Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe Jr., head of Liberia’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament and Senator of Bomi County, has officially notified the West African regional body that the recent leadership standoff in Liberia’s House of Representatives has been peacefully and lawfully resolved. In his letter, he confirmed the election of Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon as the new Speaker of the House.
The letter, addressed to the President of the ECOWAS Parliament, conveyed the Liberian delegation’s gratitude for the solidarity shown by the regional legislature during the period of internal tension.
“I write to formally inform Your Excellency, and Distinguished Members of the Sixth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament that the internal parliamentary impasse… has been peacefully and lawfully resolved,” Senator Snowe wrote. He explained that the resolution followed interventions from the Supreme Court of Liberia and the subsequent resignation of former Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa.
On the heels of the court’s ruling, the Liberian House of Representatives convened in regular session and held an election that led to the ascension of Hon. Richard Koon as Speaker. Snowe described the process as one that adhered strictly to Liberia’s democratic principles and legislative procedures.
“This development… not only restores full constitutional leadership to both Chambers of the Liberian Legislature, but also paves the way for strengthened parliamentary function and representation at the national and regional levels,” the Senator noted.
The internal disagreement had drawn regional and international attention, particularly due to its potential implications on Liberia’s democratic stability and its role within ECOWAS. Snowe assured the regional body of Liberia’s unwavering commitment to democratic governance and regional cooperation.
The Senator concluded his communication by reaffirming Liberia’s active participation in the ECOWAS framework and thanked the Parliament for its continued support.
The ECOWAS Parliament, headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria, serves as the legislative arm of the Economic Community of West African States and plays a key role in promoting dialogue and integration among member countries.
