As the leadership crisis at the House of Representatives continues due to plots to remove House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, the ECOWAS Parliament has informed the august body of its decision to mediate between both sides in bringing an end to the crisis.
In a letter addressed to Speaker Koffa dated November 8, 2024, the Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament Rt. Hon. Hadja Memounatou IBRAHIMA said that Liberia has recently recorded some impressive benchmarks in respect of consolidating the gains of the return of peace, security, and democratic systems particularly with the smooth transition of power in November 2023.
However, he said the present political impasse at play in the Liberian House of Representatives threatens to mar the collective effort to maintain peace and security in a fragile region that is equally grappling with the aftermath of coups d’état in four Member States and the exit threats of three of the four.
He said it’s based on this fragility that directives were issued by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his capacity as the current Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, to seek an immediate parliamentary resolution to this parliamentary crisis through the Community Parliament.
“Mr. Speaker, as Head of the Community Parliament, I am honoured to inform you that by virtue of the Supplementary Act relating to the Enhancement of the Powers of the ECOWAS Parliament on 17 December 2016 by the ECOWAS Authority, the Institution is empowered, ‘to contribute to the promotion adopted of peace, security and stability in the West African region.’ It is in this regard that the ECOWAS Parliament wishes to undertake a parliamentary mediation mission to Monrovia, from 11 to November 2024,” he said.
Speaker IBRAHIMA said the 5-member delegation on the mission will include two deputy speakers and two floor Representatives.
Amongst the objectives of the assigned mission are: To gather the root causes of this impasse at the House of Representatives and its implications on the stability of the Member State; to engage with the key stakeholders to find a peaceful resolution of this impasse; to propose concrete recommendations to the ECOWAS Authority, the Liberian Authorities, and all stakeholders with the view of maintaining political stability and cohesion in the Member State.
As the central figure related to the impasse at the House of Representatives, I humbly request for an opportunity to have a working visit with you and my delegation to engage in frank and constructive discussions on this pertinent issue and to collectively arrive at an acceptable and amicable resolution to the matter at hand. Your kind cooperation and time would be greatly appreciated so that the delegation can meet the directives,” he told the House Speaker Koffa.
Speaker Ibrahima said he will be leaning on Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe Jr., Head of the Liberian Delegation to ECOWAS Parliament, for support with all necessary arrangements in connection with the meeting.
“In anticipation of a favourable response to my request, permit me the opportunity to convey to you, Mr. Speaker and dear colleague, my appreciation in advance for the kind cooperation to finding a lasting resolution to the matter and the assurances of my highest consideration,” Speaker Ibrahima said.
