One of Liberia’s leading grassroots civil society organization, Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), has welcomed the intervention initiative by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as a critical move towards resolving the ongoing political tensions, particularly the leadership crisis that has disrupted Liberia’s legislative functions.
STAND, which has consistently urged members of the House of Representatives to prioritize the public’s needs over internal disagreements, expresses gratitude to H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of Nigeria and current Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, for his decisive action in directing the ECOWAS Parliament to swiftly address this crisis.
In a November 10, 2024 release, STAND extended appreciation to Rt. Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, for promptly deploying a delegation to Monrovia to prevent further escalation. This action not only reflects ECOWAS’ commitment to Liberia’s democratic progress but also underscores its dedication to upholding peace, security, and stability in West Africa.
In urging members of Liberia’s House of Representatives to recognize the ECOWAS delegation’s presence as a key opportunity to restore normal legislative functions, STAND acknowledges the support of H.E. Josephine Nkrumah, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Liberia, and Senator Edwin M. Snowe, Chair of the ECOWAS Parliament’s Committee on Political Affairs, Peace, Security, and the African Peer Review Mechanism, for their roles in facilitating this timely intervention.
“STAND emphasizes that the responsibility now lies with lawmakers and legislative leaders to seek a constructive resolution to the current deadlock. The organization calls on lawmakers to avoid any delay or obstruction of a resolution, recognizing ECOWAS’s longstanding support for Liberia—even during its 14-year conflict—and its enduring commitment to the nation’s stability,” the release said.
The group said there is an urgent need for the legislature to settle the leadership dispute, allowing focus to return to addressing the daily challenges faced by ordinary Liberians.
