Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County: Former Liberian President and Standard Bearer of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), George Manneh Weah, on Saturday declared that the party’s campaign toward the 2029 general elections has officially begun, as thousands of supporters gathered in Zwedru to commemorate the CDC’s 22nd anniversary.
Delivering the keynote address, Weah reflected on the party’s origins, celebrated its political achievements, criticized the current administration led by President Joseph Boakai, and called for greater unity among opposition political parties.
The anniversary celebration also drew the attendance of several prominent opposition political leaders, signaling continued dialogue and cooperation within Liberia’s opposition bloc.
Opposition Leaders Attend CDC Celebration
Weah welcomed leaders from several opposition parties, thanking them for attending what he described as a historic occasion.
Among those present were:
- Alexander Cummings of the Alternative National Congress (ANC)
- Musa Hassan Bility of the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC)
- Benoni Urey of the All-Liberian Party (ALP)
- Simeon Freeman of the Movement for Progressive Change (MPC)
- Dee-Maxwell Kemayah of the Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE)
- Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely
- Former Associate Justice Kabineh Ja’neh
He also acknowledged a statement of support issued by former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, Standard Bearer of the National Patriotic Party (NPP).
According to Weah, the presence and support of opposition leaders demonstrated that Liberia’s political actors could work together in pursuit of national interests.
Reflecting on the CDC’s Journey
Speaking to supporters, Weah described the CDC as a movement born from ordinary Liberians rather than political elites.
He said the party emerged from “forgotten communities” and gave political voice to market women, students, farmers, workers, motorcyclists, and young people who felt excluded from governance.
The former president also reflected on his own rise from poverty to the presidency, describing his political journey as symbolic of opportunities available to ordinary Liberians through democratic participation.
He defended the achievements of his administration, pointing to investments in road construction, market facilities, housing projects, and efforts to improve access to education despite what he described as significant governing challenges.
Sharp Criticism of Boakai Administration
A significant portion of Weah’s address focused on criticism of the Unity Party government.
He argued that Liberians were facing worsening economic hardship, claiming that businesses were closing and many families were struggling under current economic conditions.
Weah further accused the administration of undermining democratic institutions, alleging political persecution of former government officials, suppression of free speech, excessive use of force by security agencies against peaceful citizens, disregard for Supreme Court rulings, and weakening of the rule of law.
The former president also made allegations concerning national security and drug trafficking, asserting that Liberia’s sovereignty had been compromised and accusing officials within the current administration of shielding narcotics trafficking networks.
These allegations were presented by Weah during his political address. The Boakai administration has previously rejected similar accusations and maintained that it remains committed to strengthening democratic governance, the rule of law, and national security.
Call for Opposition Unity
Despite his criticism of the government, Weah repeatedly emphasized the importance of cooperation among opposition political parties.
He thanked civil society organizations and opposition leaders for participating in the anniversary celebration and described them as partners in Liberia’s democratic process.
Calling for unity ahead of future elections, Weah urged CDC supporters and opposition groups to avoid internal divisions and instead focus on organizing and mobilizing across the country.
“This is not the time for division. This is the time for mobilization,” he told supporters.
“The Road to 2029 Begins Today”
Closing his speech, Weah rejected suggestions that the CDC had lost political relevance, insisting that the party remained united, energized, and deeply rooted among ordinary Liberians.
He declared that the anniversary marked the beginning of a new chapter of renewal and reorganization for the party.
“The CDC is alive. The CDC is united. The CDC is organized. The CDC is energized. And the CDC is coming back to power,” Weah said.
He concluded by announcing that the CDC’s preparations for Liberia’s 2029 presidential and legislative elections officially begin with the Zwedru gathering.
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