ECOWAS Delegation Arrives In Liberia for Fresh Round of Mediation in House Leadership Crisis

Monrovia – A high-level delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) arrived in Liberia on Sunday to resume efforts to resolve the ongoing leadership dispute within the House of Representatives.

Second ECOWAS Intervention Attempt

This marks the second intervention by ECOWAS, following an unsuccessful mediation attempt in 2024. The delegation is led by Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, former UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs and former Nigerian Foreign Minister.

Key Delegation Members

The team includes ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, along with other officials:

• Mr. Ebenezer Asiedu, Head of Democracy and Good Governance
• Mr. Serigne Mamadou Ka, Acting Head of Electoral Assistance
• Mr. Constant Gnacadia, Acting Head of MCRFA
• Mr. Francis Acquah-Aikins, Executive Assistant to the Commissioner

Supreme Court Hearings Loom

The visit comes ahead of crucial Supreme Court hearings, with the first scheduled for March 19 to address a Bill of Information filed by embattled House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. A second hearing on March 26 will examine a Petition for the Writ of Mandamus regarding legislative funding issues.

Scheduled Meetings

The delegation plans to meet with:

• Foreign Minister Sarah Beysolow Nyanti
• President Joseph Nyuma Boakai
• Chief Justice and Supreme Court Bench
• Senate leadership
• Former Presidents Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and George Weah

Majority Bloc Resistance

Sources indicate members of the Majority Bloc may snub the ECOWAS delegation, with one member stating: “We are not children for ECOWAS parliament to decide for us.” The bloc has reportedly been building regional alliances independently.

Leadership Dispute Details

The crisis centers on two Supreme Court cases:

1. March 19 hearing challenging the Majority Bloc’s legitimacy
2. March 26 hearing on legislative funding disputes

Minority Bloc’s Position

The Minority Bloc maintains that Richard Koon’s election as Speaker was unconstitutional. Their stance was reinforced during a Reconciliation Dialogue organized by religious leaders who emphasized the need for ethical governance.

“The call for Koon’s resignation is not just a political maneuver but an attempt to restore credibility to Liberia’s democratic institutions,” a Minority Bloc representative said.

Religious Leaders’ Involvement

Bishop Arthur F. Kulah and Rev. Dr. Christopher Wleh Toe stressed the importance of moral leadership during the reconciliation talks, urging lawmakers to prioritize national unity over personal ambitions.

Potential Impact

The Supreme Court’s rulings could decisively shape Liberia’s political future, either resolving the deadlock or potentially deepening the constitutional crisis.