The Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), a major opposition party in Liberia, has issued a stern warning to the Unity Party-led government, threatening unspecified actions if what they describe as “continuous harassment and provocations” against former President George Weah do not cease.
The CDC’s Secretary General, Jefferson Koijee, speaking on behalf of the party, emphasized that their response could surpass the actions witnessed during Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s presidency. Koijee accused the current administration of displaying a disrespectful attitude towards their immediate past president, George Weah, and warned that the CDC’s patience is running thin.
The CDC, which governed Liberia for six years before returning to the opposition, is known for its vigorous and sometimes confrontational political tactics during the Sirleaf administration.
Koijee’s remarks suggest that the party is ready to revert to those methods if their demands are not met. He highlighted a specific incident in which former President Weah was allegedly denied access to the VIP lounge at an airport, a facility constructed during Weah’s administration, as a clear sign of disrespect.
During a press conference, Koijee asserted that the Unity Party government is fostering a hostile environment that threatens the country’s democratic progress. He warned that such actions could lead to political unrest. “President Boakai cannot damage the peace of this country he took over,” Koijee declared.
Koijee argued that respecting former President Weah is not merely a courtesy but a governmental duty. He cautioned that the CDC might resort to severe measures that could destabilize national security if their grievances are not addressed.
“This is reaching to a point where we CDCians will take further action that the State will not have security for. History will not fall short of what we are capable of doing as a party,” he warned.
Beyond the issue of disrespect towards former President George Weah, Koijee criticized the current administration’s handling of several national issues. He cited lawlessness, mysterious killings, and unlawful dismissals of government officials as indicative of a failing governance structure. The former Monrovia City Mayor also pointed to controversies surrounding the administration’s management of 285 earth-moving equipment, which has drawn significant public scrutiny.
Former Mayor Koijee also highlighted internal conflicts within the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA), a deteriorating healthcare system, high unemployment rates, and rising rice prices as major challenges undermining Boakai’s ability to lead the country effectively.
Koijee’s comments serve as a stark reminder of the CDC’s readiness to mobilize against perceived injustices and their capacity to incite significant political action. The party’s declaration underscores a tense political climate in Liberia, where the balance between respect for former leaders and the current administration’s policies could have far-reaching implications for national stability.
The CDC Secretary General made it clear that the CDC is not willing to tolerate any form of disrespect towards former President Weah. He warned that the party is prepared to take decisive actions that could escalate tensions if the government fails to heed their concerns. “Former President Weah’s peaceful stance should not be mistaken for weakness,” Koijee concluded, leaving a palpable sense of impending conflict in the air.
