The so-called “Majority Bloc” of dissenting lawmakers Monday rejected mediation efforts by ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) asking the mediators out of the Capitol, people who attended the meeting told Oracle News Daily.
The bloc booted the ECOWAS Team because Montserrado County Richard Koung, their self-declared Speaker was not recognized as the official leader of the House of Representatives. House spokesman Robert Haynes said the mediators had talks with the Foreign Relations Committee and not Rep. Richard Koon because it was planned that way.
After initially dismissing the ECOWAS delegation, the Majority Bloc opted for another round of talks later in the evening, despite underlying conflicts. Talks continue late in the night with feuding parties.
The turmoil traces back to mid-October 2024, when a faction of lawmakers called for a leadership change, alleging mismanagement by Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. The emergent Majority Bloc has since claimed to oust Koffa, installing Koung in his place, a move the Supreme Court later declared illegal.
Moving forward, the Supreme Court is set to hear significant cases on March 26, including a Bill of Information regarding the legitimacy of Koung’s leadership. The ECOWAS delegation, led by Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, aims to foster a resolution by engaging various political leaders and civil society groups.
The crisis within the House threatens to undermine Liberia’s legislative credibility, as both blocs—the Majority and Minority—continue to clash over governance issues. With the Supreme Court’s hearings looming, the outcomes could have profound implications for the political stability of the nation.
Religious leaders have also urged for ethical governance, emphasizing the necessity for unity and accountability in the nation’s legislative process amidst this ongoing power struggle.
