Capitol Hill, Monrovia – Chaos erupted on the grounds of Capitol Hill on Monday as members of the House of Representatives engaged in a violent physical altercation over disagreements surrounding the review of the draft 2025 National Budget.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, gerald.koinyeneh @frontpageafricaonline.com
The confrontation, which escalated into a brawl, saw members of the “Majority Bloc” clashing with lawmakers aligned with Speaker J. Fonati Koffa’s Pro-Koffa Group. Police intervention, requested by the Majority Bloc, added to the tension, with Pro-Koffa lawmakers accusing officers of using excessive force against them.
Clash Sparks Over Budget Review
The altercation began when officials from the Executive Branch arrived at the Capitol at the invitation of the Majority Bloc to begin reviewing the proposed 2025 National Budget. Members of the Pro-Koffa Group, angered by what they described as an attempt to sideline them, resisted the hearing, leading to heated exchanges and, ultimately, violence.
FPA reporters on the scene saw lawmakers shoving, shouting, and exchanging blows, further intensifying the already volatile political climate in the legislature.
Speaker Koffa Blames Executive Branch
Addressing reporters after the incident, Speaker Fonati Koffa expressed profound disappointment in the Executive Branch, accusing it of exacerbating tensions by openly supporting the Majority Bloc.
“This is a clear disregard for the Supreme Court’s ruling,” Speaker Koffa said, referring to the recent court decision that left the leadership dispute unresolved. He said the Executive’s insistence on recognizing one faction over another has fueled this conflict and undermines the integrity of the House.”
The Speaker called for the Executive to adopt a neutral stance to allow lawmakers to resolve their differences without interference.
Growing Tensions Amid Leadership Crisis
The House of Representatives has been embroiled in a leadership crisis since October, when the Majority Bloc moved to unseat Speaker Koffa, accusing him of conflict of interest and other alleged offenses. Despite Koffa’s denials, the dispute escalated into a full-blown power struggle, with the Majority Bloc electing Representative Richard Nagbe Koon as their leader in a move contested by the Pro-Koffa faction.
The Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the matter has done little to quell the unrest, as both sides continue to interpret the decision in ways that serve their interests.
Calls for Calm and Order
Political observers have expressed concern over the growing instability within the legislature and its potential impact on Liberia’s governance and peace. Civil society groups and international partners have urged both factions to prioritize dialogue and respect for the rule of law.
