Liberia: ‘Come See Why They Are Tired’

Alexander Cummings has said that his party’s plan to protest is intended to champion the cause of the downtrodden, many of whom are suffering harsh and difficult economic conditions under the administration of President George Weah.

Cummings, in his first public address on the protest, called on Liberians to fight for the country, saying the December 17 protest is not only to speak to the failures of the Weah government, but also to remind him of his many broken promises to Liberian people.

“If you are happy, your family has enough food to eat and your life is better off today, please do not stand by idly as your fellow Liberians suffer,” Cummings said in a statement.

“Come and stand with those who have been let down by this administration and hear for yourself why they are tired and what they are tired of. Hopefully, then we can join together and fight for the Liberia we all deserve.”

Cummings’ position comes a few days after the Minister of Justice, Cllr. Musah Dean, approved the CPP’s request to hold a protest on December 17, as planned, outside the SKD Sports Complex in Paynesville.

The Minister's letter, dated December 8, ordered the Inspector General of the Police, Patrick Sudue, to provide all necessary protection to Liberians who might be attending the protest. 

This comes after the Minister of Youth and Sports denied the CPP access to the SKD grounds, saying it might refund the money the party paid to use the space.

The protest, which is tagged, “We Tiyah Suffering”, is being organized by the CPP and spearheaded by former Information Minister Lewis Brown, to amplify the voices of the people who, they claimed, are suffering and need to have their voices heard.

According to CPP, the Weah government has not done the work to know what the people across Liberia are going through, the suffering they are experiencing every day: as such the protest is a chance to make “our voices heard loud and clear.”

The party and its leader noted that the protest is for all Liberians, irrespective of party, tribe, religion, or gender but more for those who are going to bed hungry; “all whose salaries are wickedly cut under the pretext of harmonization; all who cannot pay school fees or hospital bills; all who are jobless; and all who are increasingly despondent.”

They added that the party is inviting all Liberians to stand together ready to confront and overcome the fear of intimidation while standing against demagoguery, “which divides and affects us all and the future of our nation.”

“We will rally for all who continue to give their best and are being repaid less than they deserve; all who struggle in the rain and under the sun, on farms, in offices, in markets, or in shops, are trying to look out for their families only to see their families crumbling every day under the weight of too heavy a burden to bear,” Cummings said.

“All who need medical attention but cannot afford the high costs; all who are trying as best as they can to do the right thing but are finding the means increasingly difficult,” he added.  

“All whose dreams are fading despite their best efforts; all who fear the rising wave of crimes and drugs in their communities; all who fear our country being turned into a transit point for drug trafficking, all who have served our country and are now abandoned by their country in retirement; young people and at-risk youths filling prisons, streets and ghettos without hope; and all who are suffering in silence and are doing so in increasing sense of hopelessness.” 

Meanwhile, Cummings has accused the Weah administration of provoking threats of violence and intimidation to thwart the “rally” and prevent the people from speaking truth to power. 

However, he said the Weah's administration is under constitutional obligations to grant the rights of citizens to peacefully gather and are duty-bound by law to ensure maximum protection of the Liberian people.

“On December 17, therefore, Liberians will return to the same SKD place not only to speak to the failures of the government but also to remind the government of its many broken promises to the people. Finally, as we are ready for December 17, today and always, may we also never forget the words of the famous American Statesman and political philosopher, Benjamin Franklin, ‘Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.’”