MONROVIA – In a strong statement released on November 10, 2024, former Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Commissioner John H.T. Stewart expressed his skepticism about the recent intervention by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Liberia’s legislative crisis. Stewart questioned the intent and effectiveness of an ECOWAS parliamentary delegation, reportedly spearheaded by Senator Edwin Snowe, that aims to mediate tensions within Liberia’s 55th Legislature amid the power struggle involving Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
The controversy centers on a request from ECOWAS to mediate between the Majority Bloc, led by Representative Samuel G. Kogar, and Speaker Koffa’s Bloc. The November 8 letter, delivered to Koffa, indicated ECOWAS’s concern over legislative tensions potentially destabilizing Liberia and the broader West African region. However, Stewart contends that this mediation is both untimely and unnecessary, stating that ECOWAS appears more interested in showboating than in addressing fundamental legislative issues.
Stewart criticized Snowe’s actions, questioning why ECOWAS failed to intervene in similar conflicts elsewhere. “Why is Snowe impressing on his colleagues that a storm is brewing in the Legislature that threatens the peace and stability of Liberia and the sub-region?” Stewart asked, citing examples from Ghana, where Parliament had also seen high tensions without ECOWAS intervention. He highlighted that ECOWAS neglected to send a delegation when the Liberian government failed to comply with an ECOWAS court ruling in favor of Associate Justice Kabineh Ja’neh, who was impeached under controversial circumstances. Stewart argued that such selective interventions undermine ECOWAS’s credibility.
The heart of the legislative issue lies in a dispute over quorum requirements and Speaker Koffa’s authority. In recent months, Koffa’s position has weakened as the Majority Bloc, currently comprising 43 out of 73 House members, has acted independently, conducting House business without Koffa’s sanction. Koffa sought legal relief through a Writ of Prohibition, appealing to the Liberian Supreme Court to prevent the Majority Bloc from proceeding without him. However, Justice Yamie Gbeissay denied the writ, affirming that the Majority Bloc’s actions were consistent with Article 33 of Liberia’s Constitution, which permits a simple majority to conduct House business.
Stewart asserted that Speaker Koffa is constitutionally and procedurally on precarious ground. Article 33 mandates that a simple majority constitutes a quorum, and under Article 37, the conditions for declaring legislative seats vacant are clearly defined. Yet, Koffa has threatened to declare seats vacant for members of the Majority Bloc opposed to his authority, a move Stewart describes as legally unfounded.
“Speaker Koffa’s threats to declare vacancies show he’s out of options,” Stewart observed, emphasizing that Koffa’s inability to secure a quorum signals his compromised authority. Stewart went further, arguing that even if Koffa convenes a session with both Majority and Minority blocs, he might find himself politically sidelined. “Should the agenda include a trial of Speaker Koffa for charges against him, he could face an investigation requiring his recusal,” Stewart noted. This precarious position is compounded by rumors of “budget padding,” with Koffa allegedly seeking reimbursements exceeding $700,000 for fuel, supplies, and vehicle repair. These claims have spurred calls from the Majority Bloc for a budget review, potentially reducing his office’s resources and influence.
Stewart argues that Speaker Koffa’s actions, particularly in using legal channels to retain his position, reveal his unwillingness to accept the reality of his weakened position. “Koffa is incapacitated—not by health or mental issues but by his own loss of authority,” Stewart said, adding that no intervention from ECOWAS or an appeal to Liberia’s Supreme Court can save him.
In an appeal to Speaker Koffa’s pragmatism, Stewart urged the embattled Speaker to take a dignified step back, emphasizing that voluntarily resigning from his post would be the most responsible course of action in the interest of preserving peace and stability within the Legislature. Stewart reminded Koffa that stepping down as Speaker would not result in his complete exit from public life; he would still retain his seat in the House and continue to receive his substantial legislative salary and benefits. “Speaker Koffa has nothing to lose by resigning,” Stewart argued. “He will still be a member of the House of Representatives, eligible to draw his ‘Wah-Million’—the $15,000 paid monthly to lawmakers.” In Stewart’s view, Koffa’s refusal to acknowledge the shifting dynamics within the Legislature and his insistence on clinging to a diminishing role are more damaging to his legacy and Liberia’s political climate than simply stepping aside would be.
Stewart concluded that Speaker Koffa’s current path is unsustainable, and any intervention from ECOWAS is likely to do little to restore his authority. “Even the intervention of an ECOWAS Parliamentary delegation cannot change the fact that the majority of the House has moved on. It is time for Speaker Koffa to face the facts and accept his diminished role.”
