LCC, IRCL Ready to Mediate in House Speaker Ruckus

MONROVIA – Many Liberians have been having a pleasant nostalgia of the good old days when the likes of Michael K. Francis, Sheikh Kafumba Konneh, Alfred K. Kulah, W. Nah Dixon and others – religious leaders who hurt their heads out and sacrificed so much for peace, reconciliation and stability during the heydays of the civil conflict. They defied tyrants, put marauding armed men to their place, and made war-wearied Liberians have reason to smile and feel a sense of some safety. As Liberian is being balkanized by politicians and power-wielders with reckless abandoned, citizens have been craving for those fallen men of God, wondering what is wrong with Liberia’s once powerful peace and reconciliation institutions – the Liberian Council of Churches (LCC) and Interreligious Council of Liberia (IRCL) – which those yesteryear-heroes of peace used for the good of the nation. But indications are that the LCC and IRCL have been snoring on the mount like Rip Vans Winkle but is crawling out of slumber, as The Analyst reports.

It has been learned that Liberia’s two most iconic peace and reconciliation institutions are now awoke and up, plotting their way out of the moribund conditions it had sojourned over the last many years while economic and political lawlessness pervades the country, claiming untold rights and lives.  

The briefing paper seen by The Analyst revealed that significant efforts are underway by the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) and the Interreligious Council of Liberia (IRCL) to address the ongoing political challenges and foster harmony within the House of Representatives of Liberia.

Reportedly the two iconic religious peace organizations, known for their audacious intervention amongst warring factions, alongside prominent church leaders, were engaged in a two-day Reconciliation Dialogue organized by the House of Representatives.

This pivotal meeting marked a crucial step toward resolving internal disputes and advancing the legislative agenda for peace, unity, and progressive governance in a country still navigating the complexities of its post-conflict reality.

The paper asserts that Liberia has faced a myriad of challenges in recent years, particularly within its legislative framework.

The House of Representatives, which is the legislative arm of the government, has found itself mired in controversy and division, a crisis characterized by allegations of misconduct, suspensions of certain lawmakers, and contentious debates over leadership roles.

According to the paper, these disputes not only hinder legislative progress but also spark public concern regarding the effectiveness of governance and the overarching stability of the country.

Given Liberia’s tumultuous history, said the group’s briefing paper, which is marked by a devastating civil war that lasted from 1989 to 2003, resulting in over 250,000 deaths and significant social upheaval, there is a necessity for a cohesive and functional legislature has never been more critical.

In this context, said the paper, the LCC and IRCL recognized the urgent need for a proactive approach to foster reconciliation among legislators and restore public trust in democratic processes.

By organizing the dialogue, the House of Representatives acknowledged the importance of collaborative efforts in overcoming political strife.

The inclusion of religious leaders symbolized an understanding of the influential role that faith-based organizations can play in society, particularly in promoting peace and fostering dialogue. The LCC and IRCL—with their rich history of advocating for social justice and reconciliation—were positioned as critical mediators tasked with bridging the gaps between conflicting factions within the legislature.

The briefing paper also acknowledged that the dialogue is sought to facilitate healing among lawmakers, encouraging them to move beyond personal grievances and embrace their collective responsibility to serve the public.

“Establishing an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding was crucial to fostering an environment where legislators can effectively represent their constituents,” the paper further said.

“Emphasizing the concept of peaceful governance, the dialogue reinforced the idea that effective leadership thrives in an environment where collaboration and consensus-building take precedence over contentious disputes.”

It also said clarifying the roles and responsibilities of legislators within the framework of the Constitution was another vital objective of the dialogue.

“This discussion allowed participants to better understand the mechanisms available for resolving conflicts internally without resorting to judicial intervention, which can often complicate legislative matters further,” the paper indicated, adding: “The LCC and IRCL aimed to reinforce the values of democracy among lawmakers, highlighting their need to uphold the principles of accountability and transparency. Fostering a system where members are committed to effective dialogue and resolution is essential for solidifying the democratic ethos that Liberia strives to achieve.”

The involvement of religious leaders in the dialogue was of paramount importance, as faith-based organizations carry considerable weight in Liberian society, often serving as custodians of moral values and social cohesion.

Accordingly, the presence of the LCC and IRCL, along with their extensive networks and influence, provided a platform for lawmakers to engage in meaningful discussions, grounded in mutual respect and the shared goal of advancing Liberia’s well-being.

Historical precedents demonstrate that faith leaders have played vital roles in mediating conflicts in Liberia’s past, particularly during the civil war when various religious groups advocated for peace and reconciliation.

Their participation in legislative discussions served as a reminder of the intricate connections between governance and spirituality, emphasizing that ethical leadership is fundamental to the nation’s recovery and progress.

The two-day Reconciliation Dialogue represented a concerted effort to address the pressing issues within the House of Representatives while fostering a renewed commitment to democratic governance.

Through collaborative engagement between the LCC, IRCL, and lawmakers, a foundation was laid for a more unified approach to tackling the myriad challenges faced by the nation. As Liberia continues to navigate its post-conflict journey, the outcomes of this dialogue hold the promise of paving the way for peace, unity, and progressive governance, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all Liberians.

The dialogue hosted a delegation comprising influential religious leaders dedicated to fostering peace and reconciliation in Liberia. They included Bishop Arthur F. Kulah – Lead Facilitator; Moderator Sanjee Abioseh Stepter – 2nd Vice President; Rev. Dr. Christopher Wleh Toe – General Secretary, Bishop Dr. G. Abraham Powell and Mrs. Rebecca Tarpeh Major – Secretary General, IRCL.

Others are Rev. Dr. Emmanuel F. Johnson – Vice President, PROCMURA; Apostle Sammy David – God Family Church; Mr. Kuku Reeves – Secretary General, NMCL, and Chief Imam of Liberia, Ali Krayee  who was excused due to Ramadan commitments.

Context of the Reconciliation Dialogue

The backdrop of this dialogue was marked by significant divisions within the legislative body, including suspensions of certain lawmakers and disputes surrounding leadership roles.

The atmosphere called for urgent reconciliation efforts to restore peace and functionality within the House. Recognizing the need for unity and collaboration, the dialogue sought to bridge the gaps between the Majority and Minority blocs while promoting effective governance for the benefit of the Liberian people.

Dialogue Takeaways and Proposals

During the meetings, various positions were articulated by both the Majority and Minority blocs, alongside actionable recommendations for progressing towards resolution.

Majority Block Positions: Lifting Suspensions: There is a consensus to lift the suspensions on lawmakers who have violated the Rules of the House of Representatives (HOR), fostering an environment conducive to dialogue and collaboration; inclusive Committee Membership: The Majority block agrees to include colleagues from the Minority block on committees, ensuring broader representation while reserving critical statutory committees for foundational governance, and continued Reconciliation Dialogue: The LCC and IRCL received a mandate to facilitate ongoing reconciliation dialogues with lawmakers, underscoring the need for continuous engagement in addressing conflicts constructively.

Minority Block Proposals include: elect a Speaker According to the Constitution: The Minority proposed adhering strictly to constitutional provisions for the election of a Speaker, reverting to established protocols for the House; resignation of Hon. J. Fonati Koffa: the Minority suggested requesting Hon. Koffa’s resignation, facilitating a transparent process where the Majority block can present their candidate for Speaker; await Supreme Court Ruling if Necessary: Should prior proposals not reach fruition, both blocs agreed to await a Supreme Court ruling on related matters, upholding the judicial process and constitutional compliance.

Insight from Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament

The dialogue also featured insights from the Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin. He emphasized the importance of resolving legislative differences internally, labeling court intervention as detrimental to democratic governance. His statement reinforced the significance of unity within the House of Representatives, urging lawmakers to prioritize their responsibilities towards the citizens.

The Role of LCC and IRCL

The LCC and IRCL played a crucial role as mediators, fostering a spirit of reconciliation throughout the discussions.

In these times of division, their contributions have been invaluable in promoting dialogue, peace, and understanding among lawmakers. The session led by Moderator Sanjee Abioseh Stepter included devotional practices and reflections on peace, framing the discussions within a moral and ethical context.

Engagement with the Rule of Law Committee

Following initial dialogues, a subsequent meeting with the Rule of Law Committee further addressed critical issues, including: The suspension of certain lawmakers for six months; the controversy surrounding the legitimacy of Hon. Richard Koon’s position as Speaker; the directive from President Boakai regarding the resumption of lawmakers’ salaries and benefits; in an encouraging gesture towards peace, the Minority block expressed their willingness to forgo presenting a candidate for the speakership, advocating instead for the completion of due process in electing a Speaker.

First Proposals from the Delegation

As a result of these discussions, the delegation put forth several key proposals designed to facilitate understanding and cooperation among legislators.

First and foremost, the proposal emphasized the restoration of suspended lawmakers. The delegation firmly believed that restoring these individuals would not only enhance representation but also demonstrate a commitment to unity and cooperation within the legislative body.

Moreover, it underscored the importance of inclusive governance, allowing all voices and perspectives to contribute to the legislative process.

Secondly, the delegation sought consideration for minority block members to be given roles on committees, including leadership positions in some cases.

This proposal aimed to ensure that all stakeholders in the House of Representatives could participate meaningfully in decision-making processes, fostering a spirit of collaboration and compromise. The success of governance often hinges on the inclusion of diverse voices, and this measure was seen as a step toward achieving that goal.

Finally, the delegation advocated for the House of Representatives to encourage the continuation of reconciliation dialogues. They recognized that the challenges facing the House were not merely procedural but also stemmed from deeper interpersonal and political rifts. Sustained dialogue was viewed as essential for building trust, understanding, and a shared commitment to national interests.

Next Steps and Future Engagements

Following the fruitful discussions during the dialogue, the third meeting in this reconciliation series is being arranged for the upcoming weekend.

The agenda for this meeting will focus on reviewing the proposals made during the previous sessions, particularly those put forth by the Rule of Law Committee. Furthermore, a joint meeting involving representatives of both the Majority and Minority blocs is anticipated, where they will aim to reach a consensus on a mutually agreeable resolution. This approach underscores the commitment to collaborative governance and the importance of maintaining an open dialogue between factions.

The continued engagement between the LCC and IRCL with lawmakers is crucial for ensuring that the lessons learned during these dialogues translate into action.

The importance of effective communication and ongoing cooperation cannot be overstated, as Liberia seeks to navigate its way out of political turmoil and towards a more stable and prosperous future.

 Encouraging a collaborative spirit not only within the legislature but also among the wider citizenry will be vital in reinforcing democratic norms and practices in Liberia.

The Reconciliation Dialogue organized by the Liberia Council of Churches and the Interreligious Council of Liberia represents a significant step toward healing divisions and restoring trust among lawmakers within the House of Representatives. By actively engaging in discussions that prioritize peace, unity, and effective governance, the participating religious leaders have demonstrated the essential role that faith communities can play in the political process.

As Liberia grapples with the legacy of its past and looks toward a future filled with potential, the insights and proposals that emerged from this dialogue provide hope. The ongoing commitment of the LCC, IRCL, and other participants to fostering an environment of understanding and collaboration offers a path forward that can benefit not only the legislature but the entire nation.

To achieve lasting peace and progress, it is imperative for all stakeholders—lawmakers, civil society, and citizens—to work together in pursuit of common goals. The challenges that lie ahead will require concerted efforts and shared sacrifices, but the promise of a cohesive and thriving Liberia remains within reach if the principles of unity, respect, and collaboration are upheld.

As the discussions and engagements continue, the LCC and IRCL stand ready to facilitate an ongoing dialogue, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and that the House of Representatives can fulfill its mandate with integrity and purpose. The successful outcomes of this initiative will ultimately depend on the joint commitment of all parties involved to prioritize the common good over individual interests, laying the groundwork for a brighter future for all Liberians.