CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia – In a bid to strengthen Liberia’s relations with the international community, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Richard Nagbe Koon, along with select members of the Legislature, held a high-level meeting with members of the diplomatic corps accredited near Monrovia.
The gathering, which took place in the main chambers of the House of Representatives, marked Speaker Koon’s first major diplomatic engagement since formally assuming leadership of the 55th Legislature, following a protracted leadership crisis.
Although the meeting was held behind closed doors, Speaker Koon later addressed the media, reaffirming Liberia’s commitment to democratic governance, the rule of law, transparency, and accountability—principles he described as central to the House’s legislative and oversight priorities.
He emphasized the crucial role international partners continue to play in strengthening Liberia’s democratic institutions and pledged the Legislature’s full cooperation in working with them for the betterment of the country.
“This meeting was to reaffirm that we are prepared to work with them. We recommit ourselves to engaging with the international community. Since the impasse, there have been different perceptions about us, so this is part of an effort to rekindle those relationships and foster national development,” Speaker Koon said.
He revealed that the meeting, held on Friday, June 20, 2025, lasted several hours and surpassed expectations, with several key dignitaries in attendance. According to him, both sides exchanged cordial diplomatic messages and addressed critical issues relating to the Legislature’s work and Liberia’s progress.
“Now that Liberia has secured a seat as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, our responsibility has increased. Strengthening communication with our international partners is vital to maximizing the benefits of this global platform,” Speaker Koon explained.
When asked whether the meeting was convened in response to any specific concern, he said it was prompted by several issues, including development, human rights, and national security.
He added that the meeting was a strong signal of his leadership’s readiness to work in the interest of the Liberian people, describing it as the first major engagement between the Legislature and the diplomatic community under his tenure.
“One of the major issues discussed was electoral integrity. We talked about the need to fast-track electoral reforms and validate the national population census results to enable the creation of additional legislative seats. These are essential steps toward ensuring the country moves in the right direction,” Koon noted, responding to a question on whether the meeting touched on Liberia’s political climate, diplomacy, and the rule of law.
Speaker Koon expressed optimism that such engagements would continue, laying the foundation for a stronger partnership between the Legislature and Liberia’s international allies.
The meeting comes in the wake of a prolonged leadership dispute within the House of Representatives. The crisis began when a group of lawmakers under the banner of the “Majority Bloc” declared the Speaker’s post vacant and installed Koon as their leader. After nearly six months of contention, the Supreme Court ruled that Koon’s initial election and related actions by the bloc were illegal. A subsequent election saw Koon legitimately elected as Speaker.
Since then, Speaker Koon has intensified engagements with both domestic and international stakeholders—moves observers interpret as efforts to restore confidence and rebuild trust in the Legislature.
