Liberia’s Proposal to Recall ECOWAS Representatives Faces Strong Opposition
The proposal to recall Liberian parliamentarians from the ECOWAS Parliament by Majority Bloc Speaker Richard Koon has sparked intense debate during an ECOWAS session. Lawmakers oppose the recall, citing ECOWAS Rule 5, which prohibits removal unless under severe circumstances. The elections replacing previous representatives have raised questions about legitimacy and adherence to legislative procedures, highlighting an internal power struggle within Liberia’s House of Representatives and the need for constitutional integrity.
In a recent session of the ECOWAS Parliament, the request by Majority Bloc Speaker Richard Koon to recall Liberian parliamentarians met with considerable opposition. Lawmakers from multiple countries urged the Speaker to maintain the existing Liberian representatives amidst concerns of a power struggle within Liberia’s House of Representatives, which impacts representation at the regional level.
The Majority Bloc’s decision followed an election that instated three new lawmakers—Moima Briggs Mensah, Augustine Chiewolo, and Samson Q. Wiah—effectively replacing former representatives Rev. Samuel Enders and Taa Wongbe, allies of the embattled Speaker Fonati Koffa. This strategic move raises questions regarding the legislative integrity and adherence to proper protocols in appointments.
Opponents of the recall argue against it on the grounds of ECOWAS Rule 5, which prohibits the removal of representatives once they have taken their oath, barring exceptional circumstances such as resignation or misconduct. (An anonymous lawmaker stated, “It is not possible to replace your representatives once they have taken their oath, unless they are no longer a member of the body that sent them.”)
Senator Edwin Snowe, Liberia’s senior representative at ECOWAS, warned that the organization operates independently from member states’ political agendas. He remarked, “The ECOWAS Parliament is governed by its own rules…not even the current ECOWAS Chairman…can enforce such a recall,” urging President Joseph Boakai to refrain from political interference in the matter.
The session further emphasized the importance of adherence to ECOWAS regulations, with Hon. Abdul Kargbo of Sierra Leone stating that the rules must not be circumvented, advocating against the recall of those who have sworn an oath.
Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume reinforced this position, affirming that a member can only be removed under specific conditions of misconduct. Furthermore, Hon. Sheriff Saar from Gambia highlighted constitutional aspects, arguing that leadership changes should be approached through constitutional mechanisms rather than political gains.
As the Majority Bloc seeks to overturn previous appointments made by Speaker Koffa, they accuse him of undermining legislative processes. Nevertheless, Koffa and his supporting colleagues assert that the actions of the Majority Bloc are invalid, signaling ongoing tensions within Liberia’s legislative body as they await a response from the ECOWAS Parliament.
The debate surrounding the recall of Liberian representatives from the ECOWAS Parliament underscores significant tensions within Liberia’s House of Representatives. With opposition from various lawmakers citing procedural violations and the steadfastness of ECOWAS rules, the Majority Bloc’s actions appear to challenge established legislative norms. As this situation evolves, the commitment of all parties to uphold governance principles and respect for parliamentary authority will be crucial in shaping Liberia’s political landscape.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
