A dramatic standoff unfolding in the House of Representatives has thrust Liberia into a constitutional crisis, as a rebellious bloc of lawmakers openly defy the Supreme Court and imperil the country’s fragile rule of law.
On Friday, nearly 48 hours after initially scoffing at the Supreme Court’s authority, the breakaway Majority Bloc filed a petition challenging the Court’s April 23 ruling, which declared illegal their recent parallel sitting and removal of House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
Instead of complying, the dissident legislators are doubling down, not only rejecting but also openly attempting to overturn a direct judicial mandate.
The Rule of Law in the Crosshairs
The Supreme Court’s ruling was unequivocal: all legislative actions taken without Speaker Koffa presiding—including the selection of Representative Richard Koon as “Speaker”—were null and void.
Yet, five days on, the constitutional order remains in limbo. Security around the legitimately recognized Speaker Koffa has not been reinstated, while Richard Koon—whose claim to the speakership was ruled unconstitutional—continues to be supported by state security forces and resources.
In effect, House rebels have torpedoed the supremacy of the judiciary, further blurring the separation of powers so vital to healthy governance. Legal scholars warn that this impasse, if unchecked, will undermine the very foundation of Liberia’s democratic experiment.
Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, Assistant Professor of Law and Advocate for Constitutional Order & Human Rights, has urged President Joseph Nyumah Boakai Sr. to comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling that could significantly impact Liberia’s international standing, investment climate, and the rule of law within the republic.
“The Court has spoken,” Gongloe said, declaring any persistence in undermining the Court’s authority places Liberia’s democracy at risk. He condemned the President’s response as a direct disregard for the rule of law, warning that such actions not only threaten internal governance but also damage Liberia’s international reputation.
“It will tarnish Liberia’s image internationally and may jeopardize our country’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council,” he said.
Defiance and Delay
Rather than yielding, the Majority Bloc is pressing ahead with procedural maneuvering. Sources tell Oracle News Daily that the rebels are scrambling for new signatures to bolster their argument and buy time, hoping to procure the supermajority needed to remove Speaker Koffa legally. Negotiations are ongoing, but settlement remains unlikely.
“The Court has no business interfering in internal legislative decisions,” Koon said in a sharp rebuttal. His group claims that Koffa was legitimately removed through a lawful resolution and alleges procedural obstruction by the Speaker’s supporters—charges the Court has heard rejected in its Dec. 6 ruling.
In their new petition, House rebels warn that the Supreme Court’s ruling could jeopardize the validity of major legislative acts, including the 2025 National Budget.
The Executive Joins the Fray
In an address to the nation late Thursday, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai appeared to lend credence to the dissident lawmakers, igniting widespread public anger and criticism from various political factions, including notable opposition parties.
In his address, President Boakai declared his intention to collaborate with a “constitutional quorum” to resolve the ongoing impasse in the House of Representatives, a statement many interpret as an attempt to maintain support for the group of lawmakers deemed illegal by the Court.
“Our Constitution and the Supreme Court have defined what constitutes a quorum for the conduct of business in the Legislature. We intend to vigorously uphold this vital principle of our constitutional democracy,” the President said.
Opposition parties and civil society accused the administration of championing executive overreach and undermining the judiciary. Four opposition parties—the CDC, ANC, MOVEE, and CMC warned of protests if the President does not retract his statement by Tuesday.
“We cannot allow the executive to select which orders of the Supreme Court to honor,” argued Mulbah Morlu, leader of the STAND movement, at a charged press conference also attended by prominent former officials.
With both the legislative and executive branches appearing to disregard the authority of the judiciary, constitutional order stands on a knife edge. Analysts say the standoff is a test not just for Liberia’s leaders, but for its citizens—whose adherence, or lack thereof, to the rule of law could shape the country’s political future.
As behind-the-scenes negotiations drag on and political tempers flare, all eyes are on Liberia’s embattled institutions. Will constitutional order prevail, or have the rebels thrown the house—and the highest law of the land—into dangerous disarray?
