In a bold move ahead of 2029 general and presidential elections, Sinoe County Senator Crayton Oldman Duncan is set to launch a new political party, breaking away from the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), and positioning himself as a potential presidential candidate and a fierce critic of Liberia’s political establishment under Pres. Boakai.
Duncan, who entered national politics on the Unity Party’s ticket before defecting to the CDC under former President George Weah, now says both parties have failed the Liberian people. With the 2029 general elections on the horizon, Duncan is charting an independent course through his newly expected political movement: Our Movement – Economic Freedom People’s Power.
“For too long, multinational investors have taken our gold, timber, oil, and other resources while Liberians remain poor,” Duncan said at a gathering in Sinoe County. “My movement will change that dynamic. We will fight for economic freedom and restore people’s power.”
The new platform is centered on economic nationalism and resource justice ~ messages Duncan believes will resonate with Liberians frustrated by decades of poverty despite vast natural resource wealth.
Blunt Criticism for Former Allies
Duncan did not hold back in criticizing his former political allies, launching his sharpest public attack yet on former President George Weah. Once a staunch Weah supporter, Duncan now accuses the former leader of abandoning the very citizens who propelled him into power.
“George Weah is my own man, but he failed the Liberian people,” Duncan said. “He rose from the slums, yet when given power, he neglected those very people. He did not deliver to expectations, and that’s why I can no longer stand with him politically.”
Weah’s six-year presidency, marked by high expectations, ended amid widespread disillusionment over persistent corruption, joblessness, and poor infrastructure ~ issues Duncan says were neglected despite billions in foreign investments.
President Joseph Boakai did not escape criticism either. Duncan blasted the Unity Party-led government for what he describes as weak leadership and a failure to challenge exploitative foreign concessions.
“The papay is old, but I thought he could at least confront the international community and investors,” Duncan said. “Instead, he has been silent and fearful, unable to stand like a true head of state.”
Rising Discontent and 2029 Ambitions
Duncan’s comments come as public frustration mounts over the Boakai administration’s slow pace of reform and a sluggish economy. With foreign companies continuing to dominate Liberia’s extractive sectors, many citizens feel they’ve seen little return from their country’s vast natural wealth.
Analysts say Duncan’s populist message and grassroots rhetoric could signal the beginning of a serious 2029 presidential campaign. While he has yet to formally declare his candidacy, his language suggests a clear ambition.
“I will liberate Liberia,” he declared. “Our country deserves better, and come 2029, the people will have the chance to take back their destiny.”
A New Political Force?
Our Movement – Economic Freedom, People’s Power is being billed as more than just a political party. Duncan is pitching it as a national liberation platform aimed at restoring control of Liberia’s wealth to its people.
His message is expected to appeal to young voters, disenfranchised communities, and rural populations who feel sidelined by decades of elite-driven politics.
Whether Duncan’s fiery rhetoric can translate into a viable political campaign remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: with years still to go before the official election season begins, Senator Crayton Duncan has thrown down the gauntlet—and the political establishment is taking notice.
