By Matthew Anderson and Mark Feldman
The International Peace Bureau (IPB) has called on members of Liberia’s House of Representatives to unite and end the ongoing parliamentary deadlock that has affected the country’s legislative activities since October 2024.
“Liberia is at a crucial point where the challenges of economic recovery, governance, peacebuilding, and social unity require cooperation from all political leaders. It is essential for the Reform and Loyalist Blocs to set aside party differences and work together,” IPB said, adding that, “the people of Liberia expect their elected officials to join forces in pursuit of common goals that will lead to lasting development and national unity.”
Founded in 1891, IPB is one of the world’s oldest international peace federations consisting of 300 organizations in 70 countries. Headquartered in Berlin, Germany, the organization’s main program centers on disarmament for sustainable development and reallocation of military expenditure.
In its letter to leaders of Liberia’s House of Representatives, IPB noted that Liberian leaders should dedicate themselves to serving the people of Liberia.
“We are reaching out to you as leaders of the Reform and Loyalist Blocs in the Liberia House of Representatives. We recognize the important roles both blocs have in shaping our nation’s future and appreciate your commitment to serving the public. However, we feel it is time for stronger unity and decisive action to tackle the urgent issues the country faces,” IPB said, while urging leaders of both parties to prioritize unity and the people’s interest.
Since October 2024, Liberia’s House of Representatives has been going through challenging leadership struggles that escalated tensions in the country leading to growing public distrust. IPB members said deep divisions in the country highlight the urgent need for action to settle the deadlock.
“We recognize the important roles both blocs have in shaping our nation’s future and appreciate your commitment to serving the public,” IPB stated, while urging Liberia’s parliamentary leaders to focus on economic development, education, healthcare, anticorruption, youth empowerment, peace, and security.
“We urge you to participate in meaningful discussions and work together on laws that tackle these important issues. The future of Liberia relies on your ability to put aside differences and focus on what is best for the country,” the organization noted, adding, “we are ready to support and work with you in these efforts and look forward to seeing positive changes in the coming months.”
You can read the IPB’s letter to Liberia’s House of Representatives here.
To sign the IPB petition to the Liberian House of Representatives, click here.
For additional context on the Liberian situation, read Tyson Smith Berry Jr.’s essay here.