Former Monrovia Mayor says his mission abroad is accomplished, vows renewed political engagement as opposition CDC prepares for national convention and 2029 elections
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh
MONROVIA — Jefferson Tamba Koijee, Secretary General of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and former Mayor of Monrovia, has announced plans to return to Liberia after nearly two years in Israel, where he pursued advanced studies in counterterrorism, intelligence and international security.
Koijee made the announcement in a statement posted on his official Facebook page under the title, “Israel, Democracy, Gratitude, and My Return to the Motherland!” in which he reflected on his academic experience, interactions with Israeli political figures and what he described as a successful mission abroad.
His planned return comes as the CDC begins reorganizing its political structures and mobilizing supporters ahead of the 2029 presidential and legislative elections. The party is also preparing for a national convention to elect new officers who will steer its affairs toward the next electoral cycle.
In his announcement, Koijee said his extended stay outside Liberia had given him a deeper appreciation of his country and an opportunity to acquire knowledge and experiences that he intends to bring back home.
“It has been nearly over two years now outside of the motherland. This is indeed my very first time since I was born to be this long away from my dear and noble country!” he wrote.
Describing his time abroad as a completed assignment, Koijee declared: “My mission is now successfully accomplished! I’m returning to base with renewed vigor!”
Although he did not provide a specific date for his return, his announcement has drawn messages of welcome from CDC supporters, many of whom view his return as significant to the party’s preparations for the 2029 elections.
Reflects on Israeli Democracy
Beyond announcing his return, Koijee used the statement to reflect on his studies in Israel, particularly a course on Government, Politics and Policy that exposed him to the country’s parliamentary system.
He highlighted Israel’s unicameral parliament, the Knesset, and the role of political parties in forming coalition governments through negotiations and proportional representation.
Koijee said the experience gave him a deeper understanding of how political alliances are negotiated and how coalition arrangements influence governance and political stability.
He also congratulated the people of Israel on their participation in the country’s elections and expressed appreciation to Israeli President Isaac Herzog for granting him an opportunity to meet personally.
Koijee described his conversation with Herzog as remarkable, praising the Israeli leader’s knowledge and commitment to his country.
He also thanked Herzog for what he described as fulfilling his constitutional responsibility by giving opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot the opportunity to form a government.
Koijee further acknowledged Moti Ajami, Deputy Mayor of Rishon LeZion, with whom he said he discussed shared visions for Liberia and Israel.
From Studies to Political Return
Koijee’s departure for Israel followed the CDC’s defeat in the November 2023 presidential runoff, in which the opposition party lost to the Unity Party of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
He subsequently pursued studies at Reichman University in Israel, where he graduated in June 2026 with a master’s degree in Counterterrorism, Intelligence and International Security.
Following his graduation, Koijee announced the achievement through videos and photographs shared on social media.
In a WhatsApp message announcing the accomplishment, he said he had been conferred with a master’s degree in Counterterrorism, Intelligence and International Security (Government) by Reichman University, which he described as one of Israel’s prestigious private universities.
Observers say his return would bring him back into the center of the CDC’s political activities at a time when the party faces the task of rebuilding its structures, consolidating its support base and preparing for its next national leadership elections.
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