Liberia: CDC Yields SKD Space to CPP

The Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has postponed the planned nomination of President George Weah, accusing some government officials of undermining the process. 

The nomination was expected to happen three days before the planned Collaborating Political Parties “We Tiya Suffering'' protest, which was expected to happen at the same  SKD sports complex in Paynesville.

The Chairman of the CDC, Mulbah K. Morlu, Jr., claimed that the CPP, having received information about the program, decided to stage a counter-protest — though they may not succeed.

“We are here to protect the peace. The man who is the President is a man of peace,” Morlue said. ”The peace will be sustained. We are peacemakers led by a great peace ambassador. The opposition wants to avoid elections and create shortcuts to power.” 

“It is not possible for anyone considering our numerical advantage to defeat Weah in an open, democratic process because he has done many things for the last five years. No one can defeat a free, fair, and credible election,” he added. 

Morlu said the decision to cancel the event came as Weah's plea to the party’s leadership, and, therefore, the event will now be held on February 4, 2023, and will bring together thousands of Liberians across the country.

According to Morlu, Weah wrote the Executive Committee of the party and pleaded that, in the midst of the political challenges, with the opposition trying to undermine the rule of law, the nomination event should be canceled. 

He added that the CPP wants to undermine the existing premise of democracy and the rule of law, stating: “We are peace corps, and we will not join them in that attempt.”  

“The CDC is very concerned that a group of Liberians — no matter how few they may be — is determined to roll back the peace and democratic. However, as the peace corps, we will always stand in defense of peace and free speech and ensure that stability is always protected.”

“For us, there’s no justification for violence. We are the people that believe in peace because no matter what, we are the ones staying here,” Morlu said.

Meanwhile, Monrovia City Mayor and Secretary General of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Jefferson T. Koijee, has warned those in government who are doing business with the opposition to desist, as the party is ready to name and shame.

“We want to inform our friends who are government appointees,” Koijee warned, “especially presidential appointees, that we are fully aware of your engagement in double standards. To be in a system that is responsible for the survival of our people and upkeep, and not just about your family, and you see nothing to do but to backstab,” Koijee said. 

He further claimed the CPPs’s letter to the Ministry of Youth and Sports was written with deception because the opposition failed to indicate the title and purpose of the rally, but only said the CPP was meeting. 

He said the CDC remains a decent party and aware that partisans are everywhere.