Liberia: Rule of Law Caucus Taps Former President Sirleaf to Mediate House Crisis - FrontPageAfrica

Monrovia—Amidst a deepening constitutional crisis in the Liberian House of Representatives, the Rule of Law Caucus has submitted a draft proposal aimed at resolving the ongoing leadership impasse that has divided the Legislature and challenged the authority of the Supreme Court.

By: Yawah Y. Jaivey

The proposal, submitted to former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for onward transmission to all parties involved, calls for the resignation of embattled Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa and the conduct of a free, fair, and transparent election to select a new Speaker. The Caucus describes the measure as a decisive step toward restoring trust, upholding democratic principles, and promoting reconciliation within the House.

In addition to addressing the leadership dispute, the proposal outlines solutions to other unresolved issues that have disrupted the House’s operations and undermined legislative governance.

“The Rule of Law Caucus remains steadfast in its commitment to constitutional order, legislative independence, and the restoration of the dignity and credibility of the People’s House,” the group said in a statement.

The proposal follows heightened tensions sparked by Representative Richard Nagbe Koon’s rejection of a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated his self-declared speakership and reinstated Koffa as the legitimate Speaker. The ruling, delivered by Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh, declared the actions of the Majority Bloc unconstitutional, stating that any sitting of the House in which the duly elected Speaker is present but not presiding lacks legitimacy.

Koon, however, dismissed the Court’s ruling as an “atrocious and audacious violation” of the separation of powers doctrine. He insists that Koffa’s removal was carried out legally under Article 49 of the Constitution and House Rule 9(a), supported by a resolution signed by 50 of 73 members, citing allegations of corruption and mismanagement.

In a defiant statement, Koon declared that the House, under his leadership, would neither recognize nor comply with the Supreme Court’s judgment.

“No opinion or judgment of the Supreme Court can or will expunge or erase this Resolution from the annals of the House of Representatives,” Koon asserted. “Plenary shall continue to conduct the business of the House of Representatives without any deference or regard to the Supreme Court’s opinion and judgment.”

He further warned that the House would not permit Koffa to preside over any legislative session and vowed to proceed with national matters, including the 2025 National Budget.

The confrontation has intensified speculation about a constitutional crisis, with some lawmakers from the Majority Bloc, including Representative James Kolleh of Bong County, hinting at possible impeachment proceedings against Supreme Court justices for alleged judicial overreach.

The Supreme Court’s ruling was widely expected to bring closure to the months-long standoff, which has stalled legislative functions and eroded public trust.

However, with key factions still at odds, it remains uncertain whether the Rule of Law Caucus’s proposal will garner enough support to break the impasse and restore stability to the House of Representatives.