Monrovia – Despite its defeat in the 2023 presidential run-off election, which left the party headquarters abandoned since last November, the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) over the weekend pulled off a surprise with a mammoth show of support. Partisans and supporters marched through the streets in celebration of what they termed as “Militants’ Day.”
“We have come here to send a message that this party is alive and kicking. We have come here today to demonstrate that the Liberian people are watching,” said the acting Chairman of the party, Janga Kowo, at the start of the three-day celebrations, which were characterized by sports events and battle cries.
Kowo criticized the Unity Party government under President Joseph Boakai, accusing it of dismally failing to address the needs and aspirations of the people. “The government is demonstrating it has no knowledge of governance, which is why it is targeting people from all walks of life,” Kowo said.
Revolution & Counter-Revolution
Speaking at the celebrations, the Speaker of the House, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, stated that the CDC is in a period of counter-revolution. He emphasized that unity is the most crucial element for the party during this time. “The strength of our party lies in our unity and the ideologies that have brought us here. Today, you have made this day memorable, stealing the show fair and square,” Speaker Koffa said.
“The CDC is in a period of counter-revolution and no successful revolution ever bypasses a counter-revolution,” the Speaker intimated. “We must issue to our partisans the necessary caveat that during the period of the counter-revolution unity is the most important point of the congress and of the party.”
The weekend celebration, which began on Friday, appeared to be a comeback show for the former ruling party, aiming to rejuvenate its momentum. Speeches during the event called for unity and collaboration among opposition members, highlighting the need for a cohesive strategy to secure success in the upcoming election. The importance of peaceful engagement and respect for differing views was emphasized to foster a constructive political environment.
Adherents of the CDC and supporters of former President Weah still feel the sting of their narrow defeat to the Unity Party, losing by the closest margin in Liberia’s electoral history: 51% to 49%.
In a brief remark, Liberty Party’s controversial chairman, Nimba County District #7 Representative Musa H. Bility, reiterated the need for opposition members to rally and unify to seize state power in 2029. “There will be temptations, but let’s work together and come back stronger,” Bility noted, praising Speaker Koffa for his outstanding leadership in the House of Representatives.
Bility expressed overwhelming confidence in Speaker Koffa’s leadership, stating that not even 25% of Representatives would vote to remove him. He warned that disrupting the Legislature would equate to disrupting the state, adding, “If they fire one shot at the House, they will fire back at the Senate and the Executive Mansion.”
Bility clarified that the Liberian people’s decision in the 2023 elections was for the two biggest parties to share governance, with one controlling the Executive Mansion and the other the Capitol Building. Any attempt to alter this balance would be an attempt to change the election results, which they would resist.
He urged CDC militants to remain peaceful and stand up for their rights. “Let’s respect each other’s views and remain in the opposition,” he noted.
Chief Cyril Allen, a staunch CDC member, highlighted that the celebration marked the birth of a new Liberia, referring to it as a “destiny of faith” occasion. He commended the committed and dedicated partisans of the CDC for their efforts. Allen criticized President Boakai’s leadership, stating that he has surrounded himself with unscrupulous bureaucrats and has failed to meet the people’s expectations.
Meanwhile, former President Weah, the political leader of the CDC, announced his intention to contest in the 2029 elections, dispelling any doubts about his political future.
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