⁃Cllr. Gongloe Expresses Concern Over House Impasse
Monrovia, – Prominent Liberian lawyer and human rights advocate Cllr. Tiawon S. Gongloe has raised grave concerns over an escalating constitutional crisis in Liberia’s House of Representatives, warning that recent actions by a group of lawmakers threaten both democratic norms and the nation’s international reputation.
The crisis centers on attempts by 43 Representatives, who refer to themselves as the “majority bloc,” to remove House Speaker Bhofal Chambers without securing the constitutionally mandated two-thirds majority vote required for such an action. Cllr. Gongloe emphasized that their subsequent election of an alternative Speaker directly violates both the letter and spirit of Liberia’s Constitution, particularly Articles 33 and 49, as well as existing Supreme Court precedents.
What began as an internal legislative dispute has now developed into a full-blown constitutional confrontation. The situation worsened when the dissenting lawmakers allegedly refused to cooperate with two separate ECOWAS delegations attempting to mediate the crisis, including one led by the distinguished diplomat Professor Ibrahim Gambari, whose credentials include serving as Nigeria’s Foreign Minister and holding several senior United Nations positions.
Cllr. Gongloe expressed particular dismay at what he characterized as disrespect shown toward Professor Gambari, reminding Liberians of Nigeria’s crucial role in restoring peace during Liberia’s civil conflicts. He stressed that such behavior toward regional partners risks damaging Liberia’s international standing at a sensitive time, as the nation seeks a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
The legal scholar placed the current crisis in historical context, noting Liberia’s proud tradition as a founding member of both the United Nations and its predecessor, the League of Nations. He recalled how Liberia played host to the seminal 1959 Sanniquellie conference that helped lay the groundwork for the Organization of African Unity, asking whether today’s leaders have forgotten this legacy of statesmanship.
While strongly condemning the lawmakers’ actions as demonstrating “a notorious display of ignorance,” Cllr. Gongloe maintained hope for Liberia’s democratic future. He called on citizens to remain vigilant in defending constitutional principles and to demand better from their elected representatives. The prominent lawyer framed the current crisis as part of an ongoing struggle to build a Liberia where government officials serve rather than exploit the public trust.
As the Supreme Court prepares to rule on a petition regarding the legislative impasse, observers warn that the outcome could have lasting consequences for Liberia’s democratic institutions.
Cllr. Gongloe concluded with a message of cautious optimism, invoking Liberia’s historical resilience while warning that the nation’s hard-won democratic achievements should never be taken for granted.
