Liberia: Nimba Rift Exposes Leaders’ Greed Over Public Interest

Monrovia – A rift between Vice President Jeremiah Koung and Senator Samuel Kogar has thrown Nimba County politics into turmoil, exposing what critics say is a fight driven by personal ambition rather than public service.

Kogar went public on BKS Television accusing Koung of bypassing him and making unilateral decisions in county governance. The senator said the Vice President was “undermining the democratic process,” but observers note the feud reflects a battle for control of Nimba’s vast political and economic clout.

“The people of Nimba are being sidelined while two powerful men wrestle for influence and future power,” a civil society activist told BanaBridge News. “This isn’t about roads or schools. It’s about who gets the bigger slice.”

Both Koung and Kogar are seen as eyeing the 2029 presidency, with their clash signaling early positioning within one of Liberia’s most influential voting blocs. Once allies in local contests, they are now locked in a contest for dominance that analysts warn could destabilize the region.

For many Nimbaians, the spectacle underscores a familiar frustration: leaders enriching themselves while ordinary citizens face crumbling infrastructure, joblessness, and poor healthcare.

“The real losers are the people,” one resident lamented. “While they argue, nothing changes for us.”

About the Author

U-Thant N. Smith

Editor

U-Thant Nicholas Smith is a Liberian writer, political commentator, and disability rights activist whose work focuses on social justice, human rights, and political accountability. As an op-ed contributor to FrontPageAfrica, he has written thought-provoking essays such as “The Silent Struggles of Persons with Disabilities in Liberia” and “The Cycle of Hypocrisy: Joseph Boakai and the Promise of Change.” Through his writings, Smith challenges political norms, amplifies marginalized voices, and advocates for equity, economic freedom, and the protection of human rights. His activism is rooted in dismantling barriers and fostering informed dialogue that promotes positive change in society.

View All Posts