MONROVIA – Five opposition parties have put their case against the Boakai administration on one signed page. The joint communiqué, issued Sunday after a second roundtable, signals a more coordinated opposition. It spans the Guinea border dispute, the Foya construction project and the cocaine busts. It also covers court defiance, free speech, demolitions and the elections commission. The allegations are grave, and for now the Unity Party is yet to comment, as the opposition statement came late afternoon yesterday. The government’s answer will matter as much as the charges. The parties stop short of an electoral alliance. Yet a joint technical committee gives it structure beyond rhetoric and with 2029 in view, the Unity Party faces an organized challenger, as THE ANALYST reports.
Five opposition political parties, including former President George Manneh Weah’s Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), have jointly accused the government of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. of failing to protect Liberia’s territory, fighting corruption selectively, undermining the rule of law and suppressing free speech.
The parties have also constituted a joint technical committee to turn their cooperation into a program of action ahead of the 2029 General and Presidential Elections.
The Alternative National Congress (ANC), the CDC, the Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE), the Movement for Progressive Change (MPC) and the Union of Liberian Democrats Party (ULDP) made the declarations in a Joint Communiqué signed Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the close of their Second Roundtable at the Sinkor Palace on Tubman Boulevard, Monrovia.
The communiqué was signed by ANC Political Leader Alexander Benedict Cummings; Weah, Political Leader of the CDC; Ambassador Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr., Political Leader and Standard Bearer of MOVEE; Simeon C. M. Freeman, Political Leader of the MPC, who hosted the second roundtable; and Jonathan A. Mason, Political Leader of the ULDP.
The parties declared that their objective “is not simply to oppose government, but rather, to help build a Liberia in which government works, institutions are respected, citizens have access to equal opportunities, the private sector can create jobs, justice is blind and equal, and the whole of democracy is fully protected, respected and in effect.”
They stated that they are “committed to providing Liberia with a better way of governing,” and agreed to jointly and constructively hold the Boakai-Koung-Unity Party-led Government accountable for its stewardship of the Republic.
Roundtables Seek Credible Alternative
According to the communiqué’s preamble, the process began with roundtables held Saturday and Sunday, September 5–6, 2026, at the Jamaica Resort in Paynesville, Montserrado County. Weah hosted and convened the sessions for key individual opposition political stakeholders and for the broader body of opposition stakeholders and political leaders, for the purpose of “beginning an inclusive national conversation on building a credible democratic and people-centered alternative for Liberia based on unity, mutual respect, shared ownership and national interest.”
The parties stated that after the roundtables and broader reflection, they renewed their realization that Liberia’s present challenges require opposition parties “to transcend narrow partisan interests and develop a sustained platform for national engagement,” and that political competition “must never become an obstacle to cooperation on matters affecting national interest.”
Coming out of the Second Roundtable, they reaffirmed their common commitment to the peace, unity, justice, sovereignty, constitutional democracy and socio-economic transformation of Liberia, and to fostering and tightening inclusive opposition dialogue on the country’s development and transformation.
The signatories described the Joint Communiqué as the foundation for continued opposition cooperation and for the development of a broader agenda on national collaboration. They stated that the document outlines their common purpose, their shared concerns about the direction of national governance and their commitment to “a new agenda for principled opposition cooperation.”
Territory Lost To Guinea, Parties Charge
On national sovereignty, the parties declared that “the first responsibility of a government is to protect the national security of its people and maintain the integrity of their territory,” and charged that the Unity Party Government has failed in this regard. They stated that the Republic of Guinea today occupies Liberian territory in Foya District, Lofa County, and that the government has failed to resolve the problem diplomatically.
“Liberians have read about the loss of their lands during the 1800s, but they will not accept losing land to their neighbors under the Boakai-Koung-Unity Party-led Government in this 21st century,” the communiqué stated.
The parties accused the government of slow diplomatic action, noting that it is yet to properly impress on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) to take stronger positions on “what seems to be the loss of the Liberian territory,” and that no action has been seen from the United Nations (UN).
They are demanding urgent diplomatic action and a stronger commitment from the government to recover Liberia’s territory, “which we hope is not already lost to the Republic of Guinea,” and to restore the country’s territorial integrity.
EU Envoy’s Recall Draws Fire
The parties further decried what they called a general decline in diplomatic relations and an attempt to silence members of the diplomatic community from expressing opinions on critical and sensitive national matters.
They stated that in March 2026, the Government of Liberia sent a diplomatic note to the European Union (EU) requesting the recall of Ambassador Nona Deprez, Head of the EU Delegation to Liberia, for demanding greater transparency in the management of the mining sector, and went so far as to describe the ambassador’s comments as “derogatory.”
According to the communiqué, the ambassador has since left Liberia and the EU is yet to send her replacement, a situation the parties said “speaks volumes” and continues to be an international embarrassment to Liberia’s relations with one of its most trusted development partners.
“This level of intolerance is scandalous,” the parties declared, adding that under the CDC-led administration, democracy encouraged open and widespread criticism from diplomats, which benefited the Unity Party when it was in opposition. “Why is the Unity Party now intolerant of diplomatic criticism?” they asked.
The communiqué also accused the government of rejecting advice on the rule of law from an ECOWAS delegation during the legislative crisis that began in October 2024, “giving members of the delegation a slap in the face for daring to raise concerns about adherence to institutional rules and norms.” The parties encouraged diplomats not to yield to the government’s action but, as Liberia’s partners, to continue expressing views and opinions critical to protecting Liberia’s democracy and rule of law and to improving economic governance.
Transparency Demanded On U.S. Migrants
The parties raised concern about the lack of transparency in the United States-Liberia humanitarian arrangement for the transfer of third-country nationals, under which up to 1,200 foreign migrants who are undesirable in the United States of America and subject to deportation or removal will be transferred to Liberia.
They opined that the Government of Liberia has provided the public little or no information about the process or about the 1,200 migrants whom the United States does not want to remain in that country.
“Liberians have a right to know the full details of a program bringing foreign migrants from the United States into their country,” the parties stated, noting that the arrangement may have implications for Liberian society and for the personal welfare of the migrants themselves. They demanded greater openness and transparency in the program.
Economy Failing The Poor, Parties Say
On economic governance, the parties charged that since coming to power almost three years ago, the Boakai-Koung-Unity Party-led Government has been unable to address the country’s major economic problems.
They stated that the private sector is still unable to produce jobs, poverty continues to increase, and the investment climate remains difficult, with most Liberian businesses still struggling and unable to obtain loans that would enable them to create more jobs for Liberians.
The communiqué further accused the government of failing to enforce the regulation governing retailing and wholesaling, noting that several wholesalers are also retailers, and of failing to protect business opportunities set aside for Liberians under the national investment code, which it said are being given to foreigners.
The parties asserted that the government has failed to provide a solution to these interrelated national economic challenges.
On the National Budget, the parties commended the government for reaching the milestone of US$1 billion (L$182.36 billion) in domestic revenue, but noted that “the real issue remains the impact the Budget is making on ordinary Liberians.”
Under their evolving cooperation, they stated, they are committed to developing new ways of thinking on difficult economic and investment issues to grow the private sector.
Corruption Fight Selective, Opposition Charges
The parties declared that the fight against corruption under the government has become selective, “looking backwards, while turning a blind eye to corruption in the Boakai-Koung-Unity Party-led Government.”
They accused the government of failing to address a “mysterious” US$10 million (L$1.82 billion) construction project in Foya, Lofa County, which they described as the home city of Boakai.
The communiqué described the project as “a flagship of corruption,” alleging that all procurement and budget rules were grossly violated and that no credible information has been provided on its sources of funding.
It stated that the government had said the project was for the Mano River Union (MRU), but that the MRU has since denied any link with it, and that different government ministers have provided conflicting information on the project, raising the suspicion of members of the opposition.
The parties recalled that in May 2026, the ANC wrote a formal communication to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) documenting its concerns about possible procurement violations and breach of public financial management law, and calling on the commission to investigate the Foya Construction Project and report to the Liberian people.
In June 2026, according to the communiqué, the LACC responded that it would conduct a “preliminary assessment” to see whether an investigation is warranted, but no action has since been taken to the knowledge of the public.
“Where we see Boakai-Koung-Unity Party-led Government continuous stalling, we have reason to believe grave wrong has occurred,” the parties declared.
The communiqué further stated that there has been no investigation of the US$8 million (L$1.46 billion) of national reserve money transferred in May 2024 by the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) to SIB Liberia under an April 18, 2024 “directive from President Joseph Boakai.” It described SIB Liberia as a new bank that emerged from the failed FIBLL bank, and stated that the bank “has been accused of financing the election of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai in 2023.”
The parties called on the LACC to launch an independent investigation into the Foya Construction Project, the US$8 million transfer of Liberia’s reserve money from the CBL to SIB Liberia, and all other corruption-related cases involving current and former officials of the government.
They urged the commission to conduct the investigations “without fear or favor,” noting that the current LACC law protects its commissioners from removal by a Liberian president without a majority vote of the Liberian Senate.
The communiqué stated that corruption cases involving people affiliated with the government continue to be dismissed, while cases involving former officials of the immediate past government are accelerated.
“The fight against corruption cannot be, and should not be selective or partisan,” the parties declared, demanding strong action from the LACC and other anti-graft institutions on ongoing acts or allegations of corruption under the government.
Supreme Court Opinions Ignored, Parties Allege
The parties stated that they are “deeply troubled” by what they called the government’s determination to undermine the rule of law, discredit the opinion of the Supreme Court and politically interfere with justice. They charged that the Boakai government has consistently refused to obey a Supreme Court opinion protecting tenured officials and has removed such officials because of their political party affiliations, “in gross violation of the law.”
The communiqué further accused the government of disrespecting the Supreme Court’s opinion in the so-called Majority-Minority Bloc dispute in the House of Representatives, stating that the government openly sustained and supported the unlawful actions of the so-called Majority Bloc and blatantly ignored the court’s opinion that those actions were “ultra vires.”
“If the opinion of the highest court in the land is not the law as prescribed by the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, then Liberia under the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. is heading in a dangerous direction of lawlessness,” the parties warned.
They also accused the government of a consistent attempt to interfere with the administration of justice to ensure that results favor the political interests of the Unity Party, as opposed to the national interest of the state.
The government, they charged, is quick to prosecute political opponents but slow to prosecute officials affiliated with the Unity Party, in some instances moving to dismiss such cases.
“These patterns show that justice is not blind, and remains selective under the Boakai-Koung-Unity Party-led Administration,” the communiqué stated, adding that the rule of law is being consistently undermined and the authority of the Supreme Court challenged and disregarded.
The parties insisted that there must be “one law, one standard and one justice system for all Liberians and residents in the Republic,” and that the Supreme Court and all its affiliate courts and systems must be respected to the fullest by the government and by all citizens and residents of Liberia.
Cybercrime Arrest Sparks Free Speech Alarm
On free speech, the parties accused the government of being determined to punish free speech, silence criticism and dissent, and instill a culture of fear among Liberians about criticizing their government, citing the expulsion of the EU ambassador as one outcome of that determination.
They charged that the government’s “latest device” is to use the police “to tyrannize over citizens” under a new Cybercrime law, which the police and other state security institutions have described as critical to curtailing “cyber bullying” they believe is prevalent on social media.
While supporting a cybercrime law designed to punish “clear, specific and unmistakable internet related crimes,” the parties condemned “in the strongest term” what they described as an attempt by the government and state security institutions to use the recently approved Cybercrime Act to protect officials from criticism, lampoon or public ridicule.
Such actions, they stated, are clearly protected by Article 15 of the Liberian Constitution.
The parties described the recent police arrest of a young Liberian for allegedly spreading an AI-generated image of the current Vice President under the Cybercrime law as “a serious threat to our democracy” and an indication that Liberians may be living under a police state.
They alleged that the police are not only “manipulating drug/cocaine investigation to protect security officials linked to the drug cartel,” but are now going after private citizens who criticize or lampoon public officials.
The communiqué stated that the institutional clampdown on free speech “has long been in the making,” citing a vote of no confidence passed by the Legislature on individuals who criticized it as “corrupt,” and the summoning of those persons to explain the meaning of their allegation. It also accused the Ministry of Information of variously aiming to censor public criticism “by hurling insults and cusswords at eminent personalities perceived to be critics” of the government.
“Free speech is fundamental to democracy and all attempts to suppress or silence it must be resisted,” the parties declared.
Weah Airport Incident Condemned
The parties condemned what they described as the creation of a threatening environment against Weah and his entourage upon his return to the country on September 2, 2026.
They alleged that armed officers of the joint security deployed guns as a form of threat against the former President and against “harmless citizens” who converged at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) to welcome him back home.
“The former President deserves the highest level of respect at all times,” the communiqué stated, calling on the government to “desist from this menace.” The opposition leaders stated that they will continue to monitor the situation.
Independent Drug Probe Demanded
The parties demanded an independent investigation into the US$19 million (L$3.46 billion) and US$317 million (L$57.81 billion) drug busts, stating that according to Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman, senior officials of the government “at the highest level” were involved. They expressed concern that calls for Coleman to be removed from the investigation have been ignored.
The communiqué condemned what it called the selective prosecution of people accused by the government. It stated that some senior national security officials have been dismissed for their apparent link to the drug cartel but their prosecution has not been accelerated, adding that the parties believe these individuals are “roaming about freely.”
By contrast, it stated, the government has “summarily and arbitrarily charged, imprisoned and disgraced a Former Vice President of the Republic,” and after more than a month has failed to proceed with indictment “because it does not appear to have the evidence to convict her.”
The parties said this “dangerous pattern” reinforces their call for an independent, credible investigation into the recent drug and cocaine busts, without which the drug cartel would perpetuate its roots and links in Liberia.
They clarified that they do not demand that foreigners head such a commission, but that credible public institutions, including the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA), the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), Civil Society Organizations of Liberia and representatives of the Liberia National Muslim Council and the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC), be asked to join it, along with some members of the diplomatic community.
The parties warned that a government refusal to accept the proposal “can only confirm” Coleman’s statement that senior officials of the government at the highest level are involved with the drug cartel.
200,000 Affected By Property Destructions
On economic opportunities and rights, the parties charged that as poverty and joblessness widen, the government has chosen to place Liberians into deeper poverty by destroying their homes and violating their rights to property.
They stated that the Government of Liberia has affected more than 200,000 Liberians through these property destructions, leaving citizens stranded, with Boakai categorically saying, “God is not giving new land.”
The communiqué stated that no program exists to address squatter contexts arising out of the civil conflict, “as Liberians are hopelessly crushed by the power of the Boakai-Koung-Unity Party-led Government.”
It further accused the government of weaponizing procurement processes to deny highly qualified Liberians access to economic opportunities through government contracting, stating that several Liberians or their firms scored highest during procurement processes but were subsequently rejected because of opposition political affiliation.
The parties described these as instances of “fundamental denial of citizens’ rights to livelihood and economic opportunities.”
Health, Education Trapped In Old Model
On social services, the parties stated that after 21 years of postwar governance, adequate access to quality education and health care remains elusive, and that new thinking must be found in these sectors to enhance Liberia’s human capital development.
They noted that a high number of health workers are still on voluntary payroll and that there is no actionable plan to address the quality of teachers, without which educational standards will continue to be lowered “so that students pass public exams.”
The communiqué stated that although the government claims it has increased revenue, teachers and health workers remain among the lowest paid, and there is no plan to upgrade their salaries, pegged to revenue increases.
The parties described human capital development as vital to both the national security and the economy of Liberia, and charged that the government’s approach to health and education “is degrading our children’s competitive future and requires urgent attention.”
“For these reasons, and many more, we have agreed to work together, as opposition political parties, for the wholesome development, transformation and advancement of Liberia and for the betterment of all Liberians,” the communiqué stated.
The parties committed to a plan of action to strengthen the bond of opposition unity, collaboration and solidarity; defend constitutional democracy and democratic institutions; promote accountable, transparent and responsible government; enhance and promote tolerance for public criticism; advance an economy capable of generating broad-based prosperity and productive employment; promote and defend the independence of the judiciary, the supremacy of the Constitution and equal justice for all; and build an inclusive, people-centered alternative to democratic leadership based on unity, mutual respect, shared ownership and national interest.
NEC Warned Against De-registering Parties
On elections, the communiqué recalled that in 2023, with a marginal difference of around 20,567 votes, or about 1.28 percent of valid votes cast, Weah, then the sitting President of “Africa’s oldest Independent Republic,” handed power over to Boakai and his Unity Party, then in opposition, signaling a landmark smooth transition.
The parties declared that they will remain unequivocal in their demand for “absolutely nothing less than credibility” in the 2029 General and Presidential Elections.
They stated that they are alarmed by “perceived intentions” on the part of the new leadership of the National Elections Commission (NEC) to de-register political parties or to engage in other practices that might undermine electoral credibility.
“No such actions would be tolerated, and any such attempt will be resisted in the strongest term,” the parties warned, adding that under their collaborative agenda they would engage the NEC in a series of processes aimed at guaranteeing free, fair, transparent, peaceful and inclusive 2029 General and Presidential Elections.
Joint Technical Committee Constituted
The parties stated that they will cooperate under an agreed structure while retaining their respective political identities, organizational autonomy and distinct histories, and that they remain engaged with other opposition parties and national stakeholders toward “widening the tent.”
They insisted that their cooperation is “grounded in addressing issues of national concern, not mere electoral calculations,” and that it is informed by the lessons of previous attempts at political collaboration in Liberia, which will enable them to avoid the weaknesses that caused past arrangements to fail, partially succeed or prove unsustainable.
“We will build trust through actual consultations, collaboration and measurable national engagement rather than attempting to manufacture opposition political unity by declaration,” the communiqué stated.
The parties added that by successfully working together in the national interest and building public confidence, “the political implications of that success will naturally inform the 2029 electoral agenda.”
To that end, they announced the constitution of an Opposition Political Parties’ Joint Technical Committee (OPPJTC), comprising two representatives chosen by each participating party.
The OPPJTC is mandated to develop an implementation and operational agenda, considering thematic working groups and mechanisms for engagement with all national stakeholders, including opposition lawmakers, civil society, professional groups and Liberians across the 15 counties, in order to translate political agreement into implementable programs of opposition unity, cooperation, collaboration, policy positions and coordinated national advocacy.
The signatories reaffirmed their determination to work together in the national interest, stating: “We recognize our differences, but we also recognize the issues that unite us.”
They pledged to continue the process of roundtables and other forms of consultation and cooperation in good faith, with mutual respect, ownership, transparency and a commitment to Liberia and the Liberian people, declaring that “our cooperation is ultimately about the Liberian people.” The parties called on “all Liberians who believe in constitutional democracy, economic opportunities, accountable government and equal justice to participate peacefully and constructively in this national conversation.”