MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The House of Representatives has voted to recall all Liberian lawmakers serving in the ECOWAS Parliament, citing procedural irregularities in their selection. The decision, reached during the 8th-day sitting of the second session, affects Bong County District 6 Representative Moima Briggs Mensah, Nimba County District 9 Representative Taa Wongbe, and Montserrado County District 6 Representative Rev. Samuel Enders.
The recall follows a formal complaint from Representatives Johnson S. N. Williams and James Kolleh, who argued that the appointments were made unilaterally by Speaker Cllr. Fonati Koffa without plenary’s approval. They maintained that the selection process lacked transparency, violated ECOWAS protocols, and failed to ensure adequate political representation.
In their communication to plenary, Williams and Kolleh emphasized that decisions made without proper legislative endorsement could render Liberia’s ECOWAS delegation illegitimate. They further warned that unless the issue was corrected, actions taken by the current representatives at the regional body could be invalidated.
The controversy over ECOWAS representation also played a role in the recent resolution seeking to remove Cllr. Koffa from the speakership. Lawmakers opposed to his leadership had accused him of making key appointments without broad consultation, further deepening divisions within the legislature.
Following the recall decision, the House announced that a formal notification would be sent to the ECOWAS Parliament by Tuesday. Lawmakers who wish to represent Liberia in the regional body will be invited to submit applications, with a new election set for Thursday, February 20, 2025.
The upcoming election is expected to be conducted in accordance with ECOWAS protocols and House regulations to ensure fairness and inclusivity. Lawmakers are pushing for a more transparent process that considers political balance and upholds the principles of democratic governance.
As the House moves ahead with the fresh selection process, it remains unclear whether the recalled representatives will seek re-election. However, the decision has sparked debates over past appointments and the need for stricter legislative oversight in Liberia’s international engagements.
