Liberia political crisis: Gambari-led ECOWAS team engages stakeholders in peace talks

A delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has commenced high-level engagements with key political actors in Liberia as part of efforts to resolve the country’s ongoing political crisis.

The mission, led by Nigeria’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, is working to address the crisis that has paralysed Liberia’s parliament, stalled government functions, and hindered budgetary processes for months.

The ECOWAS Commission, acting on the recommendations of the 53rd Ordinary Session of the Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level held on 11 December 2024 in Abuja, deployed Gambari’s team to Liberia from 23 to 27 March 2025.

According to a communiqué released by the mission, the delegation has so far engaged with key Liberian stakeholders, including President Joseph Boakai, former Presidents Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and George Weah, Foreign Affairs Minister Sarah Beysolow, the leadership of the House of Representatives, and representatives of the international community.

The communiqué stressed ECOWAS’ position that peace and stability must be prioritised to ensure inclusive socio-economic development and the strengthening of democracy in Liberia. The team also urged President Boakai and his predecessors to work together to enhance peace and stability, while calling on all stakeholders to respect the upcoming Supreme Court ruling.

In addition, the ECOWAS delegation called for the development of a roadmap to swiftly resolve the impasse in the leadership of the House of Representatives. It also appealed to international stakeholders to support efforts to find a lasting solution to the crisis, reaffirming ECOWAS’ commitment to promoting peace, sustainable development, and good governance in Liberia.

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At a meeting with Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Rochard Nagbe Koon, and other legislators, discussions centred on the political standoff at the Capitol Building, particularly the recent leadership transition.

Speaking at the meeting, Gambari, a former Chief of Staff to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, clarified that the ECOWAS delegation was not in Liberia to impose solutions but to facilitate discussions, stressing that “Liberia’s problems can only be solved by Liberians.”

On his part, Hon. Koon reaffirmed his leadership’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and collaboration among lawmakers in the interest of the Liberian people. He underscored the importance of resolving the crisis to ensure stability and effective governance, while expressing appreciation for ECOWAS’ role in fostering peaceful dialogue.

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