Liberia’s government will try to oust House speaker

Significance The House is currently divided into two separately sitting factions, each claiming parliamentary legitimacy. The split began in October over an effort by a ‘Majority Bloc’ to oust Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa. Impacts Political paralysis may encourage street demonstrations. The new National Railway Authority could face legal challenges by mining companies concerned over possible contract breaches. Progress on the Liberty Corridor connecting mining areas, ports and hydroelectric power may stall over contract disputes.