By: Archie Boan
The opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has described the recent fire outbreak at the residence of its political leader and former President George Manneh Weah as a “premeditated attack” on his life, calling for an independent international investigation into the incident.
In a strongly worded statement issued Tuesday, CDC National Chairman Atty. Janga A. Kowo said the party views the fire as a deliberate attempt not only to endanger the former President but also to destabilize Liberia’s hard-earned peace.
“This unfortunate incident was clearly a premeditated attack on the life of our political leader, intended to undermine his safety and destabilize the peace of our nation,” the statement read.
The CDC linked the fire to what it says is a growing pattern of intimidation against the former President and his supporters. The party recalled previous incidents at the Roberts International Airport (RIA), where it alleged that personnel of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and the Liberia National Police brutalized CDC partisans during Weah’s return to the country.
“During one of President Weah’s returns, the RIA became a scene of violence when AFL personnel attacked CDC supporters. More recently, armed police officers stationed at the airport manhandled and handcuffed partisans, with some being jailed,” the release said.
The statement also accused Unity Party (UP) supporters of spreading misinformation, including what it described as a “fake, AI-generated image” purporting to show the former President’s bedroom. The CDC termed the action deceptive and an attempt to tarnish Weah’s public image.
While confirming that former President Weah remains safe and in good health, the CDC called for a “forensic, international, and independent investigation” to ensure that the truth surrounding the incident is revealed.
“The CDC remains committed to safeguarding peace, unity, and democracy in Liberia,” Chairman Kowo stressed, cautioning against what he called reckless political actions.
Authorities are yet to officially comment on the alleged arson attack or provide updates regarding the cause of the fire.
