The Coalition for Democratic Change – Council of Patriots (CDC-COP) has strongly condemned the administration of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, accusing his government of gross mismanagement of Liberia’s foreign policy and pervasive corruption.
According to the opposition, this disastrous combination has pushed Liberia to the brink of diplomatic isolation and economic collapse. The CDC-COP has called for immediate, decisive actions to mend Liberia’s relationship with the United States, warning of a looming crisis that could devastate the country’s future.
The criticism comes in response to President Boakai’s administration’s failure to address critical diplomatic and security issues, which have now resulted in Liberia being placed on the U.S. visa restriction “yellow list.” This alarming development is attributed to major security breaches in Liberia’s passport system, as well as the government’s concerning shift away from its long-standing ties with the U.S. in favor of countries like China, Iran, and Russia. The CDC-COP has slammed the Boakai administration for trying to shift blame onto the previous government, calling it a failure to take responsibility for the nation’s current plight.
Perhaps the most contentious issue, according to the CDC-COP, is Liberia’s betrayal of the United States at the United Nations General Assembly. Liberia’s recent positions at the UN have repeatedly contradicted American interests, causing a rift between the two nations. The CDC-COP claims that Boakai’s ultra-leftist administration has systematically eroded decades of goodwill, further complicating Liberia’s diplomatic standing with its most vital ally. The group is demanding a reversal of this policy and a return to Liberia’s traditional alignment with the U.S.
The CDC-COP also decries the ongoing scandal surrounding the sale of Liberian diplomatic passports under Boakai’s leadership. According to the opposition, the sale of these passports to foreign nationals, including German national Mathias Anton Spies, represents not only gross corruption but also a major national security threat. The practice is said to echo similar scandals involving the Unity Party, which surfaced in the 2012 documentary The Ambassador. The CDC-COP is calling for the immediate dismissal and prosecution of all those involved in this illegal activity, labeling it a “treasonous scheme” that must be addressed without delay.
The United States has given Liberia a 60-day ultimatum to address these issues, with severe consequences hanging in the balance. Should President Boakai fail to act, the CDC-COP warns, Liberia could face stricter visa restrictions, potentially barring ordinary Liberians from entering the U.S. This, they argue, would lead to severe economic ramifications, including the loss of billions in remittances from the Liberian diaspora. In addition, the possibility of financial sanctions and the cessation of crucial international aid and investment could cripple Liberia’s already fragile economy.
Beyond foreign policy and diplomatic missteps, the CDC-COP also highlights what it describes as the Boakai administration’s mismanagement of the War Crimes Court establishment, particularly criticizing the abrupt removal of Cllr. Jonathan Massaquoi. The opposition sees this as a failure to pursue justice for Liberia’s war-torn people, further undermining the administration’s credibility.
Another area of concern for the CDC-COP is the state of Liberia’s ports of entry, which they describe as a “national security scandal.” Rampant smuggling, corruption, and a lack of security have left the country’s borders vulnerable, a situation that the opposition says must be urgently addressed. They are demanding a full overhaul of security protocols at all ports of entry to ensure that Liberia meets global security standards.
The CDC-COP is calling for President Boakai to abandon his habit of deflecting responsibility and instead take immediate, concrete actions to address these critical issues. The opposition insists on full compliance with U.S. Executive Order 141161 to restore trust in Liberia’s passport system, and they are demanding that all officials involved in the passport fraud scandal be fired and prosecuted. They also urge the government to fulfill all the requirements set by the U.S. in order to avoid further diplomatic isolation.
With the 60-day deadline rapidly approaching, the CDC-COP stresses that time is running out for President Boakai’s administration to make a course correction. Failure to act, they warn, will have dire consequences for the nation’s economy, its international standing, and the livelihoods of ordinary Liberians. The opposition has vowed to continue pressing for accountability, transparency, and leadership, calling on all patriotic Liberians to join them in demanding action from the government.
In conclusion, the CDC-COP asserts that Liberia’s future is hanging in the balance, and only bold, decisive leadership can prevent the country from descending into further isolation and economic ruin. They argue that President Boakai’s administration has failed in this regard, and they are committed to holding the government accountable for its failures. As the clock ticks down on Liberia’s relationship with the U.S., the stakes could not be higher for the country’s future.
