MOVEE Resolves Internal Rift as Executives Rally Behind Amb. Kemayah

Published: November 5, 2024

Paynesville – The Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE) has reunited under the leadership of Ambassador Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr., following a period of intense internal strife that strained the party’s unity after the 2023 general and presidential elections. The reconciliation comes on the heels of months of suspensions, resignations, and grievances that tested MOVEE’s stability.

Over the past six months, disagreements over the party’s direction and governance intensified, leading to the expulsion of several prominent members, including former National Chairman Jeremiah Edison Paye, who had publicly questioned Kemayah’s leadership. The dismissed members subsequently lodged a complaint with the National Elections Commission (NEC), alleging wrongful expulsion orchestrated by Kemayah.

On October 21, 2024, however, the NEC’s Hearing Officer dismissed the case on procedural grounds, pointing to MOVEE’s constitution, which mandates that internal dispute mechanisms be fully exhausted before involving external bodies. The party’s Grievance and Ethics Committee holds jurisdiction over such matters.

Following the NEC’s decision, Ambassador Kemayah initiated a party-wide reconciliation effort to mend divisions and restore unity. Through several mediation sessions, facilitated with the backing of MOVEE’s executive members and supporters, Mr. Paye and other expelled members withdrew their complaint by October 29, 2024.

In a joint statement, MOVEE’s leadership expressed a renewed commitment to unity. “This show of leadership by our esteemed Political Leader, Ambassador Kemayah, is commendable; it has laid the groundwork for genuine reconciliation within MOVEE.”

Edison Paye and Matew Shan, Sr., offered a formal apology to Ambassador Kemayah, affirming their loyalty and expressing regret for actions that may have caused discord. They praised Kemayah as both a leader and mentor, also recognizing Madam Dialokai Golanyon-Kemayah for her unwavering support.

With this reconciliation, MOVEE has turned its focus to an upcoming Emergency National Convention, where members plan to elect leaders for vacant positions, including National Chairman and Secretary-General. Pending formal approval from the NEC, the convention aims to solidify the party’s organizational structure and address unresolved governance matters.

As Liberia’s political climate heats up under the Unity Party administration, MOVEE’s renewed cohesion marks a pivotal step for the opposition. With Ambassador Kemayah at the helm, the party seeks to present a united front in holding the government accountable.

At its upcoming convention, MOVEE members will also review proposed amendments to the party’s 2016 constitution. A newly formed Constitution Review Committee will present the by-law revisions for ratification, reinforcing MOVEE’s commitment to structured growth and resilience.

“Disagreements are an essential element of democracy,” the party’s statement concluded. “We must now let go of any division and focus on moving MOVEE forward as a united political family.”