U.S. Ambassador Mark Toner on Monday, November 25, 2024 met and held discussions with the former President of Liberia, Ambassador George M. Weah, with the US ambassador acknowledging Weah’s clear commitment to sustaining the peace and building on the democracy.
Before the meeting, it was rumored that ex-President Weah had intended to gather some supporters and conduct a peaceful march from his 9th Street residence to the Capitol, in order to meet with the embattled Speaker of the 55th Legislature, whom he has openly declared support for and told his Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) lawmakers to support.
Apparently due to the sensitivity of Weah’s action to the peace and stability of the state, US Ambassador Toner arranged a discussion with the former President, and perhaps urged him to reconsider his decision, which observers say is in the best interest of the country.
During the meeting, Ambassador Toner has emphasized that the United States wants to see Liberia’s political process play out peacefully and with respect to the rule of law, and now more than ever, Liberia’s leaders, past and present, need to show unity.
His call for the respect of the rule of law in the House’s impasse has been interpreted by legal and political pundits as a caution for lawmakers who have refused to align their political activities with constituted laws. They say the call could not have been more appropriate and timelier than now, as the legislative imbroglio has stalled several activities of the government and may hinder the passage of the 2025 Draft National Budget.
An affiliate of the “majority bloc” has told the Hot Pepper that the statement of the US ambassador points directly to their action, as it literally interprets to returning under Speaker Fonati Koffa’s gavel, which the individual described as “seemingly impossible” to do.
But pundits have warned about the underlying consequences of defying the United States, noting that the lawmakers should think about life beyond the Capitol.
Meanwhile, it has been rumored that several lawmakers abandoned the Tuesday session of the “majority bloc”, including the presiding, Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, without excuse.
In a statement of breakaway from the “majority bloc”, Gbarpolu County’s electoral district #1 Representative, Zinnah A. Norman, has clarified that his reasons for attending the joint chamber session of the “majority bloc” on last Tuesday, indicating his presence there was intended to encourage his colleagues to ensure that embattled Speaker Koffa receives due process as mandated by law.
Representative Norman reiterated his support for Speaker Koffa amidst the on-going political stalemate.