The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Liberia’s main opposition party, has vehemently denounced the current administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, accusing it of orchestrating a descent into lawlessness and constitutional mayhem. The CDC’s condemnation stems from a protest on Capitol Hill that turned violent on December 17, 2024, resulting in a clash between protesters and police. The party alleges that the government’s response to the demonstration, which they characterize as a peaceful exercise of constitutional rights, involved excessive force, including the use of live ammunition against unarmed civilians. They further accuse the government of reinstituting “jungle justice,” censorship, and intimidation tactics against citizens expressing dissent. This incident, the CDC argues, represents a dangerous erosion of democratic principles and a regression towards the authoritarian practices of Liberia’s troubled past.
The CDC’s accusations extend beyond the immediate handling of the protest. They contend that President Boakai is systematically undermining the rule of law and the Liberian Constitution in a calculated bid to consolidate power over the legislative and judicial branches of government. This alleged power grab, the CDC warns, threatens to plunge Liberia back into the “dark era of autocracy,” jeopardizing the democratic gains achieved since the end of the civil conflict in 2003. The party specifically points to the recent removal of House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa, a CDC member, as evidence of President Boakai’s interference in the legislative process and his willingness to exploit political divisions within the opposition party.
The CDC asserts that the government’s actions, including the alleged use of excessive force against protesters and the arbitrary arrest and detention of citizens, constitute blatant violations of fundamental rights, particularly the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of speech. They demand the immediate and unconditional release of all detained individuals, some of whom are reportedly held in undisclosed locations. The party expresses grave concern about the re-emergence of extrajudicial violence and the erosion of due process, emphasizing that such practices are incompatible with a democratic society. They implore the international community to intervene and hold the Boakai administration accountable for its alleged abuses of power and disregard for human rights.
The protest that sparked the CDC’s outcry was organized in opposition to the removal of House Speaker Koffa, an event the CDC views as orchestrated by President Boakai to further his grip on power. The party argues that the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the House of Representatives impasse has been manipulated by the executive branch to undermine the legislature’s independence. This, coupled with what they describe as illegal dismissals of civil servants and a general disregard for the rule of law, paints a grim picture of a country backsliding into authoritarianism. The CDC warns that President Boakai’s actions, if left unchecked, will inevitably lead to state collapse and a return to the repressive practices that characterized Liberia’s past.
The CDC emphasizes the importance of international attention and pressure to prevent Liberia’s descent into authoritarianism. They argue that the silence of international partners emboldens President Boakai and his administration to continue their alleged abuses of power and violations of human rights. The party calls on international bodies, including the American Embassy, the European Union, and ECOWAS, to take note of the escalating situation and to exert pressure on the Liberian government to respect democratic principles, the rule of law, and fundamental freedoms. They warn that inaction by the international community will have dire consequences for Liberia’s fragile democracy.
The CDC declares its unwavering solidarity with the Liberian people in their pursuit of democracy, respect for the rule of law, social justice, and human rights. They pledge to continue advocating for the protection and promotion of these fundamental principles and to resist any attempts to suppress dissent or curtail freedoms. The party believes that President Boakai’s actions will meet with increasing pressure. They are determined to hold the government accountable and to ensure that Liberia remains on a path towards democracy and stability. They issue a strong warning to President Boakai, asserting that ultimately, he will not be able to withstand the pressure from the Liberian people.
