In a move that will reshape the political contours of the 55th National Legislature, Speaker J. Fonati Koffa has formally announced his resignation as Speaker of the House of Representatives, effective 12 noon on May 12, 2025.
The announcement, made public through a statement by the Rule of Law Caucus and signed by its Chairman, Rep. Musa Hassan Bility, comes amid escalating tensions between the legislative and executive branches and signals a deepening constitutional crisis in Liberia’s young democracy.
“While we, as a caucus, deeply regret this development, we stand by his decision, acknowledging the grave constitutional concerns that necessitate this action,” the statement read.
The caucus outlined three major factors behind Speaker Koffa’s decision to vacate the powerful role:
A Constitutional Crisis – The Executive’s continued defiance of the Supreme Court’s ruling and its subsequent reaffirmation has placed Liberia in what the caucus calls an “alarming governance dilemma”—one that surpasses the boundaries of legislative leadership. Dwindling Legislative Support – Sources within the Capitol indicate that Speaker Koffa had lost the confidence of a growing number of lawmakers, making it increasingly difficult for the House to function cohesively under his leadership. Restoring Constitutional Order – Article 49 of the Liberian Constitution mandates a clear process for electing a new Speaker. With this resignation, the Legislature must now undergo internal reconstitution through fresh elections to restore constitutional legitimacy and stabilize the institution.
Speaker Koffa, a Grand Kru County Representative and legal practitioner, has been a polarizing figure in the House—praised by some for his principled stands, and criticized by others for what they describe as partisan rigidity. His decision to step down is being interpreted by political observers as both a strategic retreat and a potential power reset for the ruling establishment.
“This is a defining moment,” said political analyst Ethel Harmon. “What we’re witnessing is more than just a resignation. It’s an institutional reckoning with the limits of power, the role of the judiciary, and the survival of legislative independence.”
Despite relinquishing the Speakership, Speaker Koffa will remain an active member of the House and of the Rule of Law Caucus. His political future, while uncertain, is far from over.
“As a caucus,” Bility concluded, “it has been both an honor and a duty to serve alongside Speaker Koffa… Though he steps down from the Speakership, we welcome him back to the floor, where his voice and influence remain invaluable.”
A special election to choose a new Speaker is expected in the coming days. All eyes now turn to Capitol Hill, where Liberia’s lawmakers face the monumental task of preserving institutional integrity in the face of mounting executive encroachment.
Who will emerge to lead the Legislature through this critical period remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the battle for constitutional order in Liberia is far from over.
