Liberia: Questions Linger as President Goes Mute Amid Chaos, Uncertainty & Legislative, Political Maneuvers - FrontPageAfrica

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Monrovia — The standoff between embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and the members of the “majority bloc” has raised concerns about the stability of Liberia’s legislative branch, with both sides refusing to yield.

Amid the leadership squabble within the House of Representatives, questions are being asked: why has President Joseph Boakai remained coy on the matter despite the Supreme Court’s ruling last week in favor of Koffa.

Boakai ran his 2023 presidential campaign on the mantra of rule of law, and it seems in a flagrant disregard to the Supreme Court’s ruling, the recent appearance before members of the “majority bloc” for budget hearings signals that Boakai is interfering in legislative affairs. 

For nearly two months now, the House has been in turmoil, with intense debates and even physical confrontations disrupting legislative sessions. 

The President’s inaction in the face of these events has drawn significant criticism, as many argue that his leadership is vital to restore order and set an example for stability. 

As tensions escalate, fears are growing that this legislative chaos could spiral into broader unrest that destabilizes the entire country.

On Monday, officials of the Ministry of Finance appeared before the “majority bloc” to kick off the 2025 budget hearings, lending it credibility and creating the perception that the government implicitly endorses the effort to unseat Speaker Koffa. 

This perceived support from the executive branch challenges Liberia’s democratic principles, as it suggests that the administration may be willing to bypass constitutional norms for political gain.

On Monday, the tensions within the House erupted into open conflict, with members of the Koffa bloc clashing with police.

As the immediate situation stabilizes, Liberia is left facing critical questions about the future of its democratic institutions. 

Speaker Koffa, who has refused to resign despite mounting pressure, is constitutionally protected in his role, but his ability to lead is now deeply compromised by this political rift. 

With both sides unwilling to yield, the standoff threatens to undermine the very foundation of the legislature, reducing its ability to function effectively and address the nation’s pressing needs.

President Boakai’s response, or lack thereof, to this crisis may have far-reaching consequences for Liberia’s governance. Allowing cabinet members and close allies to align with the “majority bloc” has cast doubt on the President’s commitment to upholding democratic norms and the rule of law, political pundits say.

By permitting this standoff to continue, the administration risks instigating a series of consequences that could destabilize the government and erode public trust. 

Legislative gridlock could become the norm, preventing the House from passing laws and addressing essential policy issues, further straining the relationship between the executive and legislative branches and fostering heightened political tension.

The political impasse also risks alienating Liberia’s citizens, who may grow increasingly frustrated with the administration’s perceived indifference to the constitutional crisis. 

This public dissatisfaction could have long-lasting implications, influencing future elections and shaping the political landscape. Without a decisive resolution, Liberia’s critical issues, such as budget approvals, healthcare initiatives, and infrastructure projects, are likely to face significant delays, directly impacting citizens reliant on government services.

With democratic governance, the rule of law, and public confidence hanging in the balance, President Boakai’s leadership is being tested. His choices now will define not only his legacy but also the trajectory of Liberia’s democratic institutions and the stability of the nation for years to come.

Meanwhile, an ally of President Boakai, Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh, has called on the president to take decisive action in addressing critical national issues.

In a post shared on his official Facebook page on Monday, December 9, 2024, Senator Konneh questioned the absence of strong presidential leadership, posing the question, “Where is our President”?

The senator’s remarks highlighted significant shortcomings in the Legislature’s performance throughout 2024. According to Konneh, the body struggled to pass major laws, while the Fiscal Year 2024 budget allocated insufficient resources to counties, Liberian-owned businesses, and public welfare. These failures, he noted, have fueled a sense of declining public optimism about the nation’s future.

Senator Konneh expressed hope that the Fiscal Year 2025 budget could mark a turning point for Liberia, provided it is managed transparently and free from political interference. “It requires careful scrutiny to prevent political manipulation and ensure it genuinely benefits the nation. This means serious work!” he wrote.

While acknowledging the constitutional doctrine of separation of powers, Senator Konneh argued that Liberia, as one of the world’s poorest countries, cannot afford to operate like wealthier nations. He stressed that President Boakai’s success hinges on a cohesive and functional Legislature.

“President Boakai must unite us now, following the Supreme Court’s opinion, to make 2025 a better year for our country,” Konneh urged. He called for immediate presidential intervention to restore order in the House of Representatives and set the nation on a path toward progress.”