Embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa’s cryptic post on his official Facebook page, which he later deleted has sparked widespread speculation and concern across Liberia. On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, Koffa posted a single phrase—”The Alamo!!!” a statement that has raised eyebrows and fuelled debate. While the post’s exact meaning remains unclear, its timing coincided with escalating political tension as protests erupted at the Capitol Building in Monrovia, further deepening the crisis in Liberia’s Legislature.
The Concerned Citizens organized the protest for the Protection of Constitution, Democracy, and the Rule of Law. Demonstrators clashed with officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) after attempting to breach the Capitol’s perimeter fence. On Monday, December 16, 2024, group Chairperson Janjay Baikpah announced a “Nonstop Capitol Lockdown” under the White Tuesday – A Day for Justice and Action theme. Baikpah called on all concerned Liberians to demand that the Boakai-led administration restore constitutional order and respect the rule of law.
Baikpah, a staunch member of the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), accused the government of unconstitutional actions and deliberate efforts to destabilize the Legislature. “The time has come for all Liberians to rise and demand a better and peaceful motherland,” he declared passionately. Baikpah alleged that the Boakai-Koung administration had funnelled over $5 million into efforts to remove Speaker Koffa, claiming that such actions aim to consolidate control over the first branch of government while depriving citizens of essential services.
In his speech, Baikpah also criticized the worsening social and economic conditions in Liberia, citing rising unemployment, ritualistic killings, police brutality, and alleged corruption within the Boakai-Koung administration. “Government officials live in luxury while ordinary Liberians suffer,” he lamented, urging citizens to stand up for justice and accountability.
Amid the chaos, Speaker J. Fonati Koffa has remained resolute in his refusal to resign. He argues that the Majority Bloc’s ongoing efforts to remove him are unconstitutional, violating the Legislature’s standing rules. Despite mounting pressure and allegations of corruption and conflict of interest, Koffa has steadfastly rejected calls for his resignation.
The crisis escalated further when Hon. Richard Koon, Representative of District #11 in Montserrado County, was elected as the new Speaker in a joint chamber vote led by Rep. Samuel G. Kogar. Koon’s election is widely seen as a direct challenge to Koffa’s authority, exacerbating the already fragile political environment.
Koffa’s now-deleted “Alamo” post—whether intended as a symbolic call for defiance or a reference to the legendary last stand of resistance—has only heightened tensions. As the political impasse continues, the symbolism of his message has left Liberians questioning the stability of their Legislature.
In a brief statement following the protest, Speaker Koffa said, “The right of citizens to peacefully assemble is cardinal. The use of force cannot be callous. Peace is better than war because life is better than death.”
Meanwhile, Sekou Kalasco Damaro, a former presidential aide to ex-President George Weah, was reportedly arrested by police for participating in the demonstration. Representative Frank Saah Foko, a CDC lawmaker and one of the protest leaders, allegedly fled the scene and sought refuge at the Monrovia City Court on Capitol Hill.
Political observers on social media have described the unfolding events as a critical moment for Liberia’s democracy, emphasizing that the Legislature stands at a crossroads amid rising political uncertainty. Cllr. Gabriel Nah noted that as protests persist and accusations intensify, the nation watches closely to determine whether dialogue or further division will shape Liberia’s path forward.
