Liberia’s Most Celebrated Soccer Star, James Salinsa Debah, Breaks Ranks with CDC Political Leader George Weah; Advocates for Justice and Accountability
By Moses Gwee of Verity News
The recent press conference held by former President George Weah, in which he defended former senior officials accused of corruption, has sparked a significant backlash from within his own political circle. One of the most notable dissenters is James Salinsa Debah, Liberia’s most celebrated soccer star and a former ally of Weah.
Just 24 hours after the National Patriotic Party, through its Chairman Atty. George Mulbah, urged the Boakai-led administration to prosecute former officials of Weah’s government, Debah publicly disagreed with Weah’s claims of a “witch hunt.” Debah, a former standout for Lyon, Paris Saint-Germain, and Monaco, expressed his views on his official Facebook page, condemning impunity and calling for justice.
Debah’s reaction marks a significant departure from his previous support for Weah, whom he endorsed for re-election in August 2023. Political analysts suggest this disagreement could indicate a potential rift within the ranks of Weah’s supporters.
In his Facebook post, Debah stated, “Impunity has no room in this contemporary political dispensation.”
He elaborated that impunity represents a failure to bring perpetrators of human rights violations and financial malfeasance to justice, thus denying victims their right to justice and redress.
The Liberian soccer legend who became political ally to Weah during the 2023 Elections emphasized the need for a robust system of checks and balances to ensure accountability and foster national development.
But, addressing a press conference at the CDC Party Headquarters on July 31, 2024, Weah vowed to resist the Boakai-led administration if their commitment to peace is perceived as weakness.
He criticized the government’s recent issuance of arrest warrants for former senior officials over corruption allegations, including his confidants, as a “witch hunt” aimed at undermining CDC’s political strength.
Weah urged the Boakai administration to implement the recommendations of the General Auditing Commission (GAC) and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) impartially, without cherry-picking. He argued that selective implementation would only target officials from his administration, thereby weakening the CDC’s political influence.
Additionally, Weah accused President Boakai of disrespecting the rule of law, citing the “forced removal” of officials in tenured positions, including the recent suspension of Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) Governor J. Aloysius Tarlue. Weah called on the international community, including diplomatic posts and partners, to investigate and prevent potential government violations of the law.
The discord between Weah and Debah highlights a growing divide as the Boakai administration moves forward with its anti-corruption efforts.
Debah’s public call for an end to impunity underscores the need for justice and accountability in Liberia’s political landscape.
His stance reflects a broader sentiment among some former Weah supporters who now seek a more transparent and accountable government.
