Contentious Call to Recall Liberian Representatives from ECOWAS Parliament Sparks Debate

The request by Majority Bloc Speaker Richard Koon to recall Liberian parliamentarians from the ECOWAS Parliament has elicited strong opposition during a recent session. New representatives were elected, replacing allies of embattled Speaker Fonati Koffa, reflecting underlying political struggles. Many lawmakers cite ECOWAS rules to resist the recall efforts, asserting that once an oath is taken, representatives cannot be removed without just cause.

In a recent session at the ECOWAS Parliament, Majority Bloc Speaker Richard Koon’s request to recall Liberian parliamentarians faced significant opposition. Various parliamentarians from different countries urged Koon to maintain the current representatives from Liberia, highlighting ongoing political tensions. The Majority Bloc’s recent election of new lawmakers to the ECOWAS Parliament effectively replaced allies of the embattled Speaker Fonati Koffa, intensifying the power struggle within Liberia’s legislative body.

The newly elected delegates consist of Moima Briggs Mensah, Augustine Chiewolo, and Samson Q. Wiah, who replaced the previous representatives appointed under Koffa’s leadership. This change followed a ruling from the Majority Bloc led by Koon that invalidated the earlier appointments, a decision challenged by lawmakers who argued that Koffa’s appointments lacked proper approval. Lawmakers, Johnson S.N. Williams and James Kolleh, contended that the appointments were unilaterally made, violating legislative processes.

Despite these developments, many lawmakers expressed strong opposition to the recall, referencing ECOWAS Rule 5. This rule stipulates that once a parliament member takes an oath of office, their country cannot recall them except under specific circumstances, such as resignation or misconduct. This stance was bolstered by a lawmaker’s anonymous remark underscoring the irrevocability of an elected representative’s mandate once the oath is taken.

Senator Edwin Snowe, the senior-most Liberian representative in the ECOWAS Parliament, unequivocally opposed the recall, advising against political retaliation. He emphasized that ECOWAS operates independently of its member states’ decisions, urging adherence to the established rules. Furthermore, during the session, Hon. Abdul Kargbo of Sierra Leone and Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume of Nigeria reiterated the importance of respecting these rules, reinforcing the perspective that a member cannot be recalled unless fundamental criteria are met.

Hon. Sheriff Saar from Gambia underscored that any changes in leadership should be constitutionally grounded, asserting that the matter raises questions about moral authority and adherence to constitutional mandates. The conflict reflects a broader initiative by the Majority Bloc to overturn previous appointments, alleging that these were shrouded in a lack of transparency and political maneuvering. However, Speaker Koffa and his supporters maintain that the Majority Bloc’s actions are illegal, with the Koffa-appointed lawmakers enjoying substantial backing amid the ongoing power struggle.

The recent tension within the Liberian parliament regarding the recall of representatives at the ECOWAS Parliament highlights a significant power struggle and raises vital constitutional questions. The Majority Bloc, seeking to replace delegates, faces opposition grounded in ECOWAS rules that safeguard elected members’ mandates. As various lawmakers advocate for adherence to these principles, the dispute reflects deeper political complexities in Liberia. Ultimately, the situation illustrates the intricate dynamics of representation and governance within the region.

Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com