In an atmosphere fraught with political tension, the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has issued a stem warning of “stiff resistance” in response to what it perceives as a politically motivated witch-hunt against its key members.
The controversy escalated following statements by former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah, who denounced his writ of arrest as a blatant attempt to tarnish his reputation and dismantle the CDC’s influence. This development has reignited long-standing political rivalries and raised concerns about the potential for unrest in Liberia.
The CDC, under the leadership of its National Executive Committee, has called for calm among its partisans, emphasizing that the party remains in control amidst what it terms as a baseless attack orchestrated by the Unity Party (UP). The party’s stance is encapsulated in a statement declaring that any effort to politicize the judiciary and undermine the peace achieved during its governance will be met with significant resistance.
“The peace of this country is bigger than Mr. Boakai and his shameless and spineless risky mission,” read the CDC’s statement. “Any attempt to politicize the peace and weaponize the Judiciary will be defaced and met with stiff resistance. The Liberian ‘Mohammed Morsi,’ is in the making! NB. All citizens and partisans of the CDC in particular are asked to remain calm, the National Executive Committee of the Party is in full control of the fruitless and senseless attempt of the Unity party to undermine the hard-earned credibility of the then CDC-led government. The UP will be defaced and vanquished subsequently !!! “
This statement underscores the CDC’s belief that the current actions of the Unity Party are not just political maneuvers but existential threats to the nation’s stability and the integrity of its judiciary.
Former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah’s response to his arrest warrant has been one of defiance and denunciation. In a social media post, Tweah characterized the actions against him as part of a broader strategy to discredit him and the CDC.
“The Witch-hunt Has Officially Commenced,” he proclaimed. “My fellow Liberians, partisans, friends and family: today a politically motivated witch-hunt has been officially launched against my person, calling for my arrest. Over the last six years, I have been a major political target and have faced falsely devilish accusations, spanning from a so-called 25 million mop-up propaganda through the 16 billion concoction to so many other fabrications intended to besmirch my reputation and derail my political institution.
” Tweah’s assertions highlight his belief that the allegations and subsequent charges are not grounded in fact but are rather a continuation of efforts to undermine him personally and professionally. He points to the recent financial scandal involving the Unity Party, accusing it of hypocrisy and diversionary tactics.
“Today, the Unity Party: facing massive allegations of ongoing corruption, including a UP GOVERNMENT-sanctioned CBL payment of US$8 million of Liberia reserve money to SIB bank which funded the UP campaign (read FPA story today); shamelessly turning a blind eye to mountains of audit reports detailing the gutting of the Liberian Treasury under its 12-year rule; and experiencing very low public rating due to its six-month failures as a Government, has decided to politically witch-hunt me and former officials of the CDC.” he stated.
The charges against Tweah and other prominent former government officials, including Cllr. Nyenati Tuan, Stanley S. Ford, D. Moses P. Cooper, and Jefferson Karmoh, are extensive and severe. They include Economic Sabotage, Theft and/or Illegal Disbursement and Expenditure of Public Money, Theft of Property, Criminal Facilitation, and Criminal Conspiracy. These charges, filed before the Monrovia City Court, mark the beginning of what promises to be a protracted legal battle.
The current political landscape in Liberia is deeply influenced by the country’s recent history. The transition from the CDC-led government to the Unity Party has been anything but smooth, marked by mutual accusations and political maneuvering. The CDC’s tenure was characterized by significant economic challenges and allegations of corruption, which the current Unity Party government is keen to investigate.
However, the CDC and its supporters view these investigations as selective justice, aimed more at discrediting political opponents than at uncovering the truth. This perception is bolstered by the timing of the charges and the individuals targeted, all of whom are high-profile members of the previous administration. The judiciary’s role in this unfolding drama cannot be understated. The CDC’s accusations of politicizing the judiciary strike at the heart of Liberia’s democratic institutions. For the judiciary to maintain its credibility, it must navigate these politically charged waters with impartiality and adherence to the rule of law. Any perception of bias or manipulation could have long-term consequences for Liberia’s political stability and the public’s trust in its institutions.
Public reaction to these events has been mixed. While some Liberians view the charges as a necessary step towards accountability and justice, others see them as politically motivated actions that threaten to destabilize the country. The call for calm by the CDC is an attempt to prevent any violent outbursts from its supporters, but the situation remains volatile.
The social media statements by CDC members, including former City Mayor Jefferson Koijee, who proclaimed, “INDEED THE RETURN OF A GREAT COME BACK OF THE PEOPLE’S REVOLUTION IS DEFINITELY SETTING … JTK,” signal a readiness to mobilize against what they perceive as unjust actions by the current government.
As Liberia navigates this complex and contentious period, the actions of its leaders, both in government and in opposition, will be critical in determining the country’s trajectory. The Unity Party’s handling of the charges against former CDC officials will be scrutinized for fairness and transparency. At the same time, the CDC’s response will be watched for its potential to incite unrest or contribute to a constructive dialogue about the nation’s future.
In the end, the resolution of these conflicts will depend on the ability of all parties to prioritize the nation’s peace and stability over political gain. The international community, civil society organizations, and ordinary Liberians will all play a role in holding leaders accountable and ensuring that justice is served without prejudice.
The threat of “stiff resistance” from the CDC and the claims of a witch-hunt by Samuel D. Tweah highlight the deep divisions and high stakes in Liberian politics. As the legal proceedings unfold, the country’s commitment to justice, peace, and democratic principles will be put to the test.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Liberia can navigate these challenges and emerge stronger, or if it will be plunged into further political turmoil.
