Liberia: ECOWAS Mediation Mission Fails to Resolve Liberia’s Legislative Stalemate, Urges Continued Engagement - FrontPageAfrica

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Monrovia – The parliamentary mediation and diplomacy mission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) concluded its two-week engagement in Liberia on Saturday, November 16, 2024, without achieving a resolution to the ongoing political impasse in the House of Representatives.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, gerald.koinyeneh @frontpageafricaonline.com

Led by the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, the delegation met with key Liberian stakeholders, including President Joseph N. Boakai, Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh, Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, and representatives from the Majority and Minority blocs of the House of Representatives. Despite extensive negotiations, the parties failed to reach a conclusive agreement.

Mission Overview

The mediation mission was initiated by His Excellency Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, following concerns about the legislative paralysis caused by the political impasse. Liberia, known for its historic democratic resilience, now faces significant disruption to its legislative and governmental functions.

The ECOWAS delegation emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional and procedural frameworks and urged all parties to prioritize the interests of the Liberian people. “The Members of the House of Representatives should work together to unify the country and keep it on the path of peace, development, and progress,” the delegation stated.

Impact of the Stalemate

The prolonged deadlock in the House of Representatives has raised fears about its impact on governance and public confidence. ECOWAS noted that the impasse has not only hindered legislative functions but also paralyzed key aspects of Liberia’s government, threatening the nation’s progress following its successful presidential elections in November 2023.

Efforts and Challenges

While the ECOWAS delegation successfully brought the feuding factions to the negotiating table, the parties could not agree on a resolution within the timeframe of the mission. Central to the dispute are allegations against Speaker Koffa and disagreements over the legitimacy of actions taken by the Majority Bloc, including its decision to relocate legislative sessions to a joint chamber.

The delegation expressed concern over the lack of consensus and reiterated its call for all actions to be conducted within the bounds of the 1986 Constitution and the Rules of Procedures of the House of Representatives.

ECOWAS Position and Appeal

The ECOWAS Parliament remains engaged in the matter and continues to encourage adherence to due process and the rule of law. It emphasized the importance of peaceful dialogue and cautioned against any actions that could undermine Liberia’s democratic values.

In its communiqué, the delegation urged the Liberian lawmakers to consider the best interests of the people who entrusted them with the responsibility of lawmaking and governance. “ECOWAS discourages a political culture that is not anchored in the rule of law,” the delegation stated.

As the mediation mission ends without a resolution, the ECOWAS delegation reaffirmed its solidarity with the Liberian people and urged patience and calm. It expressed optimism about the willingness of lawmakers to find an honorable resolution to the crisis in the near future.

The mission underscores ECOWAS’s commitment to preserving peace and stability in Liberia and the wider West African region. The organization has pledged to remain actively involved until the political impasse is resolved in accordance with the principles of democracy and good governance.

“Liberia’s lawmakers must rise above their differences and put the country first,” said Rt. Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.