The Liberian House of Representatives, embroiled in internal conflict since 2024, has barred suspended members from attending President Boakai’s second annual State of the Nation Address (SONA) scheduled for January 27, 2025. This decision stems from an ongoing dispute that saw 43 lawmakers, identifying themselves as the “Majority Bloc,” suspend 40 of their colleagues. The suspension was enacted under Rule 21 of the House’s internal regulations, which stipulates that members absent for more than two weeks without formal notification to the leadership are subject to suspension and potential declaration of their seats as vacant. The exclusion of these suspended members from the SONA underscores the deep divisions within the House and adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape in Liberia.
The House’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Robert Haynes, confirmed the exclusion, emphasizing that suspended members will not receive invitations to the presidential address. This decision has been framed as a plenary decision, reinforcing the authority of the House leadership and the seriousness with which the suspensions are being treated. The barred legislators include prominent figures such as Obediah Varney of Bomi County District #1, Sam P. Jallah of Bong County District #3, and Mohammed Dossier of Grand Cape Mount County District #2, among others. Their absence from this significant national event highlights the ongoing political tensions and the potential impact on representation within the legislature.
In anticipation of the SONA, heightened security measures are being implemented around the Capitol Building. Joint Security forces will be deployed to secure the premises and control access. Roadblocks will be established from 9th Street to the Capitol Building, and vehicles of those with official invitations will undergo thorough searches. Individuals without invitations will be redirected through alternate routes, primarily through Jallah Town. This strict security protocol aims to ensure the smooth and secure delivery of the President’s address and maintain order during the event.
The focus on security reflects the importance of the SONA and the desire to prevent any disruptions. The public has been advised to stay home and follow the address through radio or television broadcasts unless they have official invitations. This underscores the authorities’ commitment to maintaining a secure and controlled environment during this significant national event. The emphasis on security also suggests a sensitivity to the potential for unrest given the existing political tensions within the legislature and possibly beyond.
Preparations for the SONA are being overseen by the Joint Committee on Executive, chaired by Representative Sekou Kanneh, in collaboration with Executive and Senate Co-chairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant stakeholders. This collaborative effort aims to ensure the seamless execution of the event and facilitate the President’s delivery of his address to the nation. The involvement of multiple government bodies reflects the significance of the SONA as a key moment in the national political calendar.
The exclusion of the suspended lawmakers from the SONA provides a stark reminder of the internal divisions within the Liberian House of Representatives. This ongoing conflict, originating from the attempted removal of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa in 2024, has created a significant rift within the legislature. The stringent security measures being implemented for the SONA further underscore the sensitivity of the current political climate and the potential for further unrest. The event itself, while intended as a platform for the President to address the nation, is now also a backdrop against which the internal political struggles of the House are playing out. The long-term implications of this internal conflict remain to be seen, but it undoubtedly adds a layer of complexity to the political landscape in Liberia as the nation moves forward.
