Monrovia – With barely a week to go before the Supreme Court delivers what could be one of its most consequential rulings in recent memory, anxiety is mounting across Liberia over a high-stakes legal and political dispute that threatens the foundation of the nation’s governance.
By Selma Lomax | [email protected]
The Court is expected to rule on April 23, 2025, in the ongoing battle for the leadership of the House of Representatives—a case that could reshape governance and redefine the limits of constitutional authority.
At the center of the dispute is a fierce contest for the Speakership between incumbent Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and Representative Richard Nagbe Koon. The crisis, which erupted in October 2024, followed a move by a Majority Bloc in the House to unseat Koffa—an action widely condemned as unconstitutional.
Koffa and his allies filed a Bill of Information before the Supreme Court, challenging the legality of the Majority’s decision and seeking an interpretation of Article 33 of the Constitution regarding quorum requirements.
The dispute has stalled legislative functions, fractured the political class, and undermined public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions. Committees have been dissolved and several lawmakers loyal to Speaker Koffa have been suspended.
“It’s not just about who sits in the Speaker’s chair,” said a civil society leader, speaking on condition of anonymity. “It’s about whether the law has meaning when political expedience is at play.”
Although the Supreme Court earlier acknowledged its jurisdiction, it stopped short of offering a direct remedy. The Court ruled that actions taken outside the bounds of Articles 33 and 49 of the Constitution were ultra vires, or beyond legal authority, but did not invalidate Koon’s claim. Lawmakers were instead urged to “conduct themselves accordingly.”
The ambiguous ruling has fueled ongoing divisions. The Majority Bloc, supported by the Executive Branch and the Liberian Senate, continues to exert control over the House, while both camps maintain claims to legitimacy.
As the April 23 ruling approaches, pressure is increasing from political and civil society stakeholders. Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, speaking at the NAYMOTE Second Summit on Democracy and Political Accountability, urged the Supreme Court to provide a clear and decisive ruling to stabilize the political landscape.
“Now is definitely not the time for the Supreme Court to deliver an ambiguous ruling that may take us away from peacefully resolving the disruption unfolding in another important branch of government,” Sirleaf warned.
Amid rising tensions, sources close to the Executive reveal that President Joseph Boakai reportedly requested a two-week delay in the Court’s decision to explore a political settlement. On April 14, he reportedly convened traditional elders in an effort to mediate the dispute. However, Speaker Koffa declined to meet, emphasizing that any resolution should come only after the Supreme Court rules.
FrontPageAfrica also gathered that behind-the-scenes efforts to resolve the conflict have so far been unsuccessful. Attempts to convene informal meetings—including one planned at Koffa’s residence and another at the JNB Foundation—failed after key stakeholders, including the Rule of Law Caucus, declined to participate. The Caucus publicly denied engaging in any negotiations and reaffirmed its commitment to the Court’s legal process.
Political observers note that the government is increasingly nervous about the possible outcome, particularly in light of the administration’s previous failure to fully comply with earlier Supreme Court guidance on the same matter.
Adding to the pressure, Associate Justice Yarmie Quiqui Gbeisay issued a strong critique of the Majority Bloc’s conduct during the February Court Opening in Nimba County. Justice Gbeisay described the Bloc’s actions—including the election of a Speaker without meeting quorum—as ultra vires, reinforcing the notion that legislative processes must remain within constitutional limits.
Despite the Court’s prior ruling, both factions continue to interpret the judgment in their favor. Justice Gbeisay’s comments have been seen as an attempt to clarify the Court’s stance and could prompt a more definitive ruling when the Court rules next Wednesday.
As the nation waits, April 23 is expected to be a pivotal moment for Liberia. The Supreme Court’s decision will not only determine the speakership but will also serve as a crucial test of judicial independence, constitutional resilience, and Liberia’s commitment to democratic principles.
