Tensions within Liberia’s House of Representatives have taken a dramatic turn as the Majority Bloc installed heavy steel doors at the chambers of the Chinese-built Capitol Building, deepening a standoff over the legitimacy of the legislature’s leadership.
The move comes just days after the Supreme Court ruled on April 23 that Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, not Richard Koon of the Majority Bloc, is the rightful leader of the House. Despite the court’s decision, the Majority Bloc has refused to recognize Koffa’s authority, insisting that Montserrado County District #11 Representative Richard Nagbe Koon remains Speaker.
The newly installed steel doors, described by some as a “symbol of defiance,” have intensified concerns about the legislature’s ability to function when sessions resume in early May. The Majority Bloc has announced plans to abandon the temporary session hall at the Executive Pavilion, used since a devastating fire destroyed the Joint Chambers in December 2024, and return to the Chinese Building.
Supporters of the Majority Bloc argue that the reinforced doors are necessary to protect the integrity of the House from “external interference.” A lawmaker aligned with the group, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed the additional security measures, including stricter visitor screenings and surveillance systems, are meant to prevent disruptions when lawmakers reconvene.
However, critics see the move as an aggressive attempt to solidify control over the chambers ahead of a potential showdown. Supporters of Speaker Koffa warn that any session held without adhering to the Supreme Court’s ruling would be illegal and could face legal challenges.
The Majority Bloc has filed a Bill of Re-argument, urging the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision. Legal experts suggest that if the Court rejects the appeal, the standoff could escalate further, potentially leading to a constitutional crisis.
Staff at the Capitol Building have confirmed increased security measures, with legislative aides reporting a noticeable uptick in armed personnel and restricted access around the chambers. The atmosphere, they say, is tense, with lawmakers from opposing factions avoiding direct confrontation, for now.
As Liberia watches closely, the question remains: Will the House resolve its leadership dispute through legal and political channels, or will the steel doors become a lasting symbol of division? With the May session fast approaching, the nation waits anxiously for the next chapter in this unfolding political drama.
