Liberia: ECOWAS Sending Mediation Mission to Help Resolve Impasse in Lower House of Legislative Branch - FrontPageAfrica

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Monrovia—The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, has extended warm greetings to the people of Liberia and stressed recent strides made in the country, particularly the successful transition of power in November 2023. However, she expressed deep concerns over the ongoing political impasse within the Liberian House of Representatives, which she said threatens the stability and security in the region.

In two separate communications to Speaker Fonati Koffa and Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, Speaker Ibrahima said in light of the fragile political landscape, exacerbated by recent coups in neighboring countries, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, the current Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, has directed the ECOWAS Parliament to facilitate an immediate parliamentary resolution to the crisis.

In response, Speaker Ibrahima announced that a five-member delegation from the ECOWAS Parliament will travel to Monrovia on November 11 to engage in mediation efforts.

The delegation, which she will lead, includes two Deputy Speakers and two Representatives, and aims to address the underlying causes of the political stalemate while fostering dialogue among key stakeholders.

“I humbly request a working visit with you during our mission to engage in constructive discussions that can help us collectively find a resolution to this pressing issue,” ECOWAS Parliament Speaker Ibrahima stated in her communication to the Liberian authorities.

The mission, according to the communication, will focus on gathering information about the causes of the impasse, its implications for stability in Liberia, and proposing recommendations to the ECOWAS Authority and the Liberian government.

The Speaker has, however, expressed hope for cooperation from Liberia’s leadership to ensure a thorough and constructive dialogue.

Speaker Ibrahima also indicated her reliance on Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe Jr., head of the Liberian delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, for facilitating the necessary arrangements for the upcoming meetings.

The ECOWAS Parliament’s initiative underscores its commitment to promoting peace, security, and stability in West Africa amidst ongoing challenges in the region.