Liberia: Executive Branch, Partners Recognize Fonati Koffa As House Speaker Amid Majority Bloc’s Legitimacy Claim
Monrovia – Amid the ongoing leadership standoff within the House of Representatives, the Executive Branch and several international partners have reaffirmed their recognition of J. Fonati Koffa as Speaker, standing firm despite legitimacy claims from a majority bloc of lawmakers.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh (gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com)
President Joseph Boakai, along with government ministries and agencies, has endorsed Speaker Koffa as the official leader of the House. This affirmation comes as a coalition of 43 lawmakers within the majority bloc challenges Koffa’s authority, arguing their numbers entitle them to reshape the House’s leadership. They claimed Koffa no longer represents the collective interests of the Legislature and are demanding his resignation.
Genesis of the Deadlock
The controversy erupted as the majority bloc began holding separate sessions in the joint chamber, bypassing Koffa, the Deputy Speaker, Chief Clerk, and Sergeant-at-Arms. Meanwhile, Koffa and his supporters have been convening in the House chamber but often lack quorum, leading to repeated adjournments. Last Thursday, Koffa contested the legitimacy of the majority bloc’s sessions, prompting him to file a writ of prohibition with the Supreme Court. Justice-in-Chamber Yarmin Gbeisay has since issued a prohibition on the bloc’s proceedings, pending a conference with both parties on November 4.
Executive Branch Engagement
Despite the legislative deadlock, the Executive Branch has continued to engage the House under Koffa’s leadership. In a letter dated October 29, President Boakai requested additional time to submit the draft FY 2025 budget, citing the need for thorough preparation in line with Liberia’s fiscal policies and development agenda. He said collaboration with development partners, including the Liberia Revenue Authority and other stakeholders, is essential to ensure a comprehensive budget aligns with the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
I present my compliments and write to officially request an extension of the time for presentation of the draft national budget that is due on October 31, 2024. The new date that we propose for the presentation of the draft national budget is November 8, 2024. We require the additional time in order to present a comprehensive draft budget that would accommodate all potential sources of revenue, as well as public priorities, in keeping with Section 17.1 of the 2019 Amendment and Restatement of the Public Financial Management Act of 2009 (PFM Law), and its accompanying regulations. The Government of Liberia is also concluding discussions with its development partners whose contributions and inputs are critical in the budget formulation process.
Joseph N. Boakai, President of Liberia
The President’s letter noted: “Accordingly, I ask for your understanding as we complete the necessary processes to ensure that the draft national budget for FY2025 is submitted to the National Legislature by November 8, 2024.”
Ongoing International Support
International partners, including the United Nations, ECOWAS, and the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, have also thrown their support behind Koffa, viewing the dispute as an internal matter best resolved through negotiation. A diplomatic representative, speaking anonymously, urged lawmakers to “work together in the spirit of cooperation,” warning that extended political gridlock could stall Liberia’s progress.
IMF, Justice Ministry, and Additional Engagements
Further solidifying Koffa’s standing, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) communicated with him to announce an upcoming mission to Liberia, scheduled for November 6-19, to review the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) between Liberia and the IMF. Additionally, Koffa has been invited to a one-day event hosted by the Ministry of Justice on October 31, focused on introducing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as a formal component of Liberia’s justice system.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will field a mission to Liberia from November 6 – 19, 2024 to conduct the first review of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) – supported program between the Government of Liberia and the IMF. Mr. Daehang Kim, IMF mission chief for Liberia will lead the mission. The mission writes to request a joint meeting with you and the leadership of the Honorable House of Representatives on Monday, November 18, 2024, at 15:15 pm at your office to update you and the leadership on the ECF program with the Government.
Joel Chiedu Okwuokei, IMF Resident Representative, Liberia
Majority Bloc Resilient in Demands
The majority bloc has not relented in its opposition, maintaining that Speaker Koffa no longer enjoys their trust. In their alternative sessions, they reportedly voted to declare the Deputy Speaker, Chief Clerk, and other officials’ seats vacant should they refuse to join the bloc. The Liberian Constitution and House rules, however, stipulate that removing the Speaker and Deputy Speaker requires a two-thirds majority.
Funding Questions and Public Scrutiny
Reports indicate the majority bloc is staying at the RLJ Resort in Paynesville, raising questions about the source of funding for their accommodations. Allegations of financial inducements to remove Koffa have fueled public skepticism. Observers note that while the Executive’s recognition of Koffa lends temporary stability, the internal discord threatens to impede the passage of critical bills, including the national budget and development initiatives.
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