Monrovia – The United States Embassy in Monrovia has clarified its position on the ongoing political standoff in Liberia’s House of Representatives, where efforts to oust Speaker J. Fonati Koffa are intensifying. In response to an inquiry from FrontPageAfrica, the Embassy reiterated its non-interference stance, expressing confidence in Liberia’s government and lawmakers to resolve the issue independently.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
“We view this as an internal matter and trust the Government of Liberia and the legislature will take the appropriate steps to address the issue,” the U.S. Embassy stated.
Threats of Sanctions Amid Calls for Intervention
The Embassy’s neutral stance comes as some have called for external intervention, urging the U.S. and other international partners to mediate the dispute. These appeals follow the exposure of a US$25,000 bribery scheme, allegedly aimed at securing support for Speaker Koffa’s removal. Sources inside the Capitol have revealed that concerns over possible sanctions are mounting, as the international community, particularly the U.S., continues to monitor political developments in Liberia.
We view this as an internal matter and trust the Government of Liberia and legislature will take the appropriate steps to address the issue.
US Embassy, Monrovia, responding to a FrontPageAfrica Inquiry
Given the U.S. government’s focus on anti-corruption measures in Liberia, speculation has emerged that sanctions may be imposed on those involved in the scandal. Potential sanctions could range from travel bans and asset freezes to restrictions on U.S. aid.
“There is serious fear now among many of us,” said a senior lawmaker speaking anonymously. “Nobody wants to be targeted by sanctions or blacklisted for corruption. The pressure is mounting, and that’s why some people are backing away from the whole thing.”
The Stalemate in the House
The political struggle within the House of Representatives escalated on Tuesday when lawmakers opposing Speaker Koffa boycotted the session and held a self-proclaimed session in the Joint Chamber of the Legislature, absent both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. The session, presided over by Rep. Clarence Gahr (CDC, District #5, Margibi County), saw 43 lawmakers in attendance—an indication of the group’s resolve to pursue Koffa’s removal.
The only item on their agenda was a letter to Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, informing him that they had the majority needed to conduct legislative business in accordance with House rules. In a separate letter, self-declared Acting Chief Clerk James Toubie invited Fallah to attend the session, stressing the importance of maintaining the legislative process.
Additionally, the anti-Koffa group issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Chief Clerk Mildred Sayon and her staff, demanding their cooperation in facilitating the session.
Pro-Koffa Camp Struggles for Quorum
On the other side, Speaker Koffa’s supporters suspended their Tuesday session after failing to meet the quorum required to conduct official business. With only 30 lawmakers present, Speaker Koffa’s camp voted to either hold session on every scheduled day or seek legal advice to compel absent lawmakers to attend.
Deputy Speaker Fallah, who has been accused of co-masterminding the plot to remove Koffa, remained silent during the pro-Koffa session.
‘Resignation is Not an Option’
Appearing on Spoon Talk, Speaker Koffa remained defiant, insisting that he would not resign under pressure. He called for due process, suggesting that if the resolution for his removal were placed on the agenda and voted on by an absolute majority of 49 members, he would accept the outcome. Until then, he vowed to continue serving as Speaker.
A House Divided
Both factions in the House are claiming legitimacy. The anti-Koffa group asserts they have the numbers to conduct session even in the absence of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, while the pro-Koffa camp argues that the anti-Koffa session is illegitimate and cannot be considered official.
Amid this deadlock, House staffers, including the Chief Clerk, Sergeant-at-Arms, and clerical staff, are split in their allegiances. Chief Clerk Sayon attended the pro-Koffa session, while the Sergeant-at-Arms and his team were also present on Koffa’s side.
A Test for Liberia’s Political Stability
The legislative impasse has attracted attention across Liberia, raising concerns about its potential impact on governance. Speaker Koffa, a key figure in Liberian politics, faces both support and opposition from within the House, as well as scrutiny from political observers.
The U.S. Embassy’s remarks are seen as an effort to reassure the Liberian public that the diplomatic mission respects the country’s sovereignty, while expressing confidence that the government and legislature will resolve the issue through appropriate channels.
As the deadlock continues, many view the dispute as a significant test of Liberia’s political stability, especially as the country experience a smooth transition. All eyes remain on the House of Representatives as the situation unfolds, with both sides determined to shape the future of Speaker Koffa’s leadership.
