Opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has leveled severe accusations against President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, asserting that he is “hunting” former President George Manneh Weah by deploying army personnel at Roberts International Airport during Weah’s recent return from America.
These allegations, made public by CDC Secretary General Jefferson Tamba Koijee during a major press conference on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at the party’s headquarters in Congo Town, have sparked significant controversy and concern among Liberians.
The CDC’s accusations stem from an incident in which heavily armed officers of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) were stationed at Roberts International Airport during Weah’s arrival.
This unusual deployment of military personnel has raised eyebrows among citizens and members of the CDC, as well as lawmakers in the 55th National Legislature.
CDC contends that this show of force was a deliberate act of intimidation directed at Weah and his supporters.
Jefferson Tamba Koijee, speaking on behalf of the CDC, accused President Boakai and his Unity Party administration of politicizing the military by running it along tribal lines.
“The Chief of Staff is a Kissi, and that’s why President Boakai appointed a Kissi person and he has ‘tribalized’ the army,” Koijee asserted.
He suggested that this tribalization poses a threat to the peace and stability of Liberia, a country with a fraught history of ethnic tensions and civil conflict.
Koijee’s remarks highlight the broader historical context of Liberia, where the misuse of military forces has previously led to significant unrest. The CDC Secretary General pointed out that the AFL’s presence at the airport was troubling, given Liberia’s past experiences with military domination by specific ethnic groups.
According to him, the CDC has been at the forefront of efforts to sustain peace in Liberia, making the current situation particularly alarming.
“President Boakai has continued to undermine the peace of this country since his inception in office and the international community needs to be aware of this threat posed to the life of our standard bearer who is a peaceful man,” Koijee stated emphatically.
The Coalition for Democratic Change argued that the deployment of the AFL should be free from political and tribal influences.
“If it were wrong yesterday, it is wrong today,” he added, stressing the need for the military to operate professionally and neutrally.
He claimed that many army personnel have been appointed based on their tribal affiliations, which undermines the integrity and impartiality of the national defense force.
Koijee further criticized the misuse of the army under President Boakai’s administration, describing it as an “alter provocation and wanton misuse of power.”
He asserted that the army is now functioning more like a private security force for President Boakai rather than a national defense institution.
This, he argued, is a dangerous precedent that could erode public trust in the military and the government.
Koijee urged all CDC members to protect former President Weah as their “personal property.”
He emphasized that any harm to Weah would be considered an attack on all CDC partisans. “The CDC will not negotiate its safety in the country under this regime,” he declared.
Koijee also called on the 55th National Legislature to take a serious interest in the incident at Roberts International Airport, urging lawmakers to use their oversight responsibilities to address the matter.
“The national legislature should take due note and address this matter through its oversight responsibility,” he stressed.
The accusations by the CDC against President Boakai have significant implications for Liberia’s political landscape.
They underscore the deep divisions and mistrust that persist between political factions in the country.
The CDC’s claims of tribalism and political intimidation could exacerbate existing tensions and potentially lead to further instability if not addressed.
Moreover, these allegations come at a time when Liberia is grappling with numerous challenges, including economic hardships, social unrest, and the need for comprehensive reforms in various sectors.
The deployment of military personnel at a civilian airport for what appears to be political purposes is a troubling development that could undermine efforts to foster national unity and reconciliation.
The international community, which has been closely monitoring Liberia’s post-conflict recovery, may view these developments with concern.
The presence of the AFL at the airport and the CDC’s allegations of political targeting could prompt calls for increased scrutiny and intervention from international organizations and foreign governments.
Ensuring that Liberia remains on a path towards peace and stability is in the interest of both the country and its international partners.
The CDC’s accusations against President Boakai mark a critical moment in Liberia’s political discourse.
Liberia’s post-conflict reconstruction and democratic governance is vital allyning with the importance of maintaining a neutral and professional military cannot be overstated.
The allegations of tribalism and political misuse of the army, if true, represent a significant threat to Liberia’s peace and stability.
It is essential that all parties engage in constructive dialogue and seek peaceful resolutions to their differences.
The safety and well-being of all Liberians, regardless of their political affiliations, must remain the paramount concern.
The international community, as well as local civil society organizations, will play a crucial role in supporting these efforts and ensuring that Liberia continues to move forward on its path to lasting peace and development.
By: Blamo N. Toe/ Contributor
