Monrovia – Former President George Weah has raised alarms over reports of threats and intimidation ahead of the upcoming senatorial by-election in Nimba County, urging the United Nations to step in to ensure a fair electoral process.

By Yawah Jaivey, yawah.jaivey@frontpageafricaonline.com

In a meeting Monday with UN Resident Coordinator, Madam Christine Umutoni, Weah expressed concerns over the increasing insecurity and the apparent erosion of the rule of law in Liberia. 

He highlighted early reports of voter intimidation, stressing that the Nimba election will serve as a critical test for Liberia’s democracy and its commitment to peace and stability.

Weah, leader of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), emphasized the importance of a free, fair, and transparent election process, free from external interference or security threats.

He called on the UN to monitor the situation closely, noting that any deviation from democratic standards could threaten Liberia’s peace and undermine regional stability.

The former president also pointed to ongoing issues within the National Legislature, including the defiance some lawmakers have shown toward the Supreme Court, comparing it to the same political turmoil that once destabilized the country.

In response, Madam Umutoni assured Weah that the UN would continue to support Liberia’s path toward peace and democratic development. She confirmed that the international community would closely monitor the Nimba bi-election to ensure its fairness.

The meeting was also attended by UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Louis Kuukpen and UN Coordination Specialist Margaret Gulavic.

MONROVIA – In a notable recognition of Liberia’s strides toward democracy and peace, former President George Weah (2018-2024) has been nominated for the esteemed Chatham House Prize for the year 2024. The nomination comes in acknowledgment of President Weah’s graceful concession following Liberia’s 2023 elections, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s democratic journey.

By Lennart Dodoo

The Chatham House Prize, established by The Royal Institute for International Affairs at Chatham House in London, honors individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of international relations. President Weah finds himself among four distinguished nominees, a testament to his pivotal role in fostering stability and democratic principles in Liberia and beyond.

President Weah’s dignified acceptance of defeat after the 2023 polls is hailed as a beacon of hope in a region marred by historical civil unrest. His measured response facilitated Liberia’s second peaceful transfer of power in over seven decades, setting a positive example for democratic transitions across West and Central Africa and resonating globally.

The selection process for the Chatham House Prize is rigorous, involving input from senior research teams and deliberation by co-presidents Rt Hon Helen Clark and Baroness Manningham-Buller, culminating in a vote by the Chatham House membership. Past recipients of the award include notable figures such as former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Médecins Sans Frontières.

Director and Chief Bronwen Maddox of Chatham House extended congratulations to President Weah for his nomination, underscoring the significant impact of his leadership on international relations. The nomination serves as a recognition of President Weah’s dedication to fostering peace, stability, and democratic values, not only within Liberia but also on a broader global stage.

For further information on the Chatham House Prize and its nominees, interested parties are encouraged to visit the organization’s website at www.chathamhouse.org or contact the Director’s Office at do@chathamhouse.org.

President Weah’s nomination stands as a testament to Liberia’s ongoing journey toward democracy and underscores the importance of statesmanship and peaceful political transitions in shaping a more stable and prosperous world.

Paynesville — Liberia’s former President George Weah has expressed profound sadness over the demise of former District #9 Representative of Nimba County, Johnson Gwaikolo, emphasizing that his passing is a significant loss to Liberia.

By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972) – websterclayeh@frontpageafricaonline.com

“He contributed significantly to this country, and it’s important that we honor his memory. He was not only an uncle but also a friend to me. His loss is deeply felt by the nation,” President Weah shared during his visit to the late statesman’s home in Paynesville.

Before his passing on February 19, 2034, the former Nimba County Representative had contested in the October 2023 Legislative election but was unsuccessful.

According to family sources, Gwaikolo’s sudden demise occurred at the St. Joseph Catholic Hospital in Monrovia, and the exact cause of his death remains undetermined. News of his passing has deeply saddened residents of Nimba County and the entire nation.

Former Liberian leader, along with several former government officials, visited the home of the late Gwaikolo on Thursday, March 7, 2024, acknowledging his seniority within the Coalition for Democratic Change.

Following a closed-door meeting with Madam Gifty Gwaiko, the wife of the former Representative, and other family members, the former Liberian leader conveyed to journalists that the nation had lost a great statesman.

“It’s a somber moment for us all. He was not just a family friend but also a former colleague. He used to visit me every morning before heading to work. We had planned to meet, but unfortunately, I received the news of his passing while I was returning home,” former President Weah expressed.

Expressing his grief, he continued, “I’m deeply saddened by this loss. We shared many good moments together. He was a remarkable individual, and though we may not comprehend the ways of the divine, may his soul find peace. His contributions to our country will always be remembered.”

Former Rep. Gwaikolo was esteemed as both a seasoned politician and an educator. He served as the Representative of Nimba District #9 for six years in the 54th Legislature, during which he chaired the Committee on Education and later assumed the role of Chair on the House Committee on Rules Order and Administration.

Despite his unsuccessful bid for reelection in 2023, losing to current Representative Taa Wongbe, his legacy in the 54th Legislature marked his second term in the legislative body, following his service in the National Legislative Assembly during the Civil War.

Outside of the Legislature, the late Gwaikolo served as Deputy Minister of Public Works during the administration of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and as President of the United Methodist University (UMU).