The headquarters of Liberia’s ruling Unity Party witnessed a near-violent disruption on Thursday, January 9, 2025, as internal tensions over job allocation boiled over. The incident, which unfolded just shy of the party’s one-year anniversary in power, highlighted a growing rift between the party’s youth leadership and disgruntled young partisans who felt neglected and overlooked in the distribution of government positions. What was intended to be a routine press conference by the party’s National Youth Chairman, Togar M. Cephus, quickly devolved into chaos as a group of protesting youths stormed the scene, chanting slogans and disrupting proceedings.
The disgruntled youths accused the party leadership of prioritizing outsiders and neglecting those who had worked tirelessly to bring the party to power. They expressed frustration over the lack of communication and the perceived betrayal of the promises made during the election campaign. Their complaints centered on the distribution of jobs, with allegations that positions were being awarded to individuals with no connection to the party or its struggles, while loyal members were left struggling to make ends meet. The scene became increasingly tense, with heated exchanges and threats of physical altercation, requiring intervention to prevent a full-blown brawl.
The protesting youths voiced their grievances to journalists present at the scene, highlighting their disillusionment and anger. David Nagbe, one of the disgruntled partisans, lamented the party’s abandonment of its core supporters, stating that they had been forgotten after the election. He criticized the appointment of “strangers” to key positions while dedicated party members were left without employment. Nagbe emphasized the irony of their situation, highlighting that they had risked everything for the party, only to be marginalized and overlooked in the distribution of the spoils of victory.
In response to the escalating situation, Togar M. Cephus attempted to address the concerns of the protesting youths. He expressed sympathy for their plight and acknowledged the validity of their grievances. Cephus pledged to prioritize the issue of jobless partisans at the upcoming party meeting scheduled for January 30 – February 2, 2025, in Nimbia County. He framed the meeting as an opportunity to consolidate the party’s base and address internal divisions. Cephus also took aim at those he described as “strangers” who had infiltrated the government, suggesting that they were hijacking the “revolution” and betraying the core values of the Unity Party.
Cephus reiterated the importance of listening to the concerns of the youth wing and vowed to address their needs. He emphasized the sacrifices made by young people during the 2023 election campaign and promised to ensure that they benefited from the party’s success. He also issued a stern warning to those within the government who were perceived to be undermining the party’s agenda, signaling a determination to reclaim the “revolution” and deliver on the promises made to the youth.
The incident at the Unity Party headquarters underscores the deep-seated tensions within the ruling party, particularly concerning the distribution of government jobs. The protests highlight the growing frustration among young partisans who feel marginalized and betrayed by the party leadership. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by political parties in balancing the demands of their supporters with the need to govern effectively. Cephus’s response, while acknowledging the concerns of the protesting youths, also reveals a determination to consolidate power and address internal dissent. The upcoming party meeting in Nimbia County is likely to be a crucial test of the party’s ability to bridge these divides and maintain unity in the face of mounting internal pressure.
