The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has publicly condemned recent actions taken by Liberia’s judiciary regarding a contentious eviction order that threatens the party’s long-standing national headquarters, a location it has occupied since its inception as a grassroots political movement in 2005.
CDC Chairman Janga Kowo characterized the judicial actions as a blatant abuse of discretion, particularly after the party had engaged in negotiations with the property owner to secure its purchase.
For over a year, the CDC had been in discussions that culminated in a Right of First Refusal offer, which the party accepted in 2024. This offer was intended to solidify the CDC’s future at its headquarters, which has played a pivotal role in the party’s activities for more than two decades.
However, tension escalated when the landlord reacted to CDC’s due diligence inquiries with an abrupt and hostile eviction attempt through the Civil Law Court in 2024.
The CDC contested the eviction in court, and in a May 2025 ruling, the Supreme Court of Liberia sided with the party, reiterating its legal tenancy status under the Intestate Estate of Martha Stubblefield Bernard.
Despite this ruling, the situation took a turn for the worse when the Estate issued a one-week eviction notice on June 2, 2025, demanding that the CDC vacate the premises. CDC officials argue that this action not only violates the binding sale agreement but also demonstrates bad faith on the part of the Estate.
In a bid to protect its interests, the CDC filed a suit for Specific Performance at the Civil Law Court. However, their case was dismissed without a hearing by Presiding Judge George W. Smith.
This dismissal came alongside the court entertaining a separate summary proceeding for property recovery, further complicating the CDC’s legal standing and raising eyebrows over adherence to Liberia’s Civil Procedure Law.
The CDC’s subsequent appeals to the Supreme Court regarding both Specific Performance and Summary Proceedings have been met with denials, which party officials describe as a series of unjust actions that undermine the Rule of Law and threaten Liberia’s democratic principles.
Adding to the controversy was Judge Smith’s directive to involve the Liberian National Police—rather than the customary Court Sheriff—in executing the eviction order. The CDC has voiced serious concerns over this unprecedented move, suspecting a bias against the party within the judiciary.
“As we navigate this situation, we remain committed to upholding the Rule of Law and urge our partisans to stay calm,” stated Kowo.
The party is also actively preparing for a transition to a new national headquarters to ensure its operations continue uninterrupted amid the legal turmoil.
While the CDC seeks resolution through the Supreme Court, it emphasizes the importance of fair judicial processes for the future of Liberia’s democracy.
