A political storm is brewing within the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) following a leaked conversation in which former President George Weah and his close allies harshly criticized Montserrado County Senator Saah Joseph.
The dispute stems from Senator Joseph’s public disapproval of Weah’s refusal to shake hands with Vice President Jeremiah Koung during a condolence visit to the family of the late Senator Prince Y. Johnson in Nimba County on December 1, 2024.
The controversy began when Weah opted for a “hand-on-chest” gesture instead of a handshake with Vice President Koung, which has sparked mixed reactions. The incident, meant to be a solemn expression of sympathy, quickly turned political after screenshots from a CDC WhatsApp group chat were leaked on social media. Weah reportedly referred to Senator Joseph in the chats as “very stupid” for criticizing his actions.
In the leaked conversation, Weah justified his decision, asserting that his visit was strictly to console the family of the late Senator Johnson, not to engage in political gestures. “You are very stupid to write this nonsense of your own understanding,” Weah reportedly wrote. “My love for the people of Nimba is not about shaking hands with Koung. I sympathized with the late Honorable Prince Johnson’s wife, children, and family—not with Koung. Koung needs to leave the traditional mat for others to be comfortable expressing sympathy.”
Weah also emphasized that his hand-on-chest gesture was a sign of respect and reiterated his condolences to the Johnson family, framing his actions as a demonstration of love and reverence.
The leaked exchanges reveal deepening fractures within the CDC. Chief Eugene Fahngon, a senior party member, accused Senator Joseph of selectively defending Vice President Koung while ignoring other critical issues involving the party. “Saah, you guys need to stop,” Fahngon wrote. “You only comment to defend Koung? Why did you not comment when Koffa was under a sustained attack? Did you condemn Koung for sponsoring the attempt to remove the CDC Speaker and replace him with Richard Koon? No.”
Senator Joseph also faced backlash for failing to address what CDC members described as “disrespect” towards Weah, including allegations that Vice President Koung attempted to block Weah’s plane from landing during the 2023 elections.
Some party members called for a more respectful discourse amid the escalating tension. Forestry Development Authority (FDA) Director Mike Doryen urged CDC members to uphold decorum when addressing the former President. “No amount of anger for any reason, be it personal or official, should lead any of us here to engage in any exchange that can be considered disrespectful to President G. M. Weah,” Doryen wrote. He reminded members of the benefits they have enjoyed through their association with Weah and stressed the need for unity.
The tension between Weah and Senator Joseph took a personal turn when Weah questioned Joseph’s political future. “Let’s watch and see in 2029 if you can win votes without CDC,” Weah wrote. Senator Joseph responded sharply, “So it means you don’t want me in the party again! Ok, well noted, Mr. President.”
The leaked conversation has highlighted internal divisions within the CDC and raised questions about the party’s cohesion as it faces mounting political challenges. While some members push for reconciliation, the public nature of these disputes could tarnish the party’s image ahead of future elections. For now, the fallout from this incident continues to dominate political discussions, leaving many wondering about the CDC’s ability to navigate its internal crises.
