Editorial: Ex-President Weah’s Recount Of Systematic Erosion Of Democracy Under The Boakai-Koung Administration
THE CDC FIRST partisan, former President George Manneh Weah, has underscored that the time has come to speak the truth without fear, as the UP government of President Joseph N. Boakai is failing, and Liberia is paying the price.
WEAH, WHO WAS speaking at the official launch of the CDC due payment rally at the party’s headquarters in Congo Town on April 12, 2025, said they had gone there not just for a rally but to renew a promise and a vision, and to reignite the flame that built the “most powerful” political movement in Liberian history.
IN HIS RECOUNT of systematic erosion of democracy under the Boakai-Koung administration, Weah listed the Executive’s overreach and open disregard for the Constitution; lawlessness in the Legislature, with the presidency turning a blind eye—even when the sacred halls of democracy go up in flames; and security forces brutalizing peaceful citizens while millions are being spent on so-called “operations” that offer no protection to ordinary Liberians.
HE ASSERTED THAT almost two years ago he lost the 2023 general and presidential elections by a razor-thin margin—less than 20,000 votes—but conceded not because he was weak, but because he was strong enough to put Liberia first.
“I CHOSE PEACE over conflict. I chose the Constitution over chaos. I chose democracy over division. And in doing so, we proved to the world that the CDC is not just a political party—we are a disciplined movement of patriots and peace-lovers,” he observed.
“BUT CDCIANS, LET us not lose hope. Even the longest night must give way to daylight. Even the strongest storm must pass. We are still standing! And we are still strong! We will not give up on Liberia. We will not give up on our people. And we will never give up on the CDC!” he sounded.
“THIS RALLY TODAY is a clear sign: We are reorganizing. We are preparing. We are coming back! But in order to do that, we must build stronger—together. We must fortify the one institution that can correct the failures of the Boakai administration—and that institution is the Mighty Coalition for Democratic Change. This is why I call on all of you today—not just to believe, but to act; not just to hope, but to build.
“AS YOUR POLITICAL Leader, I promise you this: We will not rest; and we will not retreat. We will organize, mobilize, and energize until we reclaim what is rightfully ours—the leadership of Liberia. But let us do it the CDC way: peacefully, lawfully, strategically and respectfully; because, when our time comes—and it will come—we must be ready not just to win, but to govern better. We must correct the wrongs, improve the system, and restore the dignity of the Liberian people,” Weah stated.