Liberia: Cummings Accuses Rival Politicians of Divisive Politics

In a scathing condemnation of the country’s political landscape, opposition politician Alexander Cummings has accused “some political leaders” of plunging the country’s politics into a dangerous pit of tribal and religious divisions. 

Cummings, who is one of the frontrunners for the October 10 polls, argued that politicians who engage in divisive politics are driven by a lack of vision and desperation to gain support and consolidate power. 

He firmly believes that such tactics are not only a betrayal of the Liberian people but also a dereliction of the sacred duty of political leaders to guide the nation toward progress and prosperity.

“Starved of new ideas and vision, some political leaders are deepening the wounds of our fractured nation and lowering our politics into an appeal to tribal and religious divisions,” said Cummings, a Presidential Candidate of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP). 

“Liberians of every tribe and religion are suffering the mismanagement of our country and the result of corrupt leadership. Now is not the time to fuel tribal tensions or to divide our people,” he said. 

Cummings’ remarks come as campaigns for October 10 polls heat up with candidates pitching themselves and their platforms as the best alternative to lead Liberia.

He noted that the future of the country is at stake if the discourse continues to be marred by the exploitation of tribal and religious sentiments. 

He vehemently pointed out that indulging in such practices not only undermines the democratic fabric of the nation but also hinders progress and prosperity for all citizens

“And so, if any political leader wants to take us backward, they should know that Liberians desire to move forward. Talk about tribes, but our people want to talk about fixing the economy so they can find good and decent-paying jobs. 

“Talk about dialect, but our people want to fix their roads, fix their schools and fix their hospitals. Liberians of all tribes want to see their lives improved. And so, if you have no new ideas about how to fix our country and stop the suffering of our people, shut up and sit down.”

Cummings, a former Coca-Cola executive with a track record of successful leadership, has built his presidential ambition on a foundation of inclusivity, transparency, and a comprehensive vision for Liberia’s future. 

His proposed policies aim to improve education, healthcare, and infrastructure, and create employment opportunities to uplift the lives of all Liberians, regardless of their tribal or religious affiliations.

Cummings strongly believes that leaders should inspire citizens to transcend their differences and work together for the greater good, instead of preaching divisive politics. 

He added that his presidential quest is not intended to get rich, but rather to join the honest efforts of others to change Liberia for the betterment of all Liberians.

“[My] quest for the presidency is to halt the gross mismanagement of the country’s resources, change the selfish, greedy, corrupt, and exclusionary mindset that continues to keep the vast majority poor, retard progress, and keep the people divided.

“After a successful career in the private sector, it will be a disservice for honest Liberians to just sit aside and leave the country to politicians who are only interested in themselves and their families, adding that nothing will ever change in Liberia with such a mindset,” he said.

He added that his commitment to real change is not a mere political slogan and that from sports to business, to science and arts, success in Liberia will not be a privilege for a few, but a real possibility for all who are willing to venture.

His government, he said, will provide access to resources, mentorship, and financial support to turn the ideas and dreams of Liberians into reality and will foster technological advancement to bridge the digital gap into the 21st century.

“We will challenge the universities and higher learning institutions to undertake research, expand the creativity, imagination, and innovations of professors and students aimed at finding home-grown and sustainable solutions to challenges in areas of medicine, manufacturing, nutrition, and food security,” Cummings said.

He recalled that since his political sojourn, much has happened to him, including lies, false persecution, and conspiracies, all intended to thwart his presidential ambition but “with God’s protection, all have failed.”

“A CPP Government will be committed to good governance, fighting corruption, and fixing the economy for massive job creations for the thousands of unemployed Liberians,” he said.