The opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has launched a sweeping condemnation of the ruling Unity Party (UP) government, accusing it of employing “deceptive tactics” to mask its failures and target political opponents.
In a strongly worded statement released today from its temporary headquarters in Sinkor, the CDC framed its criticism against the backdrop of the fourth anniversary of a violent clash on November 7, 2021, which it describes as an invasion of its headquarters by the then-UP “tyrannical regime.” The party vehemently denounced what it calls a “calculated political witch-hunt” by the administration of President Joseph Boakai. The CDC claims the government is using “bogus charges” against former officials, including Nora Finda Bundoo, John S. Youboty, and H.E. Madam Thelma Duncan Sawyer, to distract from its own performance.
“These charges are laughable at best and will be fiercely resisted both legally and politically,” the statement read, alleging the charges are the “makings of a dysfunctional Asset Recovery system” and would not withstand legal scrutiny. The CDC pledged to unite behind its former officials to resist this “wanton abuse of power.”
The statement outlined a litany of alleged governance failures under the UP, including: Economic Decline: Pointing to a reported drop in economic growth from 4.7% in 2023 to 4% in 2024. .Wasteful Spending: Criticizing President Boakai’s recent travels with “an entourage of over fifty individuals” as an “irresponsible use of taxpayer money.”
· Suspicious Allocation: Questioning the motives behind a recent $6.5 million USD government allocation, suggesting it is for personal gain rather than public welfare.
· Policy Reversals: Accusing the government of failing to uphold promises and being unable to account for millions spent during its two-year administration.
The CDC warned that it will not allow the “weaponization of our courts” to go unchallenged, promising “fierce and resolute opposition.” It urged all Liberians to remain vigilant, stating that the UP’s tactics “undermine the democratic stability of the country.” The party also pointed to recent U.S. Department of State reports on human rights concerns in Liberia as evidence of “systemic issues,” calling the government’s anti-corruption fight a “façade.”
“Together, we must resist this orchestrated disenfranchisement and defend our democracy,” the statement concluded. “Our resources and our rights belong to the people of Liberia, not to an elite few.” The release was signed by Janga A. Kowo (Atty.), National Chairman of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC).