MONROVIA – Liberia, with a rocky history of two bloody civil wars fueled by political and tribal divides, is now enjoying the dividends of peace. However, one major agenda its post war leaders have tried to accomplished but failed is reconciliation. 

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, with Joseph Boakai serving as her Vice President trumpeted reconciliation as one of her major domestic programs when she inherited a country reeling from the brutal civil wars. Her appointment of her fiercest political rival, opposition leader George Weah as Liberia’s peace ambassador was not enough to help her achieve her goal. Sirleaf would later admit that in her last annual message in 2017.

“Let me say, straight out, two areas have continued to pose major challenges for our administration: corruption and reconciliation,” she said. “Our country’s long struggle for national reconciliation has its genesis in history. A coup d’état and years of civil conflict exacerbated longstanding divides that have left deep wounds. The methods and motivations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission have not helped us to find a way forward to achieve the desired results for reconciliation. Nevertheless, we must continue implementation of the 207 recommendations in the Report, the majority of which have already been implemented.”

President George Weah, who succeeded her, opted not to support the TRC’s recommendation to establish a tribunal to try those responsible for the worst atrocities committed during the war, in the name of reconciliation. His decision drew criticism, with many accusing him of shielding alleged war criminals for political gain.

President Boakai has made reconciliation, a major domestic policy. Already he has collaborated with families of the late Samuel Kanyon Doe and William R. Tolbert to give them symbolic reburial in Grand Gedeh and Montserrado, respectively.

He has also convened a national reconciliation program. Other notable national events include the official celebration of Liberia’s 178^th Independence anniversary and a national prayer service at the Effort Baptist Church after he declared Wednesday, July 30, a National Prayer Day.

However, the absence of key opposition figures at these major national events has sparked public concern and renewed scrutiny of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s reconciliation drive, with critics questioning the sincerity and inclusivity of his government’s efforts to unite the country.

On President Boakai’s declared National Prayer Day, Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe of Bomi County delivered a stirring prayer that doubled as a pointed appeal to the President.

“Father, we lift up our President, H.E. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., into Your Arms. May You strengthen him daily, lead him in wisdom, and give him a heart of a true Father to this Nation. We ask especially that You give him the grace to forgive, and to act on that forgiveness—not just in words, but in deeds,” Snowe prayed.

The senator’s remarks struck a nerve with observers, particularly as he emphasized the need for President Boakai to reach across the political divide and foster genuine unity.

“We pray that he will take the bold step to work with the former Presidents, Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and George Manneh Weah, Madam Jewel Howard-Taylor, Speaker Fonati Koffa, as well as political leaders like Mr. Alexander B. Cummings, Mr. Benoni Urey, and others who have served and continue to care deeply about the destiny of Liberia.”

Joining the chorus of concern, the National Patriotic Party’s Chairman, Atty. George Sylvester Mulbah, criticized the Boakai administration for what he termed a “lack of a holistic reconciliation process.” He pointed out that major opposition figures continue to be excluded from national gatherings.

Atty. Mulbah said such exclusion undermines Liberia’s democratic and reconciliation processes.

He called for a deliberate effort to include opposition leaders such as former President George Weah, Alexander Cummings, and Benoni Urey in the national dialogue, citing their continued relevance to peacebuilding and national development.

While top Boakai officials say invitations were accorded to these political leaders, their absence has fueled speculation that national reconciliation is not proceeding in earnest. Some argue that the Boakai administration has yet to move beyond symbolic gestures and take meaningful steps toward bridging the deep political and social divisions that have long plagued Liberia.

Critics contend that reconciliation must involve inclusion, recognition, and respect for all former leaders and political actors, regardless of past affiliations or disagreements. They warn that failure to do so risks undermining public confidence in the President’s stated commitment to unity and peace.

As Liberia continues to recover from its political and economic struggles, the call for President Boakai to “act not just in words, but in deeds” echoes as both a spiritual appeal and a political imperative.

MONROVIA — Senator Prince Johnson has criticized former President George Manneh Weah for coming in strong defense of his ex-public officials accused and indicted for corruption by the Unity Party (UP) led-government of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.

For days now, the ruling Unity Party of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has either suspended or issued indictments against former officials of the Weah led-administration, including Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) Executive Governor Aloysius Tarlue, former Finance and Development Planning Minister Samuel Tweah, Stanley Ford of the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) and National Security Advisor Jefferson Karmoh for alleged acts of corruption.

However, the ex-Liberian president has termed the Boakai-led administration’s action as a “witch-hunt” intended to cause instability in the country.

But speaking when he participated on the Morning Show on Bana FM 98.5 on Monday, August 5, the Nimba County senator said Mr. Weah must muster the courage to now encourage his accused ex-public officials, many of whom are his closest allies, to make themselves available and answer to corruption charges levied against them in the court.

He rejected claims being made by Mr. Weah and his supporters that President Boakai and his government is witch-hunting or targeting his former government officials.

‘Advice ignored’

Senator Johnson, as political leader of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), was one of those who pledged support and canvassed to ensure the election of Mr. Weah during the 2017 general and presidential elections. 

However, the pair broke ranks prior to the conduct of the October 2023 general and presidential elections which brought Mr. Weah to power.

He pointed out that following the ascendancy of Mr. Weah to the presidency, he (Johnson) requested the ex-Liberian leader to conduct an audit of his predecessor Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. 

The matter was also elevated to the Liberian Senate by the Nimba County lawmaker following conflicting accounts provided by former Presidents Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and Weah. But investigation into the matter didn’t suffer back on the floor of the Senate until the departure of Mr. Weah from the presidency.

Senator Johnson, however, observed that Mr. Weah failed to conduct an audit, something which made him (Johnson) to let it go for fear of “falling in trouble” with his former political ally (Weah).

He stressed that though former President Weah failed to audit the Sirleaf led-government, he should not see the move being made by his successor President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to hold accountable his former public officials as a witch-hunt.

He maintained that the CDC Political Leader should be calling for the accused individuals to exonerate themselves in court if he knows fully that they have not committed any of the crimes levied against them by the Boakai-administration.

“After Weah’s inauguration, the press asked me what is the next step now? And I said we need to inform the Liberian people exactly what Madam Sirleaf’s outgoing government left for us to operate with and besides that, we should do an audit of the outgoing government. Two days after the inauguration when I had the press conference, I went to see former President Weah at his house and I reiterated to him that we need to do an audit and also let the people of Liberia know exactly what was left in the coffers. This is how it should be”

“In short, what we should have done and we did not do, is exactly what the Unity Party under President Boakai is doing. Is that witch-hunting? I don’t think so. If we had not siphoned the people money from the national coffers; if we had not massively looted the coffers, then I think (former) President Weah, my in-law and former President, should encourage his former officials to appear before the court since they have been indicted to answer for whatever led to the indictment.”

‘Not witch-hunt’

Senator Johnson emphasized that Mr. Weah should be calling for the law to take its course in the matter, instead of holding press conferences to call the present government all sorts of names.

He stressed that the commencement of the indictment and prosecution of former public officials accused of corruption from the immediate past government of Mr. Weah does not in any way matter or amounts to witch-hunt.

“The audit reports are there; it doesn’t matter which one is coming first. Let’s watch and see. They are starting with the ones before them now-after these ones, let’s see what happens next. Let’s see what the government will do. That’s the way I think it should be.”

Senator Johnson justified that former President Weah was supposed to audit the former UP led-administration which democratically turned over power to him in 2017 instead of grading it a passing mark during his presidency.

He emphasized that the ex-Liberian leader cannot hold the present administration liable for doing what he failed to do in the past, noting that, “what you failed to do is what they are doing to you; so, what’s the big deal? Just be patient and let them go to the court and clear themselves. These audit reports are not just from President Boakai’s time (tenure); it was there before.”

The audit and investigative reports being acted upon by the UP led-government were done during the administration of former President Weah.

On Friday, August 2, three former officials of Weah’s Government, recently imprisoned at the Monrovia Central Prison were released on bail.

Resident Circuit Court Judge, Roosevelt Willie, granted the defendants their bonds after an intervention by their lawyers.

Former Solicitor General, Cllr. Nyenati Tuan, the former FIU Comptroller D. Moses P. Cooper, Former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah, former Director General of the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), Stanley Ford, and Jefferson Karmoh, former National Security Advisor to President George Weah were issued a writ of arrest for charges of Economic Sabotage, Theft, and/or Illegal Disbursement and Expenditure of Public Money, Theft of Property, Criminal Facilitation and Criminal Conspiracy based upon a complaint by the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).

It’s alleged that in September of the same year, the defendants all carried out their scheme under the pretense of discharging their duties as officials of the Joint Security of Liberia, unauthorizedly, criminally, willfully, illegally, knowingly, and maliciously, with the intent of diverting said amount for their use and benefit, and did conspire, collude, and made to be transferred, from the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) to the operational accounts of thin e FIA the amounts of L$l,055, 1 52,540.00 and in the tone of US$500,000.00. (USD Five HundredsThousands).

They were arrested on Monday, July 29, following a writ of arrest from the court and sent to prison after failing to present a criminal appearance bond.

Former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah and former Director General of the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), Stanley Ford are yet to be seen since the arrest warrant was issued, until a criminal insurance bond was filed by legal counsel representing all of the defendants.

FrontPageAfrica has gathered that the defendants managed to obtain a criminal insurance bond from the Sky International Insurance Company in Monrovia, a sum of US$12,000,000.00 (Twelve Million United States Dollars).

MONROVIA – The Senate has endorsed the request from President George Weah for an additional 10 days’ extension in their sitting to address unresolved issues faced by the outgoing government.

By Henry Karmo, henry.karmo@frontpageafricaoline.com

The extension will begin on Monday, December 11, 2023, and conclude on December 22, 2023. The decision to extend the 6th Session is based on a communication from the President (Chief Executive) requesting the Senate’s extension to provide ample time for the submission of the 2024 National Draft Budget.

The extension also aims to address other instruments that will tackle critical issues affecting the State. The Liberian Senate endorsed the President’s communication for extension, emphasizing its importance during this transitional period when crucial matters are expected to be adequately addressed.

Originally, the 6th Session of the Liberian Senate was scheduled to conclude on Friday, December 8, 2023. However, based on the endorsement of the President’s communication for extension, the Session will adjourn on Friday, December 22, 2023.

Recently, the House of Representatives summoned the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Samuel D. Tweah, to appear before the august body on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 10:00 AM to explain the delay in submitting the 2024 National Budget.

Despite repeated citations, the Finance Minister has failed to appear, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in financial matters. The House views this repeated absence as a matter of contempt and demands that the Minister show cause for such persistent non-compliance with legislative summons.

Minister Tweah has been summoned to explain why he should not be held in contempt by the House for his failure to appear after several citations. The House emphasizes the importance of the Finance Minister’s presence to ensure a thorough examination of financial matters crucial to the nation’s well-being.

The House of Representatives reaffirms its commitment to upholding democratic principles, transparency, and accountability in the governance process.

MONROVIA – President George Weah, now a lame duck, believes unity among Liberians and keeping the country peaceful lie in the next administration’s decision not to go after officials of his government. He thinks doing so would be “witch-hunting”, but the incoming administration contends that accountability is crucial for the nation’s progress and development.

By Lennart Dodoo, ldodoo@frontpageafricaonline.com

Mounting the pulpit on Sunday at his Forky Klon Jlaleh Family Fellowship Church just days after conceding to former Vice President Joseph Boakai, Weah said his decision to concede was motivated by the desire to uphold peace in Liberia, despite facing pressure not to do so.

He, however, urged his successor not to pursue officials of his government, rather he should follow his example when he decided not to pursue officials of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf government in which Boakai was Vice President for 12 years as doing do would have been witch-hunting.

Weah: “We must prioritize the welfare of our people and the development of the country. By pursuing witch hunts against my officials and me, we risk derailing the peace we have worked towards.”

“Going after officials from this government would only hinder the progress made toward achieving lasting peace and stability in the country.”

According to the President, it is crucial for the President-elect to concentrate on his agenda and steer clear of distractions posed by investigations and prosecutions, as such actions could significantly undermine the country’s peace.

He emphasized that Boakai should prioritize healing the nation and addressing the divisions that emerged “due to the elections.” The President highlighted that his government contributed to maintaining peace by refraining from prosecuting officials from the previous Unity Party government under Sirleaf.

“The unity and peace of this country are of utmost importance. Our government refrained from pursuing past officials for the sake of maintaining peace. Boakai should follow suit. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf handed over power to us, and we upheld the peace. Boakai needs to do the same,” the President remarked.

However, the Unity Party argues differently. Reacting to President Weah, the former Auditor General and key member of the Boakai campaign team, John Morlu, differed with Pres. Weah’s stance on accountability. According to him, it was negligence on the part of Pres. Weah not have held the Sirleaf regime accountable.

Morlu contended that the Unity Party in 2018 had requested Weah to conduct an audit, a request that went unfulfilled. He argued that Weah’s failure to carry out an audit of the previous government is not a justifiable reason for evading investigation.

“Advocating for peace and reconciliation while retaining ill-gotten gains is an old trick in Liberia; true harmony requires justice and accountability,” Morlu stated.

He said the UP would focus on the facts and evidence to avoid any semblance of witch-hunting.

Morlu: “Weah’s responsibility was to audit the Sirleaf government, just as Boakai is accountable for auditing Weah’s administration. Attempts to involve the Sirleaf government in moral relativism are distracting; Weah had ample time to audit but chose not to, allowing corruption to persist.

“The cycle of corruption must end with the Weah administration. Liberians and international partners demand full accountability, and Boakai is expected to deliver. Weah’s actions may sow disunity and chaos, but the pursuit of recovered stolen funds remains a priority for the people.”

President-elect Boakai, throughout his campaign, promised to tackle corruption head-on. He consistently emphasized that his government would aggressively address corruption while harshly criticizing the Weah administration for its alleged corruption and continuous mismanagement of the country’s resources.

Weah’s administration faced heavy accusations of corruption, particularly concerning the sanctioning of high-ranking officials. Nathaniel McGill, the former Minister of State; Cllr. Sayma Syrennius Cephas, the former Solicitor General; and Bill Twehway, the former Managing Director for the National Port Authority, were all sanctioned for acts of corruption, soliciting bribes, and awarding government contracts to themselves. Additionally, Nimba County Senator Prince Y. Johnson, now a key ally to Boakai, faced sanctions for acts of corruption and pay-for-play with the Weah-led government.

Despite numerous calls by the United States Embassy, civil society organizations, and opposition political parties to investigate and prosecute those sanctioned, the Weah administration did not adhere to these requests.

Monrovia — Liberian President George Weah has revealed “deep division” within the country, admonishing citizens to be vigilant to the dangers of division and work together to find common ground.

By Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com

“The closeness of the results reveals a deep division within our country. As we transition to a new administration, we must be vigilant to the dangers of division, and must work together to find common ground. Now, more than ever, unity is paramount for the love of Mama Liberia,” President Weah said.

The outgoing Liberian leader said unity was paramount more than ever for the love of Liberia.

Unity Party’s standard bearer, Joseph Boakai, was on Monday declared winner of Liberia’s presidential election, beating incumbent George Weah, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) said after completing the ballot count.

Boakai won with 50.64 percent of the vote, against 49.36 percent of the vote for Weah, Davidetta Browne Lansanah, chairperson of the commission, told reporters.

Mr. Boakai won with only a 20,567-vote margin.

Weah had already conceded defeat on Friday evening, based on the results of more than 99.98 percent of the polling stations.

“A few moments ago, I spoke with president elect Joseph Boakai to congratulate him on his victory,” Weah said on national radio. “I urge you to follow my example and accept the results of the elections.”

The outgoing President and former football star won praise from abroad on Monday for conceding and promoting a non-violent transition in a region marred by coups.

“Liberians have once again demonstrated that democracy is alive in the ECOWAS region and that change is possible through peaceful means,” the Economic Community of West African States said in a statement.

Since 2020, ECOWAS states have seen abrupt regime changes with military forces seizing power by force in four of the fifteen member countries: Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Niger.

The election six years ago of Mr. Weah – the first African footballer to win both FIFA’s World Player of the Year trophy and the Ballon d’Or – had sparked high hopes of change in Liberia, which is still reeling from back-to-back civil wars and the 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic.

MONROVIA – Rumors about the Bomi County lawmaker’s departure from the CDC campaign spread like wildfire during the afternoon hours of Monday. It became banner headline news for some local media entities.

By Henry Karmo, henry.karmo@frontpageafriconline.com

On Tuesday, October 31, 2023, he broke his silence and recommitted his allegiance to the re-election bid of President George Weah, to whom he said he has dedicated his time and energy.

“On my own as an adult, I decided to support Mr. Weah with no precondition, and in my declaration, there were no preconditions. I have my own reasons for supporting him, and those reasons still stand. Whoever Mr. Weah puts on his campaign team is not my prerogative to decide.

“There may be others in the CDC who don’t believe I should be there, and it does not give them a reason to leave. If your speculation is right, I may have an option, and if there’s someone in the room who I feel I should not sit with, I will excuse them, but it does not lead me to jump ship. I remain on the campaign team.”

The Bomi County Senator refused to answer questions about his relationship with the talk show host Henry Costa, for whom it was rumored that he has left the CDC. Bomi County Senator Edwin Snowe on Monday refused to deny or confirm rumors about his self-withdrawal from the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) campaign team. Snowe is the Western region campaign chair of the Party’s campaign.

Counties making up the Western region include Bomi, Gbarpolu, and Grand Cape Mount Counties. According to sources close to the President and Senator Snowe, his decision is based on the inclusion of talk-show host Henry Costa on the CDC team.

Despite his support for the CDC, Ambassador Joseph Boakai of the Unity Party obtained the highest vote count in the three counties in the first-round elections held on October 10, 2023.

On Sunday, October 29, 2023, Mr. Costa, along with the political leader of the All-Liberian Party, Benoni Urey, and his daughter Telia Urey, announced to the country that they are now going to be one of the lead campaigners for the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) in the November 14 run-off election.

Urey, along with his daughter Telia and political commentator Henry Costa, led the party to an endorsement ceremony at the ALP Headquarters in Monrovia.

Disclosing his support for the re-election of President Weah, Urey said, “Mr. President, the All Liberian Party has vested significant authority in me. Today, I have been granted the privilege to inform you, Mr. President, that the All Liberian Party endorses your bid for a second term. We want to assure you that today’s endorsement is not just an ordinary one; it is an endorsement from our hearts.”

Urey had been a staunch ally of Amb. Joseph Boakai until Boakai picked Senator Jeremiah Koung of Prince Johnson’s Movement for Democratic Change (MDR) as his running mate.

Boakai’s choice for a running mate did not go down well with the Ureys and Costa, as well as other figures that supported him.

Sources familiar with the discussion informed FrontPageAfrica that Urey, who exhibited signs of disappointment, questioned Boakai about whether he was prepared to “dance with the devil” by dealing with Senators Prince Johnson and Edwin Snowe. Some say that these two senators are the excess baggage that comes with selecting Koung, as they will exert their influence on him through Koung.

“One Man, Five Votes” The defeated Sinoe County Senator also alleged that under the CDC government, elections seem to have deviated into a scenario of one man, five ballot papers, claiming that the October polls in the Southeast and other regions exposed a “troubling pattern” of election magistrates colluding with NEC Presiding Officers and Election Supervisors to manipulate vote counts in favor of CDC Presidential and Legislative candidates.

“Incidents, such as those in Districts 8 and 15 of Montserrado County, where NEC workers were arrested for criminally inflating votes for incumbent legislative candidates, were disturbingly common in the southeastern counties and other parts of the country.”

He said Liberians are proud that their country is one of the three African Countries that signed the United Nations Charter, thus becoming a founding member along with the 47 countries outside of Africa.

The President told the audience that since the signing of the UN charter, the organization continues to be relentless in its efforts geared towards maintaining world peace and security; improving the social and economic conditions of peoples around the world; and bridging the differences among nations to enable them to peacefully coexist.

President Weah, therefore, used the occasion to reaffirm Liberia’s commitment to the aims, aspirations, and objectives of the UN today as it has been over the years.

“Liberia therefore reaffirms its belief in the United Nations as the global platform on which the world will continue to experience peace, security and harmony,” President Weah pledged.

According to him, this year’s theme, “Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Solidarity: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals in Liberia Towards Peace, Prosperity, Progress, and Sustainability for All”, is a clarion call for Liberians to define their priority toward the 2030 Agenda.

“Liberia strongly believes that the pacific settlement of disputes is the best alternative to aggression or ‘might makes right’”, he said, adding: “Despite the severe challenges it has faced over the years, the United Nations has succeeded in holding the world together which is a testament of its ability, quality and prospects.”

President Weah said Liberia firmly believes the UN has lived up to its mission of saving succeeding generations from wars, genocides and misery, stressing,: “The United Nations should continue its endeavors in leading the world to restore calm and peace in all the regions in our world where there are conflicts and trouble.”

Dr. Weah also said Liberia is committed to contributing to peace building missions as he referenced the country’s participation in the United Nations Integrated Multidimensional Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).

The Liberian Chief Executive announced that Liberia endorsed the Secretary-General’s Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) Initiative, which he said aims to strengthen peacekeeping through more targeted mandate, stronger and safer operations, better equipped and trained forces, and by mobilizing support for political solutions.

He said the endorsement is a manifestation of Liberia’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda as reflected within the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD), with major targets including job creation, infrastructure development, industrialization, access to affordable healthcare and education, and the sustenance of peace and security to keep the nation focused on its future development agenda.

“It is in this light that my Government has been keen on road connectivity, free education and healthcare delivery,” Dr. Weah said further. “We have also taken care to ensure respect and protection of the inalienable rights of citizens, protection of human rights, press freedom, and the ongoing fight against corruption.”

He also highlighted how this year’s celebration falls in line with Liberia’s political season, where Liberians exercise their democratic rights through the elections of October 10 and are poised for runoff election to elect their President on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

He thanked the United Nations and other partners as well as friends for supporting the journey to sustainable democracy.

He pledged to continue to uphold the confidence reposed in him to guide the process.

Monrovia – President George Manneh Weah, has by Proclamation declared Thursday, November 2, 2023 as “National Thanksgiving Day” and it is to be observed throughout the Republic as a National Holiday.

The Proclamation Further calls on Liberians and foreign residents, Priests, Imams, Bishops, Pastors, Clergies, and all religious organizations in Liberia to gather together in their various places of worship to give thanks and praises to the Almighty God that His blessings and mercies may continuously rest upon the nations and its people.

According to Foreign Ministry release, the Proclamation states that the People of Liberia have always given thanks and praises to the Almighty God for His tender mercies and manifold blessings bestowed upon them and Nation, especially for the continuous protection in time of peace, disaster, and other natural phenomena over the years.

The Foreign Ministry release further says the Proclamation is in consonance with an Act of the National Legislature which enacted a statute in 1883 declaring the first Thursday in the month of November of each year as National Thanksgiving Day.  

The Proclamation further indicates that it is befitting that a day be set aside for the Nation and its people to give thanks and adoration to the Lord for His dispensation of grace, mercy and providence for the preservation of lives.

After a closely contested first round, which saw President Weah securing 43.83 percent of the votes and former Vice President Joseph N. Boakai closely trailing at 43.44 percent, both parties have been reaching out to other political parties and influential politicians to garner support for the November 14 runoff.

The endorsement ceremony took place on Tuesday, October 31, , at Prime FM Radio Station in Monrovia. Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Tarr described the occasion as a defining moment in the nation’s democratic evolution, emphasizing the need for Liberians to make decisions that will shape their beloved country’s future.

Dr. Tarr proudly announced his party’s unwavering support for President Weah and the CDC, highlighting the UPP’s long standing belief in collaboration, unity, and working together for Liberia’s upliftment. He stressed the importance of putting aside partisan differences when it serves the best interests of the people, recognizing the CDC as the embodiment of the vision of progress and unity that Liberia currently requires.

Dr. Tarr commended the CDC for its steadfast commitment to the welfare of Liberian citizens and their dedication to essential values and principles vital for Liberia’s growth and development. He noted the CDC’s recognition of the strength in Liberia’s diversity and their commitment to harnessing it for the greater good.

He acknowledged the CDC’s vision, which includes a deep commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability, describing these principles as the foundation of a prosperous nation. He applauded the CDC’s “strong resolve” to uphold justice and fairness, integral to the success of any democratic society.

He said: “The Coalition’s vision includes a deep commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability. These principles are the bedrock of a prosperous nation, and the Coalition for Democratic Change has demonstrated a strong resolve to uphold them. They are committed to justice and fairness, which are integral to the success of any democratic society.”

The UPP leader went on to highlight the Coalition’s efforts to improve the living conditions of the Liberian people, focusing on economic growth, education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and job creation, with particular attention to underserved and vulnerable communities.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Tarr implored all Liberians to cast their votes in support of the CDC in the upcoming runoff election, emphasizing that they offer a beacon of hope and the opportunity to work towards a Liberia of progress, unity, and prosperity. He reminded voters that the power to shape the nation’s future lies within each of them, urging them to participate actively in the democratic process.

Dr. Tarr encouraged all Liberians to join the UPP in embracing the vision of a brighter future, emphasizing the importance of unity and forward progress.

“Let us come together, let us vote, and let us move forward with hope and determination,” he said. “Together, we can build a better Liberia for all.”

Monrovia – The political leader of the All Liberian Party, Benoni Urey, who stood firmly with opposition Unity Party’s Joseph Boakai during the turmoil of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) is now going to be one of the lead campaigners for the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) in the November 14 run-off election.

By Lennart Dodoo and Edwin G. Genoway, Jr.

Urey, along with his daughter Telia and political commentator Henry Costa on Sunday led the party to endorsement ceremony at the ALP Headquarters in Monrovia.

Disclosing his support for re-election of Pres. Weah, Urey said, “Mr. President, the All Liberian Party has vested significant authority in me. Today, I have been granted the privilege to inform you, Mr. President, that the All Liberian Party endorses your bid for a second term. We want to assure you that today’s endorsement is not just an ordinary one; it is an endorsement from our hearts.”

Urey also characterized the ALP’s endorsement of the CDC as a commitment to the CDC, promising to ensure that President Weah secures a victory in the election and serves a second term.

“We will go to great lengths and traverse the breadth of this country to ensure your re-election into office. We do not want to repeat the political mistakes of the past. I have made political mistakes, and Liberia has made political mistakes. We will not make the same mistakes again. We are not going to make deals with the devil,” Urey emphasized.

Urey reflected on his history with the CDC and stated, “Mr. President, I want you to know that the ALP and the CDC are not far from each other. The CDC, under George Manneh Weah, and we were among the founding members of the CDC. We worked with the CDC, we fought with the CDC, and we were persecuted for the CDC. They even burned down our radio station during former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s regime. Today, I am delighted to announce that I am supporting my younger brother.”

The ALP’s political leader also disclosed that President Weah has come a long way outside of politics, and as such, the ALP’s endorsement of the CDC feels like coming back home.

In his usual rhetorical style, Urey remarked, “Some people believe they are entitled to lead this country, but that’s not true. What matters is the will of the majority of the people in this country. Liberia belongs to Liberians.”

In response to the endorsement, President George Weah, the leader of the CDC, expressed that the unity of the two parties, ALP and CDC, was a result of individuals coming together due to their mutual respect and love for the nation.

President Weah expressed his satisfaction in reconciling with Urey, highlighting their previous lack of communication due to past disputes.

“I am delighted to see Benoni Urey and the All Liberian Party coming together. We are happy to reunite to build our country,” President Weah stated.

Who’s the Devil?

Urey had been a staunch ally of Amb. Joseph Boakai until Boakai picked Senator Jeremiah Koung of Prince Johnson’s Movement for Democratic Change (MDR) as his running mate.

Boakai’s choice for running mate did not go down well with the Ureys and Costa as well as other figures that supported him.

FrontPageAfrica gathered back in April that after announcing his decision to the rest of the team, Boakai was invited to Urey’s home in Careysburg, where he joined Costa and other members of both the UP and the ALP teams to reconsider the announcement of Sen. Koung as the vice standard bearer. But being bent on his decision which he sees as his surest way to win the election, Boakai stuck with his decision.

Sources familiar with the discussion informed FrontPageAfrica that Urey, who exhibited signs of disappointment, questioned Boakai about whether he was prepared to “dance with the devil” by dealing with Senators Prince Johnson and Edwin Snowe. Some say that these two senators are the excess baggage that comes with selecting Koung as they will exert their influence on him through Koung.

To their dismay, according to the source, the UP standard bearer told them “If dancing with the devil” would make him win the elections, he was prepared to do so.

Mr. Boakai was quoted as saying “Even the devil has a role to play. I don’t like Prince Johnson but I have to work with him to win.”

Why Then Urey-JNB Collapsed the CPP?

Urey to the running-mate feud, Urey had always expressed that the Amb. Boakai was most suited to lead Liberia as President. This has led him to vehemently criticize anyone that went against Boakai, even within the Collaborating Political Parties which was formed among his ALP, Liberty Party, Unity Party and the Alternative National Congress (ANC) headed by Alexander Cummings, with the intent of pulling resources together for the sole purpose of unseating Pres. Weah.

However, just before the CPP could go for convention to elect a standard bearer, Urey accused Cummings of tampering with the CPP’s Framework Document to his advantage, an allegation Cummings constantly denied.

Subsequently, the Weah administration through Cllr. Syrennius Cephas as Solicitor General at the time dragged Cummings to court for forgery. Top executives of the Unity Party, ALP and Amb. Boakai testified on behalf of the government against Cummings.

The case was later dropped by the government.

Prior to the dropping of the case, Cummings hired the services of Cherie Blair CBE QC to lead an independent and internationally-staffed forensic investigation into the document tampering allegations made by the All Liberian Party (“ALP”).  The investigation found no traces of tampering and described the allegation as merely political.