MONROVIA – On the evening of November 10, 2024, an unexpected act of vandalism shook Liberia’s Capitol Building. The Joint Chambers, where the Majority Bloc frequently holds sessions, was found in disarray, with chairs broken and the area severely damaged. Capitol security forces are investigating, though initial reports point to possible involvement by supporters of Speaker Fonati Koffa, whose role has been under intense scrutiny and pressure.
The timing of this vandalism is particularly striking as it coincides with an anticipated visit from a high-profile ECOWAS delegation. In a letter dated November 8, 2024, ECOWAS announced the arrival of a five-member delegation in Monrovia, led by ECOWAS Speaker Ibrahima and including two deputy speakers and two floor representatives. The delegation aims to investigate the roots of the legislative standoff, assess its implications for Liberia’s stability, and engage with relevant stakeholders to seek a peaceful resolution. “Amongst the objectives of the assigned mission are: to gather the root causes of this impasse at the House of Representatives and its implications on the stability of the Member State,” Ibrahima explained. “To engage with key stakeholders to find a peaceful resolution of this impasse, and to propose concrete recommendations to the ECOWAS Authority, the Liberian Authorities, and all stakeholders.”
The vandalism has raised fears that this incident will serve as an embarrassing prelude to ECOWAS’s efforts, underscoring internal instability within the Liberian Legislature.
On social media, Charles Yates, a journalist aligned with Speaker Koffa, sparked further controversy by posting that “major renovations” were underway at the Capitol, referencing the damaged Joint Chambers. Yates’s post, framed as if Speaker Koffa were driving improvements rather than reacting to an act of vandalism, quickly drew criticism.
Several commentators denounced the destruction, viewing it as an act of desperation. Emmanuel Fayiah Kettor condemned the incident as “disheartening,” claiming Koffa’s supporters were willing to go to extremes to maintain their positions. In the comments, another user, Amb. David S. Bandiyo, questioned, “Do you want to tell me that breaking the chairs in the Joint Chamber will make him stay as Speaker?” Such comments capture widespread frustration and the impression that political figures may be pursuing self-interest at the expense of national stability.
The Majority Bloc, led by Representative Samuel G. Kogar, has yet to respond publicly, but sources suggest the Bloc might consider relocating its sessions to the Executive Pavilion to ensure continuity in legislative proceedings. This relocation could avoid further clashes while also reinforcing the Bloc’s ability to function amid mounting political tensions.
For many Liberians, the incident is not merely about broken chairs but speaks to a deeper crisis in leadership and accountability.
