Former President George Weah, political leader of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), has come under scrutiny for his refusal to shake hands with Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung during a condolence visit to the family of the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson. The incident occurred on Sunday, December 1, 2024, and has since reignited discussions about lingering political tensions in Liberia.
On Monday, December 2, 2024, Weah addressed the controversy during an interview on Kings FM, explaining his actions. He referred to Koung as his “small brother” and stated that a hug, rather than a handshake, would have been a more appropriate greeting. “As a former President, I believe I deserve a hug, not just a handshake,” Weah said, emphasizing his status.
The exchange occurred at the late Senator Johnson’s residence, where Vice President Koung extended his hand in a customary gesture of respect. However, Weah declined the handshake, instead placing his right hand over his chest as a non-verbal acknowledgment. He repeated the gesture toward Representative Samuel G. Kogar, the Majority Bloc Leader in the House of Representatives.
Observers at the event noted the moment’s awkwardness, speculating that Weah’s refusal might stem from lingering dissatisfaction over the 2023 presidential election, where Koung played a pivotal role in the coalition that defeated Weah’s administration.
The Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), the political party of the late Senator Johnson, issued a swift condemnation of Weah’s actions. In a press release by Kelvin D. J. Mattaldi, National Vice Chair for Public Affairs, the MDR expressed disappointment over the perceived disrespect toward Vice President Koung and Representative Kogar.
“This is a grave disrespect to two of Nimba’s prominent leaders and an affront to the memory of the late Senator Johnson,” the statement read. The MDR underscored the cultural importance of handshakes in Nimba County as symbols of respect and solidarity, especially during moments of mourning.
Political analysts view the incident as reflecting the deep divisions within Liberia’s political landscape. Some have interpreted Weah’s refusal to engage in the customary handshake as a subtle protest against Koung’s role in his electoral defeat.
The 2023 presidential election left significant rifts among Liberia’s political elite, and this latest episode highlights the ongoing polarization. Critics argue that such behavior, particularly during a condolence visit, detracts from the spirit of unity that the occasion was meant to foster.
The MDR and other Nimba County leaders have called for unity and reflection in honor of Senator Johnson’s legacy. They urged political leaders to rise above personal grievances and use the occasion as an opportunity for reconciliation.
“As leaders, we must prioritize the nation’s unity and stability over individual differences,” the MDR’s statement concluded.
The incident has reignited conversations about the role of political etiquette in the country’s governance. Many Liberians have taken to social media to express their views, with some defending Weah’s actions as a personal choice. In contrast, others criticized him for allowing political grievances to overshadow the occasion’s solemnity.
Despite the controversy, the passing of Senator Prince Yormie Johnson remains a unifying event for many in Nimba County, with calls for leaders to set aside their differences in his honor. However, the encounter between Weah and Koung is a stark reminder of the persistent tensions within the country’s political circle, even during moments of collective mourning.
