Liberia: ECOWAS Mediation Mission Fails to Resolve Liberia’s Legislative Stalemate, Urges Continued Engagement
Monrovia – The parliamentary mediation and diplomacy mission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) concluded its two-week engagement in Liberia on Saturday, November 16, 2024, with out reaching a decision to the continuing political deadlock within the House of Representatives.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, gerald.koinyeneh @frontpageafricaonline.com
Led by the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, the delegation met with key Liberian stakeholders, together with President Joseph N. Boakai, Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh, Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, and representatives from the Majority and Minority blocs of the House of Representatives. Despite intensive negotiations, the events failed to achieve a conclusive settlement.
Mission Overview
The mediation mission was initiated by His Excellency Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, following considerations in regards to the legislative paralysis brought on by the political deadlock. Liberia, recognized for its historic democratic resilience, now faces important disruption to its legislative and governmental capabilities.
The ECOWAS delegation emphasised the significance of adhering to constitutional and procedural frameworks and urged all events to prioritize the pursuits of the Liberian folks. “The Members of the House of Representatives should work together to unify the country and keep it on the path of peace, development, and progress,” the delegation acknowledged.
Impact of the Stalemate
The extended impasse within the House of Representatives has raised fears about its affect on governance and public confidence. ECOWAS famous that the deadlock has not solely hindered legislative capabilities but additionally paralyzed key points of Liberia’s authorities, threatening the nation’s progress following its profitable presidential elections in November 2023.
Efforts and Challenges
While the ECOWAS delegation efficiently introduced the feuding factions to the negotiating desk, the events couldn’t agree on a decision inside the timeframe of the mission. Central to the dispute are allegations in opposition to Speaker Koffa and disagreements over the legitimacy of actions taken by the Majority Bloc, together with its determination to relocate legislative classes to a joint chamber.
The delegation expressed concern over the dearth of consensus and reiterated its name for all actions to be carried out inside the bounds of the 1986 Constitution and the Rules of Procedures of the House of Representatives.
ECOWAS Position and Appeal
The ECOWAS Parliament stays engaged within the matter and continues to encourage adherence to due course of and the rule of regulation. It emphasised the significance of peaceable dialogue and cautioned in opposition to any actions that would undermine Liberia’s democratic values.
In its communiqué, the delegation urged the Liberian lawmakers to contemplate the most effective pursuits of the individuals who entrusted them with the duty of lawmaking and governance. “ECOWAS discourages a political culture that is not anchored in the rule of law,” the delegation acknowledged.
As the mediation mission ends with no decision, the ECOWAS delegation reaffirmed its solidarity with the Liberian folks and urged endurance and calm. It expressed optimism in regards to the willingness of lawmakers to search out an honorable decision to the disaster within the close to future.
The mission underscores ECOWAS’s dedication to preserving peace and stability in Liberia and the broader West African area. The group has pledged to stay actively concerned till the political deadlock is resolved in accordance with the ideas of democracy and good governance.
“Liberia’s lawmakers must rise above their differences and put the country first,” stated Rt. Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.
