MONROVIA – The opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has launched a blistering and politically charged attack on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, condemning the controversial expulsion of Representative Yekeh Kolubah as a dangerous assault on Liberia’s fragile democracy. In a fiery press statement issued by its Chairman, Janga A. Kowo, the CDC accused the Unity Party-led government of orchestrating what it described as a “deceitful and authoritarian scheme” to silence dissent within the Legislature, declaring that “Liberia’s democracy is under siege by those sworn to protect it.”
The CDC’s statement alleges that the removal of Kolubah from the House of Representatives of Liberia was facilitated through bribery, claiming that as much as $25,000 was distributed to dozens of lawmakers to secure votes for his expulsion. “We witnessed the shameless alleged distribution of twenty-five thousand United States dollars to lawmakers to illegally expel Hon. Kolubah,” the statement asserted. The opposition further pointed to what it termed a “reckless misuse” of public funds—allegedly totaling $1.2 million—warning that “at a time of economic hardship and national insecurity, such actions reflect a dangerous misplacement of priorities.” While these claims remain unverified, the CDC insists they reflect a broader pattern of governance that prioritizes political control over national interest.
Central to the CDC’s outrage is the alleged disregard for the authority of the Supreme Court of Liberia. The party claims the Boakai administration proceeded with the legislative action despite a stay order from the Court, cautioning that “a government that repeatedly disregards the Supreme Court risks undermining the very foundation of democratic governance.” Legal analysts warn that any perception of defiance toward the judiciary risks eroding public trust in democratic institutions and could set a troubling precedent for future governance.
In a notable twist that underscores both internal discipline and political messaging, the CDC also turned its fire inward, announcing the immediate expulsion of six of its own lawmakers who it said “betrayed the party and the Liberian people.” The affected lawmakers are Julie Fatorma Wiah, District 2, Lofa; Momo Siafa Kpoto, District 3, Lofa; Alexander Poure, District 1, River Gee; Choloplay Isaac Wuo, District 2, River Gee; Johnson S.N. Williams, District 3, River Gee; and P. Mike Jury, District 1, Maryland. These lawmakers, according to the CDC, were previously instructed by the party not to participate in what it described as the illegal removal of Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa, but “disobeyed the party” and have now again participated in what the CDC calls the illegal expulsion of their colleague, Hon. Yekeh Y. Kolubah. The party described their actions as an act of “gross insubordination, political betrayal, and collaboration with an illegal process,” adding that “discipline is the backbone of any serious political institution, and we remain decisive in defending our principles.”
Beyond the legislature, the CDC widened its criticism to include allegations of human rights abuses under the current administration, specifically targeting Liberia’s police leadership. The party accused Inspector General Gregory Coleman of presiding over a security apparatus that suppresses peaceful protests and intimidates dissenters. Referencing a recent student demonstration, the CDC alleged that unarmed protesters were subjected to excessive force, unlawful arrests, and physical abuse. “Students exercising their constitutional rights were met with brutality, unlawful detention, and violence,” the statement claimed, warning that such actions “constitute clear violations of both national and international human rights standards.”
The CDC contrasted the current political climate with the tenure of former President George Weah, asserting that opposition figures—including Kolubah—were allowed to operate freely without fear of retribution. “During our administration, dissent was not criminalized, and lawmakers were not targeted for holding opposing views,” the statement noted, a claim likely to spark debate among political observers.
Perhaps most strikingly, the CDC’s statement issued a veiled warning of public resistance, suggesting that continued disregard for legal norms could provoke unrest. “When governments ignore legal authority, citizens often feel compelled to respond in defense of their rights,” the statement cautioned, while also calling on the international community to intervene. The party warned that “remaining silent as democratic gains are eroded is a catastrophic risk,” urging global partners to act before tensions escalate further.
While the government has yet to formally respond to the CDC’s allegations, the unfolding political standoff over Kolubah’s expulsion signals a deepening crisis within Liberia’s governance structure—one that pits the executive, legislature, and judiciary against the backdrop of rising political polarization. As competing narratives intensify, the ultimate test will be whether Liberia’s institutions can withstand the pressure and uphold the rule of law in the face of mounting partisan conflict.