MONROVIA – Opposition political parties from across Liberia united on Thursday to condemn the pre-dawn arson attack on the headquarters of Solidarity and Trust for a New Day, known as STAND, describing it as a dangerous assault on civil liberties and a troubling signal of shrinking democratic space under the Boakai administration. 

By Selma Lomax selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com 

The Alternative National Congress, the Congress for Democratic Change, the Citizens Movement for Change, and the Movement for Economic Empowerment jointly addressed the nation through a press conference in Monrovia where they denounced what they termed a calculated attempt to intimidate a vocal civil society institution ahead of its planned December 17 protest. 

The parties argued that the attack reflects a disturbing pattern of insecurity and intolerance and called the government’s silence alarming and unacceptable.

According to the joint statement, the arson attack represents a painful reminder of a national history in which dissenting voices were branded as enemies of the state and forcibly suppressed. 

The opposition leaders insisted that the government must publicly distance itself from any suspected association with the incident and immediately initiate a credible and transparent investigation supported by independent external experts. They maintained that the public’s perception of potential state involvement will continue to grow unless authorities act decisively, condemning the attack and bringing perpetrators to justice. 

The parties stressed that silence from the government cannot be viewed as neutral but instead risks being interpreted as complacency or complicity.

Standing in solidarity with STAND, the political parties warned that Liberia’s hard-earned democratic gains must not be undermined by intimidation, lawlessness, and impunity. They stated that Liberia’s democracy remains fragile and that the recent peaceful transition of power should be safeguarded, not threatened. 

The leaders declared that they will not accept actions that place the country on a trajectory toward chaos and pledged to continue defending constitutional governance and civil liberties through peaceful means. They also called on the international community to closely monitor these developments and remind the government of its obligations to transparency, justice, and democratic practice.

While political pressure mounted, STAND chairman Mulbah K. Morlu personally toured the charred remains of the organization’s headquarters where he placed direct responsibility for the attack on President Joseph Boakai, alleging that the incident was a state-sponsored attempt to silence civil society voices ahead of the group’s planned demonstration. 

Morlu said the firebombing occurred between five and six in the morning and destroyed documents, office supplies, and equipment that the group had acquired largely through grassroots contributions. He insisted that the attack was deliberate and dismissed any suggestion that it could have resulted from an electrical issue, saying the building had never experienced electrical faults since STAND leased the property. He described the destruction as calculated and meant to intimidate pro-democracy advocates.

Morlu further disclosed that the organization had suffered repeated threats in recent weeks, claiming that masked men believed to be state security operatives had made several attempts to breach the compound and had repeatedly damaged the facility’s gate. 

He said STAND’s security guard was assaulted during an earlier incident but had returned to work after receiving medical care, noting that the guard remained committed despite the risks. Morlu explained that he reported the threats to the Liberia National Police only hours before the fire occurred and had specifically requested security protection for the compound, but no officers were deployed before the blaze engulfed the building.

The attack occurred against the backdrop of rising tension between STAND and the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC). Days earlier, the LCC had publicly appealed for a nationwide suspension of protests during the festive season, urging groups including STAND to postpone demonstrations in order to preserve calm as Liberians prepare for Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Speaking for the Council, Reverend Dr Christopher Toe had warned that rallies during this period could heighten instability. STAND sharply rejected the LCC’s call, accusing the religious body of losing its neutrality and aligning itself with the Boakai-Koung administration. In a reaction signed by Morlu, the group argued that the LCC had failed to speak out on the economic hardships, alleged corruption, police excesses, and threats to democratic procedure that had provoked their planned protest in the first place. Morlu insisted that the LCC’s intervention lacked moral weight due to what he described as selective advocacy.

Despite the destruction of STAND’s headquarters and despite the LCC’s appeal for postponement, Morlu reaffirmed that the December 17 “Lead or Leave” protest will go ahead as planned. He said STAND’s members remain energized and determined to proceed and promised that protesters would peacefully assemble at the grounds of the Executive Mansion to deliver their message directly to President Boakai. 

Morlu emphasized that the arson attack would not deter the movement and asserted that the organization would emerge stronger and more resolute. He added that STAND is open to cooperating with any investigation into the fire but maintained that no level of intimidation will silence their advocacy.

With no government statement yet issued, pressure is mounting for authorities to break their silence and address the political and security implications of an attack that has intensified questions about the protection of dissent in a young democracy.

Monrovia – The sudden resignation of Madam Grace Guar, USA/Canada Diaspora Chairperson of the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), has sent shockwaves through Liberia’s political landscape. The announcement, made in a press release on Sunday, October 26, 2025, offered no explanation for her departure, leaving political observers and the public demanding answers from the young political movement.

The CMC described Madam Guar as “an integral part of the movement’s formative journey,” praising her leadership, commitment, and role in building a vibrant diaspora chapter. The statement highlighted her integrity and independent thinking but stopped short of clarifying why one of its most influential members chose to step down.

Madam Guar, a widely respected human rights advocate and author, has spent years championing causes against gender-based violence, domestic abuse, and systemic injustices in Liberia. Her work extends beyond politics, through organizations she founded, including the Legacy Holding Foundation and the Liberian Women Advocacy Network International, which have left lasting social impact across Liberia.

Her political engagement began publicly in 2023, when she endorsed Dr. Clarence Moniba for the presidency, and later she became a founding member of the CMC. Given her history of fearless advocacy and outspoken stance on national issues, her abrupt exit raises serious questions about the internal workings of the Citizens Movement for Change.

Political analysts suggest that the lack of transparency surrounding her resignation undermines the party’s commitment to accountability, a principle it frequently promotes. “If CMC values integrity and openness, then the public deserves clarity on why such a prominent leader felt compelled to leave,” one analyst said, highlighting concerns about possible internal disagreements or organizational shortcomings.

Observers note that Madam Guar’s departure is particularly troubling given the timing and her reputation for principled advocacy. Her exit fuels speculation that the CMC may be facing internal tensions, leadership conflicts, or ideological rifts that the party has yet to address publicly.

The press release expressed gratitude for her contributions and wished her well in future endeavors, but it offered no insights into whether policy disagreements, personal decisions, or other factors prompted her resignation. This silence has been interpreted by some as a failure of the CMC to maintain transparency, especially for a party that positions itself as a reformist alternative in Liberia’s political scene.

For many Liberians, Madam Guar represents a voice of conscience and accountability. Her work, both as an activist and as a political leader, has consistently challenged complacency and corruption, making her resignation a critical moment that demands explanation.

As speculation grows, civil society groups, diaspora members, and political commentators are calling on the CMC leadership to provide answers. Without clarity, the party risks losing credibility among supporters who value transparency and ethical governance.

While Madam Guar moves on to new ventures, her departure casts a spotlight on the Citizens Movement for Change, raising urgent questions about leadership practices, internal dynamics, and the party’s commitment to the values it publicly champions. Liberia now watches closely, awaiting answers that could define the credibility of the CMC in the nation’s evolving political landscape.

Gbarnga, Bong County – Once hailed as a political powerhouse in Bong County, Representative Marvin Cole now finds himself navigating uncertain terrain. The former Coalition of Democratic Change (CDC) stalwart’s decision Saturday to join the Citizens Movement of Change (CMC) has not sparked the enthusiasm it might have in previous years. Instead, it has exposed just how far his influence has diminished.

By Selma Lomax selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com 

Cole, who represents Bong County’s District 3, was for years regarded as one of the CDC’s most visible and effective mobilizers in the county. During the peak of the George Weah administration, Rep. Cole’s presence in Bong was synonymous with power, wealth, and logistical muscle. 

It was not uncommon for him to spend up to one million Liberian dollars weekly in his district — funding community events, fuel supplies, youth groups, and spontaneous cash handouts that ensured his image remained untouchable.

But the tides have changed.

In the aftermath of the CDC’s electoral defeat in 2023, Rep. Cole’s political armor appears to have cracked. His crossover to the CMC — led by Nimba County Representative Musa Hassan Bility — may have come not from a position of strength, but from visible desperation to stay politically relevant in the county.

Though welcomed by Rep. Bility and publicly praised as a “gamechanger,” Rep. Cole’s switch has been received with skepticism in Bong County, where residents are increasingly disillusioned with political theatrics.

“Marvin Cole isn’t leading the people anymore,” said a resident of Gbarnga. “He’s chasing shadows. What we’re seeing is someone trying to hold on to relevance — not someone leading with conviction.”

That sentiment is echoed even within his support base. At his CMC unveiling event, many of the attendees arrived wearing CDC paraphernalia — a telling sign that while Rep. Cole may have changed jerseys, his followers haven’t. Several admitted openly that they were not there for CMC, but for “Marvin the man.”

Rep. Cole’s fall from grace hasn’t been sudden — it’s been gradual and public. In recent months, he has been plagued by controversy, most notably a three-month suspension from the House of Representatives for disorderly conduct. That suspension significantly dented his standing both in the Legislature and among his constituents, who had come to expect regular engagement and community contributions.

Then came the Gbarmu Town protests. Residents accused Rep. Cole of mishandling social development funds from the Hurine Mining Company, prompting fiery demonstrations that led to a bridge being burned and several arrests. Protesters didn’t just criticize government failure — they named Rep. Cole directly as an enabler of exploitation and neglect.

Further damage to his reputation came after a violent storm struck parts of his district, displacing dozens. Unlike in previous years, when Rep. Cole would have mobilized emergency support, residents say he was largely absent and offered no meaningful assistance — not even transportation or temporary shelter.

“Where is the Marvin who used to send trucks of supplies during emergencies?” asked one storm victim. “That Marvin vanished after CDC lost. Now he’s just another name.”

Much of Rep. Cole’s earlier dominance was built not only on charisma, but on access — access to power, funding, and favor from CDC kingmakers like former Minister of State Nathaniel McGill. With McGill and others no longer in control of the state machinery, Rep. Cole’s financial tap appears to have dried up.

As one political analyst put it, “Rep. Cole’s move to the CMC isn’t about belief. It’s about the wallet. He’s moved from chasing McGill to chasing Rep. Bility.”

The suggestion is clear that in Liberia’s political system, where access to resources often outweighs ideology, Rep. Cole’s influence was always transactional. And now, stripped of state backing and plagued by controversies, his previous brand of patronage politics is struggling to survive.

Inside the CMC, not everyone is convinced of Rep. Cole’s intentions. While some see his defection as a strategic win — a chance to penetrate Bong County with a familiar face — others view him as a “political migrant” merely seeking a soft landing.

“Marvin is here,” a senior CMC executive told FrontPageAfrica, “but the real question is whether he brings loyalty or just baggage. We’ll find out soon enough.”

Despite the political rebranding, Rep. Cole has remained careful not to burn bridges with the CDC. He continues to speak with top CDC figures and has yet to issue any public criticism of the party that helped him rise. Some see this as evidence that his departure is only temporary — a tactical pause, not a break.

In his own words, Rep. Cole defended his move as a continuation of opposition politics: “I will continue to support any political movement that is prepared to hold the ruling establishment accountable.”

But for a man who once commanded crowds and dictated the political temperature in Bong, the current reality is stark. His influence is no longer absolute. His name no longer commands instant obedience. And his next political chapter — whether it ends in redemption or retreat — is uncertain.