Liberty Party Launches Reconciliation Initiative -Seeks Remedying Internal Divisions as National Convention Looms

MONROVIA – Fallen legendary Liberian lawyer Charles Walker Brumskine’s Liberty Party has announced renewed efforts to heal deep wounds created by intractable internal crises ahead of its next national convention.

The LP issued a press release making the announcement, stating it was a strategic move to heal internal divisions and resolving longstanding conflicts within the organization.

This initiative comes ahead of the Special National Convention (SNC) set for December 13-15, 2024, in Ganta City, Nimba County, the party announced.

The party’s press release stated: “The LP, a significant player in Liberia’s political landscape, has faced internal strife since the election of Senator Nyonblee Kangar-Lawrence as Political Leader during its Special National Convention in January 2021. Disagreements over constitutional provisions and election protocols led to a split, with factions supporting different presidential candidates in the recent 2023 elections.”

To restore unity, the LP’s National Executive Committee and county leaders say they are now dedicated to reconciling differences within the next 30 to 60 days, aiming to present a united front at the upcoming SNC.

A key component of this reconciliation is the establishment of a joint working group to review the party’s constitution, with proposed amendments designed to ensure proportional representation for both factions.

The party stated it would also address transitional leadership clauses and restructure county leadership roles, facilitating mutual agreements among factions. Each faction will nominate members, including a religious leader, to a committee overseeing SNC preparations.

“As part of the reconciliation strategy, both factions plan to sign a united resolution during a retreat on November 2, 2024,” the press release further indicated. “Additionally, pending legal disputes between the factions are expected to be withdrawn, fostering a more collaborative atmosphere leading into the SNC.”

Senator Nyonblee Kangar-Lawrence will continue as Political Leader until a new standard bearer is elected, allowing county chairpersons to retain their roles during this transitional phase.

At the November retreat, the release says, Senator Kangar-Lawrence urged party members in country and abroad to recommit to the LP’s core values, emphasizing that past crises can strengthen the party.

Liberty Party Chairperson, Representative Rugie Yatu Barry, echoed the call for unity, stating, “No one was right or wrong; what’s important now is to put the past behind us.”

The release also quoted a key faction leader, Senator Dillon, as underscoring the importance of moving forward, highlighting the interest of potential new members eager to join the party.

This reconciliation effort marks a pivotal step for the Liberty Party as it seeks to reclaim its influence in Liberia’s political arena and prepare for upcoming electoral challenges.

The initiative reflects the party’s commitment to unity and effective governance, striving to overcome recent turmoil.