ parliamentary systems may allow rapid removal through unconfident votes, Liberia’s legal framework requires stricter procedural safeguards.
Ekowas also expressed concern about the broader implications of the impasse on Liberia’s democratic stability. The delegation said regional and international collaboration is important in navigating this challenging period. Additionally, Ekowas encouraged Liberian leaders to develop clear and practical roadmaps to resolve leadership crisis in a peaceful and legitimate way.
