The recent dismissal of nine employees from the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) labeling the move as not only illegal but a severe threat to youth employment and national unity in Liberia.
These dismissals, allegedly based on social media posts critical of President Boakai and his administration, have drawn sharp criticism from CDC Secretary General Jefferson Tamba Koijee, who views them as part of a broader agenda to silence dissent and weaken the political opposition.
Koijee, the former Mayor of Monrovia, did not mince words in his condemnation of the dismissals. He described them as “counterproductive to addressing the unemployment crisis” in Liberia, noting that they undermine the very principles upon which President Boakai campaigned—promises of job creation and opportunities for the nation’s youth.
Koijee argues that these actions are not just politically motivated but are also designed to create an environment of fear, where those who do not align with the ruling Unity Party (UP) are marginalized and persecuted.
In a strongly worded statement, Koijee accused the Boakai administration of engaging in a “political witch hunt” against Liberians who exercise their right to free speech. He pointed out that under his leadership as Mayor, the Monrovia City Corporation employed individuals from various political backgrounds, including staunch supporters of the Unity Party. These individuals, he noted, were never targeted or dismissed based on their political affiliations.
Koijee emphasized the dangerous precedent set by these dismissals, warning that they could lead to increased instability in a post-election Liberia. “The dismissals spark national security concerns ranging from the protection of those dismissed, their children, and external families,” Koijee stated.
He further noted that the actions of the current Monrovia City Mayor, who he accused of incompetence, have directly impacted the lives of those dismissed, creating a sense of vulnerability and fear among those who do not share the same political sentiments as the ruling party.
The CDC Secretary General went on to highlight the broader implications of these dismissals, suggesting that they could undermine Liberia’s relationships with international development partners and foreign embassies. “The decision by the mayor amounts to politicization of the Monrovia City Government on a partisan basis,” Koijee asserted. He warned that such actions have the potential to scare away donors and disrupt ongoing development projects.
Koijee also called attention to the violation of Liberia’s constitution and labor laws, particularly Article 18, which prohibits dismissal based on partisanship, tribe, creed, or other discriminatory factors. He accused the Monrovia City Government of willfully disregarding due process by not allowing the affected employees to be heard in a preliminary investigation. Furthermore, he criticized the Civil Service Agency for its role in these dismissals, arguing that it violated the charter that supports the autonomy of the City Government to manage its personnel independently of the Central Government.
In a broader context, Koijee connected these dismissals to a pattern of constitutional disregard by the Boakai administration. He cited the President’s previous actions, including the violation of tenure positions and the manipulation of the national budget to retaliate against the judiciary, as evidence of a government that is increasingly authoritarian and dismissive of the rule of law.
Koijee’s critique extended beyond the dismissals to encompass a wider concern for the future of Liberia under Boakai’s leadership. He questioned the President’s ability to reconcile the nation and lead it towards prosperity, suggesting that Boakai’s actions are more likely to plunge the country into further division and conflict. “This is not what we dreamt of under an old man who should be a figure of reconciliation,” Koijee lamented, accusing Boakai of commissioning actions that could lead to civil unrest, such as deploying the military to interfere with the operations of the opposition.
In his closing remarks, Koijee called on the international community to intervene and help prevent further erosion of democracy in Liberia. He warned that the dismissals and the broader pattern of constitutional violations could have far-reaching consequences, not just for Liberia, but for the stability of the entire West African region. “The time to resist Mr. Boakai is now or never,” Koijee declared, urging all Liberians to stand up against what he sees as a dangerous and reckless administration.
The dismissals, Koijee concluded, are more than just a political issue; they are a direct threat to the peace and stability that Liberia has fought so hard to achieve. As the nation grapples with these challenges, the CDC remains resolute in its commitment to defending the rights of all Liberians, regardless of their political affiliations.
