Former Liberian President George Weah is engaged in talks with Alexander Cummings, leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), about potentially forming a unified front for the 2029 presidential election.
Cummings, a former Coca-Cola executive with a formidable international reputation, is being considered as a possible leader of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) in a grand opposition coalition aimed at challenging incumbent President Joseph Boakai and his ruling Unity Party.
According to insiders who spoke with Oracle News Daily, a faction within the CDC, led by influential Secretary-General Jefferson Koijee, supports the partnership with Cummings.
The ANC, which emerged as a splinter group from the CDC, stands as one of Liberia’s largest political party but has struggled in recent elections.
It is believed that Koijee has remained silent on the matter, not responding to requests for comment. Similarly, ANC’s National Chairman Horatio Gould neither confirmed nor denied the ongoing discussions, stating, “Nothing is static and nothing is permanent in politics. We are talking to everybody, including the Unity Party.”
The appeal of Cummings lies in his international stature, social capital, and extensive network of global leaders, assets that are particularly enticing to the CDC, currently under U.S. sanctions.
Before losing power, the Weah administration saw nearly a dozen of its officials sanctioned by the U.S. government on charges ranging from human rights violations to corruption.
Since his electoral defeat in November 2023, Weah has been focused on rebuilding the CDC. The once-powerful coalition he assembled in 2017 to oust the Unity Party has fractured, resulting in a mass exodus of allies and partisans.
In a bid to reenergize its demoralized base, the CDC recently held a rally in Monrovia under the theme “Turning Setback into Comeback.” The event drew a substantial crowd of supporters, hinting at the CDC’s potential resurgence as a formidable opposition force.
Former National Chairman Mulbah Morlu, who resigned in February over policy disagreements with Weah, has advised the CDC to improve its international reputation and repair relationships with global powers to position itself for a comeback in 2029.
In a briefing note to Weah, Morlu emphasized the need for a skilled team of foreign policy experts to engage with key Western capitals, including Washington, Brussels, and London.
“I would like to offer one final piece of advice, Mr. Standard-bearer, which I have previously communicated to you in a briefing note. It is crucial to assemble a proficient team of foreign policy experts to engage with key Western capitals, such as Washington, Brussels, Number 10 Downing Street, and others.
These engagements should involve discussions regarding international decisions made during our tenure, aiming to rebuild confidence and provide assurances to our international partners,” Morlu wrote.
He further stressed the importance of enhancing relations with Washington and its European allies, highlighting Liberia’s strategic significance within the United States’ sphere of influence.
“As we endeavor to revitalize the CDC’s domestic and global political standing, I stress the importance of prioritizing the enhancement of relations with Washington and its invaluable allies.
Neglecting to capitalize on our historical ties with the U.S. would be a missed opportunity, especially considering Liberia’s strategic significance within the United States’ sphere of influence.
Therefore, strengthening ties with the U.S. and its European counterparts is a good step forward, even for a major opposition party,” he added.
The potential alliance between Weah and Cummings could significantly alter Liberia’s political landscape. Cummings’ credentials, including his tenure as a top executive at Coca-Cola, and his extensive international connections, provide a stark contrast to the incumbent administration.
His entry into a coalition with the CDC would represent a merger of local political strength and international credibility.
The outcome of these discussions remains uncertain, with both Weah and Cummings playing their cards close to the chest.
However, the possibility of a unified opposition presents a serious challenge to President Boakai’s re-election bid of deemed necessary.
As the political chess game unfolds, all eyes will be on how these alliances shape the future of Liberia’s political arena.
In a country where political dynamics can shift rapidly, the potential Weah-Cummings alliance underscores the fluid nature of Liberian politics.
Credit: Oracle News Daily
