A potential political confrontation is emerging in Liberia as former President and Political Leader of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), George Manneh Weah, threatens to mobilize supporters against what he describes as the government’s alleged attempt to undermine democracy.
Former President Weah, in a statement, accused President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration of seeking to rule “as a tyrant,” urging Liberians to resist what he termed a threat to the country’s democratic gains.
Weah said that following his ongoing engagements, he intends to return to Liberia and rally CDC supporters and other “well-meaning Liberians” to resist the government through political and legal means guaranteed under the Constitution.
His comments come amid heightened political tensions surrounding the government’s ongoing crackdown on drug-related crimes.
However, the planned mobilization has already drawn a counter-response from the Economic Freedom Fighters of Liberia (EFFL).
EFFL political leader, CIC Emmanuel Gonquoi, said he would mobilize against any protest aimed at stopping the government’s fight against drugs.
“Just as you will be mobilizing to stop the Government from fighting drugs, I too will be mobilizing to resist such protest,” Gonquoi said.
He emphasized the seriousness of the drug crisis, warning that young Liberians are dying from drug abuse and insisting that the issue should not be turned into a political contest.
The opposing statements have raised concerns about a possible confrontation between rival political groups, although both sides have not announced specific dates or locations for any planned demonstrations.
The development comes as Liberia’s drug crackdown continues to generate intense political debate, with opposition groups questioning aspects of the government’s handling of ongoing investigations while others strongly support the administration’s campaign against drug trafficking.
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