“Don’t Allow Your Supporters to Mislead You,” Former Finance Minister Farhat Tells Former President Weah

Published: July 19, 2024

MONROVIA — Former Finance Minister David M. Farhat has called on former President George Weah to avoid being influenced by his supporters, whom he described as surrogates, to preserve his respect within Liberian society. Farhat emphasized the importance of Weah’s role, both as a former president of Liberia and a celebrated African and world soccer player.

By Pius Tweh, Contributing Writer

“Mr. Weah, you have played your role for the Liberian people after serving as president for six years and as a distinguished soccer player on both the African Continent and the European Scene,” Farhat stated. He further cautioned, “The actions of partisans and supporters, mainly from the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), contributed to your loss in the 2023 general and presidential elections. You need to learn from that experience, govern yourself properly, and move forward.”

Farhat also urged the current Liberian government to enhance its governance to prevent the country from descending into chaos, citing the suffering endured by the Liberian people during the fourteen-year civil conflict.

The former finance minister’s statement comes in the wake of recent commotions involving state security personnel, including segments of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), at Roberts International Airport (RIA) in Margibi County during Weah’s arrival on July 6, 2024. Farhat called for better coordination between the former president and RIA authorities regarding the use of the VIP Lodge at the airport.

In a related development, the House of Representatives has summoned key officials from the Ministries of Defense and Justice, along with AFL leadership, the Presidential Security Advisor, and the AFL Commander at RIA. They are to address the controversial deployment of AFL soldiers during Weah’s arrival on July 13, 2024.

Brigadier General Davidson Fayiah Forleh, the AFL Chief of Staff, stated that the deployment was unauthorized by the AFL high command. Despite this, Information Ministry Spokesman Jerolinmek Matthew Piah defended the government’s actions, claiming that members of the CDC had threatened to burn down the airport if they were not allowed to welcome Weah, necessitating security intervention.

“According to Minister Piah, a large crowd of CDC supporters attempted to force their way onto the runway to greet Weah,” said Farhat. “In response to these threats, AFL officers, along with the Police and Emergency Response Unit (ERU), were deployed to manage the situation.”

However, this deployment has sparked significant criticism from the CDC, which argues that the current government under President Joseph Boakai is jeopardizing national peace and security.

Farhat concluded by urging Liberians to protect the peace that the country has enjoyed over the years, noting, “Since the end of our senseless war, nothing much has improved, and we must strive to maintain the peace we have.”