The leadership of the House of Representatives is set to announce the suspension of approximately 40 lawmakers who have been absent from sessions for several weeks as part of an ongoing effort to remove House Speaker Fonati Koffa.
Sources familiar with the situation indicate that Speaker Koffa is expected to disclose the details of the suspensions later this week.
This dramatic development follows the rebels’ failed attempt to oust Koffa, during which they reportedly spent nearly $2 million over the course of a month but incapable to secure the two-thirds majority required by the 1986 Constitution for such a vote.
With a total of 73 members in the House, the faction needed at least 49 signatures to initiate a removal vote during an open plenary session. However, their numbers have dwindled from 47 to just 43, creating significant challenges in garnering the necessary support.
In light of their inability to remove Koffa, dissenting lawmakers have taken to convening discussions in a separate chamber, a tactic they believe will help undermine the Speaker’s authority and exert pressure for his resignation. This strategy highlights their ongoing attempts to retain influence within the legislative body, despite falling short in their initial goal.
According to House rules, particularly Rule 21, members are prohibited from being absent for more than two weeks without formal approval from leadership. Those who exceed this limit without consent may face sanctions, including the potential declaration of their seats as vacant.
The current standoff has resulted in a legislative deadlock that hampers the functionality of the government, with the lawmakers intentionally avoiding sessions to impact the quorum necessary for legislative operations.
The resulting impasse has dire consequences for the citizens of Liberia. With legislative procedures halted, essential public services are suffering: healthcare access is deteriorating, civil servants are experiencing delayed salaries, and the cost of living continues to rise.
This situation has prompted civil society organizations to call on lawmakers to prioritize the welfare of their constituents over political infighting, emphasizing the urgent need for stability and effective governance in the country.
The regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) parliamentary body is holding talks with the parties to end the conflict and avoid a spillover effect in a post-war nation emerging from a tight presidential race, nearly a year ago that split the country along political and ethnic lines.
House Members that may  be suspended are:
Bomi County
Obediah Varney (District #1) – Unity Party (UP)
Sam P. Jallah (District #3) – Independent
Bong County
Prince Koinah (District #1) – Independent
James Kolleh (District #2) – People’s Unification Party (PUP)
Robert Womba (District #4) – Unity Party (UP)
Foday E. Fahnbulleh (District #7) – Independent
Gbarpolu County
Mustapaha Warittay (District #3) – Unity Party (UP)
Grand Bassa County
Isaac Bannie (District #1) – Movement for Progressive Change (MPC)
Clarence Banks (District #2) – Independent
Alfred Flomo (District #4) – Unity Party (UP)
Grand Cape Mount County
Mohammed Dossi (District #2) – Independent
Grand Gedeh County
Jeremiah Sokan (District #1) – Independent
Marie Johnson (District #2) – Liberia Restoration Party (LRP)
Grand Kru County
Nathaniel Bahway (District #1) – Collaborating Political Parties (CPP)
Lofa County
Julie Fatima Wiah (District #2) – Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC)
Siafa Kpoto (District #3) – Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC)
Gizzie Kollince (District #4) – Unity Party (UP)
Margibi County
Ivar Jones (District #2) – Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC)
Emmanuel Yarh (District #4) – Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC)
Clarence Gahr (District #5) – Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC)
Maryland County
- Mike Jurry (District #1) – Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC)
Anthony F. Williams (District #2) – Collaborating Political Parties (CPP)
Austine Taylor (District #3) – Independent
Montserrado County
Sekou Kanneh (District #2) – Unity Party (UP)
Michael Thomas (District #4) – Independent
Richard Koon (District #11) – Unity Party (UP)
Nimba County
Samuel Brown (District #1) – Independent
Nyahn Flomo (District #2) – Collaborating Political Parties (CPP)
Nehker Gaye (District #3) – Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR)
Ernest Manseah (District #4) – Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR)
Samuel Kogar (District #5) – Independent
Dorwohn Gleekia (District #6) – Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR)
Saye Mianah (District #8) – Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR)
River Gee County
Alexander Poure (District #1) – Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC)
Isaac Choloplay Wuo (District #2) – Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC)
Johnson Williams (District #3) – Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC)
River Cess County
Steve Tequeh (District #2) – Independent
Sinoe County
Sampson Wiah (District #2) – Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC)
Lawmakers Supporting the Cause but Absent from the Press Engagement
Mannah Bishop Johnson (Bomi District #2) – Unity Party (UP)
Prince Toles (Montserrado District #8)
Alex Grant (River Cess District #1) – Independent
Augustine Chiewolo (Lofa District #5) – Unity Party (UP)
 Current Composition of the House of Representatives
Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC): 25 lawmakers
Unity Party (UP): 11 lawmakers
Collaborating Political Parties (CPP): 6 lawmakers
Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR): 4 lawmakers
People’s Unification Party (PUP): 2 lawmakers
National Democratic Coalition (NDC): 1 lawmaker
Liberia Restoration Party (LRP): 1 lawmaker
Liberia National Union (LINU): 1 lawmaker
All Liberian Party (ALP): 1 lawmaker
Movement for Progressive Change (MPC): 1 lawmaker
Vision for Liberia Transformation Party (VOLT): 1 lawmaker
Independent: 19 lawmakers
