On January 27, 2025, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai delivered his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) to the Liberian National Legislature. This constitutionally mandated address, however, was met with significant controversy and boycotts, setting the stage for a contentious political climate. The former ruling party, the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), issued a scathing critique of Boakai’s presidency and the state of the nation, painting a bleak picture of Liberia under his leadership.
The CDC’s response, delivered by Senator Nathaniel F. McGill, former Minister of State for Presidential Affairs under the George Weah administration, highlighted the stark contrast between the peaceful transfer of power a year prior and the current perceived instability. They emphasized the absence of eight senators, over 25 representatives, and the entire Supreme Court bench from the SONA as evidence of deep divisions and polarization within the government. This boycott, they argued, symbolizes a troubling trend towards democratic erosion and a disregard for the rule of law.
Central to the CDC’s argument is the comparison between the current political climate and the peaceful transition of power from former President George Weah to President Boakai. They lauded Weah’s concession, even before the official election results were announced, as an act of patriotism and a commitment to democratic principles. This act, according to the CDC, broke with Liberia’s history of contested elections and set a precedent for peaceful transitions, placing Liberia among mature democracies like the United States, Britain, and Germany.
The CDC contends that the Unity Party, under Boakai’s leadership, has squandered the gains made during Weah’s tenure. They accuse the current administration of hypocrisy, claiming the Unity Party is now trapped in the very lies they used to gain power. The party expressed concern over what they perceive as selective application of the law, with ordinary citizens expected to adhere to legal principles while those in power operate with impunity. They point to alleged witch-hunts of opposition figures and former government officials, along with the ongoing dispute over the Speakership of the House of Representatives, as evidence of this disregard for the rule of law.
The CDC’s statement further emphasizes the ongoing controversy surrounding the House Speakership. They allege that the executive branch has imposed an illegally selected Speaker while simultaneously seeking the resignation of the duly elected Speaker, which they view as a mockery of democratic processes and a clear violation of established legal procedures. This situation, they argue, further exacerbates the existing political tensions and contributes to the prevailing sense of instability.
The CDC’s response concludes by highlighting what they see as a decline in democratic values and economic progress since Boakai assumed office. They argue that the promises made during the election campaign have not been fulfilled and that the nation is now grappling with increased confusion and disunity. The party believes their response reflects the raw emotions and feelings of the Liberian people, who are experiencing these turbulent times. They call for a return to the principles of democracy and rule of law that they claim were upheld during the previous administration, contrasting it with what they perceive as the current administration’s disregard for these foundational principles. They paint a picture of a nation in crisis, divided and uncertain about its future, and place the blame squarely on the shoulders of the current administration.
