In the aftermath of the November 14, 2023 elections in Liberia, Mayor Jefferson Tamba Koijee, Secretary General of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) and the Mayor of Monrovia, has been an outspoken figure as the political landscape undergoes a significant transition. Jefferson Koijee, having served as Monrovia’s Mayor during the administration of President George Weah, is now preparing for a change in leadership as Ambassador Joseph Nyumah Boakai assumes the presidency.
Over the past six years, Jefferson Koijee has positioned himself as a vocal critic of the opposition Unity Party, particularly during the electoral campaign. However, his approach has been marked by a series of threats, allegations, and accusations directed towards President-elect Joseph N. Boakai. One notable claim is his dismissal of the anticipated audit of the George Weah government as a witch-hunt, raising concerns about potential political confrontations.
Jefferson T. Koijee’s rhetoric extends to questioning the legitimacy of the Unity Party’s victory, asserting that the November 14, 2023, mandate is a “borrowed” one, representing less than 1% of the population. This assertion implies a challenge to the Joseph Boakai administration, suggesting that they lack majority support. Furthermore, Jefferson Koijee vows that the CDC will employ protests and unrest to ensure that Joseph Boakai’s government faces similar criticism to that endured by the George Weah administration over the past six years.
As Secretary General of the CDC, Koijee has chosen a path of confrontational politics, opting for press conferences over administrative duties such as cleaning Monrovia. The international community has previously labeled Monrovia as one of the world’s dirtiest cities, emphasizing a need for attention to public service and urban sanitation.
The convergence of Jefferson Koijee’s dual roles as Mayor and political party Secretary General raises questions about the priorities of his leadership. While he criticizes the incoming government, there is a looming concern over whether Jefferson Koijee’s focus on political maneuvers might detract from his responsibility to address the urgent issues faced by Monrovia’s residents.
As Liberia prepares for a political transition, the statements and actions of figures like Jefferson Koijee become crucial elements in shaping the nation’s post-election narrative. The challenge for the new administration lies in navigating these opposing viewpoints to foster unity and address the pressing issues that concern the Liberian people including the audit and recovery of ill-gotten wealth by the George Weah government.