MONROVIA, LIBERIA – In a bid to mediate the political crisis within Liberia’s House of Representatives, the Speaker of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, Rt. Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, arrived in Monrovia on Monday, November 11, 2024, along with a high-level delegation. This mediation mission, requested by ECOWAS and personally directed by Chairman and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizes the urgency of resolving the legislative standoff that threatens stability both within Liberia and across West Africa.
The delegation’s arrival follows a formal outreach to Liberia’s embattled Speaker, J. Fonati Koffa, as ECOWAS called for dialogue to address the deepening division. In a letter dated November 8, Speaker Ibrahima acknowledged Liberia’s progress in peace and democracy, including the smooth presidential transition in November 2023, yet warned that the current impasse could jeopardize these gains.
“Liberia has recorded impressive benchmarks in consolidating peace, security, and democratic systems,” Ibrahima noted. “However, the current standoff endangers this progress and poses a risk to regional stability.” She expressed particular concern over recent coups in West Africa, noting the fragility of peace and the potential for Liberia’s crisis to add to the region’s political volatility.
The ECOWAS mission will examine the underlying causes of the standoff in the House of Representatives, assess its impact on Liberia’s stability, and engage stakeholders in an effort to bridge divides and propose actionable solutions. “Amongst the objectives of the assigned mission are: to gather the root causes of this impasse at the House of Representatives and its implications on the stability of the Member State,” Speaker Ibrahima explained. “To engage with key stakeholders to find a peaceful resolution of this impasse, and to propose concrete recommendations to the ECOWAS Authority, the Liberian Authorities, and all stakeholders.”
The five-member delegation, led by Speaker Ibrahima and including two deputy speakers and two floor representatives, is set to engage with Liberian leaders across the political spectrum. Ibrahima has requested a personal meeting with Speaker Koffa, urging him to seize this opportunity to engage in “frank and constructive discussions.” She called for a cooperative spirit, stressing the importance of collaboration to secure peace and unity within the House of Representatives.
Assisting with the coordination of the ECOWAS visit is Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe Jr., head of Liberia’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament. Speaker Ibrahima voiced optimism that Speaker Koffa would welcome the mediation, viewing the mission as essential to reestablishing legislative stability and reinforcing Liberia’s commitment to regional unity.
ECOWAS’ efforts are expected to serve as a stabilizing force, fostering political cohesion not only in Liberia but throughout West Africa. The diplomatic community and citizens alike are watching Monrovia closely, hoping for a resolution that upholds Liberia’s democratic achievements and sets a standard for peace and governance in the region.
