LIBERIA: Boakai’s Government Exploiting Legal System …Says Ex-Pres. Weah, Risks Fomenting Chaos

Former President George Manneh Weah has announced that the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) will actively resist what he describes as the Unity Party (UP) Government’s attempts to weaponize the judiciary against the opposition.

Former President Weah accused President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of undermining the rule of law through politically motivated actions aimed at weakening the CDC and its supporters.

In a fiery statement, Mr. Weah declared that the CDC would employ all legal and political means to counteract President Boakai’s efforts to politicize the justice system.

He emphasized that these actions threaten Liberia’s democratic principles and could destabilize the nation’s fragile peace.

Mr. Weah’s accusations against the Boakai’s administration are extensive. He claimed that civil servants have been harassed and removed from their positions solely based on their affiliation with the CDC. This alleged political purge has, according to Mr. Weah, created a climate of fear and repression among public sector employees.

Additionally, Mr. Weah, who spoke on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 when he addressed a press conference at the CDC’s Headquarters in Congo Town, outside Monrovia, condemned the use of excessive force against citizens, which he said has led to unnecessary deaths.

He asserted that these actions reflect a broader pattern of human rights abuses under Boakai’s leadership, further eroding public trust in the government.

The former president also criticized the administration for ignoring rulings by the Liberian Supreme Court, suggesting a blatant disregard for the country’s highest judicial authority.

This, he argued, is indicative of a broader attempt to consolidate power and silence opposition voices through judicial manipulation.

Mr. Weah went on to accuse the Boakai administration of violating procurement laws and denying benefits to duly commissioned foreign service officials.

He highlighted these issues as evidence of systemic corruption and mismanagement within the current government.

In a particularly pointed accusation, he alleged that President Boakai recently sought to illegally remove the governance of the Central Bank of Liberia. This move, Mr. Weah suggested, was an attempt to exert undue control over the nation’s financial institutions, compromising their independence and integrity.

These serious allegations come in the wake of a recent General Auditing Commission (GAC) compliance audit report, which has led to writs being issued against several former CDC government officials. Among those targeted is ex-Finance and Development Planning Minister Samuel Tweah, with some officials already facing imprisonment.

Mr. Weah’s statements have heightened political tensions in Liberia, as the country grapples with accusations of judicial politicization and government overreach.

The CDC’s commitment to resist these alleged abuses underscores the deepening divide between the opposition and the ruling party.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on how President Boakai and his administration respond to these charges. The international community, as well as local civil society organizations, will likely play crucial roles in mediating this conflict and ensuring that Liberia’s democratic processes are upheld.

The coming weeks are expected to be critical for Liberia’s political landscape, with potential ramifications for governance, justice, and public trust in the democratic system.

The nation’s ability to navigate this crisis peacefully will be a testament to its resilience and commitment to democratic values.