‘Unity in Defiance’ -CDC Lectures Governing UP on Democratic Values

MONROVIA: Following a successful demonstration by thousands of Liberians July 17, the former ruling Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has heightened the optics, drawing the attention of its chief political rival, the reigning Unity Party government on issues of constitutional and natural rights and democratic values. 

The CDC which enjoyed public praises during its term for providing food and water to protesting Unity Party partisans and supporters when they were in position said in a release that “power is not synonymous with ownership, nor is the silence of the people indicative of their surrender”.

“The right of Liberians to gather, express, and peacefully assemble is guaranteed by our Constitution. Any endeavour to suppress these rights is an affront to the Republic and will be recorded as a profound betrayal,” said the CDC release signed by Chairman Jango Kowo.

“At this critical juncture in our democratic progression, the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) affirm its commitment to Article 17 and Article 15(a & b) of the Liberia Constitution, which states: All persons, at all times, in an orderly and peaceable manner, shall have the right to assemble and consult upon the common good, to instruct their representatives, to petition the Government or other functionaries for the redress of grievances…”

The CDC release quoted Article 15 (a), which articulates that “Every person shall have the right to freedom of expression, being fully responsible for the abuse thereof. This right shall not be curtailed, restricted or enjoined by government save during an emergency declared in accordance with this Constitution.”

It continued: “Article 15(b): ‘The right encompasses the right to hold opinions without interference and the right to knowledge. It includes freedom of speech and of the press, academic freedom to receive and impart knowledge and information and the right of libraries to make such knowledge available. It includes non-interference with the use of the mail, telephone and telegraph. It likewise includes the right to remain silent.’”

These articles are not open for debate; it is law, a testament to our legacy, and wholly nonnegotiable, said the former ruling party, adding: “The inherent and inalienable right to protest cannot be extinguished through intimidation or state sponsored coercion.”

The CDC said the recent alarming transformation of the Liberia National Police (LNP) into a force known for public nuisance under the pretense of ‘training’ for the July 17, 2025, “Enough is Enough” protest, organized by STAND, raises serious concerns.

“The arbitrary abduction of individuals believed to be members of the protest only undermines the legitimacy of the permit granted for this event,” the CDC warned. “We have informed of the arrest or abduction of Solo Gban and his whereabouts are unknown. We hold the LNP and government of Liberia for his safety. Inspector General Gregory Coleman’s leadership reflects a clear absence of the moral integrity needed to guide the LNP during a time when Liberia desperately requires peace and reconciliation.”

The biggest opposition party said the high levels of police brutality reported are alarming and warrant urgent attention from both the government and the international community.

“In light of these unprecedented abuses under the command of IG Coleman, the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) calls for his immediate dismissal,” the CDC further noted. “The CDC has previously governed in times of protest without unleashing coercive state power against peaceful citizens, even when faced with calls for our downfall. This restraint was not a sign of weakness; it was a testament to respect for democracy, for the nation, and for the voices of its people.”

The party said it would stand resolute with every Liberian who plans to march, speak, and demand justice on July 17 and beyond.

“Their voices will resonate unconfined; their marches will proceed unhindered. The streets belong not just to the government, but to the people and the Republic,” said the CDC in the release. “It is evident that this administration shows little respect for the rule of law. We implore President Boakai to transcend partisan interests, to embrace true statesmanship, foster true and genuine reconciliation and to uphold the Constitution in the interest of sustaining peace and stability within our Republic.”

The CDC called on the citizens of Liberia to be peaceful and law-abiding as they exercised their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.

“The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) also calls upon the international community, civil society, and all advocates of freedom to witness and voice their concerns. The Constitution is not merely a formality – it is our shield against tyranny, and the CDC will stand as one of its vigilant defenders,” the release further noted.

“Let no Liberian forget: When governments fear the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny,” the release concluded.