spot_imgspot_img
Saturday, February 22, 2025

POLITICAL TENSIONS BOIL OVER AS LIBERIA’S JOINT CHAMBERS VANDALIZED AHEAD OF ECOWAS PEACE MISSION

Date:

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.

Socrates Smythe Saywon
Socrates Smythe Saywon is a Liberian journalist. You can contact me at 0777425285 or 0886946925, or reach out via email at saywonsocrates@smartnewsliberia.com or saywonsocrates3@gmail.com.

LATEST DEVELOPMENT

OUTRAGE AS REP. MUSA BILITY ABUSES OFFICE TO ILLEGALLY SECURE RELEASE OF HIS SON FROM NON-BAILABLE DRUG CHARGES

MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The latest revelation surrounding Representative Musa...

GOL LOSES NEARLY $1 MILLION IN INFLATED FIRE EQUIPMENT DEAL

MONROVIA – Activist Martin K. N. Kollie has sounded...

MINISTER NGAFUAN WARNS GOVERNMENT ENTITIES TO MANAGE BUDGETS EFFECTIVELY AMID RESOURCE SHORTAGES

MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Ministry of Finance and Development...

SETHI FERRO FABRIK A SILENT THREAT LOOMING OVER LIBERIAN WORKERS AND COMMUNITIES

LIBERIA – A devastating explosion at the Sethi Ferro...

A GROWING EMBARRASSMENT TO LIBERIA’S DEMOCRACY

The recent actions of the House of Representatives in...

400 OFFICIALS SUSPENDED, BUT WILL BOAKAI ENFORCE REAL ACCOUNTABILITY?

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s decision to suspend over 400...

LIBERIANS DESERVE RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP, NOT WASTEFUL SPENDING

After 177 years of existence, Liberia remains stuck in...

PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN MARYLAND COUNTY CLOSED OVER UNPAID SALARIES

MARYLAND COUNTY, LIBERIA — The Maryland County Board of...

COMMENTARY

WHY FOLLOW A PR STRATEGY TO OVERCOME CRISES AND MAINTAIN BRAND VISIBILITY

Courtesy of Martin Blayon, an experienced Public Relations Specialist Misinformation...

THE LASTING LEGACY OF PRINCE JOHNSON’S DEATH AND THE PATH FORWARD FOR LIBERIA

By Lyndon J. Ponnie, Sr. The passing of former Liberian...

PRES. BOAKAI’S LACK OF LEADERSHIP AND LIBERIA’S POLITICAL CRISIS

-A Commentary Joseph Boakai's failure to lead has once again...

THE MASS DISMISSAL OF LIBERIAN PUBLIC SERVANTS: A TROUBLING TREND UNDER THE BOAKAI ADMINISTRATION

A Commentary by Wondah L. Jah Since assuming the presidency,...

LATEST NEWS

LNP SUMMONS KEY FIGURES IN CONNECTION WITH AUDITOR’S MYSTERIOUS DEATH

MONROVIA – The Liberia National Police (LNP) has announced...

JEWEL HOWARD TAYLOR’S TENURE AS STANDARD BEARER OF NPP HAS ENDED – CHAIRMAN DECLARES POSITION VACANT 

Liberia’s Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor and standard bearer...

PRESIDENT BOAKAI’S SONA – WILL THE ARREST AGENDA DELIVER OR FALL SHORT OF LIBERIANS’ EXPECTATIONS

Liberians eagerly await President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s State of...

Share post:

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

OPINION

HOR IN UPROAR AS EMBATTLED SPEAKER KOFFA’S INFLUENCE EXPOSES GOVERNANCE CHALLENGES

By Socrates Smythe Saywon, Sr. Liberia’s political scene is currently...

LIBERIANS ARE IN AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UP AND CDC

  An Opinion By Grace RK Guar Every six...

AMERICA’S NEGLECT OF LIBERIA: A CALL FOR CHANGE

An Opinion By Bishop Dr. Rudolph Q. Kwanue, Sr A...

AMID AN UNENDING WAR AGAINST POVERTY, INJUSTICES – HAS THE PROGRESSIVE STRUGGLE BECOME LOST IN TRANSLATION?

A Patriot's Diary With Ekena Wesley What manner of Liberian progressives...

THE GALLERY

spot_imgspot_img

MORE ARTICLES

spot_imgspot_img

MORE NEWS

LATEST DEVELOPMENT NEWS

LATEST CRIME NEWS

Share via
Copy link