Africa-Press – Liberia. The letter confirmed that Liberia will host the ECOWAS Joint Committee Meeting at the RLJ Resort near Roberts International Airport in Paynesville.
Internal tensions have erupted within the House of Representatives over Liberia’s representation at the ECOWAS Parliament, just as the country prepares to host a high-profile ECOWAS Delocalized Joint Committee Meeting.
During the 9th sitting of the second quarter of the 55th Legislature, a communication from Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe, Liberia’s current head of delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, was submitted to plenary.
The letter confirmed that Liberia will host the ECOWAS Joint Committee Meeting at the RLJ Resort near Roberts International Airport in Paynesville.
The announcement, however, sparked immediate controversy. Several lawmakers questioned the legitimacy of the current delegation representing the House of Representatives, accusing ECOWAS of overlooking decisions previously made by plenary, especially in the wake of the seven-month legislative crisis that disrupted parliamentary activities earlier this year.
Bong County District 2 Representative James Kolleh argued that only Representative Moima Briggs Mensah was properly elected to the ECOWAS Parliament under the current House delegation. He called for the inclusion of Representatives Augustine Chiwolo and Sampson Wiah to complete the team.
“We took a decision to recall the ECOWAS delegates and elected new ones,” Kolleh said. “Though the court later declared our actions illegal, plenary passed a resolution declaring them legal. ECOWAS must now recognize that the current delegation does not fully represent us.”
The disagreement stems from a previous internal election held by lawmakers aligned with the then “Majority Bloc” during the legislative impasse. The group had attempted to replace Liberia’s ECOWAS delegates. However, ECOWAS rejected the change.
In a letter dated February 25, 2025, Acting ECOWAS Secretary-General K. 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 provides that elected delegates serve full four-year terms unless removed by death, resignation, or proven misconduct.
Margibi County District 2 Representative Ivar K. Jones echoed Kolleh’s position, stating that ECOWAS had ignored a formal communication from the House recommending changes. “We are not against ECOWAS hosting its meeting here,” he said. “But the leadership of ECOWAS and the House must resolve this issue to present a united front.”
On the opposing side, Bong County District 6 Representative Moima Briggs Mensah defended the current ECOWAS delegation and accused House leadership of treating the regional body’s communication with disrespect. In her remarks, she urged Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon and Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah to handle the matter with professionalism. Her plea, however, failed to shift the majority’s stance.
As the debate intensified, Bong County District 7 Representative Foday E. Fahnbulleh introduced a motion to refer the matter to the House Leadership for further review. The motion was adopted through a voice vote, placing the dispute in the hands of the leadership for resolution.
Despite the controversy, preparations for the ECOWAS Delocalized Joint Committee Meeting are continuing. However, the internal divisions within the House raise concerns about the impact of domestic politics on Liberia’s regional credibility and diplomatic standing.
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