Monrovia – The United States Embassy in Monrovia has called for a peaceful and lawful resolution to the ongoing political tensions on Capitol Hill involving Liberia’s Legislature. The embassy highlighted the importance of adhering to democratic principles and respecting the rule of law during this critical period.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]/Selma Lomax, [email protected]
In a statement issued on Monday, the Embassy revealed that U.S. Ambassador Mark Toner held a meeting with former President George Weah to discuss the situation. “Ambassador Toner met former President Weah on Monday. They discussed the situation on Capitol Hill, and the former President’s commitment to Liberia is clear,” the statement read.
The Embassy highlighted its desire for Liberia’s political process to remain peaceful, urging current and former leaders to demonstrate unity in navigating the impasse. “The United States wants to see Liberia’s political process play out peacefully and with respect to the rule of law. Now more than ever, Liberia’s leaders past and present need to show unity,” the statement added.
The statement comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding a legislative saga that has sparked debates about constitutional violations and alleged political maneuvering in the House of Representatives.
It has been more than a month since the political impasse erupted in Liberia’s House of Representatives, where lawmakers under the banner “Majority Bloc” sought to unseat Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. Refusing to convene under his gavel, the bloc began holding separate sessions in the joint chamber, culminating last Thursday in their declaration of the Speaker’s seat vacant and the election of Rep. Richard Nagbe Koon (District #11, Montserrado County) as their new Speaker.
Speaker Koffa and his allies have condemned the move, labeling it unconstitutional. Seeking redress, they filed a petition with the Supreme Court, which subsequently ordered a return to status quo ante pending a conference scheduled for November 26.
The Supreme Court is expected to meet all parties today.
The Embassy’s remarks are seen as a call for all stakeholders to de-escalate tensions and work toward a resolution that reflects Liberia’s commitment to democratic governance.
The Embassy’s emphasis on unity echoes sentiments shared by several civil society organizations, who have also urged Liberia’s leaders to prioritize the country’s peace and progress over political rivalries.
U.S. Ambassador Mark Toner met former President Weah on Monday. They discussed the situation on Capitol Hill, and the former President’s commitment to Liberia is clear. The United States wants to see Liberia’s political process play out peacefully and with respect to the rule of law. Now more than ever, Liberia’s leaders past and present need to show unity.
United States Embassy In Monrovia
While the specifics of the legislative conflict were not addressed directly in the Embassy’s statement, observers say the call for a peaceful outcome underscores the United States’ ongoing support for Liberia’s democratic institutions.
‘Hijacking democracy’
The meeting between former President Weah and Ambassador Toner comes a day after Weah criticized the majority bloc for unconstitutionally attempting to oust Speaker Koffa.
Meanwhile, former President George M. Weah has issued a stark warning that Liberia’s democratic process is under threat, following allegations of President Joseph N. Boakai’s involvement in the removal of embattled House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa by majority members of the House of Representatives.
Weah condemned the alleged actions of the Unity Party (UP)-led government, calling them unconstitutional. “They are trying to oust the speaker unconstitutionally,” he stated.
During a speech at his Forky Klon Jlaleh Family Fellowship Church on Sunday, where he was honored as an icon of democracy, Weah expressed concerns about the implications of this political maneuvering.
“What they are doing was planned. I always take my case to ECOWAS. When we were children, these people brought trouble into this country, and that is what we are trying to solve,” he alleged.
Weah further criticized President Boakai’s commitment to upholding the constitution, referencing his inauguration.
“Go watch the video. Boakai did not answer the question about whether he would protect and defend the constitution,” he said, suggesting this inaction reflects the current administration’s behavior.
The former president accused those opting to remove Speaker Koffa of attempting to “hijack” democracy and vowed to resist these efforts. “Every well-meaning Liberian, from Monrovia to Cestos City, needs to ensure our laws are upheld and democracy prevails. We must not allow it to slip away,” Weah urged.
Weah emphasized the seriousness of the threat to democracy, recalling Liberia’s tumultuous past when similar actions contributed to conflict.
“Pastors and reverends need to speak out, as history has shown us the consequences of taking these matters lightly. When the people took to the streets on April 12, Liberia was turned upside down,” he warned.
He reminded citizens of Liberia’s status as the oldest independent state in Africa and urged a collective effort to protect it.
“We want no war. We seek participatory democracy where citizens are happy without the need for violence. We need to stand up,” he declared.
Weah expressed optimism for the future, stating he is preparing to participate in the upcoming electoral process with his party.
Moving Forward
As tensions on Capitol Hill drag on, observers will closely watch the actions of Liberia’s political leaders in the coming days. The Embassy’s call for unity and respect for the rule of law serve as a reminder of the international community’s expectations for Liberia’s leaders to uphold the principles that have sustained the country’s peace and democratic progress in recent years.
Yawah Jaivey contributed to this story.
