The Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has accused the Unity Party-led administration of President Joseph Boakai of orchestrating a campaign of repression marked by clandestine arrests and systematic targeting of political opponents.
In a strongly worded statement issued late Wednesday, the CDC alleged that the government uses authoritarian tactics to stifle dissent and undermine Liberia’s democratic values.
According to the CDC, several individuals, including opposition figures Eric Susay, James Weah, and Andrew Sleh Lawson, have been unlawfully detained in undisclosed locations. These detentions, the party claims, were carried out without due process and bear the hallmarks of Liberia’s oppressive past. The party expressed fears that the detainees could face severe mistreatment or even extrajudicial executions, citing what it described as a growing trend of “arrest-to-kill” strategies by the government.
National Chairman of the CDC, Atty. Janga A. Kowo revealed that the party had filed a writ of habeas corpus to compel the government to present the detainees in court. “We demand the immediate release of these individuals and insist that their living bodies be accounted for. The rule of law must prevail over this blatant disregard for constitutional rights,” Kowo stated.
The CDC further accused the government of creating an atmosphere of fear by using excessive force to disperse peaceful protests and public gatherings. Reports of violent crackdowns on demonstrators have fueled concerns of an authoritarian shift under the Boakai administration. The opposition argues that such heavy-handed tactics violate citizens’ rights and undermine the democratic principles Liberia has worked to rebuild.
In an alarming claim, the CDC referenced past incidents in which detained Liberians were allegedly traded to foreign regimes for political or economic favors. The party fears that the current detainees might face a similar fate, being secretly transferred abroad in exchange for resources or diplomatic support.
The CDC’s statement also pointed to the mysterious deaths of two Liberians in Lofa County, which it claims highlight the administration’s inability—or unwillingness—to ensure the safety of its citizens. “The increasing number of unexplained deaths and the rampant security lapses paint a grim picture of the government’s competence and commitment to justice,” Kowo asserted.
The party’s concerns extend beyond individual cases, raising broader questions about the state of governance and the rule of law in Liberia. Critics argue that the government’s alleged actions signal a dangerous erosion of civil liberties, with potential consequences for Liberia’s stability and international standing.
The CDC emphasized that it remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding Liberians’ rights, including freedom of speech and movement, which it claims are under siege. The party vowed to explore all legal and political avenues to secure justice for the detained individuals and to hold the government accountable for its actions.
As Liberia stands at what the CDC described as a “critical crossroads,” the party called on citizens and the international community to defend democracy and justice. “The fight for accountability and preserving our democratic values is a fight for all Liberians. We cannot afford to remain silent in the face of these grave injustices,” Kowo said.
