CMC Will Not Be ‘Fly-By-Night’ Party -Rep. Bility Vows, as His CMC Ends First Convention

MONROVIA – Truth being told, despite the prevailing amiable democratic space that patronizes the proliferation of political parties in the country, too many of them are ‘fly-by-night’ – they are disappointingly fleeting, irresponsible, ethnic-centric, personalized, and internally undemocratic – something that makes their existence and presence on the electoral map of the country meaningless. That’s why when any new political party announces its advent, most of Liberians shrug and downplay the news. As the Citizens’ Movement for Change (CMC) thrusts itself into the democratic arena, the Political Leader, Representative Musa Hassan Bility, apparently aware that Liberians would greet the country’s youngest political party similarly, he was quick when he took to the podium at the just ended convention of the party to intentionally hammer the message: that the party is here to stay, to be a formidable contender, and not a ‘flight-by-night’. The Analyst reports.       

Nimba County District #7 Representative Musa Hassan Bility, founding Political Leader of the newly established political party, the Citizens’ Movement for Change (CMC), has assured his supporters, partisans, well-wishers and the public that the party is here stay for good to serve the people of the country and compete responsibly in the national democratic arena.

Bility who was elected as CMC Political Leader on a white ballot said, the CMC will not be a fly-by-night, elections-season political institution that has joined the political fray for the mere sake of inclusion but is a movement that will transform Liberia from a country of survival to a country of prosperity through people-centered economic approaches.

In a statement delivered at the end of the party’s first major convention over on Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Saclepea, Nimba County, Bility said his CMC’s focus would be on strengthening the Liberian democratic space and transform the lives of citizens and not “to chase away investors”.

The CMC is birthed to create partnerships that uplift both sides, push for agreements that prioritize Liberian workers, Liberian businesses, and Liberian communities.

Mr. Bility further said the empowerment of Liberians to own and build their economy remains a key pillar of the CMC, indicting the need for Liberians to become owners in their economy, not just employees. To this end, he said, the CMC will support small businesses with access to capital and training; create more opportunities for young entrepreneurs to innovate and build industries; ensure that banking policies help ordinary Liberians, not just large corporations; and develop the country’s tourism industry to attract investment and create jobs.

“This is a Liberia where Liberians are economically independent, stronger, richer, in a more dignified Liberia,” Bility said, noting that this entails building a just and united society.

Speaking of those vices that tend to divide the nation, the CMC Political Leader said, Liberians cannot build a strong economy if the society remains divided, and it is time to tackle the issues that have held the country back for too long.

Promising to end tribalism and ethnic division, Mr. Bility said Liberia has suffered because Liberians allow tribal and ethnic differences to separate them.

He asked rather rhetorically: “But let me ask you: does poverty know tribes? Does hunger ask if you are from Nimba, Lofa, or Grand Bassa? Does injustice care about your dialect? We must stop seeing each other through tribal lines and start seeing each other as Liberians first. This party, CMC, belongs to all Liberians—no matter where you come from.”

The newly elected Political Leader of the Citizen’s Movement for Change (CMC) says his new political institution would redefine leadership in a way that every Liberian will not be spectators but participants in building their nation; one where the economy is not controlled by a few, but by the many; one where the women, children, farmers, entrepreneurs, workers, and the youths have a place and a purpose.

The CMC, he said, is the people’s movement, and enjoined everyone to come on board to chart a new course for Liberia.

He said: “Today, is not just another day. Today is the beginning of something new. Today, we gather not just to form another political party, not just to add another name to the long list of parties that come and go with election cycles. Today, we launch a movement—one that belongs to the people, one that will stand with the people every single day, whether in government or in opposition.”

Bility said tor 30 years, he has walked the path of politics, fighting to make things right, pushing for a better Liberia, trying to convince those in power to lead with vision and responsibility.

“I have given my time, my energy, my ideas, and my heart to this country. But I have come to realize that true change cannot come from the top unless the people own it, demand it, and drive it forward themselves,” the CMC political leader said.

“That is why we are here today.’

For far too long, he disclosed, Liberia’s economy has been structured for the benefit of a few while the majority struggle to survive.

“Our resources are abundant, yet our people remain poor. Our country is rich in natural wealth, yet our hospitals, schools, and roads are in decay. We must transform our economy so that it works for all Liberians, not just the privileged few. We must create an economy where Liberians own businesses, control industries, and drive economic growth. So how do we do this?

Focusing on agriculture as the bedrock of his party’s drive for economic transformation, Mr. Bility said there is no wealthy country in the world that does not control its own food production, therefore, agriculture must be the bedrock of Liberia’s transformation.

“We have fertile land, yet we import food. We have farmers, yet they struggle to survive. We have water, yet we cannot irrigate our own fields. We must invest in large-scale farming. We must support our farmers, not just with words but with real action—through access to credit, modern equipment, irrigation, fertilizers, and new technology. Liberia should feed itself and export to others. When we control our food supply, we control our destiny,” he said.

According to Mr. Bility, the CMC will also be focusing on fair mining and natural resource agreements to lift Liberians out of poverty because Liberia is blessed with gold, iron ore, diamonds, and rubber.

“But what good is all this wealth if it does not improve the lives of our people? To our foreign investors, we say this: We welcome your investment, but it must be fair. Your work cannot have meaning unless the resources you extract make life better for Liberians. If the agreements do not serve our people, they will serve no one.

Protecting women and children’s rights would be another key focus of the CMC, Bility promised, noting that a nation cannot rise if it does not uplift its women and children.

“Women must be empowered in leadership, in business, in education, and in the workforce. Gender-based violence must end. The law must protect women, and offenders must be held accountable.

“Children deserve a future. Education must be a priority, not just an afterthought. Every child, no matter what their background, must have access to quality education, healthcare, and protection from abuse. We must build a society where everyone—men, women, and children—have equal opportunities to succeed,” he vowed.

Regarding strengthening national security and the rule of law, the CMC political leader said a nation cannot be stable if its security forces are in crisis. “Recent clashes between the army and police are alarming. When those who should protect us are pointing weapons at each other, what does that say about our security? Liberians should not take this lightly. This is not a joke. This is serious. We must investigate, we must reform, and we must ensure this never happens again. A nation without justice is a nation without peace. That is why our judicial system must be reformed—so that the law protects everyone, not just the powerful,” he said.

Touching on Liberia’s role in the global community under a CMC leadership, Mr. Bility noted that the world is changing. Global powers are reshaping alliances. Economies are shifting, and Africa must not be left behind.

Liberia, he said, must take its rightful place in this new world order. “We were once a leader in Africa. We helped found the United Nations, the African Union, and ECOWAS. We must reclaim that leadership.

“Liberia must not stand on the sidelines. We must engage in trade, diplomacy, and regional cooperation. We must ensure that Africa is not a spectator in global decisions, but a key player,” the CMC Political Leader said authoritatively.

In closing, Mr. Bility rallied all Liberians to join the CMC’s rally for change and a just and better Liberia. “The Future is Now – Join Us. This is a movement for all Liberians. If you are tired of poverty, join us. If you are tired of division, join us. If you are tired of injustice, join us. If you believe in a Liberia where every child can dream and achieve, join us.

“CMC is your movement. CMC is your future. We are here to build something permanent. Not a party for elections, but a party for change. The Citizen Movement for Change is here. It belongs to all of us. It is for all of us. And together, we will build a Liberia that is fair, just, prosperous, and strong. Join us. Stand with us. Let’s build this together. May God bless you, and may God bless Liberia!” Political Leader Bility said passionately.