CDC Condemns Govt’s Political Persecution of Senator Snowe and Continued Assaults on Democratic Governance in Liberia 

MONROVIA – The Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) unequivocally condemns the Boakai administration’s politically motivated targeting of Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe, a prominent opposition lawmaker and ECOWAS parliamentarian. The government’s baseless declaration of Senator Snowe as a “national security threat,” absent any credible evidence, is a reckless and unconstitutional act aimed at silencing dissent and consolidating political control.

According to a statement Issued by the National Executive Committee! of the CDC and signed by its National Chairman, Atty. Janga A. Kowo, “this dangerous maneuver violates Article 15 of the Liberian Constitution, which enshrines the right to freedom of expression and political participation for all citizens, including members of the opposition. Such undemocratic behavior mirrors the characteristics of authoritarian regimes, not a government sworn to uphold democratic norms.

“Moreover, this is not an isolated incident. The CDC recalls with great concern how the same administration subverted Ambassador Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah’s ECOWAS appointment as Special Representative to Freetown, using state influence to undermine his international diplomatic appointment. This pattern of harassment, intimidation and callous use of the powers of the state for selfish political goals reveals a deeper, systemic abuse of power by the Boakai-led government—one that deliberately weaponizes public institutions to marginalize perceived political threats.

“These acts form part of a broader trend of unconstitutional conduct. Most recently, the administration demonstrated blatant disregard for the Constitution and the authority of the Supreme Court during the just-ended legislative crisis. President Boakai’s conspicuous violation of judicial rulings and constitutional boundaries represents a dangerous erosion of the rule of law and a direct affront to Liberia’s democratic order.

“Unlike President Boakai, former President George M. Weah upheld Liberia’s democratic traditions by allowing the then-opposition leader, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, to express dissent freely without fear of intimidation or reprisal.

The CDC Therefore Demands That the Boakai Administration:

1. Immediately retract all unsubstantiated allegations made against Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe.

2. Publicly apologize to Senator Snowe and the Liberian people for this politically charged abuse of authority.

3. Cease all efforts to weaponize state institutions against political opponents.

Furthermore, We Call On:

• The Liberian people to remain vigilant and actively defend their hard-won constitutional rights.

• ECOWAS, the African Union, and Liberia’s international partners to take strong note of these developments, publicly condemn this growing wave of political repression, and monitor Liberia’s adherence to democratic and human rights obligations.

“The CDC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to democracy, liberty, justice, and the rule of law. We stand united with all patriotic Liberians in protecting the democratic foundations of our Republic from authoritarian regression. We hold the government accountable for the safety and security of Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe as the unfounded allegations against him constitute a serious threat to his person”, the statement concluded.