In a significant political development in Liberia, Nimba County District 7 Representative Musa Hassan Bility, a seasoned political figure and former chairman of both the Collaborating Political Parties and the Liberty Party, has embarked on a new political venture. Bility has been elected as the political leader of the newly formed Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), a party aiming to reshape the political landscape of Liberia. The election took place during the party’s inaugural convention held in Saclepea, Nimba County, on February 28, 2025. Joining Bility in the newly formed leadership are James M.V. Yogee as Chairman and Wilfred Bangura as Secretary General. The convention attracted a notable presence of opposition figures, signaling potential alliances and a growing momentum against the current administration.
The induction ceremony for the CMC leadership, held on March 1, 2025, featured a powerful address by human rights lawyer Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe. Gongloe delivered a scathing critique of the recurring cycle of broken promises and failed leadership that has plagued Liberia. He lamented the tendency of successive governments to perpetuate the very injustices they pledged to eradicate. He emphasized the urgent need for a radical shift in leadership, one that prioritizes the rule of law, human rights, and dignified governance over self-interest and arrogance. Gongloe called for an end to the “madness” of accepting the status quo and challenged Liberians to demand better. He stressed the importance of investing in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, urging the nation to break free from the shackles of poverty and build a future of hope and prosperity.
Bility, addressing the convention attendees, positioned the CMC as a party dedicated to serving the people, not just during election cycles, but every day. He reflected on his three decades in politics, stating that true change must be driven by the people themselves. He criticized the existing economic structure that benefits a select few while the majority struggles, highlighting the stark contrast between Liberia’s abundant natural resources and the widespread poverty of its citizens. This message resonated with the attendees and underscored the CMC’s commitment to addressing the economic disparities plaguing the nation. Bility’s vision for the CMC is one of empowerment, where the people are active participants in shaping their own destiny.
The convention also attracted the attention and support of other prominent political figures. Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Korlubah expressed his commitment to collaborating with the CMC to ensure an opposition victory in upcoming elections. He criticized the current administration’s failures and argued that supporting any government-backed candidate would be a disservice to the Liberian people. Korlubah’s presence and endorsement lent further credibility to the CMC and underscored the growing dissatisfaction with the ruling establishment. His pointed critique of the incumbent government, drawing parallels between their actions and those of their predecessors, highlighted the need for a change in leadership.
Adding a layer of intrigue to the event, Representative Josiah Marvin Cole of Bong County District #3 attended the convention, clad in a CMC T-shirt. While clarifying that his presence didn’t signify official membership in the CMC, he expressed solidarity with Bility, his colleague in the Rule of Law Caucus. Cole emphasized his support for the CMC’s ideals and acknowledged the significance of his appearance, particularly in light of the scrutiny it attracted within his own constituency and across Nimba County. He reiterated his support for the opposition and affirmed his commitment to backing a winnable candidate in Nimba County. This cautious yet supportive stance by Cole hinted at the potential for future alliances and realignments within the opposition landscape.
The emergence of the CMC, led by a seasoned politician with a track record of challenging the status quo, marks a potentially significant development in Liberian politics. The party’s focus on empowering the people and addressing the nation’s deep-seated economic inequalities resonates with a population weary of broken promises and unfulfilled potential. The presence and pronouncements of other key political figures at the convention further underscore the growing momentum for change. The CMC’s journey, however, will be fraught with challenges, navigating existing political alliances, managing internal dynamics, and ultimately convincing the electorate that they offer a viable alternative to the current political order. The coming months and years will reveal whether the CMC can translate its vision into tangible change for the people of Liberia. The party’s success will hinge on its ability to build a strong grassroots movement, forge effective alliances, and present a compelling narrative of hope and transformation to the Liberian electorate.
