The Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) delivered a scathing response to President Joseph Boakai’s State of the Nation Address, painting a bleak picture of Liberia’s current state under the Unity Party’s leadership. The CDC highlighted a nation in crisis, marked by deep political divisions, economic instability, and a blatant disregard for the rule of law. The boycott of the President’s address by key figures, including Supreme Court justices and numerous legislators, served as a stark illustration of the prevailing disunity and dysfunction. The CDC argued that the democratic and economic progress achieved during their tenure has been rapidly eroded under the Unity Party’s governance.
The CDC’s response centered on the stark contrast between President Weah’s peaceful transition of power, a testament to democratic maturity, and the current administration’s alleged undermining of the rule of law. They accused the Unity Party of manipulating the legal system for political gain, citing instances of politically motivated arrests, disregard for Supreme Court rulings, and the imposition of an illegally selected Speaker of the House. The CDC framed this behavior as a calculated deception, contrasting the Unity Party’s campaign promises of unity and respect for the rule of law with their actions in office. The address emphasized the confusion and uncertainty among citizens regarding the country’s direction, highlighting the suppression of free speech and assembly as further evidence of democratic backsliding.
The CDC systematically debunked what they characterized as misinformation presented in President Boakai’s address. They questioned the government’s revenue figures, challenging the claimed surplus given the absence of any balance brought forward in the 2025 budget. They pointed to the rising cost of rice, contradicting the President’s claim of price reductions. The CDC further criticized the Unity Party’s continued adherence to the harmonization policy, a policy they had previously demonized, and questioned the veracity of claims regarding the removal of ghost workers from the payroll. Finally, they highlighted the CDC’s role in securing international climate financing, accusing the Unity Party of taking undue credit for initiatives initiated by the previous administration.
The CDC’s response then shifted to a direct comparison of the achievements of their administration with the performance of the current government. They enumerated the CDC’s first-year accomplishments, including infrastructure development, improvements in healthcare and education, and economic stabilization measures, contrasting this with the perceived inaction and mismanagement of the Unity Party. The CDC touted their legacy of economic growth, stable exchange rates, and a declining poverty rate, accusing the Unity Party of squandering the strong foundation they inherited. They highlighted the numerous infrastructure projects initiated and financed under the CDC, emphasizing the Unity Party’s failure to launch any significant new projects.
The address then delved into the Unity Party’s handling of investment and the fight against corruption. The CDC dismissed the government’s publicized investment announcements as deceptive “showmanship,” citing the HPX deal, the yellow machine procurement, the bus acquisition, the China deal, and the MCC compact as examples of misleading pronouncements designed to create a false impression of progress. They argued that these theatrical displays mask a lack of genuine effort to address the underlying challenges hindering investment. The CDC also criticized the government’s approach to fighting corruption, labeling it as partisan and ineffective, focusing on witch-hunting former officials while ignoring widespread corruption within the current administration.
The CDC concluded by emphasizing the dangers of misinformation and the erosion of public trust, urging the Unity Party to embrace transparency and accountability. They called for a national dialogue on reconciliation and unity, emphasizing the urgent need for healing and collaboration to address the nation’s pressing challenges. The address painted a dire picture of Liberia’s current trajectory, calling for immediate action to restore the rule of law, reinstate democratic principles, and eradicate corruption. The CDC positioned itself as the champion of the Liberian people, pledging to hold the government accountable and fight for a brighter future built on justice, integrity, and prosperity for all.
