MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The House of Representatives has elected three lawmakers to serve as Liberia’s representatives to the ECOWAS Parliament, replacing two previously recalled members. The election, held on February 25, 2025, during the 11th Day Sitting of the 1st Quarter of the 2nd Session, saw Representatives Moima Briggs-Mensah, Sampson Q. Wiah, and Augustine B. Chiewolo selected through a white ballot process.
Representative Moima Briggs-Mensah, an independent candidate, retained her position despite the recall of the previous delegation. She will be joined by Representative Sampson Q. Wiah from the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and Representative Augustine B. Chiewolo of the ruling Unity Party. Their unopposed election signaled broad approval from their colleagues, as no challengers emerged during the process.
The decision to recall the former delegates followed concerns raised by Bong County District 2 Representative James Kolleh and River Gee County District 3 Representative Johnson Williams. The two lawmakers brought the matter to the floor of the House on February 13, questioning the previous selection’s adherence to the ECOWAS Protocol. This protocol requires member states to maintain political balance and ensure gender inclusion within their delegations. In response, the House swiftly moved to withdraw the prior representatives and initiate a new election.
The newly elected team replaces Representative Samuel Enders of Montserrado County District 6 and Representative Taa Wongbe of Nimba County District 9, both of whom were removed from their posts. Representative Briggs-Mensah, who was also initially recalled, successfully retained her seat through the recent election.
Upon their election, the three lawmakers were immediately sworn into office. Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, representing the Plenary, extended congratulations to the new delegates and expressed confidence in their ability to serve Liberia’s interests at the regional body. He urged them to work diligently in advancing national priorities and promoting the country’s position on key regional issues.
The recall of Enders and Wongbe has generated discussions regarding the transparency and fairness of Liberia’s representation at ECOWAS. Both former representatives had previously signed declarations affirming their commitment to serve the interests of the ECOWAS community without yielding to external influence. The declarations, signed in Abuja on April 3, 2024, emphasised their pledge to act independently while serving in the regional parliament.
The recent changes have also drawn attention from Senator Edwin Snowe of Gbarpolu County, a leading figure in Liberia’s engagement with ECOWAS. In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, Snowe declared his resolve not to succumb to external pressure, reflecting similar commitments made by the recalled lawmakers.
