The Unity Party in Fuamah District, Lower Bong County, Liberia, staged a peaceful protest over the weekend of May 10, 2025, to express their discontent with perceived marginalization in local government appointments. Dozens of party loyalists, including key district leaders, marched through the streets of Bong Mines Town, culminating their demonstration at the venue of the Liberia Nurses Association’s annual convention. Their primary grievance centered around what they characterized as the exclusionary appointment practices of Representative Foday E. Fahnbulleh, who they accused of favoring individuals not aligned with the ruling Unity Party.
The demonstrators presented a formal petition to Minister Martha C. T. Morris, Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Health and Chair of the Unity Party Bong County Chapter. The petition, signed by prominent district leaders, detailed their concerns regarding the alleged sidelining of party stalwarts in key decision-making processes and appointments within Fuamah District. They highlighted the perceived disrespect shown to the district’s party leadership, emphasizing their instrumental role in securing electoral victories for the Unity Party. The petitioners asserted that Rep. Fahnbulleh, a former supporter of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), has been installing local officials who are not affiliated with the current ruling party, thereby undermining their campaign efforts and creating a sense of disillusionment amongst party members.
A central point of contention raised in the petition was the vacant administrator position at Bong Mines Hospital. The district leadership claimed that despite their consistent advocacy and contributions to the district, they have been overlooked for this crucial appointment. The petition explicitly called for qualified Unity Party members to be given priority in future appointments and demanded the inclusion of the district leadership in local decision-making processes. This direct appeal to Minister Morris underscored the urgency of their concerns and the potential for escalating frustration amongst grassroots members if their grievances remain unaddressed.
The protest in Bong Mines Town, observed by residents and political analysts alike, was characterized as peaceful and well-organized, reflecting a deliberate effort by the demonstrators to voice their concerns without resorting to disruptive tactics. Local witnesses confirmed the peaceful nature of the protest, emphasizing the demonstrators’ intention to simply be heard. This measured approach suggests a desire to engage in constructive dialogue with the party leadership and find resolutions to their grievances within the party structure.
The incident has drawn attention to potential internal tensions within the ruling Unity Party, particularly at the local level where issues of power-sharing and recognition can be sensitive and impactful. Political analysts interpret the protest as a symptom of broader challenges faced by the party in balancing national power consolidation with the needs and expectations of its local branches. The ability of the Unity Party to effectively address these grassroots concerns will likely play a crucial role in maintaining party unity and cohesion, especially in politically significant regions like Bong County.
The protest underscores the importance of inclusivity and representation in local governance, particularly in post-conflict settings like Liberia where power dynamics are often complex and fluid. The petitioners’ call for greater involvement in local decision-making processes reflects a desire for a more participatory and representative form of governance. The response of the Unity Party leadership to these grievances will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for how the party manages internal dissent and balances the competing interests of its various constituents. The long-term stability and success of the Unity Party may hinge on its ability to effectively address these types of localized concerns and ensure that the benefits of governance are distributed equitably amongst its supporters and the broader population.
