As Liberia awaits the January 2024 inauguration of President-elect Joseph N. Boakai, a storm is brewing within the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) party. The early concession call made by President George Manneh Weah to Ambassador Joseph N. Boakai, prior to the final results from the National Elections Commission (NEC) Liberia, has sparked a fierce debate within the CDC leadership. Accusations of betrayal, power-hungry motives, and a lack of leadership have led high-ranking members to call for the expulsion of President George Manneh Weah from the CDC party.
Betrayal and Accusations:
The CDC leadership has openly criticized President George Weah’s decision to concede the election before the NEC could announce the final results. Some within the party view this concession as a betrayal, arguing that it undermined the democratic process and disregarded the party’s interests. President George Weah, in turn, has accused the CDC leadership of pressuring him to reject the results, alleging a plot to hijack the election and declare himself the winner. These conflicting narratives have intensified the internal strife within the CDC.
Calls for Expulsion:
Amidst the accusations and counter-accusations, a significant faction within the CDC is advocating for the expulsion of President George Manneh Weah from the party. These high-ranking members argue that George Weah’s leadership, both within the CDC and Liberia, has been lacking. They point to what they perceive as a focus on personal wealth accumulation rather than the responsibilities and tasks associated with the presidency.
Lack of Leadership:
The criticism directed at President George Weah goes beyond the concession controversy. Some CDC leaders argue that George Weah has shown a lack of effective leadership within the CDC party and the country. They claim that George Weah’s tenure has been marked by a failure to address key issues facing Liberia and that his priorities have been centered around personal gain rather than the well-being of the nation.
Internal Division:
The CDC is currently experiencing internal divisions, with factions supporting President George Weah advocating for unity within the party, with George Weah at the helm. On the other hand, those calling for his expulsion believe that such a move is necessary to cleanse the party of what they perceive as a compromised and ineffective leadership.
Conclusion:
As the CDC grapples with internal dissent and conflicting visions for the party’s future, Liberia watches closely. The aftermath of the January 2024 inauguration will undoubtedly shape the political landscape, not just for the CDC but for the country as a whole. The calls for President George Manneh Weah’s expulsion underscore the deep-seated divisions within the party and raise questions about the future direction of one of Liberia’s major political forces.