Police demolish CDC headquarters in eviction enforcement

Published: August 23, 2025

MONROVIA — Liberian police stormed the headquarters of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) on Saturday morning, enforcing a court eviction order that stripped the former ruling party of its longtime stronghold in Congo Town.

The operation followed an August 13 ruling by the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court, which awarded the 4.23-acre compound near Bernard’s Beach to the Intestate Estate of Martha Stubblefield Bernard. Judge George W. Smith ruled that the CDC had no legal claim to the property after reviewing deeds and boundaries, directing the Montserrado County Sheriff to carry out the eviction.

The Liberia National Police (LNP) said its role was to assist sheriffs in implementing the court’s mandate while maintaining calm. During the operation, police reported finding a pack of gun cartridges inside a building reportedly occupied by CDC Secretary General Jefferson T. Koijee, along with two rifles in another structure on the premises.

CDC Challenges and Appeals

CDC Chairman Janga Augustus Kowo said the party had filed appeals in two related cases before the Civil Law Court. “The case between the CDC and its landlord is a civil matter that is going through adjudication at the Liberian judiciary,” Kowo said Friday.

But Senator Augustine S. Chea, a CDC lawmaker, publicly urged the party to comply with the ruling. “Our party must peacefully vacate the Bernard estate,” Chea said. “Under Liberian law, the filing of a new suit does not automatically stay an eviction. Unless the Supreme Court grants a stay, the sheriff is legally authorized to act.”

Weah Calls for Calm, Looks to 2029

Former President George Weah, the CDC’s political leader, called on members to accept the loss of the property and redirect their focus. “Allow the people do whatever they want with the building. Let us focus on building our new home, recalibrating, and getting prepared to take back power in 2029 with no exceptions,” Weah said.

The eviction delivers a symbolic blow to Liberia’s largest opposition party, which governed from 2018 to 2024 and now faces both legal battles and the challenge of regrouping ahead of the next election cycle.