Egregious Violence, Blatant Assault -CDC Chides Kogar, Koung for ‘Attacks Against Gongloe-Weh’

MONROVIA – It looks like Nimba County is not disappointing its critics who had predicted that violence would mar the ‘high-stake’ senatorial by-elections being held in the second most populous providence in the country intended to fill the vacancy left by the ‘godfather’ of the county, Prince Y. Johnson, who was few months back clawed away from the revered seat by the cold hands of death. Evidently, echoes from Gborplay, Nimba County, has brought the prediction to reality, but with accusing fingers directed at the so-called ‘heir apparent’ to the post, Representative Samuel Kogar, and his lackeys, including Liberia’s Vice President Jeremiah Koung, who allegedly visited physical attacks on a formidable opponent Edith Gongloe-Weh and her campaign team. The biggest opposition political party in the country, the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), is not holding back its ire against the alleged aggressors, as The Analyst reports.        

The Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has strongly condemned what it called the violent actions allegedly directed by Rep. Samuel Kogar, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung and their supporters against former Nimba County Superintendent, now candidate in the pending Nimba Senatorial By-Election, Madam Edith Gongloe-Weh and her campaign team in Gborplay, Nimba County, on Sunday, April 6, 2025.

According to the acting National Chairman of the Coalition Janga Kowo, “this egregious act of violence is not only a direct attack on the democratic rights of the people of Nimba County, but also a blatant assault on the progress that Liberia has made in promoting women leadership in politics”.

Kowo said in a release that “it is important to note that the unwarranted actions carried out in Gborplay are not isolated – Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung and Rep. Samuel Kogar’s actions align with a history of divisive rhetoric and violent tactics that have no place in any civilized and democratic society, such as Nimba County and Liberia in general”.

The CDC said it stands firmly against any attempt to intimidate or silence candidates, particularly women, who are fighting for their rightful place in leadership.

“We reject the misogynistic behaviour and violence that have been associated with Rep. Samuel Kogar and his supporters, including Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung’s tacit endorsement of such unwholesome actions,” the former ruling party said further, assuring the people of Nimba County that it stands by them in their demonstrated commitment to inclusive leadership.

“Nimba is home to remarkable female leaders of the past and present,” said Kowo further in the release, adding: “These leaders have shattered barriers and shown that women are a force to be reckoned with in shaping the future of our country. It is time to make it clear: The CDC will not tolerate violence in any form, particularly during this and future elections. The use of violence and intimidation has no place in our political system.”

The CDC called on the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR), to expeditiously investigate the alleged attack in Gborplay against Madam Edith Gongloe-Weh and to “hold Rep. Samuel Kogar and his supporters, including Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung accountable for their actions”.

The party also called upon ECOWAS, the African Union, the United States, European Union and other members of the international community to take due note and exert appropriate diplomatic actions in the wake of such callous acts of violence and intimidation.

“We also call on the supporters of Rep. Samuel Kogar and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung to take responsibility for the violence they have initiated and incited in Gborplay, Nimba County,” said the CDC. “The people of Nimba, and indeed all Liberians, must recognize that this violence is an attack on the core values, principles and tenets of democracy, unity, development and progress.”

According to Kowo, the actions of Rep. Samuel Kogar and his supporters, including Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung “undermine the spirit of peaceful coexistence that should guide all of us as we build our nation”.

The CDC expressed its commitment to a free, fair, peaceful and inclusive electoral process anywhere and anytime in Liberia, in accordance with our constitution and in adherence to the rule of law.

“We will not allow any individual or group to undermine our democracy or sow seed of division among our people,” the CDC averred strongly, adding, “We stand with the women of Nimba County, with all women candidates across Liberia, and with all the citizens of Nimba County and Liberians in general who are working to ensure that Liberia’s future remains bright and peaceful.”

The CDC issued a strong warning for the 2029 presidential and legislative elections, stating, “The CDC will not stand by while violence and intimidation of any manner and form take hold of our democratic process, no, never, absolutely not.”

The party urged all political actors to join the Coalition in promoting free, fair, transparent, peaceful and inclusive democratic process and peace and unity, not only in Nimba County, but for all of Liberia.

“To Nimba women, market sellers, business people, religious community, teachers, mothers, fathers, children, youth, men and elders —our fight for you endures,” the CDC said. “Together, we will ensure that your voices are heard.

“The CDC calls on the people of Nimba and all Liberians to reject violence and stand for unity in the April 22, 2025 By-Election in Nimba County. Let it be known: the people of Nimba deserve better, and we all must fight to protect their democratic rights.”