The political tensions within Liberia’s House of Representatives have reached a boiling point as the Majority Bloc Speaker, Richard Nagbe Koon, faces growing resistance over his recent ECOWAS Parliament appointments.
Despite being appointed by Speaker Koon, several lawmakers representing Liberia at the ECOWAS Parliament have had their appointments overlooked, signaling an ongoing struggle for legitimacy within the legislature.
In a significant move, the Majority Bloc recently voted to replace several lawmakers, while opting to retain Representative Moima Briggs-Mensah.
However, Speaker Koon’s communication to the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament has been ignored, with Koffa-appointed lawmakers continue to actively participate in the ECOWAS Parliament’s sessions.
This has led to mounting speculation about the unresolved power struggle between Speaker Koon’s supporters and the faction loyal to the embattled Speaker Fonati Koffa, further escalating tensions within Liberia’s political circles.
Rule 5 of the ECOWAS Parliament dictates that no member can be replaced while serving as an active member of parliament, except in cases of death, resignation, or incapacity.
The ongoing situation, where the Koffa-appointed lawmakers remain in their positions despite Koon’s communications, is a direct contradiction of this rule and raises concerns about the legal and procedural integrity of the ongoing appointments.
Despite Koon’s official request, the absence of the lawmakers elected under his leadership from the ECOWAS Parliament sessions only deepens the political divide.
This standoff between the factions underscores the far-reaching implications of the Majority Bloc’s unconstitutional usurpation of legislative authority which, from all indications, attempts to upset the continuity of regional systems such as the country’s representation at the ECOWAS parliament.
Recently, Speaker Koon extended heartfelt congratulations to three members of the House—Hon. Moima Briggs-Mensah, Hon. Augustine B. Chiewolo, and Hon. Samson Q. Wiah—following their election to represent Liberia at the ECOWAS Parliament.
In a statement issued after their election, Koon emphasized that the selections were a testament to the trust and confidence their colleagues had placed in them.
“This election reflects the trust and confidence the members of this House have in their leadership abilities,” Koon remarked, underscoring the commitment of the selected lawmakers to represent Liberia’s interests at the regional body.
Speaker Koon further reassured the newly elected representatives that their appointments adhered to the House’s standing rules and procedures. He urged them to remain steadfast in their dedication to advancing Liberia’s interests in the ECOWAS Parliament.
“As they take on this significant responsibility, I urge them to remain committed to advancing the interests of our people and ensuring that Liberia continues to make progress in the regional body,” Koon said.
The political tension surrounding Koon’s ECOWAS appointments cannot transcend his assumed local domain. If Rule 5 of the ECOWAS Parliament holds — and it will — it is ultimately up to the regional body to accept new members in the middle of a parliamentary term. Koon and his cronies will have to decide whether to acknowledge the active and consequential participation of the country’s current representation at the ECOWAS Parliament or completely ignore it.
Liberians are left watching as their elected representatives continue to clash, leaving behind a fractured legislature that risks further undermining the stability of governance and the country’s representation in regional bodies like ECOWAS.
