By E. J. Nathaniel Daygbor
Former Liberian President George Weah is pleading for opposition unity to unseat the ruling Unity Party, which he accused of destroying the economy and failing on governance. Weah who heads the main opposition Congress for Democratic Change said Saturday the cost of living and economic difficulties have overwhelmed the country’s 5.5 million population since his departure from the presidency.
Speaking to thousands of partisans during the CDC’s 22nd anniversary celebrations, Weah accused the ruling Unity Party (UP) of governing through deceit and plunging Liberia into economic despair, political instability, and social disarray.
Addressing the gathering via mobile phone from the United States, Weah alleges that President Joseph Boakai’s administration has betrayed the people’s trust, undermined the rule of law, and eroded Liberia’s democratic gains.
“Families are struggling. Young people and entire communities have been forgotten. Businesses are closing. Hardship has taken over the land. The gap between political promises and the reality we face is stark. These are legitimate concerns — and the Liberian people deserve answers,” Weah declared.
Weah alleged that the Unity Party came to power through deception and continues to govern dishonestly. He accused President Boakai of disregarding Supreme Court rulings and intimidating judges into submission, thereby weakening the independence of the judiciary.
“National security has been compromised,” Weah charged, claiming that foreign troops have occupied Liberia’s sovereign territory while the government remains incapable of resolving border encroachments in Lofa County. He further alleged that security forces are being deployed not to protect citizens but to brutalize peaceful communities and demolish homes.
In one of his most damning accusations, Weah described Liberia as having descended into a “narco state.” He alleged that government officials are directly involved in drug trafficking networks and shielded by the ruling establishment.
“This regime has proven unable to safeguard our nation. Instead, it has become complicit in criminal enterprises that threaten the very fabric of our society,” he said.
He urged opposition parties, and ordinary Liberians to unite and prepare for the political battles ahead.
“This is not the time for division. This is not the time for complacency. This is the time for mobilization — a time to march forward. Let the message leave Zwedru today and travel across every county, every district, every town, every village!” he sai.
The anniversary celebration drew a formidable lineup of opposition figures, signaling a growing coalition against the Unity Party. Among those present were Alexander Cummings of the Alternative National Congress, Musa Bility of the Citizen Movement for Change, Simeon Freeman of the Movement for Progressive Change, and Cllr. Kabineh Ja’neh, former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. A proxy representing Senator Amara Konneh also attended.
Weah expressed gratitude to these leaders and civil society institutions for standing with the CDC. “You are our brothers and partners on this journey. We are grateful for your presence. The CDC, as a responsible member of the opposition community, will continue to hold the government accountable,” he said.
Weah warned that Liberia is witnessing signs of its “dark past” reemerging under the current administration. He accused the government of persecuting political opponents, trampling free speech, and unleashing security forces against peaceful citizens.
“The Unity Party government, led by Joseph Boakai, is rolling back our democratic gains,” Weah asserted. “We must defend our democracy against this dangerous regression.”
Reflecting on the party’s origins, Weah reminded supporters of the CDC’s revolutionary spirit.
“Twenty-two years ago, a movement was born — not in the corridors of power, not among the wealthy and privileged, but in the hearts of ordinary people. Market women, students, motorcyclists, farmers, workers, and young people demanded to be heard. That declaration became the Congress for Democratic Change,” he said.
