MONROVIA – Less than six months after winning a Senate seat backed by one of the country’s most powerful political alliances, Nimba County Senator Samuel G. Kogar has launched a public offensive against Vice President Jeremiah Koung — sending shockwaves through the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) and exposing a deep and dangerous fault line ahead of Liberia’s 2029 presidential race.

By Selma Lomax
selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com & Jaheim Tumu, Jaheim.tumu@frontpageafricaonline.com

This rift, long brewing beneath the surface, has now exploded into the open. The once-robust alliance — forged under the shadow of the late political titan Prince Yormie Johnson — is unraveling faster than many anticipated. And the consequences could reshape the country’s political landscape.

Vice President Jeremiah Koung’s meteoric political rise has always been closely tied to the legacy of his mentor and political godfather, Johnson. Vice President Koung, a former senator, found himself thrust into the national spotlight following Johnson’s death in 2024. 

As the second most populous county in Liberia, Nimba holds a unique place in national politics — both as a vote-rich region and as a kingmaking powerhouse in presidential contests. Control over its political machinery is a prize every presidential hopeful would covet.

In this context, Vice President Koung was widely viewed as the late Johnson’s natural successor. His endorsement of  Kogar in the 2025 senatorial by-election was not just a show of political strength but a public attempt to affirm his leadership over Johnson’s political estate — the MDR, and by extension, Nimba.

And on the surface, it seemed to work. Senator Kogar’s win — aided by Vice President Koung’s vigorous campaigning across Nimba’s nine districts — was hailed as a consolidation of MDR’s dominance in the county. The narrative was that Vice President Koung had cemented his grip, preparing for a 2029 bid launched from a position of homegrown strength.

But that story seems to now be falling apart.

In a stunning reversal, Senator Kogar took to the BKS online platform over the weekend, launching a direct attack on Vice President Koung and accusing him of authoritarian control within the MDR. Senator Kogar alleges that Vice President Koung — who, notably, is not a registered member of MDR — is running the party like a personal fiefdom, sidelining senior members and subverting internal democracy.

“I am from this party, and let me make it clear that we are not blind to what is happening,” the Senator declared. “We don’t care whether you stand inside or outside the party — I will stand firmly with MDR.”

The flashpoint appears to be Vice President Koung’s role in handpicking Kortor Kwagrue as MDR’s candidate in the recent District 5 by-election, a seat vacated by Senator Kogar. Senator Kogar reportedly had another candidate in mind, but was reportedly ignored — a move he interpreted not just as political overreach but as an effort to neutralize his growing influence in the county.

The animosity has only grown since. Senator Kogar has accused the Vice President of marginalizing him in national decision-making, including reportedly blocking his recommendations for appointments under President Boakai’s Unity Party-led government. “If the Vice President wants to treat me like a bag boy, I won’t agree,” Kogar said pointedly.

These aren’t just internal party squabbles — they are political tremors that could upend national calculations.

Vice President Koung is widely rumored to be eyeing the presidency in 2029. With President Boakai yet to confirm whether he will seek re-election, the race is quietly but clearly underway. In this early pre-campaign stage, regional strongholds matter more than ever — and Vice President Koung’s presumed control of Nimba was supposed to be a major pillar of his platform.

But that assumption now seems precarious. The public fallout with Senator Kogar signals that Nimba is no longer a unified bloc behind the Vice President. And that seems to be a serious political problem.

Senator Kogar is no minor figure. A three-term former representative and now senator until 2033, he is one of the most experienced politicians in the region — and crucially, he is not up for re-election in 2029. This means he can operate freely, unburdened by immediate electoral calculations. In the high-stakes game of presidential politics, Senator Kogar could become either a kingmaker or a spoiler.

And the political winds may already be shifting.

Whispers of Senator Kogar’s potential alignment with the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) — led by former President George Weah — are growing louder. Posts welcoming Senator Kogar into the CDC’s orbit have begun circulating on social media, stoking speculation that he may be tapped as Weah’s running mate for 2029.

Such a move would be seismic. It would fracture the Nimba vote, historically influential in presidential elections, and weaken Vice President Koung’s home-county advantage — possibly fatally so.

At the heart of this conflict is a deeper question of What becomes of the MDR?

Originally created as the political instrument of Johnson, the MDR has always functioned more as a personality-driven platform than a structurally democratic party. With Johnson gone, the vacuum has left two competing claimants, including Vice President Koung, who seeks to inherit Johnson’s influence; and Senator Kogar, who claims seniority, legitimacy, and ideological commitment to the party’s founding principles.

Senator Kogar has now publicly called for reforms within MDR, denouncing what he calls “political tactics designed to divide and dominate.” But whether reforms are even possible in such a tense atmosphere is doubtful. The party is clearly adrift — without its founder, without internal consensus, and now, without unity.

Should the split widen, the MDR risks irrelevance. Its identity and direction are being contested not by grassroots debates or policy differences but by raw political rivalry between two ambitious men with conflicting visions.

The Kogar-Koung rift also poses a challenge for President Joseph Boakai. His fragile coalition, which brought together disparate political actors in 2023, now finds itself hosting internal battles that could derail its agenda. Senator Kogar’s allegations that his influence is being blocked from within the coalition — particularly regarding appointments — could put pressure on the president to intervene or risk alienating key regional actors.

At a time when the Boakai administration is struggling to consolidate public trust and implement reforms, infighting among his top allies could complicate governance. Nimba, far from being a source of stability, is emerging as a political minefield.

Vice President Koung’s own response has been subdued — at least publicly. In a brief statement to FrontPageAfrica on Tuesday, Prince Gbeiu, Chief of Staff in the Office of the Vice President, appeared puzzled by Senator Kogar’s accusations.

“Why does Senator Kogar mean he is not a bag boy? I don’t understand,” he said, defending Vice President Koung’s political experience. “This vice president… has vast knowledge on leadership, especially coming from the level of Representative, then Senator, and now Vice President.”

But silence may not be a sufficient strategy. Vice President Koung’s reputation as a calm and calculating operator is being tested. His ability to manage conflict, reconcile internal disputes, and maintain regional loyalty is now under scrutiny — and may ultimately define his viability ahead of 2029.

The rift between Senator Kogar and Vice President Koung is more than a personal feud — it’s a proxy battle for the future of Nimba, the identity of the MDR, and the direction of Liberia’s 2029 elections.

What began as a unified political movement under the banner of the late Johnson is now splintering under the weight of ambition and mistrust. And in a country where political loyalties are often fluid and alliances transactional, the next four years could see further realignments that few anticipated.

BUUYAO, Nimba County – Vice President Jeremiah Koung and Senator Samuel G. Kogar have come under fire for distancing themselves from the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR)’s candidate in the upcoming by-election in Nimba County’s District #5, sparking accusations of betrayal and abandonment of the party founded by the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson.

By Franklin Doloquee

Both Koung and Kogar, prominent figures within the MDR and close allies of the late PYJ, have chosen to remain neutral in the race, refusing to back any of the ten candidates vying to fill the vacant seat. This decision has sparked outrage among party faithful and supporters, who accuse the two leaders of turning their backs on the party at a critical moment.

At Senator Johnson’s funeral early this year, both men vowed to uphold his legacy by supporting the MDR, his family, and the people of Nimba County, where he served for over 18 years. However, their current stance has left many questioning the sincerity of those commitments.

Kogar Explains His Decision

Senator Kogar took to Facebook to explain his position: “As a leader, it is always important to inform your citizens of your decisions, whether good or bad. We consulted with the people of District #5, and an aspirant emerged to contest on the MDR ticket. The party hierarchy was informed and accepted the decision,” he said.

“However, while we were attending the UNICCO convention in the United States, the party executives called an emergency meeting and announced a primary—contrary to our previous agreement. Upon our return, we informed the citizens of this new development. They advised us to remain neutral to avoid contradiction.

“If we support the individual we originally recommended, it would go against the party’s new decision. But if we back the party’s candidate, it would contradict our earlier position. Therefore, we are encouraging the electorate to vote their conscience and elect someone who will serve their best interest.”

Koung Remains Silent

Vice President Koung has yet to publicly comment on his decision. When contacted by FrontPage Africa, Prince Gbieu, his Chief of Staff said the Vice President’s office would respond at a later date. Koung, once the MDR’s political leader, has increasingly distanced himself from the party since being named running mate to Joseph Nyuma Boakai during the 2023 presidential election.

Critics point out that Koung openly declared he was no longer a member of MDR after taking office, citing the Unity Party’s constitution, which states that any elected official on the party’s ticket automatically becomes a member. While Koung has remained quiet about MDR affairs, and his status within the MDR remians unclear, he hugely supported Nyan Twayen and Kogar’s senatorial bids.

Political observers say Koung is likely avoiding taking sides in the district to preserve political alliances for a possible presidential bid in 2029. President Boakai has stated he will serve only one term, fueling speculation that he may endorse Koung as his successor. In such a scenario, Koung would need widespread support in Nimba—something he may jeopardize by backing one candidate over another in the current race.

Critics Slam “Betrayal” of MDR

Critics argue that both Koung and Kogar are abandoning the very party that lifted them to political prominence. They say Kogar’s justification lacks merit, as the MDR constitution requires the holding of primaries to select candidates, not unilateral decisions by individuals.

“Kogar’s actions amount to stabbing the party in the back,” one MDR stalwart said. “He was elected to the Senate on the MDR ticket after PYJ’s death, and now he turns his back on the party when it needs him most.”

Disappointment from MDR Candidate

MDR representative candidate Kortor Sehwongbay Kwagrue, who has supported both Koung and Kogar in the past, expressed disappointment over their decision not to back his campaign.

According to inside sources, Kwagrue “feel like they’ve left him hanging in the middle of the water.”

Kwagrue’s remarks reflect growing frustration among party loyalists and constituents who believe the lack of endorsement could hurt MDR’s performance in the August 12 by-election.

A Test for MDR’s Future

With ten candidates including frontrunners Bories B. Barlea, Augustus K. Menkoah, and Kwagrue, competing for the vacant seat left by Kogar, the election is shaping up to be a major test for MDR’s influence in District #5.

Sanniquellie, Nimba County – The certification and swearing-in of Senator Samuel G. Kogar marks a pivotal political transition in Nimba County. While the April 22 by-election victory gave Kogar a strong electoral mandate, his inauguration also opens a new chapter fraught with expectations for reform, healing, and performance. 

By: : Williett Wonyenneh, Contributing Writer

The county, long shaped by the influence of the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, now looks to Kogar to deliver a new style of leadership amid social divisions and growing demands for accountability.

The senator’s first public statements, pledging unity and denouncing tribalism, are politically symbolic and necessary in a county historically polarized along ethnic and partisan lines. 

His call for decentralization and inclusive hiring—promising representation for all major ethnic groups in his office—appears aimed at reassuring communities that have felt politically sidelined. But symbolism alone will not satisfy a county where citizens are increasingly vocal about governance outcomes.

Civil society’s response to Kogar’s early rhetoric has been swift and pointed. CENTAL’s call for public asset declaration suggests a growing public appetite for transparency and an early test of the senator’s commitment to clean governance. 

The proposal for monthly town halls and local participation in decision-making reflects a broader sentiment: people want leadership that is visible, accountable, and responsive.

Kogar’s economic agenda, including the proposed “Bank of Nimba” and local job training initiatives, is ambitious. If realized, it could address longstanding grievances about youth unemployment and access to capital. Yet implementation will be critical—and critics may quickly seize on delays or underperformance, especially given the high expectations now publicly set.

Analysts also highlight the deep wounds left by the campaign period, when rhetoric around ethnicity, exclusion, and loyalty fractured communities. Kogar’s greatest political challenge may be less about legislation and more about reconciliation. His leadership will be judged not just on policies, but on his ability to build bridges across the county’s nine electoral districts and between rival political camps.

The willingness of former opponent Mark Gbelwon to endorse the election result and urge unity offers Kogar an opening to model inclusive governance. But sustaining that goodwill will require a strategic balance of political outreach and practical service delivery.

On the social front, calls from youth and women’s advocates suggest that future tensions may arise not from partisan disputes, but from unmet socio-economic needs. Yah Belleh Suah’s demand for action on gender-based violence and economic empowerment of rural women, for example, signals that development plans will be closely scrutinized through both equity and results lenses.

In sum, Senator Kogar’s entrance onto the national stage is loaded with both opportunity and risk. His political rise, partly viewed as a continuation of Prince Johnson’s legacy, also invites a clean break: one that could shift Nimba’s politics from strongman populism to democratic accountability.