In Liberia, Faith Leaders Urge Dialogue to End Legislative Crisis

The Liberia Council of Churches (LCC), a partner organization of the Civil Peace Service, Liberia Network, has begun a peace dialogue to resolve the political crisis at the House of Representatives.

The crisis involves a bloc of former Speaker J. Fonati Kofa, who was ousted by a bloc of the now Speaker, Richard Koon, known as the Majority Bloc.  This crisis has led to deep divisions and huge disagreements among members of the House of Representatives, with opposing members of the Majority and Minority blocs engaging in disputes. 

The Liberia Council of Churches (LCC), alongside religious and civil society leaders, held a peace dialogue on February 27, 2025, with Honorable Richard N. Koon, a member of the Majority bloc and current Speaker. The Secretary General of the Liberia Council of Churches, Rev. Christopher Wleh Toe, said the meeting focused on resolving the ongoing legislative crisis through dialogue and unity.

During the meeting, religious and civil society leaders called for a clear legal resolution to the speakership dispute to restore public confidence in governance, noting that this would end the air of uncertainty in the current dispute.

The LCC Secretary General said the Council will engage all sides in the disputes by meeting with Honorable J. Fonati Koffa, the Supreme Court of Liberia, and the President of Liberia to find a peaceful end to the crisis.

The plan also includes a national awareness campaign to educate the public and make clarifications about legislative rules and citizens’ rights, promote reconciliation with Speaker Koon being encouraged to lead peace efforts, and keep the public informed.

Lastly, the Council called for all leaders and citizens to choose dialogue over division for the good of the country. The Liberia Council of Churches also urged all Liberians to stand for peace, democracy, and the rule of law.