Monrovia – Inner tensions have erupted throughout the Home of Representatives over Liberia’s illustration on the ECOWAS Parliament, simply because the nation prepares to host a high-profile ECOWAS Delocalized Joint Committee Assembly.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Throughout the ninth sitting of the second quarter of the fifty fifth Legislature, a communication from Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe, Liberia’s present head of delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, was submitted to plenary.
The letter confirmed that Liberia will host the ECOWAS Joint Committee Assembly on the RLJ Resort close to Roberts Worldwide Airport in Paynesville.
The announcement, nonetheless, sparked quick controversy. A number of lawmakers questioned the legitimacy of the present delegation representing the Home of Representatives, accusing ECOWAS of overlooking selections beforehand made by plenary, particularly within the wake of the seven-month legislative disaster that disrupted parliamentary actions earlier this yr.
Bong County District 2 Consultant James Kolleh argued that solely Consultant Moima Briggs Mensah was correctly elected to the ECOWAS Parliament below the present Home delegation. He referred to as for the inclusion of Representatives Augustine Chiwolo and Sampson Wiah to finish the staff.
“We took a call to recall the ECOWAS delegates and elected new ones,” Kolleh stated. “Although the courtroom later declared our actions unlawful, plenary handed a decision declaring them authorized. ECOWAS should now acknowledge that the present delegation doesn’t absolutely characterize us.”
The disagreement stems from a earlier inside election held by lawmakers aligned with the then “Majority Bloc” through the legislative deadlock. The group had tried to exchange Liberia’s ECOWAS delegates. Nonetheless, ECOWAS rejected the change.
In a letter dated February 25, 2025, Performing ECOWAS Secretary-Basic Okay. Bertin Some reaffirmed the seats of Representatives Samuel R. Enders Sr., Moima Briggs Mensah, and Taa Z. Wongbe. The letter referenced Article 18.1-2 of the ECOWAS Supplementary Act, which supplies that elected delegates serve full four-year phrases except eliminated by dying, resignation, or confirmed misconduct.
Margibi County District 2 Consultant Ivar Okay. Jones echoed Kolleh’s place, stating that ECOWAS had ignored a proper communication from the Home recommending modifications. “We aren’t towards ECOWAS internet hosting its assembly right here,” he stated. “However the management of ECOWAS and the Home should resolve this challenge to current a united entrance.”
On the opposing facet, Bong County District 6 Consultant Moima Briggs Mensah defended the present ECOWAS delegation and accused Home management of treating the regional physique’s communication with disrespect. In her remarks, she urged Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon and Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah to deal with the matter with professionalism. Her plea, nonetheless, didn’t shift the bulk’s stance.
As the talk intensified, Bong County District 7 Consultant Foday E. Fahnbulleh launched a movement to refer the matter to the Home Management for additional evaluation. The movement was adopted by a voice vote, inserting the dispute within the arms of the management for decision.
Regardless of the controversy, preparations for the ECOWAS Delocalized Joint Committee Assembly are persevering with. Nonetheless, the inner divisions throughout the Home elevate issues in regards to the impression of home politics on Liberia’s regional credibility and diplomatic standing.
