The House of Representatives has been in crisis for nearly a month. What do we know about the dispute and what impact does it has on the sociopolitical and economic landscape. See questions and answers below.
Question 1: Why is there a leadership crisis in the House of Representatives in Liberia?
Answer: The leadership crisis is primarily driven by a powerful coalition of lawmakers, often referred to as the “House Cabal,” who are attempting to oust Speaker Fonati Koffa. This group, which includes influential figures like Vice President Jeremiah Koung and several ranking senators, is motivated by a desire to maintain control over the national budgeting process. They view Koffa’s anti-corruption and transparency initiatives as a direct threat to their financial interests and the potential exposure of illegal dealings, especially with an impending financial audit looming.
Question 2: What is at stake for the lawmakers trying to remove Speaker Koffa?
Answer: The lawmakers involved in this coup attempt, particularly those in the House Cabal, have substantial financial interests at stake. Their longstanding control over the budgeting process has allowed them to earn millions of dollars, and any reforms that could potentially lead to a financial audit threaten to uncover their shady financial practices. Additionally, Vice President Koung’s political ambitions for the 2029 presidential race are also jeopardized if Koffa’s reforms are successful and his past dealings come under scrutiny.
Question 3: Who is involved in the leadership crisis, and what roles do they play?
Answer: Key figures in the leadership crisis include Speaker Fonati Koffa, who advocates for anti-corruption reforms; Vice President Jeremiah Koung, who is part of the House Cabal and has aspirations for the presidency in 2029; and Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, Representative Samuel Kogar, and Senator Prince Moye, who have taken an active role in attempting to remove Koffa by unveiling a resolution against him. The cabal consists of several powerful lawmakers who have benefited financially from their influence over the budgeting process.
Koffa has played critical role in Liberia’s post conflict institutional building, democratic governance and war crimes accountability.
In those roles, the 61-year-old career lawyer may have stepped toes knowingly or unknowingly, growing a reservoir of enemies who are now aggressively collaborating to upend his reign as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Question 4: What does the Liberian Constitution say about the removal of the Speaker of the House?
Answer: According to the 1986 Constitution, the removal of the Speaker of the House requires a two-thirds majority vote from the members of the House of Representatives. In a 73-member House, this means that the dissenting lawmakers need at least 49 verified signatures to initiate a vote for removal in an open plenary session. This constitutional requirement creates a significant hurdle for the faction attempting to oust Koffa, especially as their numbers have dwindled from 47 to 43.
Question 5: How is this crisis impacting everyday life and government functionality in Liberia?
Answer: The ongoing leadership crisis has resulted in a legislative deadlock, which significantly hampers the functionality of the government. Koung backed-lawmakers are staying away from sessions to impact quorum, leading to stalled legislative processes. This impasse affects the delivery of essential public services and exacerbates socio-economic conditions for ordinary Liberians. With legislative procedures halted, citizens are experiencing deteriorating access to healthcare, delayed salaries for civil servants, and rising costs of living, creating a humanitarian crisis amidst political infighting. Civil society organizations are urging lawmakers to prioritize the welfare of their constituents over political maneuvers, highlighting the urgent need for stability and effective governance.
Question 6: What actions are the dissenting lawmakers taking now that they have failed to remove Speaker Koffa?
Answer: Following their inability to secure the necessary votes to remove Speaker Koffa, the dissenting lawmakers are reportedly attempting to undermine his authority by convening discussions in a separate chamber. This strategy aims to exert political pressure on Koffa, hoping he will ultimately resign from his position. This move reflects their desire to maintain influence despite their failure in the removal vote.
Question 7: What do the rules of the House say about quorum in the House of Representatives?
Answer: The rules of the House of Representatives require a quorum for legislative sessions to be valid. Specifically, Rule 21 states that no House member may be absent for more than two weeks without formal approval from the House leadership. If a member exceeds this timeframe without consent, it can lead to sanctions, including the potential declaration of their seat as vacant.
Question 8: How can Speaker Koffa achieve quorum despite the dissenting group’s absence from sessions?
Answer: Speaker Koffa can potentially achieve quorum by declaring up to 10 seats vacant due to prolonged absenteeism among certain members. If these seats are declared vacant, it would decrease the total number of members needed for quorum and allow Koffa to proceed with legislative business. This is made possible under Article 37 of the Constitution and Rule 21 of the House’s standing rules, which allow the Speaker to sanction members for unauthorized absenteeism.
Question 9: What does the Constitution say regarding the declaration of seats as vacant and absenteeism?
Answer: Article 37 of the Liberian Constitution specifies that prolonged absenteeism without authorization can be subject to sanctions, including declaring a seat vacant. Rule 21 further clarifies that no member may be absent for more than two weeks without formal approval from the House. If they do exceed this absence limit, the House leadership can impose penalties, including the potential vacancy of their seat, thereby empowering the Speaker to take action against absentee lawmakers.
Question 10: What steps is Speaker Koffa taking to address the issue of absenteeism among lawmakers?
Answer: Speaker Koffa has called for an emergency meeting with House leadership to address the issue of absenteeism, potentially leading to the declaration of vacant seats. Consultations are underway with legal teams to prepare a legal action before the Supreme Court to validate his authority to declare these seats vacant. This proactive approach aims to ensure that he can continue to preside over the House and conduct legislative business effectively, despite the tension with dissenting lawmakers.
Question 11: What legal support does Speaker Koffa have regarding his actions?
Answer: Legal experts support Speaker Koffa’s position, affirming that he retains his constitutional authority to preside over the House until properly removed. Article 37 gives him the power to address absenteeism among members, and with leadership backing, he can enforce these rules.
Additionally, the House leadership’s legal team is preparing to present their case before the Supreme Court, seeking judicial affirmation of Koffa’s authority to declare seats vacant, which would reinforce his actions against absentee lawmakers.
